Information resource planning for a health-care system using an analytic hierarchy process-based goal programming method

This paper presents a goal programming (GP) model which aids in allocating a health-care system’s information resources pertinent to strategic planning. The model is developed based on the data obtained from a major health-care system in the United States. The overall objective is to design and evaluate a model for effective information resource planning in a health-care system. The proposed model: (1) utilizes a GP approach to reflect the multiple, conflicting goals of the health-care system; (2) employs a GP solution process to reflect multi-dimensional aspects of the resource allocation planning; and (3) allows for some degree of flexibility of decision-making with respect to resource allocation. The goals are decomposed and prioritized with respect to the corresponding criteria using the analytic hierarchy process. The model result is derived and discussed. This GP model facilitates decision-making planning process and managerial policy in health-care information resources planning and similar planning settings.