Abstract
The University of Pennsylvania is the first university to link the reengineering of business processes and the development of an architectural foundation for integrating information and systems. The presentation explores that linkage as a catalyst for change, focusing on planning for flexibility in a fast-moving world, aligning information technology with business goals, and negotiating consensus in a radically decentralized institution such as the University of Pennsylvania. The presentation draws on lessons learned in a multi-year effort by Penn's Division of Finance and Office of Information Systems and Computing. The two partners are leading an effort to restructure Penn's administrative processes for effectiveness and cost-savings; develop an information technology architecture of principles, models, and standards; develop a long-range plan to integrate administrative information and systems; and acquire the new generation of systems, beginning with a new financial system