Developing Information Systems Strategies
Developing Information Systems/Information Technology (IS/IT) Strategies
Author: Mark Stone
m.stone@herts.ac.uk
Submittal Date: 11th May 2008
Table Of Contents
Introduction 3
Why should an Organisation develop an IS/IT Strategy? 4
Common problems and barriers in developing an IS/IT Strategy 5
The objectives and development of an IS/IT Strategy Framework 6
Conclusions and Summary 8
References 9
Bibliography 10
Introduction
Present day organisations, regardless of commercial or public sector affiliation, are required to consider IS/IT planning as a key component of their overall business strategy or potentially lose competitive advantage. Failure to incorporate those IS/IT considerations when deciding other areas such as corporate, marketing or other company specific sections / divisions strategies can result in decisions being made on a purely financial basis. In most cases, this will later result in a higher total cost of ownership and lower return on investment in the IS/IT division, thereby fuelling the already stereotypical industry view of “expensive” and “inefficient” ICT.
I will explain in detail why organisations must invest time and capital in a suitable IS/IT Strategy. I will also suggest a suitable example framework for analysing an organisation’s requirements and producing an IS/IT Strategy that maximises potential and use of IT technologies, and then evaluate the framework against pre-defined criteria.
Why should an Organisation develop an IS/IT Strategy?
IS/IT strategy should be an integral part of the holistic business consideration. The IS/IT strategy can assist the normally corporate level decisions of “Where is the business going?” and “Why is the business heading in that direction?” by defining what is required and how it can be delivered to achieve and support the overall business goals.
Information definition and classification is one key area where a business relies heavily on a suitable IS/IT strategy.
Author: Mark Stone
m.stone@herts.ac.uk
Submittal Date: 11th May 2008
Table Of Contents
Introduction 3
Why should an Organisation develop an IS/IT Strategy? 4
Common problems and barriers in developing an IS/IT Strategy 5
The objectives and development of an IS/IT Strategy Framework 6
Conclusions and Summary 8
References 9
Bibliography 10
Introduction
Present day organisations, regardless of commercial or public sector affiliation, are required to consider IS/IT planning as a key component of their overall business strategy or potentially lose competitive advantage. Failure to incorporate those IS/IT considerations when deciding other areas such as corporate, marketing or other company specific sections / divisions strategies can result in decisions being made on a purely financial basis. In most cases, this will later result in a higher total cost of ownership and lower return on investment in the IS/IT division, thereby fuelling the already stereotypical industry view of “expensive” and “inefficient” ICT.
I will explain in detail why organisations must invest time and capital in a suitable IS/IT Strategy. I will also suggest a suitable example framework for analysing an organisation’s requirements and producing an IS/IT Strategy that maximises potential and use of IT technologies, and then evaluate the framework against pre-defined criteria.
Why should an Organisation develop an IS/IT Strategy?
IS/IT strategy should be an integral part of the holistic business consideration. The IS/IT strategy can assist the normally corporate level decisions of “Where is the business going?” and “Why is the business heading in that direction?” by defining what is required and how it can be delivered to achieve and support the overall business goals.
Information definition and classification is one key area where a business relies heavily on a suitable IS/IT strategy.
References: Ward, John and Peppard, Joe. Strategic Planning for Information Systems. Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2002. Burnes, Bernard. Managing Change. A Strategic Approach to Organisational Dynamics. Fourth Edition. Prentice Hall / Pearson Education, 2004.