Evaluating IT landscape agility

Abstract

During the last decades, many organizations have gone through or attempted to go through digital transformations to create value for their customers, stakeholders and employees. Findings from a thorough literature research pointed out that organizations are forced to implement strategies to embrace the implications of the current digital revolution and improve performance by innovating with new technologies (Thrassou et al., 2021). It became clear that agility in an IT landscape is crucial for the success of digital transformations and survival in volatile market conditions (Châlons & Dufft, 2017). For Deloitte consultants the importance of agility in the IT landscape is clear, however, it is unclear how the agility of an IT landscape can best be evaluated.

The aim of this research was to create a framework for the evaluation of IT landscape agility, on behalf of the Technology Transformation and Acceleration (TT&A) team within Deloitte consulting. The goal, method and content of the evaluation framework was defined based on a combination of insights from seven expert interviews, observations during team and capability meetings, three different focus groups and extensive literature research on the topics of digital transformation, information system agility and information technology agility. Using a design science research methodology, the framework has been iterated multiple times by moving between what is relevant for Deloitte and what is known in the literature sphere. Based on the final framework for evaluation, multiple concepts were developed, of which the quick scan survey was selected by the Deloitte consultants as most desirable. This concept was developed during multiple evaluations and iterations together with employees from the University of Technology Delft.

This process resulted in the IT Agility Scan, a survey that can be used during client engagements, enabling consultants to efficiently and effectively assess what the agility of an IT landscape. The evaluation considers the complete breadth of an organization, diving into technical dimensions, non-technical dimensions, and system characteristics. Involving different employees and stakeholders across organizational boundaries. Being timed based on project timelines, the IT Agility Scan will allow consultants to not only define the current state, but also track the impact of change. It is expected that applying the IT Agility Scan will improve the ability Deloitte consultants to evaluate clients by providing a standardized method for generating valuable insights in gaps and opportunities for the agility of a client IT landscape. The IT Agility Scan will decrease the time needed gathering and analyzing data during the assessment stage of client engagements.

The IT Agility Scan is accompanied by a recommended implementation strategy, illustrating the onboarding and optimization process. By making TT&A product owner, the position of TT&A within Deloitte is strengthened over time. Involving subject matter experts in the optimization process, ensures and stimulates information sharing between experts, teams and clients. To support the engagement and development process this report provides Deloitte with a recommended strategy for the next five years, presented in a tactical roadmap towards a holistic and automated IT Agility Scan. Lastly this report highlights the limitations of this project and recommendations for further research on the topic of IT landscape agility.