Abstract

What do information technologies (IT) have to do with running an artistic organization such as Cirque du Soleil? It turns out that they are critical to the success of the organization. The case is situated in 2008 when Cirque had developed an IT infrastructure supporting the entire process value chain from show creation to production and design, casting, and logistics needed for running its 17 shows around the world. The case illustrates how IT can support different processes of firms, even those relatively ill-structured and which rely heavily on creativity. It also generates discussions on the notion of IT strategic alignment and brings students to reflect on the challenges associated with sustaining alignment over time.

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Information Technology at Cirque du Soleil: Looking Back, Moving Forward

What do information technologies (IT) have to do with running an artistic organization such as Cirque du Soleil? It turns out that they are critical to the success of the organization. The case is situated in 2008 when Cirque had developed an IT infrastructure supporting the entire process value chain from show creation to production and design, casting, and logistics needed for running its 17 shows around the world. The case illustrates how IT can support different processes of firms, even those relatively ill-structured and which rely heavily on creativity. It also generates discussions on the notion of IT strategic alignment and brings students to reflect on the challenges associated with sustaining alignment over time.