Inter-organizational systems planning: learning from current practices

Organizations are investing heavily in information systems (IOS) to support inter-organizational activity. These systems, however, tend to be implemen ted on an ad hoc basis, hindered by an absence of adequate planning. This p aper examines the IOS planning experiences of a set of the largest organiza tions in Ireland and the UK. The paper demonstrates that IOS planning is st ill in its infancy, though there is widespread agreement as to the desired results from IOS planning and how it should be conducted. In general, there is an over-reliance on traditional information systems planning approaches and the majority of organizations experience difficulties with IOS plannin g.