Benefits management - How to realize the benefits of IS/IT investments

Abstract

This master thesis has evolved from the productivity paradox and the “silver bullet thinking”. The meaning of the productivity paradox is that the investments in IT are growing extensively, but there is doubt that the benefits of IS/IT investments might not be as high as expected. Silver bullet thinking means that when it comes to IT we still act if, once determined, the benefits associated with an investment will automatically happen. Therefore, this thesis aims to look at the differences between the literature and practice and to create a framework of how the benefits of an IS/IT investment can be realized. We have done a literature study as well as an empirical study including 16 interviews at Volvo IT. According to the purpose this thesis focuses on the benefits management process, which stages the benefits management process should include and issues to consider. The result illuminates important aspects of evaluation of benefits of IS/IT investments and a framework for benefits management process is presented.