1. APPLICATION PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS PLANNING  
Paula Serdeira Azevedo (1)
Carlos Azevedo (2)
Mário Romão (3)
1 Associate Professor, University of Algarve, Information Systems and Technology Department, ESGHT, Faro – Algarve, Portugal
2 Visiting Professor, University of Algarve, ESGHT, Faro – Algarve, Portugal
3 Assistant Professor, ISCTE-IUL, University Institute of Lisbon, Science and Information Technology Department, Lisbon, Portugal

2. 2. The role of Information Systems Planning
AGENDA
1. Introduction
2. The role of Information Systems Planning
3. The Application Portfolio Matrix
4. Case Study: results
5. Conclusions
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013

3. purpose of this paper question covered by this research
1. INTRODUCTION
purpose of this paper
Verify the use of the application portfolio matrix as a relevant tool to information systems planning.
Focus on the origin of the matrix in the context of information systems architectures, reporting its development through the contributions of several authors.
Present results of an investigation performed on a corporate group of companies of this sector and focused on the advantages and limitations of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
Emphasize the transversal role of this tool for several businesses, including tourism.
question covered by this research .
Management of IS applications:
The need for the organization to align it with business strategy
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013

4. 2. The role of Information Systems Planning
IS/IT strategic planning defines information requirements and how they are applicable to business, based on:
Strategic analysis of the organization and its environment (business strategy, value chain, process analysis, external factors….)
Major critical success factors (CSF)
CSF’s identified for this industry
Relationship with external operators through new distribution channels
Diversifying service offer, services like entertainment, health centres and golf courses as a differentiation factor towards competitors
Process performance improvement
Quality of Service to the customer
Competitive advantages associated with the use of IS/IT
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013

5. 3. The Application Portfolio Matrix+
Potential contribution of applications to future business goals
Degree of dependence of the business on IS/IT applications in achieving business performance + -
Source: Ward et al.
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013

6. Relative Market Share Market Growth
Origin: The Boston Matrix (Boston Consulting Group)
Relative Market Share
HIGH
LOW
Market Growth
Strong
STAR
Weak financial flow
Recommendation: to keep leadership
Question Mark/Dilemma
Negative financial flow
Recommendation: improve market share or leave
Weak
CASH COWS
Strong financial flow
Recommendation: monetize
DOG
Recommendation: Leave or restructure
Source: Ward et al.
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013

7. Application Portfolio Management for Investments
The IT Portfolio Management approach has a similar basis to managing your personal investment portfolio. 
Investors are advised to ensure diversity to help protect ones wealth from failure in any one industry or risk groups. 
In the same way the Portfolio Management process will assess all of the proposed IT projects and seek to ensure that there is a balance of risk – i.e. not all projects are high risk; that skills can be spread across the portfolio and that change is manageable across the business units.
Funding of investments through the portfolio approach will evaluate the business cases, and help ensure that the most beneficial IT projects receive funding.
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013

8. 4. Case Study: results Current Application Portfolio STRATEGIC
HIGH POTENTIAL
Microsoft CRM (Marketing and conference room management)
KEY OPERATIONAL
SUPPORT
SAP (MM module - procurement)
OPERA (front office)
MICROS – POS (sales/invoicing)
BELAVITTA (health centers - SPA)
CEDIS (health centers)
CONCEPT (golf camps)
VINGCARD (room access control)
SAP (modules: HR – human resources; FI – financials; BO – reporting)
TARGET (cash management)
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013

9. Future Application Portfolio
STRATEGIC
HIGH
POTENTIAL
E-booking
Electronic invoicing
Online booking integrated software, with automatic check-in and check-out
KEY OPERATIONAL
SUPPORT
ERP(frontoffice+POS+CRM+SAP MM)
Room Access Control
Integrated software for other business areas (golf and health centers)
ERP back office
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013

10. 5. Conclusions
Using application portfolio matrix enabled mapping the applications of the studied group of companies, according to its strategic importance to the business. This was possible because tools like organization value chain, critical success factors and matrixes relating processes to applications were applied.
Portfolio analysis also allowed putting in perspective its evolution, mapping the future portfolio, according to business strategies and competitive advantages identified in the study
The investigation allowed to relate the concept, the objectives and the relevance of IS strategic planning, namely with the following matters:
a) Alignment of IS/IT investments with organizational goals;
b) Use of IS/IT to obtain competitive advantages;
c) Development of policies and architectures for IS;
d) Enabling appropriate human resources management as well as other assets in the area of IS/IT,
e) To perspective the future application portfolio with information systems that satisfies demanding dynamics inherent to the evolution of the hospitality industry.
TMS Algarve- 14 November 2013