Case Study: Evaluating IS by Using an Executive Information System

Abstract This article presents an approach to the structuring and application of an executive information system (EIS) directed at comparing the productivity and effectiveness of information technology within an industry and of organizations within that industry. Although a case study focusing on the electric utility industry is used, the structure can be applied to various industries in which the application of information technology is similar between organizations and data is reasonably available. The article describes the advantages of an EIS over traditional means of communicating complex data to management. A framework for comparing resources and systems between selected organizations is developed to address organizational productivity at various levels of detail.