Management Information Systems

System acquisition is a complicated concept with many different pros and cons to consider. It is important to understand the benefits of both buying a system and building a system and then the different options that are available for each of those routes.

In your opinion, what should upper-level management understand about the differences between purchasing an IS vs building an IS? These are generally some of the most expensive purchases a company will make, but oftentimes the person who makes the final decision has very little knowledge on the actual functions of the systems they are buying.  Is this something that should be changed, or is it acceptable to rely IT & IS support personnel for all the information related to these purchases?