Exploding the Computer Myth: Discovering the 13 Realities of High Performing Business Systems [Hardcover]

Glenn E. Weadock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1995 | ISBN-10: 0471132918 | ISBN-13: 978-0471132912 | Edition: 1

Advance Praise for Exploding the Computer Myth "Exploding the Computer Myth looks to me to be the most important business computer book of the decade. Glenn Weadock sifts through the mountains of computer hype and promise to find you the hard kernels of truth. If you use computers in your work -- and who doesn't these days!--then this volume will help you get the most out of your current computer and prepare you for the next step into the future." --Jerry Pournelle Senior Editor of Byte Magazine "On Glenn Weadock's book, Exploding the Computer Myth, I'm sure there are dozens, if not hundreds, of corporate executives who are just like myself. I worry about the fact that we wouldn't invest money in a machine on the planet that I see unused 75 percent of the time I walk by, and yet we do this daily with computers. The fact that someone who has been deeply involved in the 'Information Systems' industry now tells us that computer productivity improvements should be measured and should be evaluated to justify new computer investments, in itself will provide support for changing the way we look at it. I must admit, however, that Glenn still leaves us with a major challenge--that it is necessary for top management to be involved with computer technology for the right moves to be made. Fortunately, his book starts the process." --Ludvik F. Koci President, Detroit Diesel Corporation

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Outlines a long-range plan for matching business needs with technology. Explains how to make computer systems perform productively by uncovering common assumptions about fitting people around technology, fixing dysfunctional equipment with money and associating performance power with productivity. Describes how to improve existing systems and offers practical tips for smarter computer usage. Authentic examples illustrate how sophisticated systems are largely wasted.

From the Inside Flap

Exploding the Computer Myth Sophisticated computer systems are seen as a prescription for productivity, but they are frequently used as glorified typewriters. Exploding the Computer Myth shows companies how mismatching technology with business needs wastes time and money. It explodes the myth that business computer systems automatically improve bottom-line productivity. Instead, in many cases, computers actually decrease the efficiency of many business functions. In a non-technical language for the business reader, this book lays out ways to transform information technology from a time-and-money sinkhole into a key enabler of process reengineering. Author Glenn Weadock presents a long-range plan for making existing technology work day-to-day. Managers and directors responsible for information systems are shown how to improve existing systems while preserving their company’s business objectives. Weadock describes 13 ways to make computer systems perform by challenging common assumptions such as: fitting people around technology, fixing dysfunctional equipment with money, and associating performance power with productivity. Any businessperson interested in maximizing computer productivity will appreciate these practical tips for smarter computer usage. The book’s real-life examples show how large systems are largely wasted: a cosmetics manufacturer uses a $700,000 computer just to prepare budgets; a giant auto-parts manufacturer discards millions of dollars in automation equipment because it doesn’t work. Exploding the Computer Myth allows you to learn from the painful experiences of other companies to make your software, PC’s and networks deliver the right results.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471132918
• ISBN-13: 978-0471132912
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,126,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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