The Role of IT&S (Information Technology and Systems) in the Transport Arena

Abstract

The topic is not an easy one. Information Technology and Systems (or Management Information Systems) have come of age in the transport industry, regardless of the mode. It is impossible to entertain any discussion about the role of IT&S without divorcing oneself from the company we are in, re-visit the position of IT&S in the Transport Industry and then define what this element, IT&S (or MIS), really is. Throughout the presentation two “mind-sets” are prevalent: IT&S is a strategic business enabling process rather than a technology or a system The organisation is regarded as an open system whereby the Project Management mindset represents the culture of team learning and shared decision making. The objective of this presentation is on the one hand to introduce the non-computer professional to the IT&S discipline within the organisation and on the other hand to demonstrate the strategic importance of the Information discipline within the company. It follows the route of modern strategic management via the needs and wants of the client, and then defines exactly what Information Technology and Systems comprise from a business perspective. This is necessary to create a common understanding of the positioning of IT&S in the organisation and to show the influence of IT&S on the organisation culture. Total Quality Management (TQM) is briefly visited to illustrate the paradigm shift towards the client wants and the desire to satisfy these wants. IT&S is the most important business enabler in modern business and the statement can be made that those organisations who still regard IT&S as only one of the backoffice support functions, will not survive the first decade of the new century, regardless whether the Information Infrastructure is Year 2000 compliant or not. This presentation starts with the national transport directive and re-positions the client in terms of MSA agenda. Information Technology and Systems (IT&S) are then defined in perspective with its role in the organisational structure. From here the Value Chain (Porter) is used to illustrate how IT&S (as a division) has evolved to its current strategic role in the organisation. With the macro and micro-environment defined above, the presentation focuses on the internal Information Technology and Systems perceptions and demonstrates how the IT&S portfolio evolved over the past three decades. This is necessary to understand the technology dilemma of Information Systems and how its role is changing within the paradigm of the typical transport company. The volatile nature of Information Technology can only be stabilised within a given organisational culture. The IT&S Industry has its own growth patterns that are unique and, when left alone, can develop its own culture which may not be susceptible to the dominant organisational culture. Master Information Systems Planning is core to the management of IT&S Cultures. This section concludes with probing statements about outsourcing. In the conclusion the presentation attempts to introduce the mindset of the strategic project management to the area of IT&S decision making. The presentation utilises graphic animation and models to illustrate concepts. Throughout the mind-set of Project Management is prevalent. Interactive graphics are also used to create an atmosphere of “learning” while enjoying the show. The author can be contacted in person for further comments or information.