The Evaluation of the Relationship between Information Technology Strategic Orientation and the Performance of the Petrochemical Industry Subsidiaries

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1 Technical Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences Available online at TJEAS Journal S/ ISSN TJEAS The Evaluation of the Relationship between Information Technology Strategic Orientation and the Performance of the Petrochemical Industry Subsidiaries Ali MehdiZadeh Ashrafi 1,Maryam Homayoon 2 1. Department of management,, Firoozkooh Branch,Islamic Azad University,Firoozkooh, Iran 2. Department of management,, Firoozkooh Branch, Islamic Azad University,Firoozkooh, Iran Corresponding Author a.mehdizadeh.a@iaufb.ac.ir ABSTRACT: The Information is one of the most principle resources of accessing the competitiveadvantage in the present era. Processing this information is accomplished via some tools and processes, which this collection is termed as information technology. For optimal use of this intensive collection, it is necessary to recognize its capabilities, and to have a correct understanding of the organizational requirements. So, the alignment of goals and It strategies, and the business strategies of the organizations has become one of the most important debates during the last two decades. Basically, this article aims to study the relationship between It strategic orientation and the performance of the petrochemical industry subsidiaries. The statistical population of the study is all the companies of petrochemical industry which have been selected from Tehran stock Exchange. The data were acquired by distributing the questionnaire. After data gathering, they were analyzed using regression and correlation analysis by applying SPSS software, varsion18. In the obtained results, it was observed that the variables of business strategic orientation, Information systems strategic orientation, strategic alignment and efficiency of the information systems have a positive and significant effect on the performance of these companies. Also, the intensive effect in the relationship between the strategic alignment of the information systems and their performance is greater then that for the shear strategic orientation and the performance. On regression analysis, we realized that the alignment is the most influential variable on the organizational performance. Next to it, the strategic orientation, and the efficiency of the information systems are influential on the organizational performance. Keywords: IT, strategic orientation, performance, petrochemical industries. INTRODUCTION As IT has been mentioned as an important competitive factor of organizational lead in the fully competitive present background, different organizations are moving to ward this technology inside their organizations. However, due to its increasing growth and development, we can observe the application of IT in the organizations. In fact, the application of IT and its abilities has become one of the basic and vital requirements in the present organizations. Also, the information, and its knowledge and management have been proposed as on of its main sources. Then, the efficient and effective way of using the information, and the knowledge, development and implementation of strategic plan in the information systems of information technology is of great importance. According to a study in 2003, conducted on a statistical population of 500 IT senior managers, it was realized that strategic reasoning and planning was the main concern of the information managers in the organizations. This was due to the fact that if information technology closely and coordinately interacts with business environment, the survival of the organization in the available competitive environment can be guaranteed. The alignment of the organizational goal, and the ability of the information technology in the contribution of realizing these goals can lead to high efficiency of the organizations [1].

2 However, due to the increasing competitive work environment, the organizations become more inclined to integrate and align the goal of information technology, and the organizational goals, and the use of comprehensive strategic plans becomes very important. So, for the organizational success in the way of approaching main organizational goal, the alignment of information technology and business has gained importance. With the increasing role of technology in the organizations, this subject has gained even more significance, such that today, the subject of strategic alignment has become one of the most important topics of interest and concern for IT managers in the organizations [2]. The strategic planning should be aligned with the comprehensive organizational planning. In fact, the unit of information technology, and all other organizational units should attempt by using relative capabilities for the realization of the common organizational goals [1]. Of the main and basic duties of the strategic planning in the area of information technology, is to define information system applications which are in compliance with the objective and priorities set by the organization [3]. Bai et al (2033) declared that one of the key factors of acquiring competitive advantage was the appropriate use of information technology in the strategic planning of the organization. In this regards, the strategic planning of information technology is regarded as one of the basic parts in the integration and alignment of the strategic business and the information technology [4]. Luftman (2000) has concluded that in the present organizations, before expending heavily on the development and implementation of information technology strategic planning, the organization should evaluated its abilities of aligning the information technology, and business in its different subsectors, and if there are some deficiencies, it should eliminated or improve them. In other words, strategic use of information technology has become a key factor of acquiring competitive advantage for the organizations [5]. According to King s view point, the alignment between the information technology and business is defined in terms the coordination of information technology strategies and planning, and the organizational strategies and goals. For achieving optimal performance, every organization should align its strategies with its goals, because, only by so doing the goal of efficiency is realized; and, the efficiency of the organization leads to more optimal performance [6]. Then, due to the importance and necessity of aligning the information technology strategic orientation and its effect on the performance of the organizations, this research evaluated these two topics, and seeks to improve the performance of petrochemical industry subsidiaries in Tehran Stock Exchange by presenting practical suggestions. This research seeks to answer this basic question that whether there is a significant relationship between the information technology strategic orientation, and the performance of the petrochemical industry subsidiaries. In Iran, using the information technology is a rather new topic, and it sees a head quite a number of issues. One of the main problems on this topic is the information technology strategic planning which is efficient and effective. In fact, if the abilities of realizing themes such as better backup of goals, and organizational strategies, the improved integrity of the system, the more effective use of the information technology for acquiring the competitive advantage are provided, the organizational growth will be realized [7]. Talon andkramer (1999) declared that due to the increasing development of the information technology, the considerable significance of the strategic planning in the area of the information technology, the considerable investments on this area by the organizations, the organizational commitments, and the rapid changes in the surrounding environment, the evaluation and identification of the effective factors on the area of aligning organizational strategies with the information technology become necessary. Walker et al (2003) believe that in the modern dynamic world, employing effective information technology is of the requirements of organizational success. In this regard, the necessity of developing information technology strategic plans is felt. It should be cared that each strategy in addition to satisfying the environment conditions should be in harmony with organizational strategies of different levels. Due to the importance and necessity of information technology strategic planning, and the weakness of the local researches to align the information technology with business strategies, it is felt that the organizations and managers need to use the results of such researches. This study has been developed to meet this need. As it was already mentioned, the major objective of the present research is to evaluate the relationship between the strategic alignment of information technology, and the organizational performance of the petrochemical industry subsidiaries. In order to answer the research questions, this study seek to evaluate the following hypotheses: Major hypothesis There is a relationship between the strategic alignment of the information technology, and the organizational performance. 156

3 Main Hypotheses There is a relationship between business strategic orientation, and the strategic organizational alignment. There is a relationship between information systems strategic orientation, and the strategic organizational alignment. There is a relationship between business strategic orientation, and the organizational performance. There is a relationship between the information systems strategic orientation, and the efficiency of the information systems. There is a relationship between the strategic organizational alignment, and the organizational performance. There is a relationship between the strategic organizational alignment, and the efficiency of the information systems. There is a relationship between the efficiency of the information systems, and the organizational performance. Theoretical foundations, related works, and the research model With respect to the research hypotheses, and the requirements of the Iranian organizations, in the study, the variables of business strategic orientation, and the information systems strategic orientation has been defined as the independent variables, which with a role of moderation are related to the efficiency of the information systems. Also, in this model the organizational performance has been selected as the dependent variable, on which the effects of all variables are evaluated. Although several variables are effective on the information technology strategic alignment, but with regards to the survey in the intended research these variables are the most effective ones. So, with respect to the intended literature, and the research hypotheses, the research model, based on the defined variables above, and the relationships between these variables, is represented in diagram1. Information technology strategic alignment Business strategic orientation Information systems strategic Organizational performance Information technology strategic orientation Diagram1. Research Model [8] the information technology strategic alignment, and the organizational performance In a research in the area of strategic management, Miller (1987) found a positive relationship between the strategy and the performance on different environmental conditions, Vanktraman (1989); Coven (1993); Parnell, Wright, Tu. (1996) found that there is a positive relationship between the different levels of strategy, and the organizational performance. Sabherwal and Chan (2001) by using Snow and Miles typology of strategic orientation, and then estimating the appropriate information technology strategic for each variable evaluated the alignment between the business strategy, and the information technology by using Difference Groups Method. Also, Sabherwal and Chris (1994) using the same calculation method estimated the extent of inconsistency based on the difference between the available organizational conditions, and the ideal conditions [9]. Chan and Huff (1997) in a research evaluated the methods of moderation and implementation with respect to two systematic approaches including two variables, and they stated that the moderation method which uses the systematic approach is the best way of evaluating the relationship between the business strategic orientation and the information systems strategic orientation, and the organizational performance [10]. Bergeron and Reymond (1999) stated that many of the researchers have emphasized on the importance of the consistency between the organizational information systems, and the organizational performance, and the 157

4 dominant viewpoint on the background of the effect of the information technology in the relationship between the strategy and the performance is a moderating role. Based on this viewpoint, the information technology facilitates the execution of the organizational strategies, and enables the enterprise to survive in the severe modern competitive environment [8]. For example, because small enterprises can not afford for heavy expenses of the information technology, they can not gain access to the interests and potentials of different parts in the supply chain. Ramond and Bergron (1995) found a model based on the moderation method, which best described the effect of the alignment of strategic orientation and the information technology strategic management on the organizational performance; which, in the same research the Implementation method could not show this relationship [11]. In Table1, a summary of the conducted researches, alignment measurement approaches, and the results are represented: Table1. Alignment measurement approaches and results Researcher Alignment approach Result Tao and King (1996) Mediatory The information technology strategic alignment, and business strategy have a positive effect on the organizational performance Chan et al (1997) Implementation and moderation The alignment of information systems strategy and the business strategy are a better index than mere strategy to evaluate the performance Palmer and Marcus (2000) Implementation There is no significance relationship between the information technology strategic alignment, and the organizational performance. Sabhewal and chan (2001) Implementation There is a significant relationship between the information technology strategic alignment, and the organizational performance with aggressive tendencies, but there is no significant relationship between the information technology strategic alignment, and the organizational performance with defensive tendencies Bergeron and Reymond (2002) Covariance The alignment of strategy and the business structure, and the structure of the information systems lead to of increased performance Cragg (2002) Implementation and Moderation The consistency between the strategy and the information technology have a positive effect on the performance. Bergeron and Reymond (2004) Gestalt They found contradictory patterns of the information technology strategic alignment in the organizations with low performance Cragg (2007) Implementation and moderation The consistency between the organizational processes and the information technology processes leads to the success of the information systems Experimental History In a research titled The Effect of the information technology strategic alignment on the organizational performance of small businesses productive priated on 2010, Cragg p and et al found that in the implementation method there was a significant but weak relationship between the information technology strategic alignment, and the performance. The two variables are highly correlated in the moderation method. Jouirou N. and Kalika (2011) in their research found a significant relationship between the strategic alignment and the organizational performance. The major That if the organizational information technology strategy was aligned with the organizational business strategy, and organizational structure, the organizational performance would improve. Xiao Weng et al (2012) in an experimental field study title business strategy, strategic alignment, and the organizational performance: An experimental research of Chinese Business have studied the relationship between 158

5 the variables of business strategic orientation, the information systems, and the organizational performance. The results of the study showed that the correlation coefficient between business strategic orientation, and the organizational financial and nonfinancial performance equaled to -0.13, which positive effective was rejected. Also, the correlation coefficient between the information technology strategic alignment, and the performance equaled to 0.3. And, between the strategic alignment, and the information system performance there was a significant relationship with a correlation coefficient of Amir manian and et al (2009) in an article title the study of the consistency between the information technology and business, and the organizational performance of the active companies in the field of information technology: by using the structural Equation Modeling, have studied the relationship between the information technology strategic alignment and business, and the organizational performance by using contingency models, and systematic approach. Also, they have identified the performance results obtained from the alignment of information technology, and business by using the frameworks of the Balanced Score cared system [12]. In an article titled Measuring the information technology strategic alignment, and business strategy of the organization by Afshin poor pichani a Mohsen Akbari (2006) the information technology alignment, and organization business were measured by using Lufteman s Alignment Maturity Assessment Model. The evaluation of the importance of the alignment variables in the intended organization shows that the variables of partnership, management factors, level of disposal, and the community factors are of the most importance. The results show that the organization is on the commitment level, i.e at the beginning of the process of achieving alignment. At the end, the researcher offers some suggestions to improve the alignment in the intended organization [13]. Materials an Procedures The present research methodology for its objective is applied, and for its approach is a regressive descriptive survey. The statistical population in this study include 159 managers, and M.A.S of information technology in the petrochemical industry subsidiaries. To determine the sample body, the researcher has employed Kerjesi and Morgan s Table; and, with respect to the body of the statistical samples, 113 people were determined as samples. Then, the questionnaires were randomly distributed among them. At the end, 95 questionnaires which were filled out were analyzed. The research territory is the adopted petrochemical industry subsidiaries in Tehran Stock Exchange. The time domain of the research is the second half of With respect to the research topic, and its studies variables, the required information were acquired by the distribution of the questionnaire. To measure the validity of the data collection tools the validity of the judgment Method was employed. In the present research, to assess the reliability, the tool of Test-retest was employed; which, the results snowed that Cronbach s Alpha coefficient for the entire study variables were greater than 0.07; then, the questionnaire was reliable enough. To analyze the data, the variables were analyzed in there levels of 1) univariate analysis, 2) Bivariate analysis, and 3) Multivariate analysis. For bivariate analysis, Pearson s correlation test will be employed. At the end, for multivariate analysis, the multiple regression on 0.5 error level will be employed to test the validity of the study general model. Findings Univariate analysis Business Strategic orientation Table2. shows the central statistics, distribution and diversion of symmetry, and extension of the study variables. statistics Mean score Standard deviation Skewness Variable extension variable Business strategic orientation 3/59 0/21-0/102 0/519 Information system strategic orientation 3/28 0/21-0/27-0/47 Information system strategic alignment 3/94 1/26 0/236 0/06 Organizational performance 3/18 0/58 0/166-0/148 The level of significance of the entire variables are greater then the error level )0.05(; than, the distributions of the entire study variables are normal. 159

6 Evaluation of the data distribution Normality (Smirnov-Kolmogrov) Table3. Evaluation of the distribution of variables data (Smirnov-Kolmogrov) Indices of normal Business strategic Information Information system Organizational Efficiency of the distribution orientation systems strategic strategic alignment performance information orientation systems Sample body Smirnov-Kologorov statistics 2/599 3/048 3/028 3/161 3/432 Level of significance of the 0/148 0/802 0/129 0/669 0/411 test Result Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal The results of testing the hypotheses are summarized in Table.4. Hypotheses the business strategic orientation and the organizational performance the information system strategic alignment and the organizational performance the information system strategic orientation and the efficiency of the information system the information system strategic alignment and the efficiency of the information system the information system strategic orientation and the organizational performance Table 4. The summery of the hypotheses in the research Correlation Level of significance Number of observation Result coefficient 0/577 0/ /654 0/ /228 0/ /373 0/ /302 0/ Confirmed Confirmed Rejected Confirmed Confirmed Multivariate analysis between the study variables and the performance Table5. Regression Results Variable Regression coefficients Standard error of t-value Level of significance (standardized β) estimate Strategic orientation 0/291 0/328 1/817 0/045 Information systems strategic alignment 0/523 0/108 2/262 0/028 Information systems strategic orientation -0/086 0/447-0/515 0/958 The efficiency of information systems 0/114 0/096 1/105 0/037 Determined coefficient Adjusted determined factor F value Estimated standard error Level of significance Dorbin-Watson Constant

7 Since the d-value of Dorbin-Watson (1987) is located in the distance between 1.5, and 2.5, the hypothesis of the absence of correlation between the errors is not rejected and the regression can be employed. Next, with respect to the above table the determined coefficient of the regression model equals to 0.59, which shows that about 95% of the variations in the organizational performance are defined by the present independent variables of the model. Next, the model acceptance is statistically studied. According to Table4.16 the level of significance of F- value according to the above table is less than 0.05; which, it confirms that the identified change by the model is not accidental. As a result, the linear model hypothesis isconfirmed. In other words, the level of significance of F- value, which is less than the level of significance of 0.05, describes the independent variables (business strategic orientation, information systems strategic alignment, and the efficiency of the information systems), and the rejection of effect of information systems orientation on the dependent variable (the organizational performances). After the confirmation of the general model validity, the coefficient of each variable should be calculated by using variance analysis test. With regard to the column of the level of significance in the above table, it is realized that the independent variables of business strategic orientation, information systems alignment, and the efficiency of the information systems have a positive effect on the organizational performance, because the level of significance is less than 0.05, and the calculated coefficients are indicative of a positive effect of these variables on the organizational performance. Since, information systems strategic orientation has a high level of significance, it dose not have a significance effect on the performance. The information technology strategic alignment has utmost role in the validity of the model, because it has the most explanatory effect on the independent variable of the organizational performance (β=0.523). Next, the business strategic orientation has the most effect on the organizational performance in the adopted companies of the stock Exchange organization (β=0.291). The standardized β value for the variable of the efficiency of the information systems equals to DISCUSSION AND RESULTS With respect to the significance coefficient this can be said about the hypothesis that with 95% confidence the business strategic orientation influences the organizational performance, and the direction of this effect is positive. The results of this study are in accordance with the study by Bregro a et al (2005), who confirmed the positive and significant relationship between the dimensions of strategic orientation introduced by Vankatraman, and the performance. Also, in the study by Xiao weng et al (2008) by using Mils and Snow s typology, the effects different kinds of strategies on the organizational performance were confirmed. To analyze this subject, we can refer to the viewpoints by They Gatignon and Xuereb, 1997; Menguc and Auh, 2005; Narver and Slater, 1990 believe that the strategic orientation is the application of strategic instruction for high and continued performance ; which, if it is developed organization, it will be same as organizational culture. With regards to the obtained results, we can say that culture will greatly influence the improvement and gradation of the organizational performance. The results of regression analysis between each dimension of the strategic orientation and the organizational performance show that there is a significance and rather strong relationship between the performance with aggressive dimensions, over activity, creativity, and being critical. Concentration on the increased market shave, the discovery of the market potentialities, and having comprehensive information about the surrounding conditions and the opponents are more related to the improvement of performance than paying attention to efficiency, providence, and taking risks. This can be due to the available competitive and environmental conditions in Iran, in which analysis of the situation completely requires not to take serious risks. Also, due to the lack of competitive feeling in most of the Iranian industries, instead of emphasizing efficiency paying attention to organizational efficiency becomes more prominent in the improvement of the organizational performance. As it was already observed in the analyses section, the significance of this relationship was confirmed it can be said with 95% confidence that the strategic alignment influences the organizational performance. This result is in accordance with the study by Chan and Huff (1997). In their research by using PLS method, they confirmed the effect of strategic alignment by moderation method which was calculated by a systematic approach, on the organizational performance. Also, in a study, Joyer and Kalika (2004) tested their hypothesis that if the strategic orientation is aligned with the information technology organizational strategic, the organizational performance will increase. The results of the present study confirm this hypothesis. Also, the regression analysis shows that the information systems strategic orientation with a greater coefficient than the business strategic orientation is positively related to the organizational performance. This finding indicates the importance of strategic alignment between the information technology, and the organizational 161

8 strategic; because, the non-consistency of the information systems and the organizational goals leads to not thorough release of the available organizational resources. With respect to the calculated level of significance of testing the information systems strategic orientation, and the efficiency of the information systems which is greater than 0.05, the hypothesis is not confirmed. This result is not in accordance with the result by Xiao Weng et al (2008), and the results of the study by Teo and king (1996). The reason for this inconsistency can be related to the early use of the information systems, and consequently, not using a continued information technology strategy in the organizations of the studied society. The information systems orientation is only regarded as a facilitating tool for the business strategic orientation, and, there is no comprehensive plan to use the information systems adequately. The statistical test value of this variable in the regression analysis equals to in the level of significance of As a result, it can be said that with 99% confidence there is a positive correlation between the information technology alignment, and the efficiency of the information systems. The rather great value of the regression coefficient, and the high level of confidence in this relationship, more strongly confirms the hypothesis, this relationship has been proved in the studies conducted by Chan and Huff (1993, 1997); and Xiao Weng et al (2008). Chn and Sobherwal (2006) believe that the presence of organizational reasoning based on using the information technology and the allocation of the organizational resources in order to use the appropriate information systems are the causes of increased efficiency of the information systems while aligning with the organizational business strategies. Another important factor of this relationship is the increasing partnership of the users of the information systems in the production, and sharing of the information in the organization; because, when the information technology exceeds the unit levels, and enters in to the organizational strategic level, the staff will be more motivated to use the information systems (Luflman, 2001). The statistical test value of this variable in Sepearman s Regression Analysis equals to on the level of significance of As a result, it can be said that with 99%confidence the efficiency of the information systems are positively related to the organizational performance. The result of the study by Martin Smith et al (2009) confirms the relationship between the efficiency of the information systems, and the organizational performance. To analyze this topic, we can refer to the viewpoints of Torban (2005), about the organizations with efficient information systems. Torban says, these organizations are always after the production of information, and the ways and process of analyzing this information. The optimal use of the available information systems in the organization provides the possibilities that the organization on determining its required information can explore its latent capabilities, and access the available opportunities outside the organization. This approach is in accordance with the two common approaches of market-orientation, and resourceorientation. In other words by using the information systems both cause the efflorescence of the available organizational resources, and analyze the behaviors of industry, and customer. Also approach with defensive, innovative, analytical, and overactive dimensions can be complied with Nekateramn s viewpoint. According to Hamel and Prahalad (1990) the creation of organizational capabilities which the opponents can not imitate, is one of the most important and valid ways to gain competitive advantage, especially by using method which are easily imitated. They called this capability as nuclear capability. Porter (1985) believes that the information technology is a new way of accessing this. In addition, the development of strategy and the expansion of capabilities, without considering the customers needs, and the competitive situation, can not individually provide a constant competitive advantage. Then, conceptualization, and operating the use of the information systems help the managers to understand the process of contracting the information technology in the firm strategy. This can help to understand why some firms are better in operating the information. Also, the identification of the information systems strategic dimension in this study will help the managers to know that which information technology capability will have a stronger effect on the strategic alignment, and ultimately, the performance. Suggestions With respect to the results of testing the first hypothesis, it is suggested that the firms try their hands in the continuous search for benefiting from market opportunities, attempt to explore and possess the active profitable market units, avoid investments on the service products which are at their moans, allocate their organizational resources to benefit from strategies such as market expansion and product development, move toward organic structure, and create motivations for creativity, and the establishment of innovation organizational culture. With respect to the results of testing the second hypothesis, it is suggested that the firms attempt to benefit from the appropriate information systems for their organizational goals use expert systems to analyze the calculated risks, benefit from the commercial intelligence systems. And business intelligence systems in order to 162

9 enhance their power of predication, and employ nerve networks, and artificial intelligence to observe the opponents, and analyze their customers potential needs. With respect the results of testing the third hypothesis, it is suggested that the firms allocate enough budget for the improvement of the processes and organizational communications, encouraging the staff to participate in the production of information, and providing necessary hardwares for educating ideas. With respect to the results of testing the forth hypothesis, it is suggested that the firms use the information systems to improve the customers satisfaction, and to reduce the gap between information supply and offer. With respect to the results of testing the fifth hypothesis, it is suggested that the firms select the usable data from the unusable ones, and information their staff to produce usable information and make use of it, improve the information quality by creating appropriate communicative channels, optimize the operation of information transmission, and evaluate their staff performance in using the data bases, and sharing the information of the available organizational information banks. REFERENCES Auh, S. Menguc, B. (2005). The influence of top management team functional diversity on strategic orientations: The moderating role of environmental turbulence and inter-functional coordination. Intern.J. of Research in Marketing 22, Bai. Rong. Ji & Lee. Gwo. Guang, (2003). Organizational Factors Influencing The Quality Of IS/ IT Strategic Planning Process, National Taiwan University of Science Chan, Y.E., Huff, S.L., Barclay, D.W. and Copeland, D.G. (1997). BusinessStrategic Orientation, Information Systems Strategic Orientation, andstrategic Alignment, Information Systems Research 8(2) Henderson, J.C. and Venkatraman, N. (1992). Strategic Alignment: A model fororganizational transformation through information technology, in T.A.Kocham and M. Useem (eds.) Transforming organizations, 1st edn, NewYork: Oxford University Press Jantunen, Ari. Nummela, Niina. Puumalainen, Kaisu. Saarenketo, Sami. (2008) Strategic orientations of born globals Do they really matter?. Journal of World Business 43 King. W.R Strategic planning for management information systems,, (1978) MIS Quarterly., vol. 2 Luftman J. & Papp R. & Brier T., (1999). Enablers and inhibitors of business-it alignment. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 1(11( Luftman. J., (2000). Assessing Business-IT Alagnment Maturity. Communication of the association for information system, 4 (14) Manian, Amir; Moosa Khani, Mohammad, Jame por Az Mey, Mona (2009), The study of the Relationship between Information Technology Alignment and Business, and the organizational performance of the Active firms in the Field of Information Technology: By using Structural Equations Modeling, Management and Information Technology, volue1, no3. Manin Amir (2007) Using Structural Equations Model in presenting a Model for the Information Technology Successful strategic planning, Quarterly of Managements, No.76, spring. Poor Pichani, Afshin (2006), The Measurement of Information Technology Strategy Alignment, and the Organizational Business strategy, Quarterly of commercial studies no.41. Velcu,o (2010)Strategic alignment of ERP implementation stages: An empirical investigation Information & Management 47 (2010) Walker, O.C. Jr, H.W. Jr Boyd, J. Mullins, J.C. Larréché.(2003). Marketing Strategy: A Decision-Focused Approach, 4th ed.. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin 163