User-led approach to information system investments

Information system (IS) expenditures for upstream E and P have come under strong review along with other overhead expenses. Increasing frustration with IS budgets and concern about their business value have led Unocal to change the way it starts, manages and implements IS projects. Successful IS investments are aligned with the goals and functions of work groups and are balanced against other investments. The twin axes of business need and technical excellence must be served together to fully achieve successful IS investments. This paper describes project organizations and methods to achieve these dual objectives