ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a method for controlling the selection process, and this method is fundamentally aimed at the justification of new projects for an organisation already using a computer. The selection process should include a quantitive evaluation of each project established jointly by the data processing staff and the line management. If this investigation indicates that there are benefits in continuing with the project, the development expenditure is approved and detailed design work and programming take place. In reviewing the project, the systems management committee must seek to satisfy themselves that the line management and data processing staff have carefully and objectively assessed the costs and benefits. It is usual to find that opportunities for major benefits exist in the principal operating units of the organisation, where labour and materials are extensively used. Finally, many projects may be justified by the improvements in the efficiency of the data processing departments themselves.
