Do computer systems really pay-off?

Abstract

Over recent years IBM-UK has worked with a number of other organisations to appraise the financial returns achieved from computer systems. Using a standard methodology called SESAME, approximately 170 applications across a range of industries have been reviewed to date. This consistent base of information allows senior executives to compare the financial performance of computer systems with other investments; to set reasonable financial targets for new systems development; and to judge the 'return on investment' from their computer systems with that achieved by other companies. This paper provides an overview of the SESAME methodology, discusses some results of individual studies and summarises the general conclusions emerging from this work. © 1986.