Abstract:
An evolving set of skills that enable DevOps practice adoption in software-intensive Small
and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) contexts has emerged over the last decade intending to achieve a
change in mentality, skillset, and toolset. This research examines an unexplored aspect of DevOps: business
and IT alignment. Despite the widespread use of DevOps principles, very few research have investigated
their interrelationships with existing theories. This study presents a novel perspective by including control
variables such as firm size, background, and experience within the specific setting of Sri Lanka. The current
body of literature extensively examines the practical elements associated with the adoption of DevOps,
the development of skills, and the implementation of tools. However, there is a notable deficiency in
comprehending the intersection between these fundamental DevOps principles and factors such as company
size, individual backgrounds, and diverse experience levels. The primary objective of this study is to address
the existing gap in knowledge by conducting a comprehensive investigation of the influence of firm size,
background, and experience on the level of alignment between business and IT functions within SMEs
in Sri Lanka that have adopted DevOps practices. First, 248 people participated in a survey conducted as
exploratory research. The DevOps IT alignment was tested using partial least squares structural equation
modelling. Moreover, it supports the creation of a reliable and credible DevOps instrument for scientific
research. DevOps is promoted in SMEs to facilitate continuous information and software communication
integration across IT departments. DevOps also has a beneficial effect on business-IT alignment. Greater
business IT alignment is achieved via improved information exchange and continuous application integration
at enterprises that foster DevOps. IT leaders must determine how to strengthen ties across departments that
rely on radically different skill sets.
