A Consensus of Thought in Applying Change Management to Information System Environments

Abstract

Failure to keep pace with rapid developments in information technology can subject an organization to inefficiencies in obtaining reliable information that is imperative in making important decisions. The concept of change management attempts to move organizations in an efficient manner toward a desirable future state. In the realm of information processing, there is a continuing development of thought as to an appropriate framework to cover a vast array of issues from patching a specific software application to changing an overall system to better meet the strategic issues of an organization's environment. This article considers related guidance provided in a Global Technology Audit Guide (GTAG) from The Institute of Internal Auditors, COBIT from the ISACA, and current change and patch management literature in order to demonstrate that there is a common stream of thought in the evolution of a framework for applying change management to information systems.