The impact of microcomputers on engineering and technical management functions

Author

• Salvatore Savino, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-31-1985

Degree Name

Master of Science in Management Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Industrial and Management Engineering

First Advisor

Kevin J. McDermott

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of managers as to the effect of computers on management functions.

Manager perceptions were determined by using a ratio scale of value ranging between 0 and 100. Findings are based on questionnaire responses of 121 top, middle, and lower managers in 120 firms in the United States.

Several hypotheses were examined in the study relative to (1) perceived computer impact on management levels, (2) perceived computer impact on the traditional functions of management, (3) perceived computer impact on levels and functions of management (interaction).

Support was provided for hypothesis of no significant differences for the effect of computer on management functions was strongly rejected. The findings indicate that: (1) managers view the effect of computers on their jobs as limited, and (2) the control function is perceived to be more affected by computers, followed by planning and organizing.

The other objectives of this study were to identify the types of microcomputer systems currently being used by engineering/technical managers, identify the microcomputer systems preferred by the managers, and to determine an ideal microcomputer system for an engineering/technical manager.

The returned questionnaires indicated that the hardware and software currently employed by all three levels of the managers surveyed include various components by the top manufacturers of microcomputers. Specifically, these included: IBM, Apple, DEC, Radio Shack, Hewlett-Packard, Epson, Okidata, Honeywell and Data General for the hardware, and Lotus 1-2-3, Visicalc, Supercalc, Wordstar, Letter Perfect, d Base II, and the PFS Series (report, file,and graph) for the software. Approximately 97% of the respondants indicated that they did not prefer a system other then the one they are using.

Detailed summaries of currently available hardware and software by various computer magazines and journals were reviewed. Those microcomputers, peripherals, and software, which were reported as being the top selling, and designed for corporate environments were considered. The microcomputers chosen for review were models by these manufacturers: IBM, Apple, DEC, Radio Shack, and Hewlett-Packard. The printer and modem was selected from a list of hardware manufacturers. The criteria for choosing these components included capatibility, price, speed, and quality. A separate review for the monitor and disk drives was not necessary, since these components are usually an integral part of the microcomputer. The software which was best determined for the managers' needs and for the microcomputer system described included Lotus 1-2-3 for spreadsheet, database management and graphics functions, and Wordstar for word processing.

The actual system chosen consisted of a DEC Rainbow Model 100+ Microcomputer, a Okidata Model ML 92 and an Anchor Automation Signalman Mark 1 model modem. In choosing the microcomputer, several factors were considered. These included: operating system, memory capability, expandability, compatibility, and more importantly, the ratio of features to cost of system. The system summarized above is obtainable for a price of $7,163.00, which met the criteria of choosing a system for under $8,000.00. The study also revealed that all of the microcomputers considered probably would be satisfactory for use by the intended managers. The system selected was chosen on the basis of most features for the price, and compatibility to more software than others.

Recommended Citation

Savino, Salvatore, "The impact of microcomputers on engineering and technical management functions" (1985). Theses. 3468.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3468