Investigation of a Management Process

This study linked the management activity of
planning with Alexander et al.''s (1977) concept of
pattern languages developed within architecture. The
concept has been expanded in the information systems
discipline to document software development
practices. However, this work focussed on software
from a purely technical aspect. Consequently, a
focus of this study was to explore human processes
of planning in organisations. Qualitative research
was conducted by means of case and cross-case
analysis of interviews of senior planning personnel
in public and private organisations. At a macro
level planning performances in all participating
organisations indicated a strong relationship to
Alexander''s concepts of patterns. Participating
public sector organisations demonstrated some common
themes in their planning, usually due to government
accountability demands. In the private sector each
organisation undertook very different processes,
largely because there was no internal or external
accountability. Findings led to the development of a
conceptual model to assist planning efficiency and
effectiveness in organisations.

Autorentext

Apart from her Management studies that constituted the basis of her PhD study, Dr Carolyn Dickie also has degrees in teaching and extensive experience in businesses as diverse as finance and operatic companies. She is extensively engaged in onshore teaching at Curtin University, Western Australia and numerous offshore locations.

Klappentext

This study linked the management activity of planning with Alexander et al.'s (1977) concept of pattern languages developed within architecture. The concept has been expanded in the information systems discipline to document software development practices. However, this work focussed on software from a purely technical aspect. Consequently, a focus of this study was to explore human processes of planning in organisations. Qualitative research was conducted by means of case and cross-case analysis of interviews of senior planning personnel in public and private organisations. At a macro level planning performances in all participating organisations indicated a strong relationship to Alexander's concepts of patterns. Participating public sector organisations demonstrated some common themes in their planning, usually due to government accountability demands. In the private sector each organisation undertook very different processes, largely because there was no internal or external accountability. Findings led to the development of a conceptual model to assist planning efficiency and effectiveness in organisations.