Critical success factors in information center strategy

Conrad Rayksund, Mari Montri Heltne, Jay F. Nunamaker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

End user computing, whether on terminals or microcomputers, has created a need for training in the use of information technology, for controlling access to corporate data, for the preservation of corporate information integrity and compatibility, and for mediation between MIS/DP and other departments. Information centers, the formal corporate response to those needs, continue to grow in number and cost. An initial cost about $75,000 and support a staff of about 7 people is common. The cost, in both dollars and personnel, is a continuing concern to management. End user computing will probably soon consume the majority of corporate information budgets; perhaps as much as 70% by 1990. The question is whether ICs cau avoid becoming obstacles to the tasks for which they were created. If information centers themselves become too costly and clumsy, they will become more of a burden than an advantage to their organizations. The solution is to distribute expertise about information systems throughout the organization. This report suggests that the way to do that is by distributing the "process" of distribution, partly by the use of key end users, and partially by leveraging expertise about the technology by use of the technology itself. Experts cannot be copied, but expertise can. The leveraging of human expertise is just now beginning to be realized. As ICs evolve from simple advice and training centers, or repositories of information, to centers for information about information, the key will be in the distribution of the distribution process itself.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ACM SIGCPR Conference on Management of Information Systems Personnel, SIGCPR 1988
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Pages33-41
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)0897912624
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 1988
Event1988 ACM SIGCPR Conference on Management of Information Systems Personnel, SIGCPR 1988 - College Park, United States
Duration: Apr 7 1988Apr 8 1988

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ACM SIGCPR Conference
VolumePart F130224

Other

Other1988 ACM SIGCPR Conference on Management of Information Systems Personnel, SIGCPR 1988
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCollege Park
Period4/7/884/8/88

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software

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