| Author: | Li, Karen Lai-king |
| Title: | A comparative study of information systems planning approaches and methodologies in Government against theoretical perspectives |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 1992 |
| Subject: | Public administration -- Data processing Management information systems Hong Kong Polytechnic -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Department of Computing |
| Pages: | x, 158 leaves ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Improving strategic information systems (IS) planning practice has been and will continue to be a major challenge to IS researchers and practitioners in the years to come. Successful IS planning will result in improved organizational performance through appropriate IS support and optimal resource allocation. The current project uses a case study approach to compare the present practice of IS planning in Government against theoretical perspectives. The scope of this project covers a review of the theoretical framework and IS planning methodologies; an examination of the development of IS planning in Government; an analysis through a case study of the characteristics of developing IS strategy in a government department; and a comparison of the case study for IS planning with a conceptual framework to highlight necessary improvements. In analyzing the characteristics of strategic IS planning in Government, a number of theoretical frameworks including business segmentation model, Earl's stages of IS planning, Hirschheim's IS planning approaches classification framework, and Nolan's stages of growth theory are employed. Contingency factors that affect the choice between two IS planning approaches being practised in Government : the business-based "departmental Information Systems Strategic Study" (ISSS) approach and the issue-based project-by-project approach are identified. Characteristics of a Department for IS planning are analyzed against the contingency factors identified to develop a conceptual framework for IS planning. The framework is expected to apply "theoretically" to the Department under study. It provides the basis for comparison with the case study of IS planning in that Department. The project concludes that both the top-down, business-based Departmental ISSS and the bottom-up, project-by-project approach can be applied to suit individual circumstances in different departments. A conceptual framework for conducting the former type of planning approach is developed and compared to a case study. An analysis of the results obtained from the comparison is provided to identify possible areas for improvement. The findings will assist in developing a generic framework for IS strategic planning for government departments requiring similar planning approach in the future. The project also concludes that for successful implementation of ISSS in Government, consideration should be given to incorporating organization planning in the process, adopting a broad-based perspective in evaluating success of IS planning instead of relying largely on monitoring progress towards achieving anticipated benefits, and a changing attitude in evaluating IS investment opportunities. The recent move towards linking IS planning to business plans in Government is one indication that substantial progress has been achieved in IS planning practice. With growing experience in IS planning, it is envisaged that IT can be more fully exploited and resources optimally utilized in pursuit of business plans and objectives in Government. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b13863939.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 4.25 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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