Returns on IT Investment: Could We Do Better?

Spending on IT continues to show long-term growth throughout the economy, apparently reflecting a belief in the economic benefits of IT. However, we also see organizations struggle in practice to demonstrate such benefits. Conventional thinking suggests that individual organizations can improve their performance in this area through better financial analysis of opportunities. But does this characterization of the solution reflect the real problem? Is there more value that can be achieved through IT at a macro level or are we simply seeing market competition with winners and losers? And will better understanding of the detailed financial consequences of IT systems enable businesses to improve decisions and achieve greater returns? This panel session will challenge conventional thinking on IT value both at a macro and micro economic level. In the process, it will balance the perspectives of research with those from practice and consider the role of alternative theoretical lenses.