Information systems strategy in air transport .

Abstract

Seeking to improve the role of Information Technology (IT) and business practices in the Department of Defense, organizations were sought to serve as a model to aid in the improvement process. Southwest Airlines, a major U.S. carrier based in Dallas, Texas was chosen because of its record of profitability and its unique use of information technology. This case study describes Southwest's mission, goals, organization, business decisions, attitude, growth and information technology. The primary focus is the fact that Southwest does not participate in a major carrier's reservation system. Lessons learned for a military officer in terms of Information Technology are to avoid redundancy, improve functionality, avoid expensive enhancements that do not contribute to our requirements, and don't discount old technologies.