Strategic pianning for ~IIS-A conceptuai framework

Increasingly, Management Information Services (MIS) divisions within organizations are becoming more centrally involved in the mainstream of corporate activities. MIS projects are becoming more complex and expensive; are affecting more aspects of the business; and are taking longer to design, develop, and install. For these reasons, effective planning for the MIS function is felt to be of paramount importance. In recognition of this, a conference was held on Planning for MIS in 1974, jointly sponsored by McKinsey & Company, Inc., and the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Attending v:ere MIS executives and practitioners from both the public and private sectors. During the two days of discussions, a number of conclusions were reached which are detailed in this paper. Building upon this conference, and on other work of the authors, the balance of the paper is devoted to presenting a framework for strategic planning for MIS. Definitions of key terms are included, as well as a discussion of some common planning pitfalls. Finally, a list of questions is given, designed to aid the MIS executive in carrying out his own organization's planning effort.