Information Architecture: In Search of Efficient Flexibility.

Author List: Allen, Brandt R.; Boynton, Andrew C.;
MIS Quarterly, 1991, Volume 15, Issue 4, Page 435-445.
This article addresses how information systems architecture can be used to support organizations in the 1990s—organizations that face the dual challenge of "speed and flexibility" and "low cost and efficiency." At the heart of this challenge is the basic notion that information systems have been anything but flexible in the past and that, for many firms, information systems are more disablers of flexibility than enablers. The article discusses two architectural solutions to this problem: "the high road and the low road," and the benefits and pitfalls of each. We conclude that neither solution will succeed on its own and that firms need to combine elements of both to meet the challenges of the 1990s. This article is based on some of the things we have learned through research, case writing, and consulting while working with a variety of organizations over the past three years. These experiences have illustrated the importance of and the struggle with IS architecture for today's global competitors. The content is intended to help guide, provoke, stimulate, and entertain others who believe that the integration of information technology with organizational strategy and structure is of paramount concern to senior managers.
Keywords: Information architecture; flexibility; organizational strategy and structure
Algorithm:

List of Topics

#16 0.232 infrastructure information flexibility new paper technology building infrastructures flexible development human creating provide despite challenge possible resources specific advances developing
#26 0.151 business large organizations using work changing rapidly make today's available designed need increasingly recent manage years activity important allow achieve
#159 0.109 systems information objectives organization organizational development variety needs need efforts technical organizations developing suggest given effective designing lack help recent
#119 0.079 implementation systems article describes management successful approach lessons design learned technical staff used effort developed organization experiences large managing discusses
#123 0.067 information strategy strategic technology management systems competitive executives role cio chief senior executive cios sis support organization officer position ceos