A complementary approach to strategic information systems planning

The information revolution is sweeping through the global economy. The strategic significance of the information and information technology have been some what underestimated. Now they are transforming the structure of competition. Information technology must be applied to improve and sustain an organization's competitive advantage. The successful implementation of information technology is dependent on the effectiveness of information systems planning. However, the selection of the right methodology still remains a open question. This paper describes the existing methodologies for information system planning. A complementary approach to strategic information systems planning, which was developed for a steel company, is suggested. The approach attempts to combine Business Systems Planning of IBM and Critical Success Factors Analysis for effective information systems planning. Although this approach is in the experimental stage it looks to be of benefit to large organizations which require information planning for managerial level.