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Managing Microcomputers in Large Organizations (1985) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

A Perspective for the Chief Executive Officer
Pages 71-80

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 71...
... What is so different about the personal computer that it causes management such discomfort? Why is it so hard to figure out which issues deserve top management's attention?
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From page 72...
... Microcomputer vendors now are skirting the MIS department and aiming directly at end users. Before we can deal with the issues surrounding personal computers, we need to define personal computing and unclerstand where it fits in the overall computing activities of an organization.
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From page 73...
... Data management means assuring that the information needs of the corporation are met by the activities that collect data, produce ciata, or maintain records. This inclucles providing data access and security.
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From page 74...
... In this area, there is concern that large corporations will miss opportunities for significant cost savings unless a central group coordinates the quantity purchase of personal computers to attain price leverage. There is also concern about vendor interface.
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From page 75...
... But no such roacimaps exist to guide users today in developing applications for personal computers. The last set of issues relates to the shift in skills required by widespread use of personal computers.
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From page 76...
... From my perspective, the CEO shouIci focus on the first and last issues outlined above ciata management and the shift in skill sets. The other three categories product proliferation, acquisition practices, ant!
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From page 77...
... While MIS organizations are busy controlling their resources and tuning their operations, the whole microcomputer marketplace is in the contagion stage. This neecin't cause great concern.
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From page 78...
... To understand how the growth of personal computers affects data management it is helpful to identify the functions: · Business processes, particularly those that involve multiple departments, should be streamlined through business systems analysis. · Interclepartmental interfaces must be clearly defined and supported with communications facilities to assure data availability.
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From page 79...
... Such policies should be reinforcect by data management efforts. It is fairly easy for a personal computing effort to grow into a clepartmental system.
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From page 80...
... In short, here is my advice to organizations trying to cope with the personal computer invasion. Don't try to stop it.
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Key Terms

  • personal computing
  • personal computer
  • product proliferation
  • acquisition practices
  • providing data

  • corporate data
  • multiple departments
  • skill sets
  • skills required
  • issues relates

  • involve multiple
  • data processing
  • departmental computing
  • proliferation raises
  • mis organization

  • provide technical
  • traditional mis
  • computing mode
  • contagion stage
  • mis departments

  • mis professionals
  • raises concerns
  • mis department
  • extremely clynamic
  • plateau probably

  • miss opportunities
  • busy controlling
  • control measures
  • mis organizations
  • properly acidressed


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