Title: Strategic management of complex IT systems

Authors: Nandish V. Patel

Addresses: Brunel School of Business, Brunel University, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: Strategic management of complex information technology is unable to cater for emergent information, presenting an information management and overhead cost problem. Planning and plans result in rule-based prescriptive behaviour that dominates strategic management. Management of complex information technology and information strategically, whilst allowing for emergent information is addressed in this paper in terms of the Generalised DRASS Matrix derived from constructs of the Theory of Deferred Action. The Matrix provides plural perspectives on planned and emergent information. Management techniques based on it can serve to integrate complex IT systems management with planned and emergent information needs. A meta-analysis of extant systems provides exemplar systems from public and private sectors.

Keywords: theory of deferred action; generalised DRASS matrix; deferred systems; information management; strategic management; emergent organisations; diffused management; ICT; information technology; communications technology; emergent information.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITM.2010.030456

International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.9 No.2, pp.109 - 131

Published online: 17 Dec 2009 *

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