Information centers in the United States Navy: future support for a computer literate society

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to examine the current state of Information Centers (IC's) in the United States Navy and the necessary steps that must be taken to support future end-user computing (EUC). The current trends in IC development in the corporate environment, pertinent models for controlling and promoting EUC, and the current policies governing existing IC's within the United States Navy are examined providing background for recommendations. The Navy's current strategy for dealing with EUC can be characterized as being in its early developmental stages. Little planning is being done dealing with the promotion or control of EUC. IC's have developed largely in reaction to user demand with little guidance from upper levels of management. As a result, those end-users geographically close enough to existing IC's can make use of their EUC support services. Those removed from the IC's influence suffer from the lack of a support facility. The Navy is at an important stage in supporting EUC growth and development. An increase in bureaucratic controls could stifle EUC growth. Fostering EUC through norm-based reinforcement and strategic support for IC's throughout the service will allow the Navy to capitalize on this new and developing phenomenon. As EUC continues to become more sophisticated in society it becomes increasingly important to develop a strategic policy that allows growth and provides direction to end-users.