The evolving role of digital computers and computer software in complex electronic systems is traced. It is noted that that role has reversed from one of limited assistance to that of system manager. It is argued by analogy that a similar role reversal is taking place within our high-technology companies and other complex organisations, leading to what are termed computer-integrated systems. Some of the benefits of computer-integrated operations to the participants therein are noted, and revolutionary impacts on the management process are identified and discussed.
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References
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HapgoodF., Taming your computer. Management1, 10–13 (1982).
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RechtinE., Distributed information processing, electronic and human.Unpublished lecture at University of California at Los Angeles, California (1975).
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The final version of the manuscript was received 30 September 1982. The author's early ideas on this subject were presented on 27 September 1978 at the American Institute of Industrial Engineers Conference on Computers in Manufacturing, Los Angeles, California, USA. Much of the material from the present paper was included in a presentation on 22 October 1982 to the International Conference on Productivity and Quality Improvement, Tokyo, Japan.
