Computer Graphics for Management: Prerequisites for an Effective Introduction

Abstract

The process of introducing computer graphics into an organization can have a critical impact on its acceptance and usefulness for management. Technical computer expertise must be coordinated with knowledge and skills from other areas: technical graphics expertise, the concerns of organizational development, and the needs and expectations of managers. This paper describes a study of the introduction of computer graphics within a fortune 200 company. The study surveyed the impact of graphics on five different levels of management. It identifies sources of resistance to the introduction of graphics as well as factors of positive influence in implementing the change. It also describes changes in management decisionmaking capabilities as well as the causes of sub-optimal utilization of graphics. Based upon an analysis of the issues raised in the study, the paper concludes with recommendations of prerequisites for the effective introduction of computer graphics for management.