Technological Innovation in Established Companies- Applying AI in DevOps Managem
This research project examines how technological innovations like AI and DevOps can be integrated into IT management, software development, and operations to enhance business value in established companies.
Factsheet
- Schools involved Business School
- Institute(s) Institute for Digital Technology Management
- Funding organisation SNSF
- Duration (planned) 01.02.2025 - 31.01.2028
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Anna Wiedemann
- Project staff Prof. Dr. Anna Wiedemann
- Keywords AI, agile Management, DevOps, digital innovation
Situation
Achieving business-IT alignment is a key concern for many companies. According to a recent SIM study, the largest IT budget costs are "Keeping the Lights On" (39.7%) and "Software Development, Maintenance, and Integration" (18.5%). This highlights the cost drivers in IT management and software operations. A Swiss report shows that 80% of surveyed companies have adopted DevOps teams to manage business-critical IT products. Established companies have started implementing technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and DevOps teams to leverage AI to improve their performance.
Course of action
The overall research question for this project is the following: How can technological innovations be integrated into an organization’s core capabilities of IT management, software development, and software operation and leveraged to overcome risks and increase business value? This question will be answered with the help of qualitative, quantitative, and design science research methods.
Result
The overarching goals of this project are (1) to identify the critical factors for enhancing performance and business value in IT management (e.g., DevOps) through AI by conducting a systematic literature review; (2) to define the various manifestations of the factors identified from the literature by conducting an exploratory case study into the challenges and risks in the pursuit of business-IT alignment outlining potential solutions and constructing archetypal models of AI in DevOps management tailored to specific needs; (3) to validate the exploratory findings drawn from (2) through a quantitative study to discern the specific scenarios for AI in DevOps by employment of archetypes; (4) to develop a prototype for a construction kit serving as a consulting tool for IT managers for AI in DevOps management by drawing on the design science method; and (5) to deduce potential trajectories for research, education, and practice by using diverse methodologies, including design thinking workshops with a wide range of stakeholders.
Looking ahead
This project’s overall aim is to enhance the IT management functions in established companies, which consequently represents a contribution to the performance and business value of companies. Several practice partners have mentioned their interest on this project. The case study partners expect insights into the adjustment screws of a construction kit for the factors of IT management functions at the organizational, group, and individual levels. The results are intended to form the scientific basis for developing a consulting tool to assess and transform companies’ IT management functions. Due to technological innovation, there are constantly changing requirements for companies and individuals to develop further. This research can contribute to organizations’ internal alignment and help them be part of digital society in the future.
