Groot, Smits & Kuipers (2006)

9 important questions on Groot, Smits & Kuipers (2006)

Describe the 'picture approach'

'Picture approach' is proposed as a method for analyzing, redesigning, and combining system complexes and for improving business IT alignment in organizations. It consists of electing en mapping the organization key information systems and their roles in the business processes

What is objective complexity?

Complexity can be regarded as an objective phenomenon, when it is defined as having objective characteristics: many elements (large number of functions) and many links (a high level of mutual interaction) that are subject to change.

What is subjective complexity?

Complexity can also be regarded as a subjective phenomenon. Subjective complexity of a system: the effort (as it is perceived) that is required to understand and cope with the system’. This definition implies that the complexity of an object in the eye of an observer may change without actually changing the object (the system complex) itself!
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

How can subjective complexity can be reduced?

Subjective complexity can be reduced by improving communication between the actors involved, aiming for shared views on the system complex.

Why was the picture approach developed?

  • In the first place, the picture approach aims to reduce subjective complexity as perceived by the managers involved (by enabling communication processes), followed by a reduction in the objective complexity of system complexes.
  • Secondly, the picture approach should clarify the existing system complexes (IST) as well as present proposals for the future situation (SOLL) and a process to support decision-making on the IST and SOLL complexes

An explicit description of the pictures of each system complex is given in fact sheets. The five fact sheets that come with a system complex include descriptions of five main aspects. Which five?

  1. IT architecture
  2. Systems functionality
  3. Process support
  4. Costs and benefits
  5. Risks

The pictures make clear that one business process often covers multiple departments and that one department is involved in multiple processes.

Usually three or four photo shoots are required to create a picture of a business process. What happens at each photo shoot?

  • The first photo shoot leads to a conceptual model of the key actors, documents, applications and business processes.
  • The second and third photo shoots zoom in on each part of the business process and identify precise relations between processes, actors, documents, and systems
  • The final shoot shows a more detailed interaction between the systems, actors and documents

What are the two main stages in the picture approach?

In the first stage, the existing system complexes are described by taking pictures and making fact sheets in a relatively short period (see above). In the second stage, the target system complexes are defined and compared. The second stage starts with the consideration of whether one (or more) of the existing system complexes would be a viable target system complex.

In which two ways does the picture approach differ from system development?

  • It focuses on the entire information systems portfolio in one or more organizations
  • It aims to support managerial decision-making on system complexes in stead of (re-)designing (parts of ) one information system

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo