Systems development of data retrieval for an engineering company's after-sales service

Abstract

The first case study raised a number of questions about the process of, and management's involvement in, computer systems analysis and development: - how are systems selected for 'computerisation'? - how are system requirements defined?- how effective are the practical systems approaches?- what is the influence of technological change?A second case study, a literature survey and detailed analysiswere carried out in support of the investigation of these issues. The main conclusion is that the increasing level of technological capability has changed the problem of systems development to emphasise the requirement for corporate planning and a systemic view at the expense of the lower level design effort. The case study evidence is that the company's management did not adopt the corporate and systemic view necessary to support the development of integrated systems. Since modern computer technology can be the basis of new ways of working and of extensions to a company's business activities it should be an element of planning at the highest level. The prevalent management attitude is appropriate for the earlier level of technology and development of isolated systems. It is not suitable for the development of integrated systems using current and future computer technology which requires the adoption of a systemic view and development of the role of systems integrator. The research has contributed to the body of knowledge about management's role in systems analysis and development by identifying the implications of technological advance for one company, highlighting the shortcomings of its current situation and setting the scene for further research. Such further work should be directed toward broadening this study to generalise the results, considering the organisational impact of integrated systems, evaluating the alternative models for computer usage and developing the role of the systems integrator.