Integrating Islands of Automation.

Author List: Hale, David P.; Haseman, William D.; Groom, Frank;
MIS Quarterly, 1989, Volume 13, Issue 4, Page 433-445.
This article describes the design, implementation, and post-implementation evaluation of the corporate data transport system used at Wisconsin Bell, Inc. to aid distributed, inter-department decision making. Elements of the system's architecture include a user-friendly executive support system, enhanced professional/managerial workstation environments, and a common presentation system that integrates multiple heterogeneous systems, thus creating "virtual homogeneity" of information presentation throughout the organization. The system has been developed to connect geographically dispersed executives and professionals from different functional areas, regardless of hardware, software, and data configurations The intent of the system is to allow its users to share information and work together as a single operating entity and integrated planning unit. Key success factors leading to the system's use over a three-year period are explored, along with unanticipated limiting factors.
Keywords: Distributed decision support systems; electronic mail; electronic meetings; end-user computing; executive support; group decision support systems; information systems design; office automation
Algorithm:

List of Topics

#57 0.172 decision support systems making design models group makers integrated article delivery representation portfolio include selection effective claims decisions rationale various
#231 0.148 information management data processing systems corporate article communications organization control distributed department capacity departments major user hardware cost applications expansion
#119 0.145 implementation systems article describes management successful approach lessons design learned technical staff used effort developed organization experiences large managing discusses
#180 0.142 multiple elements process environments complex integrated interdependencies design different developing integration order approach dialogue framework capabilities settings building focus distinct
#85 0.052 executive information article systems presents eis executives overview computer-based scanning discusses investigation support empirical robert executive's keys richard managerial chief
#87 0.050 team teams virtual members communication distributed performance global role task cognition develop technology involved time individual's affects project geographically individuals