-Most frameworks for planning of Information Technology (IT) projects are based on functional models of the organization, where investments are justified based on rate of return analysis comparing an existing, manual process with an automated substitute. The Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award (MBNQA) is considered herein as the basis for a strategic approach to IT planning. The benefits and shortcomings of this approach are discussed. The lack of consideration for the protection of intellectual property is identified as a key shortcoming, not only in the context of IT planning, but also in the broader context of MBNQA as a business assessment tool.