Computers in the service of man: The computer professional in an alien subculture

Abstract

New challenges for the computer professional will result from efforts to apply computers in the service of man. The computer expert may find himself functioning in an alien subculture in which his relationship to members of the organization involved becomes as important as the technical task of systems design. This paper presents a descriptive model of the process of systems development in an unfamiliar environment. The model includes four stages: stimulus, development, implementation and operation. Application of the model is demonstrated by an example of systems design for the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee.