Reviews the growth in importance of planned maintenance programming (PMP). Sets out the aims of computerising PMP at strategic and detailed levels. Provides a detailed analysis of successful systems characteristics. Lists considerations to be borne in mind and questions to ask before purchasing...

Quotes definition of a building and energy management system (BEMS). Describes current (1990) technology. Explains the advantages over conventional controls. Offers some pointers about choosing, installing and running a BEMS. Concludes that a BEMS can optimise efficiency and reduce costs, but...

Explains how the computer can help investment managers. Categorizes the principal uses as: valuation, investment analysis, development appraisal and estate management. Gives an overview of what a good system should be able to do. Concludes that it is a combination of the computer and the...

In many organisations, changes in organisational structure and the introduction of technology are occurring simultaneously, impacting upon personnel in many different ways. The process of such changes, how they interrelate and how they affect personnel are discussed, through examining some of...

The requirements for two smaller companies in integrated manufacturing are addressed, in particular, the area of manufacturing control. The functional areas pertaining to manufacturing control in both companies are reviewed. On the basis of these reviews and management objectives, their...

In this article the following are discussed: (a) the role of quality assurance in the development of computer software systems; (b) factors of a successful quality assurance programme; and (c) the steps required in the development of such a programme. The implications for quality assurance for...

The article examines the concepts upon which the Information Centre (IC) is based, and the practical benefits of implementation to IDV (UK) Ltd. It goes on to look at all implications of implementation including the costs of hardware, software and personnel, and the organisational and cultural...

A trend originating in the United States, and now migrating to Europe, is for chief executives of the larger organisations, and their close colleagues, to be provided with Executive Support Systems. These are desk‐top computers which provide an instant information overview of their companies,...

A case study of the development of a successful market intelligence function is presented. How the principles of marketing intelligence and planning can themselves be applied in this situation is demonstrated. Each element of the marketing process is illustrated by the practice the author...