A study of the integrated alignment of technology and organizational strategic planning in small private liberal arts colleges and universities

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between technology planning and strategic planning in small private liberal arts colleges and universities that were members of the Appalachian College Association (ACA). The objective of the study was to determine if the technology initiatives were appropriately aligned to the institutional strategic plans. I sought to discover the perceptions of key administrators within the ACA institutions regarding their role in the planning processes at their institutions and to determine if the planning processes were effectively used as a tool for adequately communicating technology needs to their departments. Participants in the study consisted of administrators from institutions who were members of the ACA and served in the capacities of first-level academic, administrative, or information technology administrators (vice president, chief operating officer, etc.) and the second-level administrators who reported to them. Key administrators were selected based on their role as institutional planners for either strategic or technology initiatives. An online survey instrument was used to collect the data. The survey was developed using a framework based on published research identified and outlined in the literature review. The survey consisted of 25 questions that required either a yes or no answer or a 5-point Likert scale answer. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study showed no significant relationship between the positions of administrators or based on the size of the institution measured in FTE enrollment regarding their perception that technology is an integral component of the strategic planning process at their institution. The study also indicated there was no significant relationship between the positions or based on size of the institution measured in FTE enrollment that key administrators were involved in planning for technology within their institution. In addition, the study indicated there was no significant relationship between the positions or based on size of the institution measured in FTE enrollment that institutional budgets were aligned with the process of strategically planning for technology during the strategic planning process.