Information Specificity and Environmental Scanning: An Economic Perspective

1997 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 59

Authors: Choudhury, Vivek; Sampler, Jefferey

Abstract: This paper addresses two questions. First, how does an organization allocate it ... Expand

Abstract: This paper addresses two questions. First, how does an organization allocate its environmental scanning resources among all the potential sources of information in the environment? Second, how does an organization allocate responsibility for acquiring environmental information? Specifically, when does an organization choose to monitor an environmental source within its hierarchy, and when does it outsource the task? In the former case, when does the responsibility for acquiring information rest with the ultimate user, and when is it delegated, either to a subordinate or to a central environmental scanning unit?The paper proposes a set of economic arguments to answer these questions. Borrowing from transaction cost theory, the paper develops the concept of information specificity to parallel the idea of asset specificity. Information specificity has two dimensions-knowledge specificity and time specificity. The paper uses transaction cost theory and agency theory to propose that the information acquisition choices made by managers and organizations are based on the specificity of the desired information. In making its arguments, the paper introduces the notion of cognitive transaction and agency costs to complement the behavioral costs that are the focus of traditional transaction cost and agency theory logic. Collapse

Topics: organizational memory asset specificity outsourcing business systems planning

Methods: company material literature study theory development

Theories: transaction cost economics agency theory theory of bounded rationality

Strategic planning for data warehousing

1997 | Information & Management | Citations: 4

Authors: Subramanian, Ashok; Douglas Smith, L.; Nelson, Anthony C.; Campbell, James F.; Bird, David A.

Abstract: In the course of a major strategic planning exercise for a large municipal gover ... Expand

Abstract: In the course of a major strategic planning exercise for a large municipal government, data warehousing emerged as a tactic for consolidating and sharing information among many City departments with different informational needs and a variety of computing platforms. In this paper, we describe processes and analytical methods for shaping a data warehousing strategy and for determining the contents of the data warehouse. We also present some cautionary conclusions about the development of monolithic data warehouses to serve an entire organization. Collapse

Topics: data warehouse strategic management database system mainframe end user computing

Methods: survey nominal group technique cluster analysis group interview

MIS planning: A methodology for systems prioritization

1994 | Information & Management | Citations: 6

Authors: Agarwal, Ritu; Roberge, Linda; Tanniru, Mohan R.

Abstract: The literature proposes a number of approaches that allow for the consideration ... Expand

Abstract: The literature proposes a number of approaches that allow for the consideration of corporate goals and objectives in prioritizing information systems using both financial and non-financial criteria. Research in cognitive psychology suggests that an individual confronted with a simultaneous consideration of both qualitative and quantitative factors tends to assign greater salience to concrete factors than to more abstract criteria. This paper proposes a multi-dimensional methodology that allows for the prioritization of systems proposals based on attributes that are mostly qualitative as the first step in the resource allocation phase of MIS planning. This initial prioritization is used in conjunction with other quantitative factors to arrive at a final system portfolio. The methodology is illustrated with the aid of a case study conducted at a non-profit organization. Collapse

Topics: business systems planning resource allocation

Methods: case study

Identification of Strategic Information Systems Opportunities: Applying and Comparing Two Methodologies

1991 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 44

Authors: Bergeron, Francois; Buteau, Chantal; Raymond, Louis

Abstract: Much has been said about opportunities for the strategic use of information tec ... Expand

Abstract: Much has been said about opportunities for the strategic use of information technology by organizations aiming to gain a competitive advantage. However, not much is known about the actual process by which opportunities for the use of strategic information systems are identified. While various planning methodologies have been proposed, there is at present a paucity of information on empirical results obtained from applying them, and on their effectiveness, efficiency, and specificity. This article presents the results of a field experiment aimed at applying and comparing two well-known methodologies for identifying information systems opportunties from a competititve advantage perspective--Porter's value chain and Wiseman's strategic thrusts methodology. An instrument was prepared to operationalize each methodology, which was then applied in two matched sets of 10 mediumsized enterprises. Both methodologies were found to be effective in generating a significant number of ideas for information systems worthy of implementation. Similarities and differences are analyzed and disussed in terms of the number, estimated implementaton costs and duration, managerial level, and decision to implement the applications identified by the two methodologies. These applications are also classified from the perspective of both Porter's and Wiseman's framework, The results seem to indicate that while there is an overall similarity between the two methodologies, there are certain differences that show the more outward orientation of the strategic thrusts framework and its greater attractiveness for organizations in unstable environments. Collapse

Topics: competitive advantage innovation management business systems planning marketing management strategic management

Methods: Student's t-test case study survey field experiment descriptive statistic

Requirements, Needs, and Priorities: A Structured Approach for Determining MIS Project Definition

1984 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 2

Authors: Batiste, John; Jung, John

Abstract: the more highly publicized methods used to perform requirements definition for ... Expand

Abstract: the more highly publicized methods used to perform requirements definition for information systems. A key element in these techniques, and often the most difficult to secure, is the total manpower commitment required to perform them correctly. These analysis methods are attractive to management, but we have not always been successful in selling those approaches to senior executives due to the time commitments they require.Requirements, Needs, and Priorities (RNP) combines the more effective concepts of CSF, BSP, and A TT with traditional requirements analysis while minimizing the time and effort required to reach project definition. The objective is to bring executive recognition of MIS needs from a maybe perspective to one of definite yes or no. This article will describe the RNP procedure and explain the components for successfully executing a study. Collapse

Topics: critical success factor business systems planning authorization business process management personal computer