The Strategic Value of Information

The challenges facing the modern organisation are dynamic. Meeting these challenges requires empowered, innovative business leaders. A key component of the empowerment process is the steady supply of relevant information, upon which the decision-making process leverages. Since strategic planning concerns itself with establishing the major direction of an organisation, a clear understanding of the input variables is required. Information facilitates this process. Yet, herein lies the caveat: the avalanche of information in the computer age without effective management can complicate, rather than simplify, the decision-making process. Additionally, investing in Information Technology can consume huge financial resources. Executives struggle to quantify the return on such investment. They might ask, "Why do we need to spend twenty million dollars to remain competitive instead of just a few million to improve customer service levels?" This book sets out the hypothesis that investment in relevant, customer-focused information systems adds value and provides a return in excess of the cost of capital.

Autorentext

Robert Volkwyn's life work focuses on software innovation. He pioneered the development and use of spatial systems in various contexts long before their recent popularity. His driving passion and pursuit of excellence have seen his creations internationally adopted. Robert was born and raised in sunny South Africa. He now lives in B.C., Canada.