INFORMATION RESOURCE-MANAGEMENT - INTEGRATING THE PIECES

Abstract

Information-based organizations depend upon computer databases and information systems for their ongoing operation and management. Information Resource Management (IRM) is a program of activities directed at making effective use of information technology within an organization. These activities range from global corporate information planning to application system development, operation, and maintenance and support of end-user computing. Numerous approaches to specific IRM activities have been proposed. They remain disjoint, however, and, hence globally ineffective. A significant reason for inability to integrate IRM activities is the failure to adequately define the information resource. What is it that must be effectively managed? This paper addresses this issue. It applies data modeling concepts to the problem of managing organizational information resources. A data model is developed to support and integrate the various IRM activities. This model formally defines the information resource and the data needed to manage it. It provides a basic ingredient for effective Information Resource Management.