Systems Review Committee
Most large companies use a systems review committee to evaluate systems requests.
Instead of relying on a single individual, a committee approach provides a variety of experience and knowledge. With a broader viewpoint, a committee can establish priorities
more effectively than an individual, and one person’s bias is less likely to affect the decisions. A typical committee consists of the IT director and several managers from other
departments. The IT director usually serves as a technical consultant to ensure that committee members are aware of crucial issues, problems, and opportunities.
Although a committee offers many advantages, some disadvantages exist. For
example, action on requests must wait until the committee meets. To avoid delay,
committee members typically use e-mail and teleconferencing to communicate.
Another potential disadvantage of a committee is that members might favor projects
requested by their own departments, and internal political differences could delay
important decisions.
Many smaller companies rely on one person to evaluate system requests instead of a
committee. If only one person has the necessary IT skills and experience, that person
must consult closely with users and managers throughout the company to ensure that
business and operational needs are considered carefully.
Whether one person or a committee is responsible, the goal is to evaluate the requests
and set priorities. Suppose four requests must be reviewed: the marketing group wants to
analyze current customer spending habits and forecast future trends; the technical support
group wants a cellular link so service representatives can download technical data instantly;
the accounting department wants to redesign customer statements and allow Internet access;
and the production staff wants an inventory control system that can exchange data with
major suppliers. Which projects should the firm pursue? What criteria should be applied?
How should priorities be determined? To answer those questions, the individual or the
committee must assess the feasibility of each request