Global Information Technology Architectures

Abstract

Changes in the environment of international business and advances in information technologies have limited the usefulness of existing information systems paradigms. Consequently, there is a paucity of both conceptual and empirical research focusing on information technology systems in a global context. In response, the overall goal of this paper is to develop a uniquely broad perspective on global information systems by establishing the concept of a global information technology architecture. Although the concept of an information technology architecture has existed for some time now, this study is among the first to move beyond anecdotes to embrace statistical testing and validation of a finite number of architectural types that may serve as a surrogate for capturing overall information technology capabilities. It is hoped that a parsimonious, architectural modeling of international information technology capabilities can serve as a map to guide and document the information systems decisions for globally competing organizations.Request access from your librarian to read this article's full text.