Breaking Through the IT-Business Wall

By and large, CIOs and their counterparts on the business side are aligned in their objectives, according to the second annual Digital IQ study conducted by Diamond Management & Technology Consultants. But most companies still struggle to use IT to actually improve their financial performance. In Diamond's survey of 451 business and IT executives, almost seven of 10 the respondents said their companies have effective strategic processes. This year's Diamond Digital IQ study finds six telltale signs that will reveal whether or not IT can add exceptional value to your business. These signs are: 1. The CIO is deeply involved in formulating business strategy. 2. IT strategy is explicitly linked to business strategy. 3. There is a detailed road map in place before resources are mobilized. 4. Business and IT stakeholders are both accountable for driving and delivering the road map. 5. Business and IT leaders can effectively manage projects based on business value.