A Study on the “Flexibility” of Information Systems (Part 2): How can We Make Them Flexible?

Abstract

This study analyzes the problems faced by information systems (IS) managers and elucidates that failure of their IS division to fully meet the needs of their corporate end-users causes these problems. IT evolution has been reviewed with a view to identify a solution for these issues. Studies have revealed that increased coverage of IS led to co-ordination difficulties among concerned parties and excessive workload for an IS division. On the basis of this finding, we analyzed the needs for IS architectural renovation and to structure the IS architecture into one with greater built-inflexibility, such that IS engineers can make prompt functional modifications and end-users can easily acquire proficiency in using the modified functions.In this paper, we address our second question of how IS can be made flexible. We begin by citing the concept of "penalty of change" to define the relationship between the flexibility and utility of IS modifications in Part 1. Then, we discuss the need for IS architectural renovation and its role in reducing the complexity of IS functions, thereby enhancing IS flexibility. Next, we define the relevant "external" and "internal" flexibility factors underlying IS flexibility and analyze their interrelationship. Building on this groundwork, we conclude by proposing an appropriate procedure. We implement this procedure to construct a flexibility-oriented medium-term development plan, comprising the optimal combination of IS architectural renovation and a series of IS modification projects.