Critical Success Factors in MtS Planning Critical Success Factor Analysis as a Methodology for MIS Planning

Tttis article addresses the use and benefits of ttie Critical Success Factor (CSF) methodology in identifying corporate information needs and, subsequently, in developing a corporate information systems plan. The conclusions presented are drawn from an analysis of a CSF study conducted at Financial Institutions Assurance Corporation (FtAC). Interestingly, ttie initial purpose of tttis study was to evaluate the firm's existing data processing system in light of intermediate-term corporate objectives. However, the outcome of the CSF study has been a fundamental rethinking of the nature of the corporation, and its impact far surpassed the initial expectations of everyone involved. The case presented here, combined with information drawn from the CSF literature, can provide a number of meaningful insights on the use ot the CSF methodology as a procedure for MIS planning and for building support for using information technologies throughout a user