IS IMS5042 Strategic Planning Assignment 1: Debate Topics To simplify the logistics of running the debates, I have combined the aspects of philosophy which were discussed in class into opposing pairs. These pairs seem to me to go together fairly well, but each team must ensure that the argument it presents in the debate covers both sets of philosophical aspects. The pairs of philosophical aspects and the propositions for the debates are as follows: Aspects of planning philosophy Debate Topic Rational vs non-rational/political Debate 1: That the concept of rational Comprehensive vs partial/incremental comprehensive planning for IS is completely misguided. Strategic planning is always focused around issues which are based on ideologies, beliefs or organizational politics which can never be covered comprehensively, and can not be resolved using rational analysis. Unified vs pluralist Dictatorial vs democratic Debate 2: That successful IS strategic planning requires strong centralized leadership and control of the planning process which includes a single clear set of agreed objectives the for strategic plan. Democratic, pluralist ideals which encourage widespread consultation and permit multiple viewpoints lead to chaotic planning processes and unclear planning outcomes. Debate 3: That IS strategic planning is a creative process in which strategies emerge from actions rather than being established as part of a formal organized planning process. Planning processes must be flexible, informal and oriented towards recognizing trends and adapting to them, rather than being rigidly based around formal processes and blueprint plans Debate 4: That successful IS strategic planning requires the identification of a clear vision, the ...