1. Describe the concept of strategic alignment. Explain how the maturity of an organizations strategic alignment can impact its ability to execute an IT strategy.(10 Marks)
2. Explain using an example what Transaction Efficiency is and how this can be used to question the IT Productivity Paradox(5 Marks)

3. Describe the role of a modern CIO. How has it changed over time? What role can a CIO play in attaining strategic alignment? (10 Marks)
4. Discuss some of the major ways IT has become important to organizations? (5 Marks)
5. Draw a basic matrix to demonstrate a SWOT analysis with Porters Competitive Force Model and Ansoffs Analysis. Briefly indicate what each cell of the matrix would contain. (5 Marks)

6. Describe how the Strategic Alignment Maturity Model (SAMM) works in practice, discussing each of the areas covered in the SAMM. Explain how you would use SAMMfrom initial assessment of an organisation to the development of a road map for an organisation to achieve higher maturity levels across the SAMM. (15 Marks)
7. Do you believe that traditional strategic planning with sustainable competitive advantage as a goal is still the most effective way to view strategy? Consider alternative approaches, and the role of IT, in your answer. (10 Marks)
8. Discuss the Blue Ocean vs the Red Ocean Strategy and give at least 5 points of differentiation between them. Explain using a current example of a company, service or product what the Product Changes (at least one per product change) are which makes this a blue Ocean strategy company, product or service. (10 Marks)

9. List and explain the six (6) Strategic Alignment Maturity Criteria. (10 Marks)

10. Discuss the importance of change management in the implementation of strategy. What should be considered when planning for organizational change, and how can resistance be dealt with? (10 Marks)

11. Discuss the importance of IT governance to organizations and describe some alternative forms of governance and their advantages and drawbacks. (10 Marks)
12. Describe several methods of assessing the potential value of an IT investment. Include an explanation of how managing a portfolio of IT investments differs from looking individually at IT projects. (10 Marks)
13. Explain the different organisational structures that exist and the properties of the following: - Vertical Stovepipe, Horizontal Tunnel and Federal Models. In your answer discuss how a companys strategic alignment maturity can be improved with the adoption of better organizational model. (10 Marks)

14. Discuss the issues surrounding the introduction and management of emerging technologies. Consider the following in formulating your answer: the characteristics of the technology; the adopters and the organisation, and the technology assessment process. (10 Marks)

15. Discuss the relationship between the way an organization is structured and the way in which the IT function is organized to support the organization. Consider the following in formulating your answer: the common organizational structures, the ways the IT function can be organized, career paths for IT staff, and the goal of achieving strategic alignment. (10 Marks)

16. Explain what outsourcing is and the advantages and disadvantages it can bring to an organisations IT function. (10 Marks)