Examine Some of the Strengths and Weaknesses of End User Computing

Examine some of the strengths and weaknesses of end user computing

The growth of user- controlled computing has according to Robson (1997) increased from 25% in the early 1980 to 90% in the 1990s. This trend was stimulated by the proliferation of microcomputers and literacy of business user of computers, as well as the availability of user friendly software. The term end-user computing ranges from those who use existing information systems, through to end users who are not IT professionals developing computer-based information system for personal, departmental or organisation wide use. Furthermore Rockart and Flannery (1983) has classified end-user personnel based on six categorise which includes non-programming end-users, power users, programming level end-users, business analyst and developers, help-desk staff and application developers. For more details refer to fig1 in the appendix. However the essence of this paper is to briefly evaluate the development of end-user computing and examining to some of the strengths and weaknesses of end user computing for both the individual users and the organisation. There are many benefits claimed for (EUD) which includes more timely access to information, improved quality of information, improved decision making and weaknesses such as decrease in application quality and control, threats to data security and integrity, creation of duplications all of which will be thoroughly discussed below.

According to McGill et al (2003) the most important benefit of end user computing is in improving employee productivity and performance resulting from closer match between application and user needs. As the business user knows their specific business needs they will develop applications that will satisfy all those needs. On the other hand even though the lack of user skills in information system might lead to best fit systems there is still the danger of lower quality and limited feasibility study may cause the user to waste time by...