Managing Information Technology as a Strategic Resource

A major question concerning the use of IT by organizations remains: how can information technology be exploited successfully?

Based on over ten years of research at the Oxford Institute of Information Management, this book seeks to provide insights into how this issue can be addressed.

From real experiences of organizations, the research programme has sought the underlying management principles that can turn IT into a strategic resource.

In the face of changing technologies and uncertain business environments, a key concern is to show how to navigate the four domains - IT hype, IT capability, Useful IT, and Strategic IT.

This is necessary in order to focus on the relatively few applications that make a significant and strategic difference.

The research shows the importance not of technology per se, but of people and processes.In particular it looks at: the role of the CIO/CEO; how IT value can be assessed; the structure and capabilities needed in modern IT functions; the role of users and specialists in IS development; risk and management in strategic IT and BPR projects; how to make IT sourcing decisions and monitor the results; building for the future through learning and developing new capabilities; and dealing with emerging technologies.

These themes are pursued through rigorous research and case studies developed in private and public sector settings in Europe, the USA and amongst global corporations.

This book is ideal for MBA students and undergraduate and postgraduate students on management, business and computer courses concerned with the management of IT and associated change management issues will also find it a vital resource.