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Scenario networks to align and specify strategic information systems: a case-based study

Scenario networks to align and specify strategic information systems: a case-based study
Scenario networks to align and specify strategic information systems: a case-based study
Contemporary conceptions of the planning component of strategy stress the need for an accommodating approach. This is seen alternatively as contingent planning, where commitments are made stage-by-stage as the surrounding situation develops, or as a robust response, where the emphasis is on retaining freedom of manoeuvre through flexibility. In either concept, the strategic information system (SIS), as a critical asset of the firm, needs to accommodate (and indeed often shape) the emerging strategic plan. This paper presents a method based on discrete state networks that allows close mutual development of the overall strategic plan for a firm and its SIS. The method presents the future in a network of scenarios between which the firm can move. By considering desired trajectories in the network of scenarios the firm can identify the developmental requirements needed to bring about the movement between future states. The high-level SIS specification emerges from this trajectory analysis. An extensive worked example of an insurance firm is used to illustrate the method.
scenarios, strategic planning, information systems, case method
0377-2217
146-172
Powell, John H.
79a33278-d594-4167-8bda-b7265642daa7
Powell, Philip
62026bbd-183d-4d2a-8a73-15cb92807dfc
Powell, John H.
79a33278-d594-4167-8bda-b7265642daa7
Powell, Philip
62026bbd-183d-4d2a-8a73-15cb92807dfc

Powell, John H. and Powell, Philip (2004) Scenario networks to align and specify strategic information systems: a case-based study. European Journal of Operational Research, 158 (1), 146-172. (doi:10.1016/S0377-2217(03)00426-0).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Contemporary conceptions of the planning component of strategy stress the need for an accommodating approach. This is seen alternatively as contingent planning, where commitments are made stage-by-stage as the surrounding situation develops, or as a robust response, where the emphasis is on retaining freedom of manoeuvre through flexibility. In either concept, the strategic information system (SIS), as a critical asset of the firm, needs to accommodate (and indeed often shape) the emerging strategic plan. This paper presents a method based on discrete state networks that allows close mutual development of the overall strategic plan for a firm and its SIS. The method presents the future in a network of scenarios between which the firm can move. By considering desired trajectories in the network of scenarios the firm can identify the developmental requirements needed to bring about the movement between future states. The high-level SIS specification emerges from this trajectory analysis. An extensive worked example of an insurance firm is used to illustrate the method.

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More information

Published date: 2004
Keywords: scenarios, strategic planning, information systems, case method

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 36713
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/36713
ISSN: 0377-2217
PURE UUID: 37f2fcf9-e057-4cad-9433-d099dac84daa

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Date deposited: 24 May 2006
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 07:57

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Contributors

Author: John H. Powell
Author: Philip Powell

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