Title: Information technology architecture as a competitive advantage-yielding resource: a theoretical perspective

Authors: Randy V. Bradley, Terry Anthony Byrd

Addresses: Department of Accounting and Information Management, College of Business Administration, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. ' Department of Management, College of Business, Suite 401, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849–5341, USA

Abstract: The implementation and utilisation of an organisational architecture, specifically Information Technology Architecture (ITA), can enable better management of Information Technology (IT) resources. Whereas predecessors of the ITA tend to focus more on systems development, data sharing, and systems integration efforts within the organisation, this particular organisational architecture tends to focus more on the governance of IT resources within the organisation. We propose that the ITA is an IT resource that enables firms to achieve competitive advantage. Therefore, we endeavour to theoretically analyse the ITA|s ability to yield a competitive advantage through the mediation of IT resources. We establish the ITA as competitive advantage-yielding IT resource. Additionally, this study applies the theories of complementarities and resource-based view. Ten propositions are advanced to help guide future research.

Keywords: information technology architecture; ITA; uncertainty; resource-based view; strategic alignment; competitive advantage; organisational architectures; networking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNVO.2007.012079

International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 2007 Vol.4 No.1, pp.1 - 19

Published online: 19 Jan 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article