Martin L. Bariff

Intraorganizational power considerations for designing information systems

Abstract Organizations may be viewed as shifting political coalitions competing for organizational resources. Control over the administration and distribution of information is one means for influencing the distribution of intraorganizational power. Both accountants and MIS staff share this ability to acquire power for themselves and affect a redistribution of power among their users. In this paper the vertical, horizontal and information services perspectives of power are discussed. Propositions for redistributing power are suggested and impacts from changing information services technology are evaluated.

MIS and the behavioral sciences: research patterns and prescriptions

Many of the questions of concern to information system (IS) researchers and practitioners are, in essence, behavioral questions. Behavioral considerations in the design and implementation of information systems and in the management of IS professionals are crucial to the successful development and delivery of quality services to users. Implementation of IS may provide a beneficial means to facilitate changes in task design, organizational structure, and social relations. Guidance for interpreting past MIS behavioral research and suggestions for future studies are provided by a proposed research framework. The importance of adopting behavioral science research standards, e.g., theory-based research questions and appropriate methodology, is stressed.

Designing information systems for organizational control: The use of psychological tests

Abstract Information systems should be designed in recognition of their potential effect on organizational control. The information system/user interface, e.g., report mechanisms, thus becomes a critical element for achieving control in organizations. Psychological tests, as compared to interviews, are proposed as a structured approach for designing user reports, hence improving control systems. A framework for this methodology is proposed, and a field study is described.

The effects of DSS group characteristics on client satisfaction

Despite the widespread use of decision-support systems (DSSs) by managers for problem-solving, little is known about how organizations support DSS users. The authors report on a field study of DSS groups to identify support characteristics that are related to client satisfaction with DSS services. The findings indicate that the proportion of DSS staff with functional data background is positively associated with client satisfaction with DSS group services. The findings also suggest that DSS group location, formalization, use of an evolutionary methodology, and top management support have no effect on client satisfaction. Suggestions for practice and future research are presented. >

DSS support groups: an empirical investigation

Decision support systems (DSS) are widely used by managers to provide problem solving assistance. Despite their widespread use, little is known about how organizations support DSS users. This paper reports on a field study that sought to identity the support characteristics of a sample of DSS groups. Twenty-three DSS groups participated in the study to provide information on group location, staff size and backgrounds, formalization, and DSS services in addition to other support characteristics.<<ETX>>

Implications of Computer-Integrated Manufacturing for Corporate Strategy, Capital Budgeting, and Information Management

A central theme of this chapter is that a combination of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) of computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and flexible automation has implications for capital budgeting, corporate strategy, and information management. The CIM factory has capabilities not found in traditional facilities:

Standard setting and SIGSAC: your participation is needed

Presently, standards for integrity, security and auditability of information systems are developed by ANSC X3 and X9, IEEE-CS, DoD, NBS, AICPA, GAO, IIA and EDPAA. Other organizations are considering such efforts. As concerned members of SIGSAC, we have an interest, a responsibility and an opportunity to help shape relevant standard-setting activities. ACM is a formal voting member of ANSC X3.

Increasing responsibility and professionalism for EDP auditing in the 1980's

We have examined the data processing systems control report of Fernwood Central Rail Road Company for the year ended December 31, 1979. Our examinations were conducted in accordance with generally accepted data processing auditing standards and accordingly included such tests of data processing processes and records and other such data processing auditing procedures we considered necessary in the circumstances. The objective of this examination was to provide reasonable assurance that the asserted data processing controls and procedures were operational at the time of examination and consistent with managements risk policy, and that management procedures for reviewing data processing control status throughout the year were adequate.

DP control and standards activities

Presently, no set of generally accepted DP control standards exist. Various organizations e.g., American National Standards Institute, American Institute of CPAs, Bank Administration Institute, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. EDP Auditors Association, IEEE, NBS and US Gene~al~ccoun~ing Office have developed some control objeetives, guidelines or standards. The absence of DP control standards is an issue for a variety of stakeholders.