A Structured Approach to MIS Productivity Measurement

Abstract

Productivity has rapidly become the watchword of the 1980s in MIS departments—the constant subject of systems-related periodicals and books, products, and services. Such emphasis gives rise to two major issues. First, productivity has meaning only within the context of corporate and departmental goal structures. Second, productivity must strike some balance between efficiency and effectiveness. This article explores these concepts and examines one company's application of a structured approach to productivity measurement.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Blair Y. Stephenson

Blair Y. Stephenson is manager of systems administration for Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc and visiting assistant professor of information systems in the Graduate School of Management at the University of Dallas in Irving TX

Paula Ann Hughes

Paula Ann Hughes is the associate dean of the Graduate School of Management at the University of Dallas

Richard R. Heath

Richard R. Heath is the chairman and chief executive officer of the First California Business and Industrial Development Corporation, a venture capital firm located in San Francisco