Over days gone by decade, the development of information system has been great. However, business organisations need to be cautious in adopting any form of technology so as to reap the huge benefits. They need to carefully review and decide which is appropriate for an organisation to use. In doing so, enable any company to achieve its goal.
Currently information systems are essential in any company unlike ages before. There are different types of information systems. Any company should have a clear understanding on the correct ones for the specific usage. Thereby, essential to have information technology experts or professionals who'll advice the company on what systems to use to have the ability to minimise costs and add value to a business organisation.
More so, managers and personnel would learn how to recognize the changes as a result of the information systems favorably to enable these to work properly towards attaining the pre motivated goals.
The article gives an explanation as to what information system includes as regarding a business organisation or company and exactly how it should be used together with the proper likely to ensure the simple running of any organisation and its own success. It further includes and gives exemplory case of two companies and how they operate in relation to information systems and the strategic plans of any business.
It is only limited to the technological aspect and the foreseen focuses on for the operation efficiency of the organisation, it generally does not include other factors that enhance effective management. Only two companies found in the united kingdom were used to show case the study accessible.
The article includes an evaluatory research of information systems and the tactical planning of two companies; Company A and Company B. In so doing, giving a basis of the way the companies should use both concurrently. Additionally it is descriptive in the sense that it gives an obvious picture on the application of eight tenets.
The research in this article is interpretative in the sense that this the reader enlightens the reader on what's needed or likely to ensure efficiency on the management of information systems alongside with the strategic ideas of the organisation.
IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY
Strategic planning is a tool used in any business company to show where in fact the organisation wants to be or achieve in future. Most strategies are either short term or permanent depending on company itself.
However, the business enterprise world is not as it used to be because of the scientific changes and improvements. In some business organisations, departments have been done away with while others have newly surfaced due to computerisation. Customers have the ability to package with suppliers or makers directly thus removing the utilization intermediaries as was before. Furthermore; the internet has greatly transformed the business scene.
It is clear that any organisation must do modifications so as to keep up with the ever-changing and growing demand for technology. An organisation must be abreast with its information system so that it can know its existing competitors in the current business situation. Fundamentally, have a synopsis of the current situational needs and changes of any organisation producing into determining the strengths and weaknesses both internally and externally in case need be correct to ensure maximum success.
The article plainly emphasizes on the necessity of both information system and tactical planning the operational efficiency. It evidently shows the down sides of handling the former since planning is systematic whilst technology is not. Some companies include the two in another way and remain successful while others do not. All this depends on the sort, size and location of the business company.
Much as both information system and strategic planning are instilled, an organisation must exploit the opportunities and risks to ensure its success and success. This research is intended to give a framework for the use of information systems within an organisation so that it will enhance success and efficiency.
In view of this, good operational efficiency will not only entail proper planning but also consists of other factors like effective management as well, so as to improve the success of any organisation. Other factors that require to be looked at to ensure the smooth working of any organisation include good workplace/employee romantic relationship, good communication among personnel and so forth.
DEGREE OF CONTRIBUTION AND ORIGINALITY
In the 80's and 90's, as a result of infrastructure development of organizational capabilities there has become a necessity to increase the concept of information systems that have strategic importance in any business company. Later, with the development of effectiveness of any type of computer system resulted in the proper planning of information systems to become an important issue. The priorities in a plan of the introduction of systems need to be recognized into specific jobs planned for future years. For just about any company, it is vital to have a business plan in the capacity of a versatile and regular development of organizational features that leads not only to profit and expansion of the business, but and yes it is one of the foundations of steady competitive advantage.
Various authors who have made a big contribution in to the development of Strategic Information Systems Planning such as John Ward, Joe Peppard, Martin J. , Earl MJ, and George Philip. In addition, an important contribution in this field has been created by authors or experts such as Samandra Pant and Cheng Hsu. They offered their focus on an international seminar, which was a prerequisite for the large development Strategic Information Systems Planning.
Consequently, a couple of different theoretical and functional researches are seen. If a parallel is drawn between your two researches, almost all of the fore mentioned authors count on the theoretical basis. However, among the listed creators only George Philip uses an educational theory in practice. The need for his work is based on the actual fact that he's trying to lessen the distance between your theoretical approach to business processes and software to both companies. George Philip has made research predicated on related books on Strategic Information Systems Planning thus on basis of eight tenets by showing a good example of two companies in the various areas of development.
In analyzing the article it could be said that the level of the research was evaluated to give a clear so this means on the consumption of information systems and strategic planning concurrently. The made work by the writer shows that there is summarization of the related sources in the area and created a fresh direction for just about any business organisation to forge forward in the ever-changing technological world. While it is very hard to spell it out that the strategy is original it still creates a good overview of the information and creates awareness that in information systems more or new research has to be done always to keep up with the changes running a business scene to complement up with technology.
THEORETICAL ARGUMENT
As seen 8 tenets were used to show the utilization of both the strategic programs and information systems for the success of any business company. The researcher will try to make a perfect style of business development how any business organisation can be successful by use of the tenets. However, any business company can be successful without following models. Various methodologies have been put forward towards the explanation of strategic planning and information systems. Therefore, any business organisation can choose any methodology to develop their business predicated on their capabilities and targets.
The use of eight tenets and methodologies used is a clear indication of a grounded theory whereby the fundamental belief is the fact the data retains the idea to the reason. In cases like this, the eight tenets and that the explanations are important to the people whose actions are being studied. (Denscombe, 2003, pg124).
This is not appropriate because little opportunity is directed at other factors that also affect the performance of any business company like the financial factors and cultural factors.
RESEARCH METHODS ADOPTED
There are two methodologies information systems that is impact and align methodologies (Lee and Gough, 1993; Booth and Philip, 2005). The need for impact technique is to accomplish competitive advantage through the use of it whilst the key reason for the align methodologies is to a establish symbiosis relationship between information system strategy and objectives of the business enterprise itself. (Reich and Benbasat, 2000).
It is noticeable that the most prevailing planning methods will be the one that have a top-down business-led methodology (Premkumar and King 1994), and are designed to result in contribution between your information systems strategy and the business enterprise strategy. Align technique includes the exploitation strategy, which generally goes through two main stages:
Top-down analysis for clarifying business needs and figuring out Information System requirements.
Bottom-up evaluation of already existing Information System for evaluation their performance.
Impact strategy includes the exploration strategy which seeks to supply the proper or competitive advantages for the business.
The research examination used in the article was qualitative method. The technique, in contrast to the quantitative method which targets the statistical measurements, relied on the
understanding, justification and interpretation of empirical data and the resources of the formation of hypotheses and productive ideas. Basically, qualitative method does not react to the questions of "Just how much?" "What?" "How?" and "why?". Furthermore, in qualitative method, researches greatly use projective and allowing techniques.
By exposing some facts from the article, it is apparent to know the applicability of the method of research used. Various writers used for research "case study", "questionnaires", " methodical articles", "text", "observation", "documents" and thereafter, resulted into 8 tenets for information systems planning, this shows that the qualitative research method was generally used correctly in the study of information systems. (Orlikowski and Baroudi, 1991; Alavi and Carlson, 1992). Furthermore the aforementioned said confirmed the following expression that: using the research study, as a problem-solving strategy, which is hardly ever performed in organisations since circumstance studies coping with problems similar to the one experienced by a specific organisation of a specific size and in a particular type of environment are difficult to find. More compared to that, Secaran (2000) suggested that the info collection methods like personal interviews within various groupings in the company (primary data), study of company's reviews, data, academic and industry information (extra data) were used for example of the qualitative research methods.
The basis of research was suggested by the two strategies: "exploitation strategy" and "exploration strategy". In this article we have used primary resources (studies); Content material and empirical data for interpretation. (http://wire. rutgers. edu/research_assignments_pri_second. html) and extra sources (researches)-"Research based on the task of others. Books that interpret or comment upon the primary sources" (http://wire. rutgers. edu/research_assignments_pri_second. html).
There are always two types of validity which can be inner validity and external validity. The former of this was an productivity made by the author after the analysis, or the result obtained based on the study. In this article, it is seen on the utilization of two types of strategies and overview of 8 tenets for successful information systems planning. The last mentioned refers to generalization. External validity was regarded as a conclusion created by the author following the cross assessment of the case study of both companies. It is not clear enough whether to speak on the inner and external activities of the case, although the primary and secondary resources of data can be found. The article does indeed include any new methods. As seen, that the writer used a far more qualitative methods, with all its attendant properties. Therefore making the study based on both strategies and the reviewing of eight tenets.
KEY Results AND IMPLICATIONS
Currently, the planet is in the scientific time. People and business organisations are using information systems to make life easier. In the article, there are some strategies used to truly have a very tactical information systems plan and ensuring those companies reach their goal.
The discussion predicated on the study was on the exploitation and exploration strategies. According to the Galliers, (2001) the business's information systems strategy should make use of both strategies. The exploitation strategy, is mainly focused how to improve the operational efficiency of an company whilst in exploration strategy, it is almost always used to make any business organisation have a competitive edge. (Philip, 2007)
The case study emphasized the need for operational efficiency in any business company. Operational efficiency is when the business uses the right mixture of folks and technology to enhance the efficiency of the business enterprise operation while making sure that they remain in the budget. (Ensynch, 2009) Companies must ensure that they have the right technology and folks to be productive in the effective running of any business company. However, companies are facing complications in obtaining experienced employees who've technological skills and knowledge. They always need to see whether the employees possess the right requirements. (Ensynch, 2009).
It dwelled on the Eight Tenets in having an effective Information system planning in order to be efficient as it pertains to the functions of any business organisation. They are the following: (Philip, 2007)
Developing a company and Information System Strategy concurrently.
Using Top-Down and Bottom-Up Being attentive and Communication
Developing a High-Level plan with extensive ideas, not specific actions.
Should possess the support of the Top-Management
Using Opportunistic Methods.
Mandate Proactive Implementation
Build in a Recurrent Review Process and Contingency Planning
Information Technology Leaders are technology scouts and interpreters
Developing an enterprise and information system strategy concurrently, is when we ascertain that the business plan and the info system plan go together. The process will involve the entire professional team with the Chief Information Official.
Communication is one factor which makes the program successful. Taking to the employees would help them in their planning. The business needs to know what the employees look at a certain situation and also, those employees would help them to generate some ideas to make certain that the plan made would achieve success. Getting feedback regarding the performance of the systems is also important therefore the company would know if the system does fine or not and whether it requires improvement or not.
Making sure the plan made is high-level enough; meaning the program should allow some changes when applying this program without rewriting the whole plan. By doing this, they could concentrate on making a remedy when they triumph over a problem somewhat than making the program again.
Support from the very best management is essential in having a successful plan. The older professionals must be lively and makes sure that they have the right materials to make the plan. They also needs to take an instantaneous action when they experienced a problem about the plan.
The company should make sure that their plan is put into practice proactively in order to increase the benefits of the plan. They should ensure that the applied strategy is to be effective to avoid any problems or inconveniences when the program is executed.
Reviewing the program is also crucial. Normally, the business reviews their plan at least twice per annum and professionals and it workers usually review the program. The reviewing of plan help the Chief Information Officer to know if they are still on budget or not. Also, they would know whether the plan is doing great; if they are getting their goal or not.
Lastly, the Chief Information Officer must have the knowledge when it comes to the development of the info systems plan. The Chief Information Officer acts like a technology scout in an organization. They have to ensure that the technology used incorporates with the quest and perspective of the business. THE PRINCIPLE Information Officer should also be familiar with the latest technologies on the market. He/she ought to know the right time of making an investment a fresh technology. They should make sure that when they buy a new technology, it still works with within the organisation's budget. The Chief Information Officer should know the business language and the technology dialect for proper interpretation and usage of both scientific and business conditions.
LIMITATIONS
Case studies have become extremely common in research. When research workers dwell on a research study they look into a couple of related ideas and preferences thus when combined give the approach its distinctive figure. However they aren't unique in the sense that the foundation of investing is definitely done already. (Denscombe, 2003, pg 31).
The article is clearly a research study on use and applicability of information systems and tactical planning for the operational efficiency of any business company. Various authors have put forward their thoughts whilst ideas written for justification purposes. However, no solid generalisations can be produced; in the sense that it would rely upon ones advantageous view point of the complete circumstance and understanding as regarding any business company. A supervisor would thought we would take up whatever benefits the business. There is no exact solution or specific way of managing both concurrently to achieve the organisation's pre-determined goals. The other concern is the fact that information represented in the case possibly is not fully reliable and correct. There's always risk that case can contain problems and inaccuracy.
Apparently, the article based the study focus on a qualitative methodology. However, two ways of approach must have been used, this is the qualitative strategy and the quantitative strategy, to produce an unbiased final result. In the past, it will always be natural for the researcher view never to be eliminated along the way.
The other restriction as clearly seen in the article is whereby only two companies from the UK have been found in the study work. This is not adequate. It will have engaged more companies since planning and use of information systems is essential to any organisation. There was also a deviation in the manner he provided and accumulated the data in this particular the firms are internationally structured but only sited the united kingdom one. However, different methods or theories may apply in another way to different nationalities scheduled to technical factors, cultural barriers, political barriers and so forth.
Furthermore, the evaluation made on both articles lacked equality. The dates of the research analysis done were different, In company A it was dated 2003 whilst in Company B it was dated 2004. Since the author ranked the performance of every friend on the technical basis, it had not been appropriate because what sort of company performs depends also on other factors like inflation rate, the country's fiscal season as well as perhaps the national income for 2003 might not have been the same as for 2004.
It is logic for plans and the way information systems are completed to change every once in awhile in the sense of recent information. Information systems and ideas of any article also provide recent information to be utilized however the research obtained goes back 5 years or 6 years or so. The article didn't present how all these assertions should change in the fast growing and producing business conditions thus no exact information of how all this eight tenets can succeed.
More so, the researcher must have used real life current situations to say his reasoning and conclusions. Other theoretical conclusions should have been included to give a thorough and more precise knowledge of the research accessible.
Other restrictions in the researcher's article included the failing to go over the possible results that would eventually both companies given the tenets and this Company A didn't follow most of the tenets but nonetheless continued to be successful.
SUGGESTIONS
In this current scientific era, companies are using technology to make work easier and gain competitive benefit in any business world. However, there are some companies who aren't using the entire capacity of technology in conditions to be competitive in the market.
Companies are not enthusiastic in employing the Strategic Information Systems Planning because of the fact it is expensive and it will not help in the attainment of long-term objectives. In addition, others do not use information system and tactical planning anticipated to lack of proper understanding of the scientific factors or others may be anticipated to ignorance. However, to compete on the market, Strategic Information System Planning needs to be incorporated to enhance the performance of the business and aid in the normal procedures of a company thus making sure efficiency.
Other companies should have been found in the study process. It will not only be based on this two companies when using the eight tenets since every company differs how they tackle activities completed in virtually any business organisation.
The researcher should have described more on the eight tenets. It is not stated in this article on the effects of the eight tenets and the effectiveness of the tenets on any business company. The researcher should also have emphasized more on the eight tenets and how it make a difference the fast moving and developing companies. Companies shouldn't only use the eight tenets just to make an information systems strategy, but search for ways about how with an efficient operating system.
CONCLUSSION
Strategic planning and information systems are vital components in virtually any company's goal in attaining functional efficiency and in presenting assistance in the company's decision-making activities. However, prudency is necessary when incorporating the two for the business to earn maximum benefits.
In doing so, the researcher attempted to clarify on the relevance of information system and strategic planning, in this article, by the release of eight tenets acting as guidelines. In doing so, any business organisation would be able to determine the best ways how to handle the two for functional efficiency of the organizations.
Apart from the framework given, further explanations and an exhaustive research should have been taken to attention so as to make clear generalisations thereafter, thus make applicability in any business organisation much easier to comprehend and follow.
All in every, the message was still handed across by the researcher on the comparisons and differentiation about how different companies, in cases like this, Company A and Company B, apply the 8 tenets for successful information systems and the strategic planning for operational efficiency. Thereby, permitting an examination to be achieved on such a research study.
