COUPLING CORE COMPETENCES - WIRING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTO THE BUSINESS

The current paradigms underlying strategic management in general business - upon which information management is defined - are shifting. The salient points of this change and how they will impact the management of information technology are set out. An adapted management model is outlined, using a simple four-component framework. The most influence will be felt in the area of information technology planning. The notion of core competence of the business being influenced by its counter-part competence in information technology is investigated and a process of iterative definition and refinement, to replace the traditional strategic planning, is suggested. The day-to-day management of the technology will also be significantly affected, mainly by an increased use of new and innovative forms of alliance with external agents. The idea of an information technology keiretsu is used as an example of how such alliances could be structured.