Includes index.

Getting Startedo Purpose of Information Systems Strategic Planningo Involvement of the Organization Information Systems Steering Committee Executive Management Information Systems Organization Vendor Review and Implementation TeamThe Planning Processo Planning Componentso Planning Processo Plano Phase 1 of the Planning Process: Conceptual Business Level Purpose Process ScopeUnderstanding the Business Directiono Document High Level Business Directiono Executive Management Interviewso Summarize and Present the Business Directiono Environmental Requirementso Operating Visiono Phase 2 of the Planning Process: Detailed Business Analysis Information Needs Business Processes Business RequirementsUnderstanding and Communicating the Current Information Systems Situationo Phase 3 of the Planning Process: Conceptual IS Plan and Visiono Current Situationo Information Systems Environment Business Application Environment PC and Local Area Network Environment Networko Organizational Structureo Expenditureso Backlogo Other Locationso Industry Trendso Competitor ProfilesDetermining the High Level Direction of Information Systemso Missiono Visiono Strategic Objectiveso Strategieso Information Systems and the Business Goalso Computing Architectureo Policies and Responsibilitieso Annual Objectiveso Information Systems Service ArchitectureDetermining the Gap Between Your Current Situation and Where You Want to be in the Futureo Phase 4 of the Planning Process: Option Analysis and Action Plano Business Operating Vision Assessmento Environmental Requirements Assessmento Information Needs Assessmento External Requirements Assessmento Business Application Assessmento Business Requirements Asessmento Technical Computing Architecture Assessmento Service Architecture Gapo Summary of the GapDetermining How to Get to Where You Want to Beo Option Identificationo Information Gatheringo RFQ Response Reviewo Option Analysiso Recommendationo ROI AnalysisSelling the Recommendationo Management

Today's technological advances are directly affecting the success of business tomorrow. With recent-- and continual--improvements in technology, many organizations are finding their information systems obsolete, and are having to take a close look at their current Information Systems and answer some tough questions, including:oHow well are our current Information Systems applications meeting the business needs today? How well can they meet the needs of our business tomorrow?oAre we obtaining true value from the investments made in Information Systems?oAre we integrating the Information Systems projects that provide the most value to business?oWhat Information Systems mission, objectives, and strategies are necessary to successfully meet the business challenges of the future?A Practical Guide to Information Systems Strategic Planning helps take the "guess work" out of evaluating current and future Information Systems, and provides the necessary tools for maximizing the investment made in new technology. This invaluable guide shows readers how to take advantage of the latest technology available in Information Systems planning, and how to develop a solid Information Systems plan that is directly linked to their business' goals.In an easy-to-follow, hands-on format, this complete reference describes a process for facilitating communication between business management and the Information Systems functions. Both Information Systems Executives and general business executives will find the information they need to develop a successful, value-added Information Systems plan. Readers will find a step-by-step approach to the process of developing an Information Systems plan that helps them gain a competitive edge well into the future.