Fourth Generation Languages and End Users – DP Management Attitudes

The design of systems by end users using 4 GLs was examined in seven organisations. Topics researched were reasons for 4GL adoption, systems design approaches, end‐user direct involvement and business issues raised by 4GLs. Results showed that very few end users directly used any of the 4GLs nor had DP management even considered end users when choosing a 4GL. Some changes in DP environment were found, but surprisingly most of the organisations still used structured design methodologies. The impact of the 4GL in business competitiveness was positive in all of the private‐sector companies and generally the use of 4GLs had improved DP department credibility. Most DP managers are not encouraging end‐user involvement with the 4GL and further research is required to determine end‐user requirements and why prototyping is not more widely used in systems design.