Conceptualising Information Systems Planning Across Strategic Business Networks

Abstract

Given the pervasiveness and importance of information technology (IT) in modern organisations, it is somewhat surprising that senior management often feel unsure about the business value of their IT investment. It is sometimes suggested that more careful planning of the IT resource and a more deliberate intention to align IT strategies and investments with business strategies may help ensure an adequate return on investment. The authors of this paper accept this premise. However, of interest and concern, is the issue of whether current approaches to strategic information systems planning (SISP) have kept pace with contemporary business environments. The argument that will be developed in this paper will suggest that this is not the case: that current approaches to SISP are somewhat lacking and inadequate in the increasingly interconnected business environments which are currently emerging. In addition, the authors will present a revised framework for SISP within the dynamic environment of dynamic trading networks or of what will be referred to as strategic business networks (SBNs).