|
Nature of the Information Provided |
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|
(1) |
Can I compare operating results across affiliates in a way that helps me form conclusions on relative product costs, margins, and sales volumes? |
YES |
NO |
|
(2) |
Do I know whether my subordinates are satisfied with their information resources? |
YES |
NO |
|
(3) |
Do I know whether my competitors have better information systems than I do? Business and Data Processing Planning |
YES |
NO |
|
(4) |
Have I approved a long-range information systems plan? |
YES |
NO |
|
(5) |
Do I know whether the data processing plan supports my business plans for the key regions? |
YES |
NO |
|
(6) |
Has data processing been on the agenda of high level operations reviews in the past 6 months? |
YES |
NO |
|
(7) |
In the past 12 months have I been involved in any major decisions on an information processing issue? |
YES |
NO |
|
(8) |
Have I been briefed in the past 12 months on the implications of new information processing technology for my business? Organization of Data Processing |
YES |
NO |
|
(9) |
Do I know how international data processing responsibilities are organized? |
YES |
NO |
|
(10) |
Do I have the authority and respo nsibility to get the information processing I want? |
YES |
NO |
|
(11) |
Do I have a source that keeps me informed as to how well data processing is working? Cost of Information Processing |
YES |
NO |
|
(12) |
Do I know how much I am spending on data processing in my key regions? |
YES |
NO |
|
(13) |
Do I know whether these regions are spending enough , too much, or too little? |
YES |
NO |
|
(14) |
Do I know on which functions data processing emphasis is being placed for the current levels of expenditure? |
YES |
NO |
|
(15) |
Do I think this emphasis is in the right place? |
YES |
NO |
A total of 12 or more yeses indicates that information processing operations are sound and well coordinated. A total of six to eleven yeses suggests that management intervention is needed in some areas. Fewer than six yeses indicates serious problems; senior international managers should almost certainly take action in the following three ways: (1 ) orchestrate the process by which the organization plans its approach to international data processing;
(2) create the right organizational framework for the international information system activity; and (3) define the roles of the key players.
SOURCE: Martin D. J. Buss, "Managing International Information Systems," p. 158.
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