The business transformation effects of information technology
Name
48886380-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
3.7 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
0b66e705fe2766308ee1ecf45881babf
Author(s)
Butler, Bradford T., 1975-
Advisor(s)
George Kocur.
Date Issued
2001
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
New information technologies can greatly impact the landscape of business and even entire industries. For some, these changes are both welcome and anticipated. For others, technology seems to cause more problems than it solves. The ability to interrelate technology and business strategy is what differentiates these two groups. Strategy, not technology, should guide the direction of the business. This thesis presents a simple set of current business frameworks for analyzing the business transformation effects of new information technologies. The analysis includes the five force method, value chain analysis, and Gary Hamel's business model. Both the five force method and the value chain analysis are from the work of Michael Porter. Next, the thesis introduces a case drawn from the Department of Public Works (DPW) in Arlington, Massachusetts. Currently, the water department in the DPW plans to install a new wireless data collection system and a new data analysis application. The new technologies allow the DPW to collect and analyze customer's meter readings more efficiently. Through the use of the above mentioned business analysis tools, this thesis explores the possible business transformation effects caused by the implementation of the new technologies. By examining the future effects, the town can make a more educated decision regarding when and how to implement the new IT systems. Also, the analysis may help to eliminate unexpected issues before they arise both during and after the implementation.
Description
Thesis (M.Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2001.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 86).
Subjects
Civil and Environmental Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Terms of Use
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