Executive Summary
This thesis develops a case study for military Information Resource Management (IRM) students, focusing on the Department of Defense (DoD) and the applicability of the Corporate Information Management (CIM) model. It uses the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) as a framework to analyze unique IRM problems and develop strategic communication plans within a military context. The study aims to equip future military managers with skills for effective decision-making in IS design.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense analysts as it provides a historical case study on information resource management within the DoD, highlighting the strategic importance of information systems and the challenges of their design and implementation in a military environment. It offers insights into how information is viewed as a critical asset for operational effectiveness and strategic planning.
Key Takeaways
- Information Resource Management (IRM) is critical for military organizations, encompassing planning, organizing, controlling, and managing information and associated resources.
- The Corporate Information Management (CIM) model serves as a framework for developing IRM strategies within the DoD, emphasizing strategic alignment of information systems with organizational goals.
- Case studies from military settings are essential for training future military managers to analyze and solve unique information system design problems in defense contexts.
- The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) case demonstrates the application of IRM principles to strategic communications planning, addressing issues like centralization and technical standards.
- The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 and 1986 defined information as a resource and mandated its management within federal agencies, including the DoD.
Strategic Relevance
This thesis underscores the strategic importance of effective information resource management within the DoD, demonstrating how well-designed information systems contribute to operational efficiency, command and control, and overall military effectiveness. It highlights the challenges and methodologies for integrating information strategy with broader defense objectives, particularly in a post-Cold War downsizing environment.