18 Int. J. Value Chain Management, Vol. 4, Nos. 1/2, 2010 Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Conducting of the linkage between information systems strategy (ISS) and operation strategy: a case of an airline Abdullah Basahel* Brunel Business School, Brunel University, UK E-mail: Abdullah.basahel@brunel.ac.uk *Corresponding author Zahir Irani Information Systems Evaluation and Integration Group (ISEing), Brunel Business School, Brunel University, UK E-mail: Zahir.Irani@Brunel.ac.uk Abstract: The integration of IS/IT strategy with other business units’ strategies has become an important issue. The layer of integration through business strategies requires an explanation of interrelationships so that business objectives appropriate to the available resources and market conditions can be established. This study is a comprehensive examination of the relationship between IS and operational strategy at ‘X’ Airlines. Operation is considered one of the core activities at ‘X’. In this study, the researcher employs a qualitative method, presenting the literature on IS integration and utilising a case study approach to understand the how and why of using IS at ‘X’. This study discusses the existing frameworks, both theoretical and practical, for IS strategic integration. The results show that there are strong relationships but as a traditional kind of back office support of IS for operational strategy within ‘X’. Keywords: information systems/information technology; IS/IT; strategy; integration; operation activity; case study. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Basahel, A. and Irani, Z. (2010) ‘Conducting of the linkage between information systems strategy (ISS) and operation strategy: a case of an airline’, Int. J. Value Chain Management, Vol. 4, Nos. 1/2, pp.18–30. Biographical notes: Abdullah Basahel is a PhD Researcher at Brunel Business School. He obtained his MSc in Information Systems from University of Southampton. His research interest areas are in strategic information systems planning and information systems development. He was awarded a scholarship from the Saudi Government to complete his PhD in the Business Information Systems as Distinguish Student at School of Economic and Administration in King Abdul-Aziz University. Professor Zahir Irani is the Head of the Business School at Brunel University (UK). Having worked for several years as a Project Manager, he retains close links with industry. He consults for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) in the UK as well as international organisations such as HSBC, Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum, BMW and Adidas. He has also taken part in the UK