ABSTRACT
Given the dynamic and constantly changing business environment, there is considerable debate about the value of conducting strategic planning for information systems (IS). Despite the divergent views, the author and many others are convinced that such planning is an essential and critically important activity for all organizations. In this chapter a distinction is made between planning for operational efficiency and planning for strategic advantage. The former is achieved through exploitation strategies and the latter through exploration strategies. The main focus, however, is on the identification and discussion of eight principles for successful planning for IS. Two case studies were conducted to see if these principles are followed by real world organizations. Based on the evidence, it is suggested that a detailed written plan is not always an essential requirement for successful and effective use of technology..
