cost-benefit analysis was performed.
The EIS was developed on an existing IBM mainframe and personal computer
network using the Personnel Assistance Systems (PAS) software package and general
purpose software such as COBOL. Existing hardware and software was used because the
developers were both comfortable and experienced in the use of the technology. The first
EIS application, finance, was delivered within eight months and was based on existing
reports; it comprised 10 screens. The initial users were three Senior Vice Presidents. The
number of screens and executive users has increased to 80 and 18, respectively. The
completed system provides support for finance, personnel and marketing.
The design of the personnel and other EIS applications are totally different. The
personnel application was developed on a personal computer using the PAS software
package. This allowed the analyst/programmers to develop “user friendly” interfaces. The
other applications were written in COBOL and have a non-graphical interface.
Bank A’s EIS project can be regarded as relatively unsuccessful. The poor user
interface of most applications has led to a low usage rate among executives. The system
has not been updated due to internal regulatory constraints and an inflexible technical
architecture.