Theoretical and practical in the use of strategic issues information systems planning (SISP) approaches to integrating business and IT in organisations

Abstract

Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) is frequently regarded as a central resource for the achievement of business success, a way of creating competitive advantage and often the initiator for new services and products. In the context where information technology is of increasing importance for the future of the organisation, the way in which the information resource is planned and integrated into the core business is playing an important role for users and managers. However, SISP approaches are complex and their use in organisations is not fully understood. This paper aims to highlight key theoretical and practical issues by describing important SISP characteristics, comparing three widely used SISP approaches (BSP, SUMMIT–S and Information Engineering), and discussing the approaches in the light of experience of actual SISP use from recent user surveys. The conclusions are that approaches differ mainly in their scope, particularly in the production of an implementation plan, and recommendations for practice are made in the light of problems and issues discussed.