Defining IT Strategy

Strategy, as defined in the Oxford dictionary, is “a plan of action designed to achieve a major or overall aim”.  This definition is not as specific as what is provided by Dr. Max McKeown (20111), which is “the human attempt to get to desirable ends with available means”. 

I find Dr. McKeown’s definition more relevant to defining IT Strategy, especially for the terms “human attempt” and “available means”.  In the context of IT, his defining terms can be elaborated as follows:

1. Human Attempt:  An IT professional’s high-level plan through research, analysis, synthesis, and leadership.
2. Desirable Ends: Solutions to an IT department’s existing problems or new initiatives
3. Available Means:  An IT department’s assets (as provided below), vendors, and consultants:
• Employees
• Infrastructure, tools, and techniques
• Processes, policies, and standards
• Employees’ educations, experiences, and skills