A proposed model for achieving cloud computing strategic alignment using a mixed method approach: cloud service providers

Comparing traditional businesses, new technologies such as cloud computing have faced new challenges to achieve strategic alignment between IT and business. Therefore, identifying the factors affecting the strategic alignment in the cloud computing environment is essential. Hence, this study aims to introduce a model for cloud computing strategic alignment considering the role of IT governance. In this regard, the Luftman's strategic alignment framework was used as a reference model and was analysed using qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the qualitative part, the meta-synthesis approach was used to identify the factors, and then these factors were placed in appropriate categories using experts' ideas. Next, in the quantitative part, the chi-square test was used to analyse the hypothesis and the Friedman test was used to prioritise the concepts, categories and subcategories. The results indicate that IT governance plays an important role in creating the strategic alignment in a cloud. Moreover, two factors of security service management and the contextual and environmental factors of the cloud were identified as the important factors which help managers create value through IT investments.