A conceptual model for information systems support of strategic planning within a command and control environment

A command and control system organization posture provides an opportunity for organizations to exist in a challenging, demanding, and unforgiving environment. In such an environment, designated as a command and control system organization oriented environment, organizations attempt to minimize the undesirable effect of unrecognized threats and capitalize upon the desirable effect of unfulfilled opportunities through planning. A review of current literature indicates that there is no existing architecture for the design of an information system that supports strategic planning in a command and control system organization oriented environment.; In support of this need, this research developed a conceptual SPSS (Strategic Planning Support System) model. This model adopts both the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) procedures and also the assessment framework established by the Joint Strategic Planning System. The professional military community uses the Joint Strategic Planning System as means of providing structure to the military strategic planning process. The conceptual SPSS model also adopts Michael Porter's Five Forces model and his Value Chain analysis approach as a foundation for business oriented strategic planning. Overall, the conceptual SPSS model captures the procedures vital to formal strategic planning.; Further research introduced a prospective information system architecture with discussions in regard to hardware support, resource allocation, management guidelines and system maintenance processes. The information system described shows that, given sufficient notice, a dynamic or command and control system oriented organization may position itself so as to move to avoid or preempt a threat (or at least position the organization so as to best weather the threat). The same model based information system can also be directed towards seizing upon overwhelming opportunities as they arise from the environment.