Information systems (IS) typically represent a considerable investment for organizations. Failure to properly evaluate an investment in IS can pose risks to organizations, ranging from loss of potential productivity gains to excessive costs. One goal of this paper is to help organizations enhance their decision-making process when preparing to make IS investments.

The paper maps out and visualizes the range and aspects of knowledge that the authors consider relevant for manufacturing organizations in the IS investment evaluation (ISIE) process in conjunction with interrelated knowledge components (KC). This is done using a fuzzy expert systems knowledge mapping technique (that is, fuzzy cognitive map) to explore the interrelationships and intricacies of the investment decision-making factors. A good process is a necessity for management in reducing the risk of making bad IS investment decisions.

The paper goes through a series of steps, starting with identifying ISIE factors along five MOOTS dimensions (managerial, organizational, operational, technological, and strategic). The next step is identifying and correlating KC with ISIE factors. The next steps involve using the fuzzy cognitive map in the analysis.

While understanding the analysis and its implications requires a good deal of work, it may yield valuable insights that would help the reader improve the investment decision process within his or her manufacturing organization. The reader need not be a mathematician, but business analyst skills would be beneficial.