Customers as Partners in the Information Technology Planning Process

Abstract

The University of Minnesota embarked upon a unique planning process in 1993/4 which involved customers as partners in determining strategic next steps for implementing a common information technology vision. We asked customers through focus groups, meetings, and surveys, to define their current and future needs in order to be leaders in their fields and to identify barriers they encounter in using information technology. We asked providers to respond to this customer input and determine their capacity to meet the needs of the customer. We collected and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data. Results of the planning process; an understanding that customers and providers must work together to provide appropriate services; and an Information Technology Council at the highest levels of the University to provide for broad based consultation and connection to collegiate and unit information technology planning. Paper presented at CAUSE94, the full proceedings of which are available through this Library as PUB1094.