Chapter 4 - Systems Planning

A) Introduction

• Management is taking IS more seriously
• IS CAN support BUSINESS PLANS

Enterprise Model - describes all the major entities of the enterprise and their relationships (use ERD) (Fig. 4.1)

Generalized Information Systems Model - illustrates a broad technology platform that is sufficient to support the enterprise model. (Fig. 4.2)

B) Systems Planning Overview

Why plan systems?

• Missed opportunities to take advantage of PDM strategic factors
• Exorbitant prices paid for h'ware, s'ware & networks
• rushed work towards end of project
• disruption of users and their work because of poor scheduling
• loss of credibility with users because of missed target dates

Who plans systems?

• systems planning team - core of people with management, business operations and systems background
• staff members with specialized skills
• steering committee - senior managers from major segments of organization (CIO, CEO, CFO)

steering committee tasks:

• resolve territorial or political conflicts
• determine priorities
• approve systems plan and budget
• review project progress
• at specific checkpoints, determine whether project should be discontinued

What are the components of the systems plan report?

• The overall component - broad list of all 5 components of IS as well as budget for each item (Fig. 4.3, 4.4)
• The applications component - approved portfolio or systems project proposals (Fig. 4.5)

How is Systems Planning Related to Systems Analysis?

C) Reviewing Feasability and Strategic Factors

TELOS & PDM

• Technical Feasibility (hardware & software)
• Economic Feasibility
• Legal Feasibility (IRS & SEC regulations)
• Operational Feasibility (people & procedures)
• Schedule Feasibility

• Productivity
• Differentiation (ex. Federal Express & American Airlines Sabre)
• Management (MIS, DSS, Expert Systems, Executive Information Systems)

D) Developing Systems Project Proposals

Turning a Problem into an Opportunity

Systems Project Proposal Form (Fig. 4.8)

• Using the Business Plan to Create Systems Project Proposals

  PDM can be used to link business plan with systems plan (Fig. 4.9)

• Using Information Technology to Create Systems Project Proposals

  ex. EDI

• telecommunications networks enable companies to:
  • enter new markets
  • offer new products and services
  • deliver old products and services in new ways
  • support more efficient and effective manufacturing operations
  • provide more timely information to managers
  • coordinate operations throughout the enterprise

E) Prioritizing Systems Project Proposals

1. Computing TELOS Feasibility Factors Scores - each 0 - 10
2. Computing PDM Strategic Factors Scores - each 0 - 10
3. The Prioritization Process - (Fig. 4.10)
4. Systems Project Proposals Portfolio - (Fig. 4.11)

F) Planning and Reporting on the Systems Project

project director assigns projects to systems project managers

Creating a Project Schedule - (Fig. 4.12)

• Project Identification
• Resource Summary
• Gantt Chart
• Task Schedule

copies of 1rst 3 parts submitted to project director and steering committee as estimates are revised, revise reports; but keep all on file

Reporting Project Progress

• frequent checkpoints needed - weekly / monthly progress reports
• goal is to spot potential trouble areas

Analyzing Project Progress

• compare % complete figures with estimates in Project Schedule Report

Revising the Project Schedule Report

• best if can use automated project management techniques

Exercises: look over 1-15 ; turn in 4.16, 4.17, 4.19