Understanding the dynamic socio-technical aspects of merger and acquisition integration in the IT industry : a model-based framework
Name
1020074023-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
8.57 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
39b726aa6f55c23722390128f5ca9b91
Author(s)
Lambert, Charles E., IV
Advisor(s)
Bryan R. Moser.
Date Issued
2017
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) enable organizations to broaden their set of capabilities that equip them better to deal with the challenges lying ahead. While M&A transaction values account trillions of dollars each year, their success rate is surprisingly low. In spite of this, the amount of research aimed at reducing the uncertainty and risk associated with a M&A transaction is limited. In order to continue filling this gap, this research focuses on the socio-technical aspects of a merger or acquisition in the IT industry. This thesis examines available research literature and current best practices in the industry. Additionally, this study identifies five focus culture areas from empiric qualitative data acquired in the field. The focus areas examined in this thesis correspond to the most significant cultural challenges faced during an IT acquisition. Based on the initial findings stemming from a literature review and data analysis, this thesis develops a system dynamics model, which simulates transient behavior of the complex socio-technical underlying structures of an IT merger. This thesis thereafter proposes a model-based IT integration framework to assist the M&A management team and decision making leadership in their assessment, development and maintenance of a sound organizational model geared at supporting current and future M&A transactions. Given the fact that research on this topic is limited, this thesis represents only an initial effort to further the understanding of M&A. Further research must be developed in the future to validate this model-based IT integration framework, including improved methods of acquiring socio-technical attributes.
Description
Thesis: S.M. in Engineering and Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2017.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 74-75).
Subjects
Engineering and Management Program.
Integrated Design and Management Program.
System Design and Management Program.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering and Management Program
System Design and Management Program.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Integrated Design and Management Program
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