Creating an Institutional Repository (IR) in Greece : need for information systems strategy?

Abstract: The purpose of an Institutional Repository (IR) is to disseminate information to the public through technology networks. This entails numerous and complex Information System (IS) processes and a ‘state of the art’ Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, which need to be strategically managed to successfully meet an organization’s goals. Therefore, the focus of this research is to investigate and justify how Information Systems Strategic Planning (ISSP) is utilized by a Greek University when developing an IR. This study was based on the Technological Educational Institute of Athens (TEI-A). The gathering of evidence involved reviewing key institutional documents and a qualitative case study research method using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. The interviewees were informed about the study beforehand and were required to sign a consent form to ensure ethical integrity. The analysis of this data was based on hermeneutics interpretive phenomenology with specific focus on the hermeneutic circle in ISSP. In conclusion, the empirical findings and analysis showed that ISSP is essential when creating an IR as provides order in the chaos relating to IS and IT processes. This is done through ISSP continually reassessing each of its stages to ensure best practices are being applied.