Developing and prioritizing data processing applications for municipalities

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a procedure for analyzing municipal information flows in order to identify discrete databases and prioritize their applications for time-phased implementation. Techniques of user communication and questionnaire design are discussed. The priorities result from specific factors which are used to numerically rate each database application area. The factors are identified and grouped into two categories: user input and implementation oriented. The databases are combined into information classes which are designed to reduce data redundancy. The information classes are used to develop appropriate hardware configurations which can efficiently meet the current and projected needs of the municipality. Examples of these techniques are drawn from an analysis performed in a large metropolitan area.

REFERENCES

• 1: Barnes, J., Blank, L., Nelson, S., et al, City of El Paso Data Processing Study, Center for Urban Programs, Texas A&M University, June 1978.
• 2: Kraemer, K. L., Danziger, J. N., Dutton, W. H., and Pearson, S., Chief Executives, Local Government, and Computers: A Special Report, Nation's Cities, 17 (Oct. 1975).
• 3: William H. Dutton , Kenneth L. Kraemer, Management utilization of computers in American local governments, Communications of the ACM, v.21 n.3, p.206-218, March 1978 [doi>10.1145/359361.359364]
• 4: Downs, A., A Realistic Look at the Final Payoffs From Urban Data Systems, Public Administration Review, 27, 204 (Sept. 1967).
• 5: William Taggart, Jr. , Marvin O. Tharp, A Survey of Information Requirements Analysis Techniques, ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), v.9 n.4, p.273-290, Dec. 1977 [doi>10.1145/356707.356710]
• 6: Blank, L., Nelson, S., and Barnes, J., The Role of the Public Administrator in Municipal Computerization Studies, submitted for publication.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.1 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA PROCESSING

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.8 Database applications

  J. Computer Applications
  J.1 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA PROCESSING
      Subjects: Government

General Terms:
Management, Theory

Keywords:
Database applications, Database prioritization factors, Hardware configurations, Information classes, Information flow, Municipal computerization, Public administration, Time-phased implementation