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
- Computing TELOS Feasibility Factors Scores - each 0 - 10
- Computing PDM Strategic Factors Scores - each 0 - 10
- The Prioritization Process - (Fig. 4.10)
- 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