Effective Alignment of Information Technology - Research Proposal Example

Considering reports and issues such as privacy regulations, data protection, risk management compliance, project management and governance, information security, business continuity management and effective corporate governance, an effective IT infrastructure seems to be the primary tool for the implementation of practical and strategic solutions. An updated IT infrastructure is important for improving corporate governance and shareholder returns (Kaen 2003; Trites, 2004).According to the Global Corporate Governance Principles, "Corporate governance" refers to the "relationship among various participants in determining the direction and performance of corporations.

The primary participants are (1) the shareholders, (2) the management (led by the chief executive officer), and (3) the board of directors."(Global Corporate Governance Principles, 2004)Corporate Governance is considered in association with technology governance, information technology (IT) governance, and architecture governance. These types of governance represent a hierarchy of governance structures and have distinct domains or areas of functioning. For example, architecture governance relates to the practice by which architectures or structural patterns of an organisation are controlled at an enterprise level.

To understand the differences in domain structures and functions, it is important to understand the concept of governance and its implications. Governance relates to the principles or strategies of working in an organisation to see that the business is conducted in a disciplined manner (Naidoo, 2002). Governance does not only imply adherence to rules or overt power and control by the authorities but indicates guidance policies and business strategies that can facilitate effective use of resources to ensure sustainability and effectiveness of the organisation In order to meet its immediate and long-term objectives (in Keasey et al, 1999).