Digital Transformation and Determinants of Business Growth in the IS/IT Consulting Sector

ABSTRACT In an era marked by profound societal transformations and disruptions, companies in the information systems and technologies (IS/IT) consultancy sector face increasing pressure to rethink their growth strategies and secure sustained competitive advantages. Digital transformation, as a key megatrend, plays a central role in reshaping this sector, reflecting the complexity of the current market and the disruptive influence of information and communication technologies (ICT) on both business and society. This study provides a novel contribution by integrating the extensive body of literature on digital transformation with strategic decision‐making in the IS/IT consultancy sector, focusing specifically on the growth dynamics of Axians Portugal. Employing Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), a sophisticated methodology for structuring complex, multi‐dimensional causal relationships, this research systematically analyzes key determinants of growth for the company. By adopting a collaborative and constructivist approach, the study engages the organization in a strategic reflection process, enabling a deeper understanding of the interdependencies that shape growth decisions. The practical impact is significant, as Axians Portugal validated the key results and actionable strategies for enhancing growth in the ICT consultancy landscape. Theoretical implications are discussed in terms of advancing the understanding of digital transformation within consultancy contexts, while the study's limitations are also acknowledged. This work contributes to both theory and practice by offering a framework for IS/IT consultancy firms to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and strategically position themselves for long‐term success.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Strategic Change
Published
2025-03-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2649
Citations
5
Primary Topic
Innovation and Knowledge Management
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
11.13
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Digital Transformation and Determinants of Business Growth in the IS/IT Consulting Sector

Fernando A. F. Ferreira, João J. Ferreira, Pedro Fontes Falcão, Bruno M. F. Ramos
5 citations
Strategic Change
Innovation and Knowledge Management
11.13
article

Digital Transformation and Determinants of Business Growth in the IS/IT Consulting Sector

Fernando A. F. Ferreira, João J. Ferreira, Pedro Fontes Falcão, Bruno M. F. Ramos
article en
5 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT In an era marked by profound societal transformations and disruptions, companies in the information systems and technologies (IS/IT) consultancy sector face increasing pressure to rethink their growth strategies and secure sustained competitive advantages. Digital transformation, as a key megatrend, plays a central role in reshaping this sector, reflecting the complexity of the current market and the disruptive influence of information and communication technologies (ICT) on both business and society. This study provides a novel contribution by integrating the extensive body of literature on digital transformation with strategic decision‐making in the IS/IT consultancy sector, focusing specifically on the growth dynamics of Axians Portugal. Employing Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), a sophisticated methodology for structuring complex, multi‐dimensional causal relationships, this research systematically analyzes key determinants of growth for the company. By adopting a collaborative and constructivist approach, the study engages the organization in a strategic reflection process, enabling a deeper understanding of the interdependencies that shape growth decisions. The practical impact is significant, as Axians Portugal validated the key results and actionable strategies for enhancing growth in the ICT consultancy landscape. Theoretical implications are discussed in terms of advancing the understanding of digital transformation within consultancy contexts, while the study's limitations are also acknowledged. This work contributes to both theory and practice by offering a framework for IS/IT consultancy firms to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and strategically position themselves for long‐term success.

Strategic ChangeVol. 34(5)
Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (PT), University of Beira Interior (PT), University of Memphis (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Innovation and Knowledge Management
11.13
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.