Information systems characteristics of organizations in environments of change

Management information systems (MIS) are continually faced with changing requirements, both internal and external. Since few systems can be designed to fully anticipate all change, system portfolios frequently tend to become heavily weighted with older systems needing revision. As a result, systems may be discarded and replaced with totally new systems, particularly when there is an emphasis on short-term results. Consequently, the benefits of implementing change on existing platforms may remain unrealized since they are overshadowed by the attractions of new systemintroductions. Given the potential diseconomies associated with such a trend, it appears that future MIS efforts will benefit by focussing more on ways to assess MIS design change in relation to existing systems as opposed to brand new systems only. Another difficulty in producing new systems is in properly incorporating them into the operations of the business. There is a need to not only produce new systems within a reasonable time frame and cost, but also to assure that they are effectively utilized.