Demb Computer Systems for Human Systems

1. Auflage 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4831-4570-9
Verlag: Elsevier Science & Techn.
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: 1 - PDF Watermark

E-Book, Englisch, 204 Seiten, Web PDF

Computer Systems for Human Systems focuses on the human dynamics associated with the implementation of centralized computer systems. Based on a study conducted in 1974 and 1975 in the United States, it describes a coherent framework for the management of information systems development. This framework is designed to provide those involved in the development and implementation of computer-based information systems (decision-support systems) with an outline of the analytic resources available to them as they set about their complex task. Comprised of 11 chapters, this book begins with a review of the research and conventional wisdom from the information systems literature and a list of 32 'myths' or 'predictions.' Major concepts from organization development theory and research are then outlined, with emphasis on the management of change and internal organizational dynamics. These concepts are then applied to the findings from earlier chapters to systematize the 'predictions' and to provide a more general analytic framework for the management of information system development. Subsequent chapters present a case study of a 10-campus college system which decided to centralize all computer facilities in 1972. The study examines progress, the impacts of the system on management activity, and managerial response to the system. The final chapter summarizes the findings from the field study, relates them to the concepts and predictions outlined earlier, and generates a set of recommendations for management action. This monograph will be of interest to systems designers, information systems managers, and those involved with computer-based systems.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Demb, Ada

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1;Front Cover;1
2;Computer Systems for Human Systems;4
3;Copyright Page;5
4;Table of Contents;12
5;List of Tables;6
6;List of Figures;10
7;Preface;16
8;CHAPTER 1.
Introduction;20
8.1;THE APPROACH;20
8.2;INFORMATION SYSTEMS LITERATURE; THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM;22
8.3;ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT THEORY;24
8.4;THE FIELD STUDY;31
8.5;GENERAL IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT;33
9;CHAPTER 2.
Impacts on Organizations and Management;35
9.1;MANAGERS AND THEIR CONTEXT;36
9.2;THE RELATIONSHIP OF MIS TO MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS;40
9.3;DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF AND COMPUTER FACILITIES;43
10;CHAPTER 3.
Implementation;46
10.1;THE RESEARCH: VARIABLES ANALYZED;46
10.2;PRESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE;48
10.3;EXAMPLES FROM HIGHER EDUCATION;49
11;CHAPTER 4. The Great Debate: Centralized vs. Decentralized EDP Systems;52
11.1;INTRODUCTION;52
11.2;HARDWARE;55
11.3;DATA BASE;57
11.4;STAFF;57
11.5;SOFTWARE;60
11.6;THE DEBATE ISSUES;61
11.7;SUMMARY OF ISSUES FROM THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS LITERATURE;63
12;CHAPTER 5.
Organizational Change;67
12.1;INTRODUCTION;67
12.2;A MODEL FOR PLANNED CHANGE;68
12.3;COMPLEMENTARITY WITH MIS RESEARCH;72
13;CHAPTER 6.
Organizational Impacts;77
13.1;INTRODUCTION;77
13.2;INDIVIDUAL ACTORS;79
13.3;GROUP ACTORS;86
13.4;INTERACTIONS AMONG ACTORS;89
13.5;THE CONTENT OF INTERACTIONS;96
13.6;SUMMARY;99
14;CHAPTER 7.
The Field Study;101
14.1;THE RESEARCH SITE: A BRIEF DESCRIPTION;101
14.2;PARTICIPATION IN THE STUDY;107
15;CHAPTER 8.
Data Collection;110
15.1;THE INTERVIEW PROCESS;110
15.2;THE QUESTIONNAIRE;115
15.3;HISTORICAL AND OTHER DESCRIPTIVE DATA;124
15.4;FRAMEWORK FOR CASE ANALYSIS;124
16;CHAPTER 9.
Computer Systems Old and New;126
16.1;CHRONOLOGY;126
16.2;THE STATE OF COMPUTING, 1972;128
16.3;RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEW SYSTEM;130
16.4;THE STATE OF COMPUTER ACTIVITIES—1974. WINTER;137
16.5;SUMMARY;143
17;CHAPTER 10. Reactions to the Conversion: The Process and the Network;144
17.1;CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS;145
17.2;REACTIONS TO THE CHANGE PROCESS;145
17.3;REACTIONS TO THE CENTRALIZED COMPUTER NETWORK;152
18;CHAPTER 11.
Human Dynamics and Systems Development;166
18.1;FIELD STUDY FINDINGS;166
18.2;RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT ACTION;171
19;Appendices;174
19.1;APPENDIX A;174
19.2;APPENDIX .;182
19.3;APPENDIX C;186
19.4;APPENDIX D;188
20;Bibliography;190
21;Index;200