Given that SISP evaluation in practice is either not applied to a satisfying degree or SISP frameworks are not implemented in accordance with literature (Grover & Segars, 2005, pp. 761-763), it appears advisable to generate a better understanding of the connection between SISP and its evaluation through bringing the existing success measures down to a common theoretical basis. In this context, three universal SISP framework dimensions form such common basis and are connected with
SISP evaluation measures (King, 1978). Through this approximation of SISP frameworks and SISP evaluation, this paper aims to investigate the validity of the dimensions for SISP measures. The transfer of SISP framework dimensions to SISP
evaluation measures provides guidance to the implementation of SISP evaluation measures in existing frameworks in a company, as well as it encourages further research to generate a more sophisticated conceptualisation of SISP evaluation methods.
Altogether, the objective of this paper is to identify the need for SISP evaluation measures, present different SISP evaluation methods and to investigate the applicability of universal SISP framework dimensions of King’s (1978) analysis.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Topic Identification
1.2 Course of Investigation
1.3 Research Objective
2 Strategic Information Systems Planning
2.1 Terminology
2.2 Conceptual Framework
2.3 Introduction to Strategic Information Systems Planning
3 Successful Strategic Information Systems Planning
3.1 Importance of Strategic Information Systems Planning
3.2 Success in Strategic Information Systems Planning
3.3 Approaches to Strategic Information Systems Planning Evaluation
4 Measures of Evaluating Success in Strategic Information Systems Planning
4.1 Conceptual Evaluation Approach to Strategic Information Systems Planning
4.2 Operative Evaluation Approach to Strategic Information Systems Planning
4.3 Analysis of Evaluation Measures
5 Summary
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the challenges of evaluating Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) and aims to provide a structured approach to defining success. By consolidating existing evaluation methods into conceptual and operative categories, the research investigates how universal framework dimensions—specifically external validity, internal consistency, and cooperative behavior—can be used to guide organizations in developing customized, effective SISP evaluation measures.
- Theoretical foundations of SISP and Systems Theory.
- Classification of evaluation methodologies (Conceptual vs. Operative).
- The role of universal SISP dimensions in performance measurement.
- Strategic alignment between business objectives and IT planning.
- Development of criteria for creating customized evaluation frameworks.
Excerpt from the Book
3.3 Approaches to Strategic Information Systems Planning Evaluation
Throughout the conceptual development of SISP, different evaluation methods have evolved. For this examination, it was chosen to divide these into two oppositional approaches. The operative approach, on the one hand, comprises all SISP evaluation methods, which struggle to numerically capture the performance of SISP. Mostly certain SISP tools are in use, that allow the setup of measures corresponding to the respective framework. The organisations using this approach, try to set up quantifiable scores for accordance to formal planning procedures or other defined measures, which permit the generation of quantifiable values. The conceptual approach, on the other hand, does not restrict the judgement on SISP success to plain numbers, but on conceptual measures. Due to the fact that this approach is considered more simple and less precise, it is presented first in the following chapter. The conceptual approach allows a more flexible evaluation, in accordance with a changing business environment, and leaves more space for interpretation to the evaluator. The main concern is evaluating the potential of a plan as well as the skills and abilities of the SISP executing entities. This approach is either applied, when more creative SISP structures are present in a company, or an enterprise is lacking the ability to implement quantifiable measures (Boyd & Reuning-Elliott, 1998, p. 184).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter identifies the persistent challenges in SISP implementation and the lack of universal evaluation standards, establishing the necessity for a clear research objective.
2 Strategic Information Systems Planning: This chapter defines the core terminology and establishes a systems theory framework to explain how SISP aligns IT with business goals.
3 Successful Strategic Information Systems Planning: This chapter explores why SISP is crucial for firm competitiveness and introduces the need for categorizing evaluation methods to define success.
4 Measures of Evaluating Success in Strategic Information Systems Planning: This chapter provides a detailed analysis and classification of conceptual and operative evaluation approaches, applying King’s (1978) universal dimensions.
5 Summary: This concluding chapter synthesizes the research findings and underscores the recommendation for companies to align their evaluation measures consistently across universal dimensions.
Keywords
Strategic Information Systems Planning, SISP, IT Management, Performance Evaluation, Systems Theory, Conceptual Approach, Operative Approach, External Validity, Internal Consistency, Cooperative Behavior, Business Alignment, Planning Frameworks, Success Metrics, CIO, IT Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the evaluation of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) activities. It addresses the lack of consistency in how firms measure the success of their IT planning processes.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the theoretical basis of SISP, the distinction between conceptual and operative evaluation approaches, and the application of three universal dimensions: external validity, internal consistency, and cooperative behavior.
What is the ultimate research objective?
The objective is to identify the need for standardized SISP evaluation measures, present various methodologies, and investigate the applicability of King’s (1978) universal framework dimensions to these measures.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The paper uses a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing literature to classify existing SISP evaluation practices into conceptual and operative categories and evaluating them against universal success dimensions.
What does the main part of the paper cover?
The main part covers the conceptual framework of SISP, the importance and definition of success, the classification of evaluation approaches, and a critical analysis of how these measures correlate with organizational effectiveness.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include SISP, IT management, performance evaluation, conceptual/operative approaches, and the universal dimensions of external validity, internal consistency, and cooperative behavior.
What is the 'planners paradox' mentioned in the text?
The 'planners paradox' describes the tendency of planners to follow established prescriptions for success without critically questioning or defining the actual measures used to determine that success.
Why are traditional economic measures often considered ineffective for SISP?
Traditional metrics like ROI or Net Present Value are often viewed as insufficient because they struggle to capture intangible benefits and the strategic alignment value inherent in information systems planning.
- Quote paper
- B.Sc. Alexander Küpper (Author), 2007, Measures for Successful Strategic Information Systems Planning, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/86641
