Showing papers in "Management Information Systems Quarterly in 1983"
TL;DR: Based upon an exploratory study of eight organizations which involved extensive interviews with IS and senior managers, this article describes the planning practices observed and identifies several factors which seemed particularly important to their planning success, or lack of it.
Abstract: In recent years there has been an increasing amount of attention paid to effective strategic planning of the information systems resource in many organizations. The motivation for this attention derives from a number of resources, especially the rapid rate of technological progress in computer and telecommunications facilities to problem domains that are critical to organizational success. As a wide range of new opportunities become apparent, it has become a more difficult to mate the operational, managerial, and strategic needs of the business with appropriate systems activities.
Based upon an exploratory study of eight organizations which involved extensive interviews with IS and senior managers, this article describes the planning practices observed and identifies several factors which seemed particularly important to their planning success, or lack of it. These factors include such things as the style of senior management decision making, the volatility of the business and by extension, the applications development portfolio), the complexity of the IS organization and management task, and the status and physical location of the IS manager.
321 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of interviews on end user computing carried out in twenty locations in St. Louis were conducted between December 1982 and March 1983, where sixty-seven end users from all levels of management and nineteen IS professionals were interviewed in their work locations regarding the practice of interactive computing by non-DP professionals.
Abstract: This article reports on a series of interviews on end user computing carried out in twenty locations in St. Louis. The interviews took place between December 1982 and March 1983. Sixty-seven end users from all levels of management and nineteen IS professionals were interviewed in their work locations regarding the practice of interactive computing by non-DP professionals.
Though end user computing is still in its early stages, signs of rapid growth are present. In response to this growth, IS departments are attempting to develop policies for its control and support. The picture is complicated by the recent introduction of microcomputers to the business office. The study explores this new phenomenon and examines some of the differences between those who use the mainframe environment and those who use micro-computers. Software used, the varieties of applications developed, and the training background of end users are examined, as well as some of the problems encountered and some of the early results.
A prime objective of the study is accomplished in identifying end users' educational goals. Finally, five critical issues are identified which those interviewed saw as needing resolution in the near future.
226 citations
TL;DR: The findings suggest that software group innovativeness can be improved by providing appropriate external information channels, but this relationship is contingent on a software groups internal environment.
Abstract: This study of forty-nine software development groups investigated the effectiveness of ten information channels, linking the software groups to potential information resources about new developments in software methodologies, as a means of facilitating software group innovativeness. While the findings suggest that software group innovativeness can be improved by providing appropriate external information channels, this relationship is contingent on a software groups internal environment. The channels most commonly provided by those organizations participating in the study tended to be those least effective in promoting innovation.
146 citations
TL;DR: The study reveals that job stresses among information systems managers are positively related to psychological and physiological strains, and that the level of social support among IS managers is lower than among other managers.
Abstract: This study investigates the sources or organizational stress among information systems (IS) managers, the resulting symptoms of strain, and whether social support can reduce symptoms of strain. A field study comprised of a survey questionnaire was chosen as the most appropriate design for this investigation. The respondents were IS managers, ranging in organizational hierarchy from vice president or director to project manager, in both governmental and private sector organizations of varying sizes.
The study reveals that job stresses among IS managers are positively related to psychological and physiological strains. While all of the stressors included in this investigation are significantly related to strain symptoms, certain stressors emerge as having the greatest impact. Likewise, certain strains that result from these stressors are more prevalent than others. Concerning social support, the study reveals that the level of social support among IS managers is lower than among other managers. When social support exists, strain among these managers is significantly lower.
The implications of the study's findings are considerable both for the health prognosis of IS managers and their job performance.
122 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that systems which spent more time in the analysis phase required less time to code, resulted in greater user satisfaction, and were developed in agreement with established budgets and deadlines.
Abstract: In a field study of thirty-two business application systems, the relationship between the time spent in various phases of the development life cycle and the outcome of the development was examined. Results indicate that systems which spent more time in the analysis phase required less time to code, resulted in greater user satisfaction, and were developed in agreement with established budgets and deadlines. These results suggest preferred strategies for the development of application systems and have implications for their successful management and control.
102 citations
TL;DR: The task and individual characteristics of 184 professionals who accessed commercial database services to acquire external information directly or through an intermediary ("chauffeur") suggest that multiple access arrangements are necessary in order for organizations to make effective use of these and other types of online database systems.
Abstract: This field study investigated the task and individual characteristics of 184 professionals who accessed commercial database services to acquire external information directly (as "end users") or through an intermediary ("chauffeur"). Chauffeured access appears to be most appropriate when the individual has a one-time need for new information while direct access appears to be most appropriate when a database is used on a regular basis by the same individual. The results of this study are consistent with prior research which suggests that multiple access arrangements are necessary in order for organizations to make effective use of these and other types of online database systems.
92 citations
TL;DR: This study attempts to validate the stages of growth hypothesis by analyzing data concerning the benchmarks that were prescribed by Nolan, using the entire set of benchmarks for each stage.
Abstract: This study attempts to validate the stages of growth hypothesis by analyzing data concerning the benchmarks that were prescribed by Nolan [15]. Although the hypothesis was not validated using the entire set of benchmarks for each stage, individual benchmarks were related to various DP management issues. The joint relationship of user awareness and technology to various management issues was also assessed. In addition, the planning and control techniques that have been used in the stages of growth literature were factor analyzed. The factor groupings were compared with those groupings that the stages of growth idea associate respectively with early and late states of DP evolution.
79 citations
TL;DR: The outcome was that the three dimensional graphics did not result in greater recall of information than did a tabular representation for the task that was assigned.
Abstract: This article describes an experiment that examined the influence of computer plots of three dimensional graphics on the recall of information. Three dimensional graphics and a tabular mode of presentation were used to convey information to two experimental groups of subjects. The graphics were produced by using perspective projections. The outcome was that the three dimensional graphics did not result in greater recall of information than did a tabular representation for the task that was assigned.
64 citations
TL;DR: The authors recently investigated eighteen decision support systems and report the findings here, which include motivations for developing a DSS, methods for evaluating the desirability of creating a D SS, planning and organizing for building a DS, techniques for reviewing and controlling DSS projects, and managing aDSS as an organizational entity.
Abstract: Decision Support Systems (DSS) have become an increasingly important type of computer-based information system. However, there has been limited research on management's role in DSS approval and administration. Because of this, the authors recently investigated eighteen decision support systems and report the findings here. The specific areas explored include motivations for developing a DSS, methods for evaluating the desirability of creating a DSS, planning and organizing for building a DSS, techniques for reviewing and controlling DSS projects, and managing a DSS as an organizational entity.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a field experiment with two laboratory studies was conducted to compare performance between subjects using the formal database language SQL and subjects using a prototype natural language system, USL, and the results presented offer some promise for the usability of natural language under certain conditions.
Abstract: Are natural language systems for database queries meeting their goals, and are these goals appropriate? The recently completed Advanced Language Project at New York University combined a field experiment with two laboratory studies to examine these issues by comparing performance between subjects using the formal database language SQL and subjects using the prototype natural language system, USL. This article describes the design and results of the larger laboratory experiment. The results presented offer some promise for the usability of natural language under certain conditions.
38 citations
TL;DR: The credibility syndrome is a special case of MIS development failure with a distinctive set of symptoms and causes that affect the directors of data processing and their management approaches and systems development philosophies.
Abstract: The credibility syndrome is a special case of MIS development failure with a distinctive set of symptoms and causes. In credibility problems, the directors of data processing ᾢ their management approaches and systems development philosophies ᾢ plan an important role.
TL;DR: The problems associated with the current methods of communication are described and how CBMS attempts to solve these problems and some estimates of the costs of CBMS are presented and potential problems that could slow down the implementation of these systems are presented.
Abstract: This article provides a review and synthesis of the recent literature in computer based message systems (CBMS). It describes the problems associated with the current methods of communication and discusses how CBMS attempts to solve these problems. The article then presents some estimates of the costs of CBMS and potential problems that could slow down the implementation of these systems. The article concludes by outlining a methodology for developing CBMS.
TL;DR: A Critical Success Factors (CSF) approach is used to explore the information needs of top MIS managers and contrasts these results with their needs as revealed by the CSF analysis.
Abstract: Despite the importance of the role of the Chief MIS Executive, little is known about the "Information Needs of Top MIS Managers." This article uses a Critical Success Factors (CSF) approach to explore the information needs of these managers.
It has been widely speculated that top MIS Managers are remiss in their use of technology they provide to others. This article also reports on a study of the formal information systems used personally by chief MIS executives and contrasts these results with their needs as revealed by the CSF analysis.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The Application Approach Worksheet as discussed by the authors is a document used by mid-level and senior user management to identify, in data processing terms, the characteristics of a proposed application, and the user utilized the worksheet's matrix to determine which development might by most appropriate for the application.
Abstract: This article presents a method used by the Hennepin County Information Services development staff to determine how best to use new development methods. The tool described and the method for using it were designed to help both data processing personnel and user personnel make the transition from using one development approach only, to a variety of approaches using new technologies and methods.
In brief, the \"Application Approach Worksheet\" is a document used by mid-level and senior user management to identify, in data processing terms, the characteristics of a proposed application. Once the application's characteristics are defined, the user utilized the worksheet's matrix to determine which development might by most appropriate for the application.
The completed worksheet and a work request then becomes the basis to propose development of the new application. At that point, an Information Services Department (ISD) project manger discusses the application with the user. Together, they agree on the project's priority relative to other projects, and work out how the project will be handled in general.
This article first describes the environment in which the \"Application Approach Worksheet\" was developed and the circumstances that led to its development. The article goes on to discuss how the worksheet was created and describes the criteria that form the heart of the document. Finally, the article describes how the worksheet is used and discusses the results of its use since it became a part of the work request process in January of 1983.
TL;DR: The tool described and the method for using it were designed to help both data processing personnel and user personnel make the transition from using one development approach only, to a variety of approaches using new technologies and methods.
Abstract: This article presents a method used by the Hennepin County Information Services development staff to determine how best to use new development methods. The tool described and the method for using it were designed to help both data processing personnel and user personnel make the transition from using one development approach only, to a variety of approaches using new technologies and methods.
In brief, the "Application Approach Worksheet" is a document used by mid-level and senior user management to identify, in data processing terms, the characteristics of a proposed application. Once the application's characteristics are defined, the user utilized the worksheet's matrix to determine which development might by most appropriate for the application.
The completed worksheet and a work request then becomes the basis to propose development of the new application. At that point, an Information Services Department (ISD) project manger discusses the application with the user. Together, they agree on the project's priority relative to other projects, and work out how the project will be handled in general.
This article first describes the environment in which the "Application Approach Worksheet" was developed and the circumstances that led to its development. The article goes on to discuss how the worksheet was created and describes the criteria that form the heart of the document. Finally, the article describes how the worksheet is used and discusses the results of its use since it became a part of the work request process in January of 1983.
TL;DR: Two scenarios or information management on organizational decision making are presented and managers need to address the potential impact of this innovation on their organizations.
Abstract: A concept called information management has been discussed for many years by computer and management scientists. Implementing this concept may revolutionize organizations and have a profound effect on organizational decision making. Since the technology needed to implement sophisticated information systems is now available, managers need to address the potential impact of this innovation on their organizations. This article presents two scenarios or information management on organizational decision making.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe an approach to dealing with those forces that maximizes career path opportunities and helps to develop and retain a staff of highly capable professionals, which is an evolution from a triangular to a pentagonal-shaped organization.
Abstract: A variety of forces have been serving to alter the traditional triangular shaped IS organization. This article describes an approach to dealing with those forces that maximizes career path opportunities and helps to develop and retain a staff of highly capable professionals. The result is an evolution from a triangular to a pentagonal-shaped organization.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe three inter-related computer based systems that were designed and developed to assist with implementation of a major long-term planning effort at a multi-billion dollar bank holding company, Dinero Internacional Bancorporation (DIB).
Abstract: This article describes three inter-related computer based systems that were designed and developed to assist with implementation of a major long-term planning effort at a multi-billion dollar bank holding company, Dinero Internacional Bancorporation (DIB). New strategies at DIB included: (1) a major redirection of its marketing efforts to a multi-state mid-western region in the U.S., and (2) to correspond with this new marketing direction, a major change in the bank's image, including a name change.
The first system, the Regional Banking Information System (REBIS) was designed to extract key information from a 1 G (gigabyte) bank database. With REBIS, DIB was able to monitor the level of banking activity in a designated region and to measure the performance and level of competition over 1,000 selected banks with operations in this region.
A second system, the SAS/Dunn and Bradstreet (D&B) system was designed to analyze and plot key financial characteristics (sales, debt, etc.) of the more than 20,000 selected companies also in the region. Information pertaining to business activity by industry was plotted on maps of the region in order to identify the most desirable marketing opportunities.
Finally, the third system, AUTOTRAC, an automated project tracking system, was used to monitor and control the progress of the DIB name change plan.
TL;DR: The integration of telecommunication resources has been fundamental to Harris' information management systems strategy since the inception of a corporate-wide MIS program in 1977 and the primary objective was improved cost-effectiveness by minimizing distance-tariff-usage sensitivity.
Abstract: The integration of telecommunication resources has been fundamental to Harris' information management systems strategy since the inception of a corporate-wide MIS program in 1977. From 1977 to 1979, communication requirements expanded rapidly. Traffic volume was evaluated periodically to determine the appropriate time to integrate voice, data, facsimile, text, and ultimately, video transmission for teleconferencing. In 1979, corporate MIS started a major program to optimize transmission of digitalized voice and data over a private, satellite/microwave network, with switch/access networks at the three satellite earth station nodes to concentrate local traffic for wide area satellite transmission. The primary objective was improved cost-effectiveness by minimizing distance-tariff-usage sensitivity.
The network ahs been in operation since December, 1980 and is achieving all cost and performance goals. Due to the high visibility of the network, Harris divisions are more sensitive to the cost and management of communications. The network positively impacted the overall MIS program, particularly the consolidation of telecommunications/office/data processing systems management, and its success influenced Harris' plans for future markets.
TL;DR: The features, potential benefits, and limitations of data dictionary systems from the perspective of the EDP auditor are evaluated.
Abstract: The data dictionary system is a documentation source that is useful for management reviews of existing and proposed systems, EDP audits, and system development functions Early data dictionary systems had limitations that reduced their effectiveness and contributed to their limited usage Many of these limitations have been or are being resolved with the result that evolving data dictionary systems offer many benefits to management and EDP auditors This article evaluates the features, potential benefits, and limitations of data dictionary systems from the perspective of the EDP auditor
Journal Article•
TL;DR: This article describes three inter-related computer based systems that were designed and developed to assist with implementation of a major long-term planning effort at a multi-billion dollar bank holding company, Dinero Internacional Bancorporation (DIB).
Abstract: This article describes three inter.related computer based systems that were designed and developed to assist with the implementation of a major long-term strategic planning effort at a multi-billion dollar bank holding company, Dinero International Bancorporation, (DIB). New strategies at DIB included: (1) a major redirection of its marketing efforts to a multi-state midwestern region in the U.S., and (2) to correspond.with this new marketing direction, a major change in the bank’s image, including a name change. The first system, the Regional Banking Information System (REBIS) was designed to extract key information from a 1G (gigabyte) bank database. With REBIS, DIB was able to monitor the level of banking activity in a designated region and to measure the performance and level of competition of over 1,000 selected banks with operations in this region. A second system, the SAS/Dunn and Bradstreet (D & B) system, was designed to analyze and plot key financial characteristics (sales, debt, etc.) of the more than 20, 000 selected companies also in the region. Information pertaining to business activity by industry was plotted on maps of the region in order to identify the most desirable marketing opportunities.