O.R. workers, information systems analysts and the challenge of the micro

An assessment of the effects of microcomputing on O.R. should take account of the impact of micros on other professional groups involved in the provision of information and analysis to managers. The paper examines the likely changes in the role of information systems analysts associated with present trends in computer-based information systems and, by concentrating on the decision support systems area, argues that O.R. workers and systems analysts may find themselves competing for new roles in ways which make if difficult to set out the contribution of each in terms of what they do at present. A modest proposal is made for a new form of team for the development of decision support systems. This incorporates a division of skills which cuts across existing lines of differentiation and foresees an increased contribution on the part of user-managers.