Ogom University has of late expanded very rapidly introducing a number of programmes and increasing student intake capacity. It has recently computerized its examination process based on some off-the-shelf software. The library had already been computerized a couple of years back using a freely distributed Library Automation System. Daily cash transactions are also handled by computers in the Finance and Accounting Division, using accounting software. For further improvement of efficiency, the new governing body of the University have entrusted the task of developing an MIS for the University to a Software Company.
All these developments were welcomed by a cross-section of the University Community except a few.
One of them is a faculty member at the Management Science Department who commented that the
University is burdening itself with too many independent information systems. He strongly favoured an integrated information system on the lines of an Enterprise Resource Planning for a business organization.
Questions:
(a) Do you agree with the faculty member? Give reasons.
(b) What do you understand by Integrated Information System, the faculty member is talking about? Elaborate in the context of the Ogom University.
(c) Visualise that the University governing Body decides to drop the MIS plan and agrees to the idea of developing an integrated IS. What problems are likely to creep in?
(d) Assess the role of Information System specialists and consultants in situations as described in the case study.