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Track: Forestry
Christopher Risbrudt
USDA Forest Service
PO Box 96090
Washington, DC 20090-6090
Telephone: 202-205-0895
Fax: c/o J Steffenson - Esri Denver
John Steffenson
Policy and Organizational Issues in Large Organizations Case Study: U.S. Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service has been implementing strategic information technology for many years and is currently implementing a state-of-the-art client/server technology base consisting of UNIX-based IBM RS/6000 workstations and servers, X-terminals, and other peripherals along with standard software including ArcInfo, ArcView, Oracle RDBMS, and Applix office automation software. Like the experiences of other organizations, implementing the technology is but one, and often easier, part of the information Technology puzzle. Implementing technology effectively involves orchestrating technology, data, processes, and the people who use them simultaneously in such a way that integrates the parts into a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. This paper examines some of the issues the USDA Forest Service faces with regard to process and organization and what the agency is doing to try and bring about an integrated and balanced solution. Central to this effort is the development of strategies for
ensuring that strategic investments in information technology are tied to critical business needs throughout the organization. Key components include establishing the appropriate role and level of involvement of senior management.
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