TABLE OF CONTENTS Despite the fact that computer systems have been used in business for a number of decades, it is only during the last few years that the focus has started to shift from the actual technology to the integration of information systems into businesses in order to enhance business strategy.
The first subject dealt with in this chapter looks at the evolution of an information system within an organization, examining the attitudes towards management and applications of computer systems since their introduction. Following this, a number of strategic models for examining the potential applications of information systems within an organization will be detailed, before finally moving on to examine some of the practical issues relating to evolving a successful information systems strategy. One important definition for this module is drawing the difference between information technology and information systems. Although this has been detailed in Chapter 1, suffice it to say that IT refers to the actual technologies used, whilst IS refers to the integration of the technology into the organization as a system.
Strategic information systems change the goals, business processes, products, services, or environmental relationships of organizations to help them gain an edge over competitors. Systems that have these effects may even change the business of organizations.
Strategic information systems often change the organization as well as its products, services, and internal processes, driving the organization into new behaviour patterns. The organization may need to change its internal operations to take advantage...
