Information systems strategy in SMEs: critical factors of strategic planning in logistics

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that managers have to take into consideration when they implement the strategic information systems planning (SISP) process to develop information systems (IS) in the logistics sector. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using questionnaires to IS executives in Greek small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the logistics sector. Factor analysis is performed on the detailed items of the SISP process constructs. Findings The results of this paper indicate that IS executives do not focus on defining goals, which will be used to improve the operations of the supply chain for the IS development. Both IS executives and managers from the logistics department of each organization should participate in the process of information technology (IT) strategy formulation and implementation. Executives from the logistics department of each organization should be aware of implementing environmental and organizational analysis with greater meticulousness, to identify IT opportunities and apply IT strategy with greater agility rather than now. Practical implications A strategic planning process for IS development in the logistics sector is required to achieve the consistently IS planning objectives. This is an important challenge for executives in SMEs who do not concentrate on implementing a strategic planning process for IS development. Originality/value This paper examines the factors that influence the strategic development of IS in the logistics sector and improve the effectiveness of decision-making regarding the supply chain’s operation.

E-Business Strategy for Logistics Companies: Achieving Success through Information Systems Planning

“…Both the dependent and independent variables (ISP Success and ISP phases accordingly) were evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale (1: No extent, 5: Great extent). The instrument was based on similar papers that examined the process of ISP [7,28,31,32,[35][36][37][38][39] and ISP success [7,28,31,32,[35][36][37][38][39] respectively. The items of the constructs used are presented in Appendix A.…”

“…Ultimately, the definition of change management approaches and action plans are involved in Strategy Implementation. Moreover, in this phase, IS executives assess the output of the ISP process and whether the objectives defined during Strategy Awareness have been gained [7,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. The phases of ISP process and their activities as well as the dimensions of ISP success are presented in Appendix A.…”

“…Studies [32,35] have concluded that IT executives focus on Strategy Conception and on Strategy Implementation, overlooking the importance of Strategic Awareness and Situation Analysis. Consequently, the IS strategies that are being developed are inefficient, ineffective and they fail to meet IT goals [32,35]. Moreover, managers concentrate solely on minimizing the time and cost of the implemented project.…”

Strategic planning key factor in tangible–intangible results in microenterprises

“…In this sense, the dynamics of microenterprises represent an important engine in the economic development of the region, especially in transition economies (Obi et al , 2018). Therefore, the use and application of SP plays a fundamental role in achieving the success of micro, small and medium enterprises (Alharbi et al , 2019; Barron and Chou, 2017; Jaafreh and Al-abedallat, 2013; Kitsios et al , 2019; Sainis et al , 2019; Yan et al , 2019).…”

Guest editorial

“…In the second group of papers, Kitsios et al (2020) explore the critical factors that managers have to consider when they develop Information Systems in the logistics sector. Covaci and Zarate (2020) propose an algorithm for automated supply chain formation and test it in the petroleum industry, while Yazdani et al (2020) develop a decision aid model to assess the green suppliers under legislation and risk factors.…”