Decision Sciences Journal
Volume 30, Number 1
Winter 1999
The Relationship Between Information System Planning Sophistication
and Information System Success: An Empirical Assessment
Rajiv Sabherwal
Department of Decision Sciences & Information Systems, Florida
International University, University Park, Miami, Florida 33199,
e-mail: sabherwa@fiu.edu
Abstract. Literature on information systems (IS) planning
implicitly assumes that a sophisticated IS planning process leads
to greater IS success. This paper questions the exclusive reliance
on this traditional belief. Instead, because IS planning requires
significant organizational resources, prior IS success is essential
to convince top management of the importance of IS planning sophistication.
Therefore, IS success may influence IS planning sophistication.
Several theoretical arguments are advanced in support of this
explanation.
Data from a survey of 236 academic institutions are used to
empirically assess the two alternative directions of the relationship
between IS planning sophistication and IS success. Four structural
models including the alternative causal directions are evaluated.
Two of these models are supported. Together, they imply that
for a high level of IS planning sophistication, either the previous
ISs should have been successful or the organization should possess
advanced information technology capabilities. Thus, empirical
results suggest that the explanation presented here (i.e., IS
success facilitates IS planning sophistication) provides an equally
good alternative to the more traditional explanation (i.e., IS
planning sophistication facilitates IS success).
Subject Areas: Information Systems Planning, Management
Information Systems, Structural Equation Models, and Survey Research/Design. |