The Dual Lens Method: A Practical Approach to Information Systems Strategy in SMEs.

The Need for an IS Strategy Formulation Method for SMEs

A failure by SMEs, or any organisation, to effectively plan IS strategy that is well aligned with the organisation’s strategic business goals can result in serious financial consequences resulting from poor ICT investment decisions. Recent research indicates that SMEs that manage their ICT strategically and in alignment with their business strategy enjoy financial benefits (Wynn, 2009). Whilst a formalised process for developing an information systems (IS) strategy is commonplace in many large organizations, the same cannot be said of IS strategy formulation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In SMEs, reflective and considered enterprise-wide planning of IS investments is frequently lacking (Blili & Raymond, 1993; Levy & Powell 2000). The result of this can be disjointed IS portfolios that are not well aligned or integrated with the organisation’s strategic goals (Ward & Peppard, 2002; Levy & Powell, 2005). Past studies have suggested that the problem is that management in these businesses generally do not understand the role, nature and importance of effective decisions regarding IS investments (Levy & Powell, 2000; Hagmann & McCahon, 1993). Further, an effective yet simple IS strategy formulation method specifically taking account of the specificity of the SME business environment has not yet been developed, published and publicized (Levy & Powell, 2000).

What is required, therefore, is a theoretical framework and practical tools that are more simple and straightforward than those used in large companies (Blili & Raymond, 1993; Levy & Powell, 2000). In an attempt to address the disproportionate focus of the information systems strategy literature in the past on large organisations, this paper describes a theoretically-informed method, specifically designed to guide small to medium business enterprises (SMEs) in developing an information systems strategy, by taking into account the special characteristics of SMEs.

It is important to note in passing that the information systems strategy formulation method presented in this paper focuses on the determination of the strategic information systems capabilities that are needed in an organisation, and not on simple IT-based utilities such as e-mail and Microsoft Office-type capabilities. Such utilities and office support are considered necessities in today's business world and below the focus of an enterprise-wide strategic information systems plan. However, if desired, such considerations could easily be included in the Information Systems strategy formulation method.