Towards Prioritizing IT Solution Developments through System Dynamics and Fuzzy Logic

Abstract

IT solutions are integrated bundles of hardware, software and services that create value for the customer by meeting their individual business needs. We found, that handling IT solutions is complex which results in several challenges that confront decision makers by developing IT solutions, such as the adaption of IT solution components to each other, or the integration to the customer's environment. To overcome these challenges, we propose a simulation model for prioritizing IT solution developments. The proposed model combines system dynamics and fuzzy logic and is based on a decision framework, which we derive from a broad literature review. To show the model applicability, we apply it by a mid-sized German company. The simulation results show the priority ranking of IT solution developments. Based on these results decision makers are able to determine the developing and integrating sequence of IT solutions.