An empirical evaluation

Information & Management 42 (2005) 761–779
www.elsevier.com/locate/dsw

An empirical evaluation of stages of strategic information
systems planning: patterns of process
design and effectiveness
Varun Grovera,*, Albert H. Segarsb
a
Department of Management, Clemson University, 101 Sirrine Hall, Clemson, SC 29634-1305, USA
b
Department of Management, The Kenan–Flagler Business School, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3490, USA
Received 6 October 2003; received in revised form 11 May 2004; accepted 19 August 2004
Available online 30 September 2004

Abstract

While much has been written about strategic information systems planning (SISP), two important aspects have been under-
emphasized. The ﬁrst is the planning process or how planning is accomplished. The second is planning evolution or how
planning evolves as a learning system. Both perspectives can provide practical guidance on how organizations will change their
planning process over time in an attempt to improve their effectiveness as well as leverage their investment in SISP. This paper
draws on prior literature to identify key dimensions of SISP and its effectiveness. The evolution of these dimensions is studied as
a three-stage model. The results provide an interesting insight into how planning evolves as organizations reconcile seemingly
contradictory ‘‘rational’’ and ‘‘adaptive’’ dimensions of planning. This balanced approach to planning is shown to be more
effective, providing strong implications for both research and practice.
# 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Strategic information systems planning; Planning stages; Planning effectiveness; Empirical study; Planning maturity

1. Introduction decade. While it has evolved in method and style, the
thesis that SISP is important because it emphasizes the
Strategic information systems planning (SISP) has need to bring IT to bear on and sometimes inﬂuence
been the subject of much attention over the past strategic direction of the corporation is widely
accepted by researchers. This is particularly true in
contemporary environments where harnessing the
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 864 656 3773;
fax: +1 864 656 6768.
power of technology resources could be critical for
E-mail address: vgrover@clemson.edu (V. Grover), competitiveness [58]. However, while there have been
Al_Segars@unc.edu (A.H. Segars). studies that examine the ‘‘what’’ questions of SISP,

0378-7206/$ – see front matter # 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.im.2004.08.002

762 V. Grover, A.H. Segars / Information & Management 42 (2005) 761–779

particularly concerning the issue of IS–Business methods and measurement of alignment between
alignment, there has been little on the ‘‘how’’ business and IS strategies [8,13,36,38,65]. However,
questions, which include the process of planning these studies shed little light on the organizational
and whether this yields effective outcomes. Further- aspects of planning. Das et al. [15] distinguished
more, is it reasonable to presume that organizations between content and process aspects of planning. On
will change their planning processes over time in an the process side, some studies have attempted to
attempt to improve their effectiveness as well as identify institutionalized planning dimensions,
leverage their investment in SISP? Or, as planning actions, and behaviors by observing patterns through
matures and processes are better defined, does it field study [9,18,59,71,74]. For instance, in an earlier
become less effective? study Pyburn noted the existence of planning patterns
It is useful to examine evolution and maturing of among his case firms. Specifically, within a written-
planning processes as companies strive toward formal system, a rational (structured) process of
achieving more effective planning systems. This can written rules and procedures, top–down planning flow,
serve the purpose of delineating changes in process budgetary focus, and narrow participation profiles are
characteristics that can lead to greater (or less) present. In contrast, he found evidence of a personal-
planning effectiveness over time. We therefore informal system reflecting a more adaptable approach
examined the fundamental questions: How does SISP based on few guidelines or policies, bottom–up
evolve? Is it then more effective? If yes, can planning flow, creativity focus, and wide participation
organizations facilitate the maturity of these sys- profiles. Similarly, Earl distinguished SISP
tems—particularly in a dynamic IT context? What approaches based on degree of rationality and
adaptations do firms make in order to improve adaptability built into the planning system. Specifi-
planning in a rational context? If the process is not cally, his organizational approach reflected IS
more effective, why do firms invest in planning? strategies that seemed to emerge from ongoing
organizational activities, such as trial and error
changes to business practices, continuous enhance-
2. Process characteristics of strategic planning ment of existing applications, and system experiments
within the business. In essence, organizational themes
The SISP concept has undergone significant as well as polices, participation, and consistent
evolution since the initial discussions of the 1970s planning exercises were used to formulate IS strategy.
[26,40,41]. The changing technology and the recogni- In contrast, his administrative approach exhibited
tion of its importance as a corporate resource drove completely rational characteristics of rules and
this evolution. Specifically, the proliferation of procedures, budgetary control, narrow participation
Internet based computing, outsourcing, personal profiles, and annual or semiannual planning activities.
computers, and user applications tended to push Other approaches (method, business, and technologi-
developmental activities outside the exclusive domain cal) also tended to follow a rational profile. Consistent
of professional IS groups, creating challenges that did with observations by Pyburn, Earl noted that the
not exist when SISP was first conceived. Also, firms hybrid organizational system of planning seemed to
are aggressively searching for new ways to leverage be a more effective form than the highly structured and
information, knowledge, and IT in supporting strategic less-adaptable rational approaches. Studies by Sulli-
goals and competitiveness. Hence, SISP in many firms van, and Sabherwal and King [66], also suggested that
refers to both a proactive search for competitive and planning systems vary along a continuum from
value-adding opportunities, as well as the develop- completely rational to completely adaptive, while
ment of broad policies and procedures for integrating, others (e.g., Wang and Tai [77]) found that the
coordinating, controlling and implementing the IT organizational context might play a role in determin-
resource. ing planning characteristics. More recently, Segars
The study of SISP has been primarily conducted and Grover [69,70] described and measured planning
through exploratory analysis. Most studies focus on process dimensions and found that systems that
planning content, with particular interest in the exhibit process characteristics of both rationality

V. Grover, A.H. Segars / Information & Management 42 (2005) 761–779 763

and adaptability tended to be more successful. Their able descriptions of planning while complementing
results seemed to be generalizable to a variety of and further structuring general ‘‘approach’’ based
industries. descriptions. The dimensions are: comprehensiveness,
As noted, the variety of planning profiles uncovered formalization, focus, flow, participation, and consis-
reflected ‘‘structures’’ of process characteristics that tency. They are summarized in Table 1.
described how the task was accomplished. For
instance, Pyburn’s study reflected the extent of
formalization. Earl’s typologies varied in the extent 3. Planning effectiveness
of participation, frequency, and control. Similar
studies describe these structures as ‘‘planning sys- While many advocate strategic planning, the link
tems’’ [11,16,22,23,43,44] with more fully developed between performance and planning has been found to
theoretical and operational dimensions that reveal be inconsistent across organizations and studies [46].
distinct profiles in planning. Through extensive Even in the SISP literature, the results at best suggest a
analysis of both the strategic management and SISP contingent relationship between them. For instance,
research streams Segars et al. [72] identified six Raghunathan and Raghunathan [61] found no correla-
important process dimensions of SISP; these are tion between SISP and user satisfaction. Premkumar
robust in describing SISP design—extending far and King [55,56] on the other hand found that firms in
beyond methodologically-based and less-generaliz- which IS plays a critical role have higher levels of

Table 1
Process dimensions of SISP
Dimension Description Strategic management literature SISP literature
Comprehensiveness The extent to which an organization Fredrickson [21]; Lederer and Sethi [42];
attempts to be exhaustive or inclusive Fredrickson [22]; Sabherwal and King [66];
in making and integrating strategic Fredrickson and Mitchell [23]; Sambamurthy et al. [68];
decisions (comprehensive vs. limited) Janis and Mann [32] Sambamurthy et al. [67];
Das et al. [15]
Formalization The existence of structures, techniques, Quinn [60]; Camillus [10]; Lederer and Sethi [42];
written procedures, and policies which Dutton and Duncan [16] Sabherwal and King [66];
guide the planning process (formal vs. informal) Premkumar and King [56];
Earl [18]; Das et al. [15];
Pyburn [59]
Focus Focus refers to the balance between Chakravarthy [11]; Lederer and Sethi [42];
creativity and control orientations Lorange and Vancil [43] Sabherwal and King [66];
inherent within the strategic planning Byrd et al. [9]
system (creative vs. control oriented)
Flow Planning flow refers to the locus of Chakravarthy [11]; Byrd et al. [9]; Pyburn [59]
authority or devolution of responsibilities Earl [18];
for strategic planning; in other words, the Dutton and Duncan [16]
roles played by corporate and divisional
managers in the initiation of the planning
process (top–down vs. bottom–up)
Participation Participation captures the breadth of Dyson and Foster [17]; Lederer and Sethi [42];
involvement in strategic planning Eisenhardt [20] Sabherwal and King [66];
(broad vs. narrow participation profile) Byrd et al. [9]; Das et al. [15]
Consistency Consistency is concerned with the Kuicalis [39]; Lederer and Sethi [42];
frequency of planning activities or Judge and Miller [35]; Sabherwal and King [66];
cycles, and relatedly, the frequency of Chakravarthy [11]; Byrd et al. [9]
evaluation/revision of strategic choices Eisenhardt [20]
(high vs. low)


planning resources and are more effective. Lederer technologies, foster cooperation and partnership
and Sethi explain this relationship by identifying a among functional managers and user groups, antici-
variety of inhibitors from failure to consider business pate relevant events and issues within the competitive
strategy to time span and resources. environment, and adapt to unexpected organizational
However, the measurement of effectiveness has and environmental change.
been too far downstream (e.g., financial ratios),
measured on a single item scale [62,63] or focused
on limited aspects of planning, such as alignment with 4. Planning stages
business strategy. It is our belief that a broad
multidimensional conceptualization is required to Stages of growth or evolution models are popular
capture SISP Effectiveness, consistent with that of in organizational research and IS. These approaches
Segars and Grover. Table 2 summarizes the definition have been applied to industry growth [54], business
and source of five key dimensions of SISP effective- growth [25], IS budgets [52], information centers,
ness; it recognizes that (a) there are outcomes that can end-user computing [29], and technology assimila-
be directly expected from a good planning system; (b) tion [3].
SISP is a complex activity with a variety of benefits; Perhaps the best known model in IS is Nolan’s
and (c) capturing the contribution of SISP in terms of stages of growth, in which he proposed that the growth
bottom line figures such as ROI, ROE, etc. may be of computing follows an S-shaped curve. Shifting the
significantly confounded by many uncontrollable emphasis from ‘‘descriptive’’ to ‘‘prescriptive’’
business, economic, and environmental factors. suggests that firms can more effectively plan for
We argue that successful SISP should help achieve and organize the computing resource based on
alignment between IS and business strategies, analyze predictable stages. While his hypothesis has been
and understand the business and its associated controversial and is dated for today’s technological

Table 2
Dimensions of SISP effectiveness
Dimension Description References
Alignment One of the key factors for successful IS planning Baets [4];
is the close linkage of the IS strategy and business Henderson and Venkatraman [30];
strategy. Such a linkage or alignment helps facilitate Das et al. [15];
acquisition and deployment of information technology Lederer and Sethi [41];
that is congruent with the organization’s competitive Henderson et al. [28];
needs rather than existing patterns of usage within Bowman et al. [5]; King [36];
the organization Chan et al. [13]
Analysis When IS planners make a concerted effort to better Lederer and Sethi [41];
understand the internal operations of the organization Boynton and Zmud [7];
in terms of its processes, procedures, and technologies, Henderson and Venkatraman [30]
a degree of analysis is realized
Cooperation When general agreement concerning development Henderson [27]
priorities, implementation schedules, and managerial
responsibilities is reached, a degree of cooperation is
attained. This level of cooperation is important in order
to reduce potential conflict which may jeopardize the
implementation of strategic IS plans
Improvement in An effective planning system should improve over time Ramanujam and Venkatraman [63]
capabilities (i.e., learn) in its basic capabilities to support the organization
Contribution An effective SISP should contribute to the overall effectiveness Lederer and Sethi [42];
of the organization. Beyond the vagaries of financial ratios, Chan and Huff [12];
effective SISP should have a high perceived level of King [36]; Chan et al. [13]
contribution to various aspects of organizational
effectiveness (e.g., profitability, decision making, etc.)


context, there is a key implication that should be To gain insight into which process dimensions t-
noted. Nolan suggested that the model can be viewed ended to be more effective, we can consider the roots
as a learning model where movement through the of adaptability and rationality. There have been many
stages is influenced by the environment (i.e., debates on the relative advantages of the synoptic-
changing technology) and the adaptation to that formal (comprehensive, formal, rational planning)
environment by internal adjustments. Ultimately, in versus logical-incrementalism (adaptive, participative
the stage of ‘‘maturity,’’ systems naturally mirror planning). While they have not resolved the question,
their context. the evidence suggests that elements of both ‘‘rational’’
Interestingly, the same lesson emerges from other and ‘‘adaptive’’ approaches might be better [49,50,-
stage models. Porter used the life cycle concept to 76]. As organizations become technologically and
illustrate how industries developed and how busi- geographically complex, the importance of planning
nesses adapted to pressure. Greiner described a activities rises. Accordingly, a planning culture often
model in which firms grew based on learning from emerges in the form of highly structured systems.
crises. Applegate et al. described technology Rationality may be built into strategic planning sys-
assimilation in firms that evolved through stages tems through higher levels of comprehensiveness [-
of ‘‘slack’’ and ‘‘control’’ to learn how to use new 21,67], higher levels of formalization [42], a focus on
technologies more effectively. Magal et al. indicated control [7] and top-down planning flow. Adaptability
that Information Centers evolved by adapting and refers to the capability of the planning system to ‘‘-
learning from their client base, ultimately being learn’’ [64]. The planning system should contain d-
treated as a major corporate resource. Henderson et esign characteristics that will alert managers to
al. also described their stages of end-user computing changing organizational and environmental conditions
as a learning curve. that may require change in strategy. Adaptability may
We argue that the concepts of adaptation and be designed into a system through wide participation
learning are invariant across phenomena, and there- profiles [4,17,68] and through higher levels of plan-
fore that it is possible to observe stages of evolution in ning consistency [20,35]. Such characteristics reflect
the SISP. We propose that SISP systems are very much the importance of gathering information from a nu-
like the processes and structures described above, in mber of sources and the importance of constantly r-
that they go through a number of stages of rational econciling strategic decisions with environmental
evolution based on learning. In other words, SISP conditions. As implied in field studies, high perform-
systems will respond to changes in the environment ing systems for SISP seem to contain aspects of both
and changes in the technology base. This response will adaptation and rationality. Research by Boynton and
facilitate improved SISP in organizations through Zmud, Zmud et al. [78], as well as Lederer and Sethi
learning over time and in doing so SISP will adapt its also implied that such systems may be necessary in
process characteristics in order to be more effective. order to manage increasingly diverse and dispersed
While the empirical evidence for such a proposition in technologies across the organization. Specifically,
the planning context is sparse, King and Teo [37] did Zmud et al. developed a system of planning similar to
find that as IS planning systems evolved, their that of the federal government. This information ec-
effectiveness in terms of alignment of IS and business onomy relied on an overall structure of control and
strategies improved. coordination while dispersing many planning and
managerial activities to organizational units close to
business and environmental activity. Hence, the sys-
5. Propositions tem was rational with respect to a structure of overall
control but adaptable with respect to the participation
Our fundamental proposition is that: of numerous entities in the planning process.
Regarding planning evolution, Ginsberg [24]
(a) SISP will adapt over time through redesign of its argued that strategy development processes could
process dimensions, and be characterized by an emphasis on comprehension
(b) this redesign will result in more effective SISP. (accuracy of judgments and predictions), creativity


(novelty or uniqueness of ideas and solutions), and Proposition 1. As planning systems evolve they will
consensus (harmony and shared commitment): increase their level of formalization, comprehensive-
ness, top-down flow, control focus, participation, and
‘‘Although each one of these attributes is required at
consistency.
one stage or the other to achieve successful strategic
planning, organizations might emphasize one at the
As a learning system, we expect that the changes
expense of the other. Research suggests that it is the
made through learning improves planning outcomes.
ability to balance all three attributes that leads to
This leads to:
superior performance. For example, studies examining
firm performance in mature businesses, have found Proposition 2. As planning systems evolve they will
that firms that are able to successfully reinvent and increase their level of planning effectiveness.
rejuvenate themselves are those that sought to
maintain a judicious and delicate balance among Proposition 1 is descriptive, while Proposition 2
competitive priorities.’’ has prescriptive implications. In addition to these,
learning models exhibit adaptation to contextual
changes. Therefore, we expect that more mature
The six dimensions of the SISP process exhibit
systems exist due to their response to contextual
elements of both rationality (high comprehensiveness,
changes in (a) the environment, and (b) the technology
high formalization, top–down flow, control focus) and
context. The environment can be characterized by the
adaptability (wide participation, high consistency).
widely used variable, environmental uncertainty [41]
We believe that the evolution of planning systems
that describes the perception of complexity and
follows a learning model where firms adapt their
dynamism present in the environment. The technolo-
processes as they gain more experience, pushed by the
gical context can be defined in terms of its diffusion or
changing environment. Most planning systems are
the spread of IT throughout the organization [6]. Both
initially devoid of structure; lack of experience results
these variables are exogenous and we would expect
in limited and possibly biased inputs. For instance,
that they act as catalysts to stimulate evolution of
discovery of new strategic systems might involve
planning. We propose:
informal idea generation sessions using multiple
organization groups. Initial planning might be Proposition 3. More mature planning systems are
relegated to a few drivers and a handpicked team— characterized by higher levels of environmental uncer-
but does not reflect broad organizational participation. tainty and IT diffusion.
Planning activities are discrete events with constricted
agendas and no continuous evaluation and feedback Fig. 1 illustrates the basic premise of the study
systems in place. (stages of planning).
As planning evolves, we expect companies to
realize that formal structures can make planning
processes more efficient. Experience in dealing with 6. Methodology
uncertain technological options can yield more
comprehensive decision processes. The needs for The use of key informants has been a popular
budgetary realism increases the number of control approach within empirical IS studies. Huber and
mechanisms. However, along with this, we believe Power [31] proposed several guidelines for improving
that firms will realize that this can rapidly lead to the accuracy of reports gathered from key respon-
rigidity that is incongruent with the need to change due dents.
to the environment and diffusion of IT throughout the All tactics were considered in the development of
organization. Therefore, elements of adaptability must our survey instrument, selection of respondents, and
be incorporated into the process, including broader its administration, including its careful pre-testing,
participation, with inputs from a variety of stake- targeting senior IS executives emotionally involved in
holders. It also includes faster evaluation cycles and SISP, provision of a monetary incentive and a tailored
adjustments of strategic plans: research report, and the promise of anonymity.


Fig. 1. Strategic IS planning stages.

Purposive sampling was employed. This approach respondents remaining in the frame were examined to
obtained an overall frame of potential respondents and determine their level of planning activity. Firms whose
then created a sub-frame of respondents with desired senior IS manager had the job title of: Chief
characteristics. Such designs are considered entirely Information Officer, Vice President, Director of
appropriate in explanatory studies that examine Strategic Planning, or Director of MIS were retained.
unique or complex phenomena [53]. The sampling The resultant sub-frame consisted of 1100 business
frame adopted was the East Edition of The Directory entities. From this, 600 firms were chosen at random.
of Top Computer Executives [1]. This contains the
names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers of top 6.1. Measurement methods
computer executives in the Eastern half of the United
States. The entities within the directory include Here, six planning process variables and five
Fortune 2000 firms (manufacturing and service), effectiveness dimensions of SISP were assessed. As
educational institutions, hospitals, and governmental noted by Churchill [14], the researcher should use or
agencies. In developing the desired sub-frame, all adapt existing measurement scales, and when scales
hospitals, educational institutions, and governmental have yet to be developed, literature may be used to
agencies were eliminated because they have entirely determine how the variable has been defined and how
different success factors. Next, the job titles of many dimensions or components it contains. Then, a


panel of experts (i.e., those knowledgeable in the area) These criteria are not tied to the fluctuations in
should offer valuable ideas and insights into the financial ratios but they provide a foundation for
phenomenon. Within our study, each of these determining SISP’s relative contribution to organiza-
mechanisms was employed in developing construct tional effectiveness.
measures. In addition, the Q-sort technique [51], in Finally, the contextual variables of environmental
which experts and typical respondents group items uncertainty and IT diffusion were measured using
according to their similarity, was used to establish guidelines from the literature. Environmental uncer-
construct validity. It was conducted among a panel of tainty involved five sub-scales [47,48] that captured
senior IS executives and academics as a means of item elements of both the number of factors (complexity)
purification. Correct classification rates of over 90% and their rate of change (dynamism). These scales
were realized for 80% of the initial items; these were have been widely validated in empirical studies in both
retained for further analysis. strategic management and IS. IT diffusion represents
the dispersion of technology and it has been used in
6.2. Variable measurement studies relating it to organizational structure [19] and
strategy [75]. Indicators drawn from these sources
Measurement of planning stages was performed by were used in the measure.
using a nominal variable that captured the firm’s
experience with SISP, the experience of the participat- 6.3. Pre-testing and validation of measures
ing managers, and the extent to which procedures for
planning were well defined. Three stages were All items and the survey instrument were pre-tested
constructed in a way to be consistent with prior with the help of 23 senior IS executives. Each of these
studies: a Preliminary Stage, where planning proce- managers was actively involved in strategic IS
dures were beginning to be defined and participants planning and each had significant experience in IS
had little experience; an Evolving Stage, where management. All organizations were visited by one of
planning activities had been tested but the process the researchers and face-to-face interviews conducted
was still being refined and the participants had some with each manager. Assessments were made of the
experience; and a Mature Stage, where the firm had a items, constructs, and completeness of the instrument.
history of planning activities, participants had much Some items were slightly refined and a preliminary
experience, and the procedures were in place. No assessment indicated that there was a high degree of
attributes of the specific planning process were internal consistency.
reflected in this measure. The complete set of measures for the six SISP
Measures for planning process dimensions of variables, the four effectiveness dimensions, and the
comprehensiveness, formalization, focus, flow, parti- two contextual variables is described in Appendix A
cipation, and consistency were operationalized as with a description of the confirmatory procedures and
described by Segars et al. Also, planning effectiveness results of testing the psychometric properties. In
used the four dimensions operationalized by Segars general, the high factor loadings and resulting strength
and Grover. Three of these represented ‘‘goal in measures of factor reliability suggested that each
fulfillment factors’’ and the fourth ‘‘improvement in scale exhibited strong characteristics of unidimen-
capabilities’’ reflected the ability of the planning sionality. Further evidence of unidimensional mea-
system to improve in its support of organizational surement was found in the significance of chi-square
functioning. Raghunathan and Raghunathan empiri- values obtained in paired testing among constructs.
cally validated measures of this planning success Items dropped due to large errors or equivocality were
measure within the context of general planning. noted. As shown, only single items from the scales of
Finally, planning contribution represented the overall flow, focus, and consistency were lost due to error.
contribution to the organization. Representations from Upon establishing the measurement efficacy, the
this criterion domain were adopted from the works of resultant factor loadings of each construct were used
Lederer and Sethi, King, Premkumar and King [57], to compute a factor score that represented a composite
McLean and Soden [45], as well as King and Zmud. measure free from random sources of error.


6.4. Response profile Table 3
Three stages of SISP evolution: means and standard deviations of
planning process dimensions
The response rate of the sampled firms was 43.5%.
Preliminary Evolving Mature
Of the returned responses, nine contained incomplete
(n = 93) (n = 108) (n = 52)
data or were otherwise unsuitable for analysis; these
Comprehensiveness
surveys were dropped from further consideration
Mean 7.93 10.16 13.85
yielding an effective response rate of 42.1% and a S.D. 3.79 3.11 3.12
sample size of 253. The majority of respondents
Formalization
were from manufacturers; representing 48.2% of the Mean 11.17 14.94 18.17
sample. The next highest were from finance and S.D. 4.89 3.62 3.13
insurance entities, representing 17.4% of the sample.
Focus
The remaining categories exhibit a modest range of Mean 7.43 9.02 10.54
representation from a minimum of 0.8% (agriculture) S.D. 2.21 2.37 2.35
to a maximum of 7.5% (wholesale). The sample was Flow
almost evenly split between sales levels of 0–500 Mean 7.31 7.56 10.05
million dollars (45.3%) and greater than 501 million S.D. 2.14 2.17 2.32
dollars (53.70%). The overwhelming majority of Participation
respondents (72.20%) were either one or two levels Mean 8.56 11.44 15.42
below the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Therefore, S.D. 2.49 3.31 3.93
it seems that the collected data was provided by Consistency
respondents of larger business entities knowledgeable Mean 7.99 10.32 14.74
about the issues of interest here. S.D. 3.32 3.66 4.83

Table 4 illustrates the effectiveness. Here too, firms
7. Results with more mature SISP tend to have greater alignment
between IS and business strategy, better analysis of
A significant number of respondents classified their the processes, procedures, and technologies of the
SISP system as being in one of the three stages: 37% (n
= 93) in the Preliminary Stage, 42% in the Evolving
Table 4
Stage, and the rest in the Mature Stage. This indicated Three stages of SISP evolution: means and standard deviations of
that the majority of the organizations are still refining planning effectiveness dimensions
the processes and only one-fifth consider themselves Preliminary Evolving Mature
mature. (n = 93) (n = 108) (n = 52)
Tables 3 and 4 provide the means and standard Alignment
deviations for each of the six planning process Mean 19.14 24.75 28.37
variables and the five effectiveness dimensions across S.D. 5.26 5.76 4.41
the three stages. These illustrate a clear pattern for Analysis
both sets of variables consistent with the propositions. Mean 17.51 23.42 26.24
As planning evolves it tends to become more S.D. 5.08 4.29 3.91
comprehensive, more formal, have a greater emphasis Cooperation
on control rather than creativity, and greater emphasis Mean 22.57 23.39 27.85
on top–down flow. These are complemented by an S.D. 6.73 5.75 5.40
increase in participation and greater consistency Improvement
(frequency) of planning activities. Table 5 shows Mean 23.39 26.06 29.82
the statistical significance of these results over the S.D. 2.08 4.27 5.07
three stages. The unambiguous monotonically Contribution
increasing trend provides what we believe to be Mean 11.97 16.54 22.57
Std. Dev 5.29 4.83 5.61
substantial support for Proposition 1.


Table 5 Table 6
Multiple analysis of variance SISP design dimensions across stages Multiple analysis of variance SISP effectiveness measures across
of planning maturity stages of planning maturity
Source d.f. Sum of Mean F value R2 Source d.f. Sum of Mean F value R2
squares square squares square
Comprehensiveness Alignment
Stage 2 606.80 303.40 29.41 (0.0001) 0.19 Stage 2 1677.78 838.89 36.60 (0.0001) 0.22
Error 250 2578.63 10.31 Error 250 5732.79 22.92
252 3185.43 252 7410.58
Formalization Analysis
Stage 2 1086.72 543.36 41.45 (0.0001) 0.25 Stage 2 1339.05 669.52 47.51 (0.0001) 0.27
Error 250 3277.46 13.10 Error 250 3524.71 14.09
252 4364.18 252 4863.77
Focus Cooperation
Stage 2 273.63 136.81 24.79 (0.0001) 0.17 Stage 2 1694.25 847.12 29.15 (0.0001) 0.19
Error 250 1379.84 5.51 Error 250 7266.75 29.06
252 1653.48 252 8961.00
Flow Improvement
Stage 2 174.30 87.15 18.98 (0.0001) 0.15 Stage 2 838.67 419.33 20.92 (0.0001) 0.14
Error 250 1149.14 4.59 Error 250 5010.39 20.04
252 1323.44 252 5849.06
Participation Contribution
Stage 2 620.64 310.32 25.36 (0.0001) 0.17 Stage 2 1721.68 860.84 31.56 (0.0001) 0.20
Error 250 3059.64 12.23 Error 250 6819.96 27.27
252 3680.29 252 8541.64
Consistency
Stage 2 654.09 327.04 19.04 (0.0001) 0.13
Error 250 4293.48 17.17
252 4947.57
stages however were mixed. Focus did not exhibit
differences between adjacent stages, while flow did
not exhibit differences between the Preliminary and
organization, improved cooperation between stake- Evolving Stages. While it is difficult to interpret these
holders regarding development and implementation findings, we think that the changes in focus (from
priorities, a capacity to improve over time, and a creativity to control) are more gradual as planning
contribution to the overall effectiveness of the evolves through the stages. This might be because of
organization. Table 6 provides strong statistical the importance of keeping a good balance between the
support for the significance of these differences— orientations. Creative use of IT is very important in
thereby supporting Proposition 2. It should be noted, an era where the technology itself can be a source of
however, that the standardized variances in the competitive advantage. At the same time the
dimensions of effectiveness are higher than those in proliferation of technological alternatives and man-
the process dimensions. This could reflect various dates to keep IT costs in check can create a strong need
organizational contingencies that inhibit or facilitate for a control/budgetary orientation.
planning effectiveness. Table 8 illustrates the results related to the Planning
Tables 7 and 8 use Tukey’s Studentized range to test Effectiveness dimensions. These clearly indicate that,
for the differences in individual stages. With respect to even across temporally adjacent stages, planning
the SISP process (Table 7), significant differences (at p effectiveness statistically improves. The only excep-
< 0.05) were obtained for all the variables between the tion is cooperation where the improvement seems to
Preliminary and Mature stages. Results for adjacent manifest itself during the latter stages. In general,


Table 7
Three stages of SISP evolution: Tukey’s Studentized range (HSD) tests for planning process dimensions
Dimension Mean differences between stages
Preliminary À Evolving Preliminary À Mature Evolving À Mature
*** ***
Comprehensiveness 2.23 5.92 3.69***
Formalization 3.77*** 7.0*** 3.23***
Focus 1.59 3.11*** 1.52
Flow 0.25 2.74*** 2.49***
Participation 2.88*** 6.86*** 3.98***
Consistency 2.33*** 6.75*** 4.42***
***
Significant at the 0.05 level.

however, a clear pattern of improvement in effective- their SISP system into the three categories, the
ness exists. significant numbers of firms within each of the
Table 9 illustrates the differences in contextual three stages, and the qualitative differences in
variables across the three stages. Both environmental process, outcome, and context in each of the three
uncertainty and IT diffusion are significantly different stages.
across the three stages. This supports Proposition 3. It 2. Firms have different processes in each SISP stage.
also supports our contention that SISP should be an While we cannot assert that every firm evolves
adaptive system that responds to increasing environ- through the stages, given the cross sectional nature
mental uncertainty and increasing IT diffusion. Both of the sample, we found that firms in each of the
these contextual stimuli require process adaptation. stages followed a certain (predictable) pattern with
This adds credence to the thesis of SISP stages as a respect to the SISP process dimensions.
model of organizational learning. 3. Firms have different outcomes in each SISP stage.
Here, the trend was clear. Firms that had greater
experience with SISP and in a more ‘‘mature’’ stage
8. Discussion had better outcomes.
4. Firms in each SISP stage had a different context.
The results support all three of our propositions. The perceived environmental uncertainty and the
Given the care taken in variable measurement and IT diffusion variables strongly suggested that
validation, this would imply that the theoretical basis firms that were in more mature stages of SISP
of the propositions is sound. The major findings can be experienced both greater uncertainty and higher
summarized as: levels of diffusion.

1. There are stages of SISP. Confidence in this These stages reflect a learning model of SISP. Most
assertion is enhanced by the ease at which prior models suggest learning implications as firms
respondents in the pilot study were able to classify evolve and adapt to changes in their context. Indeed,

Table 8
Three stages of SISP evolution: Tukey’s Studentized range (HSD) tests for planning effectiveness dimensions
Dimension Mean differences between stages
Preliminary À Evolving Preliminary À Mature Evolving À Mature
Alignment 5.61*** 9.23*** 3.62***
Analysis 5.91*** 8.73*** 2.82***
Cooperation 0.72 5.28*** 4.46***
Improvement 2.67*** 6.43*** 3.76***
***
Significant at the 0.05 level.


Table 9
Three stages of SISP evolution: contextual variables across stages of SISP
Preliminary (n = 93) Evolving (n = 108) Mature (n = 52) Multiple analysis of variance
Environmental uncertainty
Mean 10.94 12.23 14.42 F(2,250) = 40.73, P = 0.0001, R2 = 0.25
S.D. 3.12 2.57 2.49
IT Diffusion
Mean 8.83 11.86 13.39 F(2,250) = 19.04, P = 0.0001, R2 = 0.26
S.D. 4.13 4.46 4.42

the changes were based on expectations and prior pressure to change, bring new technologies, and
theory. Below, we describe possible manifestations of provide better information.
these three stages.
8.2. Stage 2: Evolving Stage
8.1. Stage 1: Preliminary Stage
A level of frustration has set in that provides the
These firms are just beginning to undertake SISP. internal impetus for change. Often the source of this
Procedures are neither well defined, nor do managers frustration includes questions like: ‘‘What are we
have any significant experience, with planning tending accomplishing?’’ ‘‘Is anyone listening to us?’’
to be ad hoc and opportunistic. Top management ‘‘Don’t I need to get back to real work?’’ ‘‘What
allows SISP but provides little or no input into the does top management really want?’’ Externally, IT
process. IS managers form planning committees to diffusion is higher and top management starts taking
deal with strategic issues. There is limited information a more active interest (and involvement) in SISP,
gathering since formal planning roles are not yet particularly in the context of higher uncertainty. In
defined and people are involved in planning while still some cases, it could be a mandate that is issued to get
actively pursuing their original job. Occasionally corporate planners and IS planners together. Parti-
formal methods are brought into the process, but they cipants are formally defined in SISP roles (e.g.,
are usually partially adopted or fail to gather Strategic Planning for Technology). The frequency
integrated support from the committees. The process of planning is tested and refined. More organiza-
is more creative than control oriented, as one of the tional participation in SISP is nurtured, as firms try
objectives is to build strategic thinking and new ideas to incorporate SISP as a corporate-wide activity. In
in an area that has typically had only tactical thinking. some cases, SISP is elevated to the level of Corporate
Meetings occur relatively infrequently since the IS Planning and functions as a sub-process of that
group is not fully vested in the idea of strategic endeavor. Elements of keeping control of the process
planning, given the day-to-day fire fighting that gets start entering the picture in order to get something
top priority due to immediacy effects. IS-centric accomplished. Formal procedures for planning are
thinking often predominates the strategic context. No put into place and documented. In some cases,
formal evaluation of planning takes place. The process formal methodologies are adopted or adapted.
yields limited alignment since business goals are not However, these processes have to be refined to fit
well understood. This leads to frustration among the the culture of the organization. SISP is taken much
planners. There are some benefits in terms of building more seriously among a wider group of IS and
a culture of analysis and cooperation, but contribution organizational personnel. Top management also
of the process to organizational effectiveness is expects a deliverable from the process. Organiza-
ambivalent at best. Most firms in this stage experience tional analysis is more complex and detailed as the
uncertainty in product, market, and technological process attempts to fully incorporate the improve-
environments, which stimulates the need for planning. ment of organizational processes and structures. The
The IT base of these firms is usually stable but there is IS-centric thinking prevalent earlier slowly gives


way to organizational thinking as cooperation sions of process and dimensions of effectiveness.
between various units is achieved. As the process The evolution of SISP leads firms to a desirable
is improved it does a better job of identifying (more effective) state that has attributes of ration-
problems and opportunities, and evaluating organi- ality and adaptability. Therefore, firms that can
zational needs. assess their current state of SISP can gain insight into
the direction of change needed. The most effective
8.3. Stage 3: Mature Stage SISP requires rational elements of comprehensive-
ness and formalization, focus on control and top–
This is a steady state in which SISP works and can down planning flow. Exhaustive information gather-
effectively adapt to change. This process works ing and consideration of alternatives, structured
towards managing a highly pervasive and diffused methods and procedures, written guidelines, exten-
IT as a resource that can improve organizational sive budgeting, tight integration with financial
effectiveness in a highly uncertain environment. There systems, top management initiation and top manage-
is a realization that to be effective contradictory forces ment involvements are characteristics of such
will have to be balanced. The planning process has systems. However, SISP also requires adaptable
elements of rationality—it is comprehensive in its elements of participation and consistency. Diverse
search for strengths, weaknesses, threats and oppor- participation across hierarchical levels and func-
tunities, problems and solutions. It is formal in its tions, large numbers of participants, frequent
definition of procedures and methods. It gradually assessment and adjustment of plans, open feedback
reverts to elements of control. And it is very much systems, and frequent SISP related meetings are
integrated with the business planning to promote a attributes of adaptability. Forward thinking firms can
two-way flow of information and involvement. assess their stage of evolution and work toward
However, it does not go to the point where rationality adjusting the culture of the firm so that the desirable
stagnates the process or even institutionalizes it in systems can be accepted. Doing so would catalyze
stone. A delicate balance is achieved between this the evolutionary trend toward maturity.
rationality and adaptability—or the ability to work in It should be noted that the degree of rational
smaller steps rather than one large rational plan. This versus adaptive elements in planning systems might
requires widespread participation of all stakeholders vary with the organization and environmental
either directly or through their representatives. context. For instance, firms in hypercompetitive
Problems are viewed from various vantage points and information intensive environments where IT
and frequently, through mechanisms that allow the has high visibility and importance might require
process can adapt to change. Everyone is encouraged more of the adaptive elements. On the other hand,
to be involved in strategic thinking. stable industries where IT is playing an important but
utilitarian role might tend to emphasize rationality.
The path taken from ‘‘preliminary’’ to ‘‘mature’’
9. Implications could be influenced by the environment. In some
firms, adaptive elements might dominate before
With the pervasiveness of IT and increasing rational elements are inculcated, while in others the
pressure on firms to leverage their IT assets, the opposite might be true. The balance between
importance of SISP has never been stronger. SISP is rationality and adaptability allows the process to
more than a narrow methodology or sequence of steps. be effective in its ability to both manage today’s
It is complex set of organizational activities that can be business while simultaneously creating tomorrow’s
characterized by a number of process characteristics, technology and markets. Such ‘‘ambidexterous’’
which form an evolutionary pattern as they change as a firms, also protect internal organizational skills/
firm’s experience grows in adapting to a changing capabilities while simultaneously infusing new
environment and technological base. knowledge from the outside. Of course, as discussed
The results of our analysis suggest that stages of above, the balance points might vary with the nature
evolution are clearly distinguishable across dimen- of organization or industry. However, companies like


IBM, British Petroleum, Intel, Microsoft, Sonoco, can be made. Instead, these findings can only be
Dupont, Pfizer, and Delta Airlines have had a long generalized to the population of firms within the
tradition of SISP and are fairly mature in effectively sampling frame.
balancing these needs. Other potential limitations are response bias
A good example of effective planning is the case of associated with a ‘‘single informant’’ and lack of
medical device maker Medtronic—a $5.5 billion model refinement through independent sample testing.
global company based in Minneapolis [73]. The CIO, Multiple informants and structured methods of
Jeff Balagna, indicates, ‘‘The strategic plan is a high- triangulation are a better method of obtaining accurate
level document. It has the business imperatives, the data regarding organizational properties.
problems we’re trying to solve.’’ That plan involves
widespread participation and goes into a ‘‘summit’’
meeting of business unit IT leaders, who break the 11. Conclusion
plan into projects with owners, teams and deadlines.
The plan reflects a comprehensive and formal process, This strength of support for the three propositions
but also incorporates the ability to respond quickly to adds credence to the theoretical basis of our study.
changes of fortune such as mergers or industry We believe that it strongly supports the contention of
upheaval. The organizational model includes a global an SISP learning model in which firms evolve
technology council, made up of the IT leaders from through stages and adapt to contextual changes by
each of Medtronic’s business units around the world. changing the SISP process so that it is more
The council meets roughly every two months to review effective. Our results suggest that organizations
the appropriateness of the company’s ongoing evolve in a direction of increasing rational-adap-
strategy, make adjustments if necessary and make tively in their strategic planning processes. This
sure current projects are being executed as planned. allows them to cope with increasing uncertainty and
Balagna can also call emergency meetings if complexity of the IT resource. The parallel relation-
necessary. Balagna says that plans cannot be changed ship between this evolution and all aspects of
instantaneously, ‘‘but we can reprioritize very quickly planning effectiveness suggests that rational-adap-
with this model,’’ he says. tively represents a ‘‘best practice’’ for which
organizations should strive. While firms might take
different paths to get there, successful planning
10. Study limitations systems have aspects of both.

The quality of our work was predicated on the
quality of the data and the measures. We attempted to Appendix A. Construct operationalization and
bring a theoretical and operational definition to a validation
complex concept. Such endeavors are ambitious and
therefore contain some inherent limitations. Perhaps A general procedure for assessing the efficacy of
the most significant is the range of developed measurement within the realm of confirmatory
constructs for the process of SISP. In general, no ¨
analysis is suggested by Joreskog [33] as well as
claim is (or can be) made to have captured every Anderson and Gerbing [2]. In essence, each of the
aspect of this complex phenomenon. Therefore, it is item scales represents an a priori measurement
possible that other process dimensions exist that were model of the theoretical construct space. To test their
not considered here. efficacy with respect to strength of measurement and
A second potential limitation concerns the sample. solution stability, each of these models was
The survey was targeted at organizations likely to have estimated in isolation, in pairs, and as a collective
defined processes for SISP and the senior executives network for evidence of validity and reliability
with vested interest in its outcomes. Although the [2,33]. This analysis was accomplished through the
utilized sampling frame has been widely used in analytic framework of LISREL [34]. Two underlying
similar studies, no general claim of external validity assumptions of confirmatory factor modeling within


LISREL are model determinacy (or identification) to determine optimal courses of action from identified
and multivariate normality. Checks of these statistics alternatives; There is little trial-and-error in our
for the variables of this study revealed no serious strategic decision process; We will delay decisions
departures from multivariate normality or excessive until we are sure that all alternatives have been
kurtosis. If the model is identified, the solution of evaluated. ML estimates for items were 0.64, 0.89,
each model should converge at the same point each 0.65, 0.43, and 0.60, all significant at p < 0.001.
time. Such an approach was undertaken in each of Model estimates: x2 (5) = 9.97 (p = 0.08); GF = 0.97;
the estimated models of this analysis. In all cases, AGF = 0.92; Factor Reliability = 0.78.
solutions converged at the same point and were Planning formalization: Policies and procedures
identical; providing strong evidence of model greatly influence the process of SISP within our firm;
identification [34]. Model fit measures, in particular We utilize formalized planning techniques (e.g., BSP)
x2, provide direct statistical evidence of unidimen- in our SISP process; Our process for strategic planning
sionality and convergent validity. Further evidence is very structured; Written guidelines exist to structure
of these properties is gained through high and strategic IS planning in our organization; The process
significant factor loadings as well as low residuals and outputs of strategic IS planning are formally
between the observed and implied covariance documented. ML estimates were 0.42, 0.83, 0.87,
matrices. 0.68, and 0.59 all significant at p < 0.001. Model
Discriminant validity is achieved when the estimates: x2 (5) = 9.22 (p = 0.10); GF = 0.96; AGF =
correlations between any two dimensions are sig- 0.88; Factor Reliability = 0.82.
nificantly different from unity [2,69]. Empirically, Planning focus: The primary focus of IS planning is
this property can be established through the compar- controlling cost through extensive budgeting; In our
ison of an unconstrained model, which estimates (or IS planning process we encourage creativity and idea
‘‘frees’’) the correlation (f) between a pair of generation over control; Strategic IS planning is
constructs and a constrained model, which fixes the viewed as a means of controlling the growth of
value of the construct correlation to unity. The technology; Control systems are used to monitor
difference in x2 between these models is also a x2 variances between planned actions and outcomes;
with degrees of freedom equal to one. A significant x2 Our IS planning process is tightly integrated with
difference implies that the unconstrained model is a the firm’s normal financial planning or capital
better fit for the data thereby supporting the existence budgeting routine. ML estimates are 0.51, 0.71,
of discriminant validity [2,69]. Such tests were 0.75, 0.48, 0.16. All but the last item were significant
conducted between all possible pairs of constructs at p < 0.001. This item was dropped and the four-
within the theoretical system. A more refined item model was estimated. Model estimates: x2 (2) =
indication of the ‘‘extent of discrimination’’ between 4.22 (p = 0.07); GF = 0.92; AGF = 0.80; Factor
construct pairs can be gained through comparison of Reliability = 0.71.
the AVE for each construct with the estimated Planning flow: Strategic planning for IS is initiated at
correlation between constructs. Discriminant validity the highest levels of the organization; The planning
is strongly inferred when AVE for each construct flow within our organization can be characterized as
is greater than the squared correlation between ‘‘top–down’’; Planning for IS is initiated by
constructs. requests/proposals from operational/functional man-
agers; Those who formulate strategic IS plans are
A.1. Planning system measures and analysis most responsible for their implementation; The
(on a 7-point Likert type scale ranging from primary role of upper management is to endorse
‘‘strongly disagree’’ to ‘‘strongly agree’’) rather than formulate IS plans. ML estimates were
0.83, 0.49, 0.52, 0.17, and 0.59. All but the fourth
Planning comprehensiveness: We attempt to be item were significant at p < 0.001. The respecified
exhaustive in gathering information relevant for IS four-item model had estimates of x2 (2) = 5.85
planning; Before a decision is made, each possible (p = 0.07); GF = 0.98; AGF = 0.89; Factor Reliability
course of action is thoroughly evaluated; We attempt = 0.71.


Planning participation: Top-management is actively IT (X1); Improved understanding of how the
involved in strategic IS planning; A variety of organization actually operates; Development of a
functional area managers participate in the process ‘‘blueprint’’ which structures organizational pro-
of IS planning; Our process for strategic IS planning cesses; Monitoring of internal business needs and the
includes numerous participants; Strategic IS planning capability of IS to meet those needs (X5); Main-
is a relatively isolated organizational activity; The taining an understanding of changing organizational
level of participation in SISP by diverse interests of the processes and procedures; Generating new ideas to
organization is high. ML estimates were 0.74, 0.87, reengineer business processes through IT; Under-
0.85, 0.66, and 0.75 all significant at p < 0.001. standing the dispersion of data, applications, and
Model estimates: x2 (5) = 9.66 (p = 0.10); GF = 0.96; other technologies throughout the firm. Model
AGF = 0.88; Factor Reliability = 0.88. estimates: x2 (9) = 15.68 (p = 0.09); GF = 0.94;
Planning consistency: We constantly evaluate and AGF = 0.88; Factor Reliability = 0.86. X1 deleted
review conformance to strategic plans; We fre- due to inadequate reliability. X5 deleted due to
quently adjust strategic plans to better adapt them to significant cross loading with alignment.
changing conditions; Strategic IS planning is a Planning cooperation (7-point scale anchored by
continuous process; We frequently schedule face-to- ‘‘entirely unfulfilled’’ and ‘‘entirely fulfilled’’):
face meetings to discuss strategic planning issues; Avoiding the overlapping development of major
We formally plan for information systems as the systems; Achieve a general level of agreement
need arises. ML estimates were 0.58, 0.81, 0.85, regarding the risks/tradeoffs among system projects;
0.83, and 0.14, all but the last item significant at Establish a uniform basis for prioritizing projects;
p < 0.001. The reduced four item model had Maintaining open lines of communication with other
estimates of x2 (2) = 4.73 (p = 0.07); GF = 0.98; departments; Coordinating the development efforts of
AGF = 0.89; Factor Reliability = 0.86. various organizational sub-units; Identifying and
resolving potential sources of resistance to IS plans;
A.2. Measures and analysis for SISP Developing clear guidelines of managerial responsi-
effectiveness bility for plan implementation. Model estimates: x2
(14) = 23.25 (p = 0.05); GF = 0.96; AGF = 0.92; Factor
Planning alignment (7-point scale anchored by Reliability = 0.91.
‘‘entirely unfulfilled’’ and ‘‘entirely fulfilled’’): Planning capabilities (7-point scale anchored by
Understanding the strategic priorities of top-manage- ‘‘much deterioration’’ and ‘‘much improvement’’):
ment (X); Aligning IS strategies with the strategic plan Ability to identify key problem areas; Ability to identify
of the organization (X); Adapting the goals/objectives new business opportunities; Ability to align IS strategy
of IS to changing goals/objectives of the organization; with organizational strategy; Ability to anticipate
Maintaining a mutual understanding with top-man- surprises and crises; Ability to understand the business
agement on the role of IS in supporting strategy; and its information needs; Flexibility to adapt to
Identifying IT-related opportunities to support the unanticipated changes; Ability to gain cooperation
strategic direction of the firm; Educating top-manage- among user groups for IS plans. Model estimates: x2 (14)
ment on the importance of IT; Adapting technology to = 23.40 (p = 0.10); GF = 0.94; AGF = 0.88; Factor
strategic change; Assessing the strategic importance Reliability = 0.90.
of emerging technologies. Model estimates: x2 (9) = Planning contribution (7-point scale anchored by
16.90 (p = 0.05); GF = 0.92; AGF = 0.83; Factor ‘‘strongly disagree’’ to ‘‘strongly agree’’): SISP
Reliability = 0.91. X deleted due to inadequate contributes significantly to the financial performance
reliability. of the firm; SISP enables us to make better managerial
Planning analysis (7-point scale anchored by decisions; We are able to identify new IT-based
‘‘entirely unfulfilled’’ and ‘‘entirely fulfilled’’): opportunities before our competition; The time,
Understanding the information needs of organi- money, and effort devoted to SISP is more than
zational sub-units; Identifying opportunities for justified by its benefits; SISP provides valuable input
internal improvement in business processes through into the planning process of top-management; SISP


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2(1), 1993, pp. 23–35. of Information Systems at the University
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a paradigm and illustration within the context of information A number of recent articles have ranked him among the top five
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Albert Segars is the RBC Centura Dis-
sion Sciences 29(2), 1998, pp. 303–345.
tinguished Professor and chair of the
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information and technology management
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area at the Kenan–Flagler Business
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School, University of North Carolina,
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Chapel Hill. He also is a Sarah Graham
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Kenan Distinguished Scholar. He
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received his Ph.D. from the University
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of South Carolina in the area of IT man-
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agement Dr. Segars has published exten-
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sively in the areas of E-business, IT strategy and knowledge
with feeling, Long Range Planning 30(3), 1997, pp. 334–
management in journals such as MIS Quarterly, Information Systems
344.
Research, Decision Sciences, JMIS and Information & Manage-
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ment. He is an active consultant with numerous organizations
planning effectiveness: organizational contexts and planning
including IBM, Sprint, Andersen Consulting, Merrill Lynch, and
systems dimensions, Information & Management 40(4), 2003,
Ford and serves on the board of several high-tech firms.
pp. 287–303.

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