Aug 1997 IM218: Information Management (Question 4) Suggested Solutions

4.	You are employed within an organisation that has recently moved towards end-user computing.
	(a) What is end-user computing?		[2]
	End-user computing is the involvement		[1]
	of employees, managers, and executives in the development and use of information systems.		[1]
	[2 marks]

	(b) Briefly explain three alternative approaches to the management of end-user computing. Which of these would be most appropriate for your organisation in the short term?		[4]
	*the monopolist* approach to end-user computing means that the computer professionals control all data processing.**		[1]
	*The laissez faire* approach hands all controls to the users.**		[1]
	*The information centre* approach is a useful compromise between these two, in which computer professionals are available to help the users meet their own needs.**		[1]
	*The laissez faire* approach is likely to be the most appropriate in the short term.**		[1]
	It is possible to argue for the adoption of any of the three in the short term - there are organisations for which the monopolist approach might be useful, for example - but this arguments would be difficult to sustain. Award 1 mark for either of the the other approaches but only if the candidate has put forward a good reason for not choosing laissez faire.
	[4 marks]

	(c) What are the potential benefits of end-user computing? Which of these are most likely to arrive in the short term?		[4]
	The potential benefits of end-user computing include:
		increased individual performance
		increased familiarity with technology (literacy)
		reduction of MIS application backlog
		increased suitability (meeting expectations)
		users have investment in proprietary system
	one mark for each correctly identified benefit, up to a maximum of three marks
	The most likely to arrive in the short term is an increased familiarity with technology.		[1]
	If the candidate has chosen monopolist or information center as appropriate for the short term, then they might decide that the application backlog could be immediately reduced: in this case, one mark might be awarded here.
	[4 marks]

	(d) Explain the potential problems and challenges of end-user computing.		[6]
	The challenges and problems of end-user computing: are
		cost control: end-user computing costs are harder to measure	[1]
		there may be increased costs due to duplication of effort	[1]
		or inappropriate development activity	[1]
		product control: incompatible or inappropriate products may be developed;	[1]
		the wrong tools or models may be employed;	[1]
		problems with upgrades	[1]
		data control: lack of security;	[1]
		problems with backup;	[1]
		poor documentation	[1]
	up to two marks in each of the three categories
	[6 marks]

	(e) When is end-user development likely to be successful?		[4]
	End-user development is likely to be successful if:
		system development is local	[1]
		end user expertise is available	[1]
		end user development tools are available	[1]
		security is not a primary concern	[1]
		only limited access to central shared data is required	[1]
		standards exist	[1]
		the applications in question are inexpensive to develop	[1]
	one mark for each distinct point, up to a maximum of four
	[4 marks]