Strategic information systems planning: perspectives on the role of the 'end-user' revisited

Discussions on the formulation and implementation of strategic information systems and associated planning (SISP) has focused attention on the importance of the utilisation of ‘end-users’ of technology in organisations. This paper argues that the planning process itself tends to utilise approaches which support the envisionment of an organisation strategy but without encouraging the complimentary contribution of enabling key information and technology users to share the planned vision, or play a key part in its formulation. The focus of this paper is a study of those involved in ‘end-user computing’ (EUC), noted to be growing both in physical numbers and importance, who attempt to exploit technology for strategic purposes. Empirical evidence is presented which is related to concepts associated with the ‘stages of growth model’ to illustrate the opportunities and constraints of linking end-user activity to the strategic planning of information systems and technology (IS/IT).

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