To align with organizational goals, what type of plans should an IT department have?

Long- and short-term plans are essential for an IT department to align with organizational goals because they provide a structured approach to achieving strategic objectives over varying time frames. Long-term plans typically focus on the broader vision of the organization, outlining goals that span several years, ensuring that the IT strategies will contribute to the overall mission and goals of the business. This might include infrastructure upgrades, adopting new technologies, or developing capabilities that will propel the organization into future markets.

Short-term plans complement long-term strategies by focusing on immediate operational needs and projects that can quickly impact the organization. They help ensure that day-to-day operations support larger strategic initiatives while allowing the organization to remain agile in response to changing conditions. Through regular evaluation and adjustment of both long- and short-term plans, the IT department can stay aligned with organizational objectives and respond effectively to the evolving business landscape.

The other options may have their own value but are not comprehensive in addressing the alignment with organizational goals. A low-cost philosophy might limit potential investments in necessary technologies or solutions. Leading-edge technology should be pursued only if it aligns with the organizational strategy rather than being an arbitrary goal. Plans to acquire new hardware and software are important for execution but do not encompass the broader planning required to ensure that IT initiatives