Abstract:

University's information system (SI) is composed of a variety of applications, platforms and heterogeneous technologies. As a tool for service production, the information system is a lever of performance and a guarantee of the universities' ability to anticipate the transformations essential to their development and their performance, in an environment that requires reactivity and agility.

All these technologies used to support research; teaching and administrative processes require good governance. The strategic alignment of their information system becomes a necessity. Additionally, a review of the literature revealed that few studies have examined strategic alignment in the public sector, particularly in higher education institutions.

This exploratory approach aims to better understand the strategic alignment and to evaluate the degree of its use within Moroccan universities.
The data gained primarily through interviews with top managers and IT managers reveal that the alignment is not formalized and that it would be appropriate to implement an alignment model.
The finding of research shows that the implementation of this model can help managers to better understand the alignment, to maximize returns of IT investment and to increase their efficiency.

This paper provides an overview of the alignment presents the Strategic Alignment Model (SAM) as well as the extensions carried out and finally proposes an extended model.

Keywords:

University strategy, business strategy, information system, IS alignment, strategic alignment model, extended SAM.