Strategic information system (SIS) of virtual organization (VO)

Abstract

In the modern business world, the networked organizational connections tend to become prevailing organizational form. However, virtual organizations represent a special form of network organization. The backbone of virtual organization is its information system. To obtain successful and efficient operating of virtual organization, its strategic information system is of key importance. Strategic Information System (SIS) is a type of Information System that is aligned with business strategy and structure. SIS is designed to support and increase the competitive strength of a VO. We have upgraded Anthony's paradigm, and taken into consideration the changes in the field of organization and management of modern network companies. This includes also the aspect of assuring the suitable information support to corporate management, which has to provide, at different levels and areas of operation, successful and effective management of corporate business processes in virtual environment. In the paper the aspect of defining possible fields of application of the SIS and the study of their characteristics are discussed. The theory is supported and illustrated by the LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping) Living Laboratory case study. © 2008 International Federation for Information Processing.