In organizations where information system
planning occurs, the concern is with identifying
projects that can be implemented (Earl, 1993).
However, the view taken of projects may be more
service-centric in industry. The role of the Chief
Information Officer, ultimately responsible for
information systems planning, may be more as
a deliverer of cost-effective services. But there is
a paradox here. This industrial shift from a focus
on a technology portfolio to a focus on a service
portfolio, with the accompanying development
of a service-centric mindset, may be achieved at
the cost of any role for IT management in driving
business strategy (Teubner, 2007).
Indeed, there is a wide gap between academic
discussion of strategic information systems planning
and industrial practice. Industrial practice
puts IT in a much more realistic context as a
service provider, supporting the information and
business processes of the organization.
Its role is then more behind the business than
in front. IT strategic concerns differ significantly
in academic studies as compared to business
practice (Teubner, 2007).
Additionally to the academic-practitioner gap,
there is a gap between the service-centric focus
newly found in IT departments and the competitive,
business strategy focus of the organization.
An IT service department, following ITIL