Strategic Planning and Information Systems Success: Evaluation in Greek SMEs

Having been negatively influenced by the financial crisis Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) try to be innovative and increase their growth by aligning their business and IT strategy so as to compete in the current uncertain environment. However, there is a lack of strategic planning and formal processes as well as ineffective use of IS. As a result, executives fail to develop effective IS plans and achieve long-term sustainability. Thus, the aim of this paper is to examine the phases which contribute to a greater extent of success in order to provide professionals guidelines regarding the implementation of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) process in SMEs. Data were collected from IS executives in Greek SMEs. Factor Analysis is applied on the detailed items of the SISP process and success constructs. The results indicate that if executives wish to be able to implement Strategy Conception and Strategy Implementation with greater agility than now they should implement them with greater meticulousness. Furthermore, planners should focus on the analysis of current business systems IS and business environment. If these elements are comprehensible, the outcome of the planning process can be improved and the horizon as well as the cost of the project can be reduced.