A survey of data processing steering committees

An approach to attempting to plan and control data processing functions is to use a steering committee. The committee composed of user, top management, and data processing representatives, is intended to bring a broad perspective to focus on systems issues.This paper summarizes the results of a survey on data processing steering committees. The empirical results indicate the actual practices of companies in utilizing steering committees. The reasons for implementing the approach structure, and operating processes are presented. Business experience with the success or failure of these committees is evaluated. The results are interpreted within the context of the current steering committee literature and practices.