ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the application of the Critical Success Factor (CSF) method as a way of evaluating the information available for planning and control activities. Using a questionnaire in addition to individual interviews and group meetings to collect data on the Critical Success Factors, Rockart's method was successfully applied to assess the availability of critical information needed by the management of a multi-institutional health care arrangement. Results indicated large differences in the information needs of the management team evaluated. The added value of the work is the insights gained by using multiple methods within a general CSF concept. The CSF method is recommended to perform the evaluation of the information function in the context of evaluative research.
Key words and phrases: critical success factors (CSF), MIS planning, information systems requirements, evaluative research