ABSTRACT
Contrary to the viewpoint of many, planning is one of the most emotional exercises, or tasks, that one can undertake. One quickly becomes exhilarated by glimpses of beautiful mountain peaks and great vistas when plans are being developed but feels the depths of frustration when the plans are finally being carried out. The scope of the planning effort and the size of the organization involved will determine how to go about planning for information systems and who should do it. The chapter focuses on information systems planners to set their sights high and on participative planning and objective decision making. The microcomputer, for example, is just the latest in that cycle. A proposed investment in new systems or computers, for example, generally has to be compared with current technology in use and systems that are in the process of development.
