The Total Picture A Framework for Control of IT nvestments

摘要

Evaluation of IT investments is a difficult and complicated issue. This chapter presents a framework for control of IT investments with the aim of providing decision-makers with a clear picture of individual IT investments as well as an aggregated level where all IT investments are combined into a total picture. The framework has been developed using an action–research approach.In a number of workshops intermediate results have been presented, and reactions from practitioners have influenced the development. Participants in the project come from different EU countries all directly concerned with IT investments. The framework, that is being tested by authorities in different EU countries, is considered by participants to have the potential to improve the decision-making processes. The framework can also potentially be used in academic teaching in IT economics. The framework is based on a lifetime perspective in which established investment models can be applied. A main dimension is to consider interrelations between different IT investments through aggregation into a total picture, in order to control total spending on IT in organisations.