Case | HBS Case Collection | September 1997

Information at the World Bank: In Search of a Technology Solution (A)

by W. Earl Sasser, Josep Valor and Carin-Isabel Knoop

Abstract

Information Technology Services Director Mohamed Muhsin planned to restructure the World Bank's information technology in response to President Jim Wolfensohn's call to build a knowledge bank. Several reorganization efforts taken by the bank in the 1980s led to a decentralized system, which hindered the access to and sharing of information within the bank. By the early 1990s, the organization's values had shifted, calling for more collaboration among all bank sectors. The creation and implementation of a standardized, user-friendly information technology system was needed. Describes how Muhsin planned to restructure and the challenges he would face.

Keywords: Restructuring; Information; Knowledge Management; Mission and Purpose; Technology; Public Administration Industry;

Format: Print 21 pages Find at Harvard

Citation:

Sasser, W. Earl, Josep Valor, and Carin-Isabel Knoop. "Information at the World Bank: In Search of a Technology Solution (A)." Harvard Business School Case 898-053, September 1997.

Related Work

  1. Case | HBS Case Collection | September 1997 (Revised October 1997)

    Information at the World Bank: In Search of a Technology Solution (B)

    W. Earl Sasser and Josep Valor

    Acting on his vision to make the World Bank a knowledge institution, bank President Wolfensohn announces the creation of an Information and Knowledge Management Council and an Information Solutions Group, headed by a newly nominated CEO, Mohamed Muhsin. This case describes Muhsin's intentions as well as those of the head of the bank's knowledge-management initiative.

    Keywords: Organizational Change and Adaptation; Information Technology; Knowledge Management; Management Teams; Information Management; Banks and Banking; Banking Industry;

    Citation:

    Sasser, W. Earl, and Josep Valor. "Information at the World Bank: In Search of a Technology Solution (B)." Harvard Business School Case 898-054, September 1997. (Revised October 1997.)  View Details
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About the Author

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W. Earl Sasser
UPS Foundation Professor of Service Management, Emeritus

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