Why managers use executive support systems:. selecting and using information technology for strategic advantage
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02635579510097191 |
| Pages | 24-28 |
| Date | 01 November 1995 |
| Published date | 01 November 1995 |
| Author | Jeretta Horn Nord,G. Daryl Nord |
| Subject Matter | Economics,Information & knowledge management,Management science & operations |
24 INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT & DATA SYSTEMS 95,9
Executive support systems (ESS) are computer-based
systems that provide top managers with the capability to
attain easy access to internal and external information
which is relevant to strategic decision making and other
executive responsibilities. The terms “executive support
system” and “executive information systems” (EIS) are
often used interchangeably, although executive support
system typically refers to a system with a broader set of
capabilities.
International Data Corporation, a Massachusetts-based
market research firm, indicates that executive support
systems are increasingly gaining in importance and are
predicted to be the fastest growing segment of the overall
decision support system (DSS) market. A recent study of
the use of executive support systems in Fortune 500
companies conducted by the authors found that
approximately one-third of the respondents (30.8 per cent)
currently utilize an ESS for decision support, to aid in
personal productivity, and/or communication.
Executive support systems are expected to spread even
further across the Fortune 500 with one-quarter of those
responding managers not currently using an ESS
indicating that they were implementing or planning to
implement such a system in the very near future.
The opportunity for strategic advantage through
technological exploration is now available for senior
executives through the use of ESS technology
characterized by:
●the capability to access internal and external
information critical to understanding and
assessing situations quickly;
●the capability to communicate and confront
problems electronically;
●the capability to report information with a
combination of graphics, tables, and text;
●scheduling, agenda setting, and follow-up
capabilities necessary to facilitate the business of
the organization;
●the capability to interface and integrate with other
software;
●statistical and drill down capabilities;
●functionality for decision support, what-if
analysis, and queries; and
●ease of use, including menu systems, touchscreen,
and minimal learning time for users.
Not just CEOs
Executive support systems are specifically designed for
senior executives and have made many CEOs first-time
hands-on computer users. The ESS study conducted by
the authors was directed to CEOs, with instructions to
complete the questionnaire or forward it to a more
appropriate individual to complete. More than one-half
(61.5 per cent) of the questionnaires returned were
completed by the chief executive officer of a Fortune 500
company. One-quarter of the respondents were
individuals at the vice-presidential level, with the
remaining respondents comprising presidents and other
upper-level managers. In addition to other ESS issues,
this research explored the levels of management utilizing
executive support systems within major corporations.
Contrary to the commonly defined target market for
executive support systems, findings revealed that this
software technology is used at many levels, including but
not limited to middle management and above. Figure 1
illustrates the extent of usage for each level of
management. Although CEOs use executive support
Why managers use executive
support systems:
selecting and using information technology for
strategic advantage
Jeretta Horn Nord and G. Daryl Nord
The strategic impact of using executive systems software is significant
Industrial Management and Data Systems, Vol. 95 No. 9, 1995, pp. 24-28
© MCB University Press Limited, 0263-5577
To continue reading
Request your trial