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
146-172
Powell, John H.
79a33278-d594-4167-8bda-b7265642daa7
Powell, Philip
62026bbd-183d-4d2a-8a73-15cb92807dfc
2004
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), .
(doi:10.1016/S0377-2217(03)00426-0).
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.
This record has no associated files available for download.
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
Catalogue record
Date deposited: 24 May 2006
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 07:57
Export record
Altmetrics
Contributors
Author:
John H. Powell
Author:
Philip Powell
Download statistics
Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.
View more statistics