A Practical Guide to Information Systems Strategic Planning

by Cassidy, Anita

• ISBN13: 9781574441338
• ISBN10: 1574441337
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-05-01
• Publisher: CRC Pr I Llc

Summary

With major improvements in technology evolving over the past several years, many organizations are finding their old business application software inadequate. This book will show how to take advantage of the latest technology in Information Systems planning. It describes a process for facilitating communication between business management and the information Systems function, outlining a step-by-step approach to the process of developing a solid Information Systems plan that is linked to your business goals. Both information Systems executives and business executives interested in utilizing Information Systems as a competitive advantage need this thorough guide.

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
1 Getting Started	1	(16)
Purpose of Information Systems Strategic Planning	1	(8)
Effective Management of an Expensive and Critical Asset to the Organization	3	(1)
Improving Communication Between the Business and Information Systems Organizations	4	(1)
Linking the Information Systems Direction to the Business Direction	4	(2)
Planning the Flow of Information and Processes	6	(1)
Efficiently and Effectively Allocating Information Systems Resources	7	(1)
Reducing the Time and Expense of the Information Systems Life Cycle	7	(2)
Involvement of the Organization	9	(7)
Information Systems Steering Committee	11	(3)
Executive Management	14	(1)
Information Systems Organization	15	(1)
Vendor Review and Implementation Team	15	(1)
Conclusion	16	(1)
2 The Planning Process	17	(16)
Planning Components	17	(2)
Planning Process	19	(6)
Phase 1: Conceptual Business Level	21	(1)
Phase 2: Detailed Business Analysis	22	(1)
Phase 3: Conceptual Information Systems Plan and Vision	23	(1)
Phase 4: Detailed Information Systems Recommendation	24	(1)
Plan Contents	25	(2)
Phase 1 of the Planning Process: Conceptual Business Level	27	(5)
Purpose	29	(1)
Process	30	(1)
Scope	30	(2)
Conclusion	32	(1)
3 Understanding the Business Direction	33	(28)
Document High-Level Business Direction	34	(2)
Executive Management Interviews	36	(3)
Summarize and Present the Business Direction	39	(2)
Environmental Requirements	41	(1)
External Requirements	41	(3)
Operating Vision	44	(2)
Phase 2 of the Planning Process: Detailed Business Analysis	46	(13)
Information Needs	47	(5)
Business Processes	52	(5)
Business Requirements	57	(2)
Conclusion	59	(2)
4 Understanding and Communicating the Current Information Systems Situation	61	(34)
Phase 3 of the Planning Process: Conceptual IS Plan and Vision	61	(2)
Current Situation	63	(1)
Information Systems Environment	63	(9)
Business Application Environment	65	(3)
PC and Local Area Network (LAN) Environment	68	(2)
Network	70	(2)
Organizational Structure	72	(7)
Expenditures	79	(2)
Backlog	81	(5)
Other Locations	86	(1)
Document Current IS Situation	86	(1)
Industry Trends	87	(3)
Competitor Profiles	90	(4)
Conclusion	94	(1)
5 Determining the High-Level Direction of Information Systems	95	(48)
Mission	97	(1)
Vision	98	(2)
Strategic Objectives	100	(2)
Strategies	102	(8)
Custom versus Packaged Business Applications	103	(7)
Information Systems and Business Goals	110	(10)
Computing Architecture	120	(6)
Information Architecture	126	(4)
Policies and Responsibilities	130	(2)
Annual Objectives	132	(3)
Information Systems Service Architecture	135	(5)
Conclusion	140	(3)
6 Determining the Gap Between Your Current Situation and Where You Want to Be in the Future	143	(16)
Phase 4 of the Planning Process: Option Analysis and Action Plan	143	(1)
Business Operating Vision Assessment	143	(1)
Environmental Requirements Assessment	144	(2)
Information Needs Assessment	146	(1)
External Requirements Assessment	146	(1)
Business Application Assessment	146	(4)
Business Requirements Assessment	150	(1)
Technical Computing Architecture Assessment	151	(1)
Service Architecture Assessment	152	(1)
Summary of the Gap	153	(4)
Conclusion	157	(2)
7 Determining How to Get to Where You Want to Be	159	(24)
Option Identification	160	(2)
Information Gathering, Request for Quote	162	(4)
RFQ Response Review	166	(5)
Option Analysis	171	(6)
Recommendation	177	(1)
ROI Analysis	178	(3)
Conclusion	181	(2)
8 Selling the Recommendation	183	(14)
Management Overview	183	(4)
Plan Document	187	(1)
Executive Committee Presentation	187	(10)
9 What to Do Next	197	(16)
Vendor Review and Implementation Team	197	(1)
Project Plan	198	(5)
Project Kick-Off Meeting	203	(1)
Vendor Review	204	(4)
Script	204	(1)
Data Package	205	(1)
Key Requirements	205	(1)
Rating Methodology	205	(1)
Demonstration Guidelines for the Vendor	205	(1)
Demonstration Guidelines for Team Participants	205	(2)
Vendor Introduction to Company	207	(1)
Vendor Selection	208	(1)
Recommendation	208	(1)
Risk Management	209	(4)
Appendix	213	(64)
1. Business Application Description	215	(12)
2. Technology Description	227	(4)
3. Stages of Team Development	231	(8)
4. Detailed Script	239	(32)
5. Key Requirements	271	(6)
Index	277