Managing End-User Computer and

Development

Objectives
End - user computing and Development
to understand the reasons for the growth EUC/D, the benefits
and problems, the different ways to manage EUC/D and the
phases of EUC/D.

Information Centre
to understand the functions of information centres, how
to implement ICs and the guidelines to managing ICs.

End-User Computing and Development

End-user computing is the direct use of computers
and information systems by the end-users to fulfill
their own data processing needs
The phenomenon of end-users developing their
own information systems independent of
initiatives from data processing department is
known as end-user development
End-user computing and development is a trend
that must be addressed because of the ever
increasing impact that it has on computing
environments.

* Growth of End-User Computing and Development

This growing trend can be attributed to several

factors
The availability of cheaper, smaller and more powerful
hardware
The availability of easier to use and more versatile
software
Computing and development backlogs
The Eighteen-Month Effect

Benefits and Problems

Benefits and end-user computing and
development include:
Improved required determination
Increased acceptance level of the system
Reduced application backlog
Increased individual performance

However, despite the benefits, there may be

problems when end-users perform their own
computing and development.

 User analyst functions are combined.

Lack of proper quality assurance standards and
controls
Difficult data integration
Private information systems.
Duplication of work and redundancies
Difficult to measure end-user computing costs.

Managing EUC/D
There are generally three strategies in managing end-user
computing and development ranging from centralized control
to no control at all.
Monopolistic approach
As evident in the word monopolistic, the control of end-user decisions on
computing is fully centralized.
It is particularly effective in enforcing standards but stifles the growth of enduser computing.
Laissez-faire approach
The users have complete freedom and to meet their own data processing needs
This approach encourages end-users to be independent in their computing
needs but can lead to a profileration of incompatible systems and data

Information Centre Approach

The information centre approach was designed to
bridged the differences between the previous two
approaches
Information centres will be discussed in much
more details in a later section.

Phases of End-User Computing

There are generally four phases in the development
of end-user computing
Feasibility phase
Development Phase
Growth Phase
Maturity Phase

Information Centre
An information centre is an organizational
structure that is set up to support end-users in the
use and development of their own development
systems.
The Information Centre concept was created by
IBM Canada Ltd in 1974 when they realized that
they are unable to respond quickly enough to user
requests.

*Functions of an Information Centre

Product Support
Technical Support
Consultation
Training
Resource planning and justification
Auditing end-user activities

Implementing an Information Centre

The following section outlines some general stages in
implementing an information centre. However, it must be
noted that each organization has it's own specific
requirements and thus each IC will be set up differently.
Inventory present position
Develop Plan
Pilot study
Full implementation
Maintain and grow
Phase in new system

Inventory Present Position

Determine present hardware, software, networking
expertise and user base.

Develop Plan
Project what strategic steps to take in the future
and how long each will last

Pilot Study
Offer services to a limited number of users

Full Implementation
Establish standards and begin introducing enduser technology throughout the organization

Maintain and Grow

Emphasis shifts to helping users with problems

Phase in new system

The organization may no longer need an
Information Centre

Guidelines for Managing an Information Centre

To maintain the effectiveness of the Information
Centres, the following points have to be taken into
consideration
Aligning the IC to the organizational goals
Developing new products for the users
Conduct training programs
Establishing the IC as the central source of computing
information
Keeping users informed about ongoing activites