Dear ICEIMT member:
I am investigating the relationships between business strategy planning = (BSP) and enterprise integration architecture (EIA) as opposed to = alignment (or fit) between BSP and information systems planning (ISP). = My interest is motivated by the fact that EIA is a product of ISP = process and is the tool through which information technology investment = decisions are formulated in support of corporate strategic direction.
Integrating the enterprise continues to be an issue among both = information systems executives and corporate strategic planners. It is = the general consensus (Brancheau, James C.; Janz, Brian D.; Wetherbe, = James C. (1996, June) Key issues in information systems management: = 1994-95 SIM delphi results. MIS Quarterly 20(2) 225-242) that building = and maintaining a responsive information technology infrastructure (#1) = is critical for corporate survival and managing environmental changes. = Closely related to this issue is developing and managing distributed = systems (#3), developing and implementing an information architecture = (#4), and planning and managing communications networks (#5) thus = satisfying the three components of an IT infrastructure: application, = data, and networks.
Achieving enterprise integration (EI) requires a robust IT = infrastructure; this infrastructure needs an overarching blue print that = coordinates both business models (processes, functions, structures, = knowledge) and information systems models (data, applications, = technology), and integration implementation plans (business, = applications, physical). Coordination of these models and plans are = designed, developed and managed through EIA. My study focus seeks to = answer the following questions:
(1) What are the factors for linking business strategy with enterprise = integration architecture to achieve enterprise integration? (2) To achieve enterprise integration, how are the variables for linking = business strategy with enterprise integration architecture used in the = planning framework? (3) How do these variables relate to enterprise modeling?
I seeking information based on personal experiences along the following = perspectives:
* Process/methodology used to incorporate enterprise integration into = business strategy framework. * Organizational structure and management actions (policy). For example, = line managers role in EIA planning and management, and if there is a "IT = alignment audit" component in the management review process. * Architecture design and implementation issues identified that impact = linkage with business strategy. * Effectiveness of the architecture in meeting enterprise integration = objectives and architectural principles. * Reactions of corporate planners to the architecture and significance = for their business strategy planning.
The information provided will be handled in a confidential manner and = will be used in my research project. Permission will be sought form = respondent prior to use in my report.=20
I would greatly appreciate your help to complete my research. If you = have experience or information you think may be useful, please share it = with me.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely yours,
Easton B. Rhodd, Ph. D. Student Nova Southeastern University, School of = Computer and Information Sciences, College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
Phone: (804) 740-4135. E-Mail: rhodd@ix.netcom.com=20
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