| Abstract: | As urban problems become more complex and as accountability and cost minimization become more of a requirement than simply a suggestion computerization is being relied upon to handle the large amounts of data upon which public administrators base decisions. Interdisciplinary teams of faculty and staff from Texas A&M University, in the areas of urban planning, computing science, industrial engineering and accounting, have been involved in studies dealing with several aspects of computerization within municipal organizations. Experience shows that the participation and support of public administrators is vital to the success of the implementation management of computerized systems.This paper develops a staged methodology useful in conducting municipal computerization studies. Investigation of the benefits and disadvantages of computerizing existing manual systems or of a major upgrade of a present computer system is performed via a four staged process. The process highlights the role of the municipal administrator, study team, potential users of the system, and the citizens.When the administrator, the study team members and the future users have a clear understanding of the goals of the system and their goals, the study has a very high chance of being successful. The Texas A&M teams use the methodology discussed here to make a concentrated effort to ensure that all parties have a part in formulating their goals and to understand their role in the design and implementation of the system. |
