The relative success of alternative approaches to strategic information systems planning: an empirical analysis

Abstract

Earl's [1993] five approaches indicates that three bear strong similarities to the 'organisational', 'business-led', and 'administrative' approaches, whilst the fourth cluster is related to both Earl's 'method-driven' and 'technological' approaches. An analysis of the relationship between SISP approach and SISP success, demonstrates that the 'organisational approach' is significantly more successful than the other three approaches.

The role of strategic information systems planning a typical Small or Medium-sized Enterprise

“…This inconsistency mimics the response to Question 15. The expected rating was strongly agree, since SISP is defined by Doherty et al (1999) as an activity that is ongoing and allows companies to set priorities for IS development. This response also resulted in one of the lowest Likert scores.…”

“…The www.sajesbm.com Article no 144 demographic details indicated that this panellist had a matric certificate; therefore, it is understandable that this panellist would not be familiar with such subject specific terms, hence the exception. Remenyi et al (2000) and Doherty et al (1999) define SISP extensively. Based on these definitions, of all the panellists just one did not know what it meant.…”

“…This is in harmony with the literature given that Remenyi et al (2000) assert that SISP is one of the most successful means of aligning an IS with corporate strategy. Doherty et al (1999) aver that applications are selected for their alignment with company objectives. Brown and Roode (2004) insist that SISP is a way of dealing with the concerns surrounding the lack of alignment between company goals and investments in IS.…”

“…Remenyi et al (2000) define SISP as the activity of instituting a program for the use and implementation of an IS so that optimisation of the company's information resources takes place. Doherty et al (1999) claim that a reason for using SISP is that it makes sure that enough resources are allotted to vital applications.…”

Journal of Strategic Information Systems

“…The success of such an initiative is also critically dependent on carrying out effective Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) by the firm (Galliers, 1991). As the process whereby an organization determines a portfolio of computer-based applications to help it achieve its business objectives (Galliers, 1993;Lederer and Sethi, 1988), SISP focuses on aligning investment in IS with business goals, exploring IT for competitive advantage, directing efficient and effective management of IS resources, and developing technology policies and architectures (Chan and Reich, 2007;Dohertya et al, 1999;Min et al, 1999;Newkirka et al, 2003;Teubner, 2007). Effective SISP will help support innovations in a firm's IT-dependent strategic initiative (Galliers et al, 1998(Galliers et al, , 1995, such as the implementation of Green IT initiatives.…”