MIS625 IS Strategy & Planning Introduction

Information Definitions of information –Processed data – For some this yields a hierarchy of data  information  knowledge  wisdom –The reduction of uncertainty – Does information convey meaning? –Knowledge communicated concerning some particular fact, subject, or event – That which is communicated

Semiotics Theory of ‘signs’ – Communication takes place by means of signs Levels of communication oThe content and purpose of communication oPragmatics – intentions oSemantics – meanings oThe form and means of communication oSyntactics – formalisms oEmpirics – signals and codes

Information redux Information is a bizarre word – Does it refer to a product or a process? Consider other words that end in –tion –Instruction – product and process –Pollution –Contribution What meaning is lost because information only refers to a product?

Technology Technology is another bizarre word – Its original meaning is the study of technē Is technology a noun that refers to an object? Or a category of objects? Technology is concerned with “…the invention, development, and cognitive deployment of tools and other artifacts, brought to bear on raw materials and other stock parts, with a view to the resolution of perceived problems.” - Hickman 2001 –Information technology may use information and information products as inputs and outputs. –Key features of this definition are goal orientation, human involvement through the application of learned techniques, and design and use of tools and techniques

What is Strategy? Etymology - strategy strategy –1810, "art of a general," from Fr. stratégie, from Gk. strategia "office or command of a general," from strategos "general," from stratos "multitude, army, expedition," lit. "that which is spread out" (see structure) + agos "leader," from agein "to lead" (see act). Strategic "pertaining to strategy" is from 1825.structureact

What is Strategy? 1.a. The science and art of using all the forces of a nation to execute approved plans as effectively as possible during peace or war. b. The science and art of military command as applied to the overall planning and conduct of large-scale combat operations. 2.A plan of action resulting from strategy or intended to accomplish a specific goal. See Synonyms at planplan 3.The art or skill of using stratagems in endeavors such as politics and business.