Inter-Organisational Systems, Strategy and Structure: the case for planning environments

Authors

  • Pat Finnegan
  • Robert Galliers
  • Philip Powell

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3127/ajis.v6i1.328

Keywords:

ecommerce, inter-organisational systems, IOSmethodology, Ireland,

Abstract

Electronic trade and commerce have brought inter organisational co-operation to the forefront of organisational strategies. However, inter-organisational systems (IOS) planning lacks appropriate methodological guidelines, and tends to be practised in an insular manner. This paper examines the development of systems in three interorganisational networks in Ireland in order to ascertain the planning that went into them. The networks studied are representative of three types of structural interdependencies - pooled, reciprocal and sequential. Although it is difficult to identify an activity that can be clearly labelled IOS planning, planning is integral to the development of all networks. The interdependencies influence planning processes and outcomes. For the pooled and reciprocal networks, the planning process gives a focus. For the sequential network, the main planning is done by the hub organisation, and extended to the spokes. Planning interactions across all networks illustrate similarities that reveal that existence of planning environments within which IOS planning takes place. These planning environments are proposed as being an appropriate basis for the development of IOS planning guidelines.

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How to Cite

Finnegan, P., Galliers, R., & Powell, P. (1998). Inter-Organisational Systems, Strategy and Structure: the case for planning environments. Australasian Journal of Information Systems, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.3127/ajis.v6i1.328