The strategic dimension of computer systems planning

Abstract : The computer, formerly a determinant of the efficiency of internal corporate systems, is fast becoming a key to corporate effectiveness in the total business environment -- a major factor influencing corporate performance viz-a-viz competition. To effectively capitalize on the true potential of corporate computer systems today, all levels of management must contribute and participate in their development. Too often the orphan of company computer system planning has been corporate top management, and the chief executive officer in particular. A fundamental requirement for the computer systems success is direction from the top. The form of this direction should be a company computer strategy: an explicit statement by top management of the computer's role in attaining the strategic objectives of the corporation.