BUSINESS PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION-SYSTEMS METHODOLOGIES

An Information Systems Methodology is usually presented as a sequential set of tasks - planning, analysis, design and construction - resulting in a new business application. This classical 'forward-engineering' approach must be adapted to changing business needs - business process redesign, quality management, process and systems templates, advanced technologies, application packages, the reuse of existing information systems resources, and rapid delivery cycles. Using the most general concept of a Business Programme, this paper describes a methodological approach incorporating these modern themes that is qualitatively and quantitatively different from the classical model. It provides a framework for the integration of otherwise independent methodologies, and shows how an entire programme can be formulated, planned and executed An example is provided, and the approach is justified.