Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) can be defined as the process of choosing the appropriate computer-based applications for realizing business goals. SISP is regarded as an essential part of developing the business performance of an organization especially in times of the Internet. The introduction of the World Wide Web in the business world has contributed to the development of the rapidly changing situation in business. Thus, in the highly competitive environment organizations should focus on effective SISP which will enable to enhance the organization’s competitiveness. Notably, even though numerous changes emerge in the world of information during the implementation of any project, organizations should be guided by their SISP since it assists to concentrate on the major aims. Admittedly, planning helps to avoid various delays. Besides, any planning presupposes minor changes, so SISP usually outlines basic objectives and is flexible enough to respond to rapid changes.
SISP example in the automotive industry
Company A is a large company providing marketing intelligence in terms of the automotive industry. The company is highly competitive and it responds quickly to the needs of its customers and the need of the market. As far as IT-planning is concerned, it is important to state that there is no definite written plan. More so, the company is not concerned with planning in the sphere of IT, because they assume it is much more effective to use technology rather than work out ways of implementing it. In other words, the company uses the latest findings without any plans for developing new facilities. For instance, if the company understands that there is a need for some application for its customers, the new application is rapidly worked out to respond to the needs of the competitive market.
This approach is chosen by the company n the basis of their twenty-years history. They found that it was much more effective to concentrate on using technology, rather than considering what might be useful in the future. As for IS planning, there is no certain written document, but the company has a strategy in terms of its business plan. This is very effective since the company has a definite strategy which outlines the major aims in the sphere of Information System, and this strategy in its turn is shaped to help the company reach business goals. Thus, Company A has SISP which highlights the major guidelines in the sphere of information and technology, but at the same time, their planning is very flexible and enables the company to respond rapidly to the needs of its customers.
SISP example in a multinational company
Company B is a multinational company, with the headquarters based in Canada. The company delivers communication services to its customers. The company’s SISP is somewhat similar to that of Company A. Likewise, Company B is more concerned with the IS planning and outlining major landmarks, without concentrating on certain technological applications. Thus, the company has an IS strategy worked out for several periods: three, six, and nine months. IS managers define the most effective approaches and work on implementing the most appropriate strategies. Company B does not have a certain written strategy for IT development, but there is a year plan for developing new applications. Thus, the company pays more attention to the development of new technology. This SISP is also very flexible, and, therefore, effective. However, it is necessary to point out that Company B is more concerned with IS, and at the same time they pay much attention to IT development. This approach enables the company to have a substantial IS plan, and be flexible enough in the world of rapid changes.