Definition

The IS steering committee is a decision-making body composed of top-level functional managers and IS specialists that provides planning and control for the organization’s IS function.

Functions

• Defines IS objectives
• Approves IS policies
• Reviews and prioritizes requests for IS resources
• Resolves conflicts between user departments
• Establishes and approves IS long-range plans
• Approves IS capital budget
• Reviews and monitors milestones on major projects

Advantages

• Top management involvement
• User representation
• Centralization of authority
• Promotes user ownership of systems
• Promotes planning and control
• Establishes user focus in IS

Disadvantages

• Costly
• Decisions politically-based
• May not have sufficient technical expertise
• No cross-functional representation
• Members too high – may not know real needs