Apr 1999 IM218: Information Management (Question 3)

(a)	What is End-User Computing (EUC)?	[2]
	End-User Computing (EUC) is the direct use of computers and information systems to satisfy end users own needs.
(b)	Identify and briefly discuss four factors that have contributed to the growth of EUC.	[4]
	Cheaper, smaller and more powerful hardware. Nowadays, computers are so advanced and cheap, everybody in the office can be furnished one! This has brought computing power to the masses. Easier to use, more versatile software. The present software suites all concentrate on 'user-friendliness', 'steep learning curves' all for end users' favour. This enables end users to utilise each software with little advanced training. Furthermore, the emergence of non-procedural application development software allows end users to 'make' their own software applications. Application development backlogs. The data processing department, due to unrestrained user requests, have been swamped and overworked. New applications take a long time to emerge and because of the visible backlog, end-users do not even submit development requests (invisible backlogs). 18th month effect. After 18 months of the introduction of new technology, users tend to wait to use and apply other new applications.
(c)	Discuss the benefits and problems of End-User Computing and Development (EUC/D) with respect to the cost and efficiency of information system use in an organization.	[4]
	Benefits Improved user productivity reduces the cost of manpower and helps employees work more efficiently. Increased user acceptance to new systems. This will help employees make full use of the new systems resulting in no waste of the development dollar. Problems Duplication of work ensures in resources wasted in redundant systems. Difficult to trace end user development costs as the costs are hidden within the department budget. This makes it difficult for upper management to strategically plan resources allocation.
(d)	Describe three application of EUC/D benefiting workgroups, and three applications benefiting individual users.	[6]
	Three application of EUC/D benefiting workgroups: Electronic memo Instead of paper memos that may be lost or misplaced, electronic memos will be sent to the individual recipient safety, quickly, and privately if desired. Electronic file transfer To hand up work to supervisor via electronic means. This allows employees to work from home. Sharing of modules or projects can be accomplished without travel, physically. Electronic database An electronic database that is online is available to everyone in the workgroup. No more writing for paper files to be passed around. Three applications benefiting individual users: Word processing applications Instead of retyping the document, individuals can retrieve the document and change if electronically. This cuts down the effort to produce a type written copy. Presentation tools For a teacher to present a lesson, a computer 'slide show' may be used. The lesson is easily modified to suit the students and may be carried around in a disk, instead of heavy books. Database maker A user may want to make a database to store information that she readily and frequently needs. Instead of photocopying pieces of paper that may get lost, a database application can be designed by her for her own needs.
(e)	To enable your IT department to respond quickly in supporting end-users in the development and use of their own information systems, you are going to implement an Information Centre. Briefly describe the four steps involved in setting up such as information centre.	[4]
	The four steps: Inventory the present system See what is already in use by the organisation. Develop plan Decide what to implement how and when to implement. Pilot study Implement a test to learn from the reactions of the employees, the do's and don'ts' of implementation and gain experience to handle the real implementation. Full implementation Implement IC throughout the organisation by means of training programs and management commitment quickly bring users up to speed in utilizing the functions of the IC.