Performance Implications of Information Systems Strategy Planning within Zimbabwean Firms: a Context Approach

Ngwenya Bongani^1,

¹Faculty of Business, Solusi University, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Cite this paper:
Ngwenya Bongani. Performance Implications of Information Systems Strategy Planning within Zimbabwean Firms: a Context Approach. American Journal of Systems and Software. 2013; 1(1):1-10. doi: 10.12691/ajss-1-1-1

Abstract

Context consideration in Information Systems Strategic Planning has been premised as very important by several studies conducted in this area. However, there has not been systematic incorporation of contextual factors and the categorization of factors has not been made explicit and some factors have only been superficially examined. This study sought to examine the interrelationships amongst four domains of context and considered their influence on Information Systems Strategic Planning. The study also examined the corresponding impact of planning on business performance. For the purposes of this study, data was collected from 113 Zimbabwean companies and results revealed that the internal Information Systems context mediated the effects of environmental and organisational level variables on Information Systems Strategic Planning practice. The results further showed that Information Systems planning intensity and degree of integration with business planning was strongly influenced by managerial planning expertise, and had positive effects on business management’s commitment to Information Systems as well as on Information Systems contribution to business overall performance. Results have important implications in organisational Information Systems Strategic planning and overall organisational performance.

Keywords:
information systems strategic planning context environment strategy planning expertise commitment

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