ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the management development implications of the experiences with information technologies. A feature of computer development has been the growth in the ability of systems to capture and process data at the time of the original transaction, without the need for further human intervention. Done well, this can greatly enhance the insight a manager already familiar with basic operations can have for events. Given the pressure from the computer industry towards ever more sophisticated ‘high-tech’ solutions, a pressing development need is to remind managers that ‘low-tech’ solutions can be productive, and may, in appropriate circumstances, also be a better basis for monitoring and controlling performance. Information technology also poses a challenge to managers in their role of giving direction and purpose to the organisation. The chapter also presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book.
