The purpose of this study was to examine information technology/systems strategy related factors in the automotive supply industry based on responses to the Strategic Planning and Business Performance Survey provided to automotive suppliers. This population produces supplies to the automotive industry with products valued at hundreds of billions of dollars and represents a substantial percentage of shipments generated annually by general manufacturing in the United States (U.S. International Trade Commission (1994). "Industry & Trade Summary: Certain Motor-Vehicle Parts and Accessories"). The target individual for survey distribution and completion was the individual most directly responsible for the execution of information technology related strategy within the organization. Based on the results of the survey, suggestions were made for strategies to achieve operational effectiveness/efficiency using information technology/systems to create barriers to competitive entry in the automotive supply industry, or reasons are discussed why information technology cannot be used in the generation of barriers to entry. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]