c. Discuss the role a systems designer, business manager, and end user can take to narrow the great divide.
Systems designers can involve end users and managers in the design and development process. This reduces the behavioral problems associated with a new system and improves the probability that the system will meet the desired business objectives. They should also make a concerted effort to understand the business processes of the company.
Business managers can support the design team’s efforts to encourage end-user involvement in the development process. In addition, business managers can communicate regularly with systems developers to insure that the system is meeting business objectives.
The end user can help bridge the great divide by taking a cooperative, interactive role in the development process.
d. Who plays the most vital role in the effective development of the system?
All players play important roles in the systems development process. The "information crisis" is in large part the result of an overreliance upon the systems analyst to meet the needs of managers and end users without their cooperation and input. It is also a result of analysts not taking the time to understand the business processes at their company.
20.14
Joanne Grey, a senior consultant, and David Young, a junior consultant, are conducting a systems analysis for a client to determine the feasibility of integrating and automating clerical functions. Joanne had previously worked for the client, but David was a recent hire.
The first morning on the job, Joanne directed David to interview a departmental supervisor and learn as much as possible about department operations. David introduced himself and said, “Your company has hired us to study how your department works so we can make recommendations on how to improve its efficiency and lower its cost. I would like to interview you to determine what goes on in your department.”
David questioned the supervisor for 30 minutes but found him to be uncooperative. David gave Joanne an oral report on how the interview went and what he learned about the department.
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