title: Rapid application development in small unit settings.
abstract: Small units with specialised functions often have difficulty in developing information systems because of their unique and dynamic requirements, the smallness of their applications relative to the large inter-organisational networks, and the sheer numbers of such units, especially in government. Personal experience with the difficulty of establishing a suitable information system has led to the development of a methodology for endusers to develop their own applications with only the guidance of information technology professionals (ITPs)--here entitled 'Small Unit Enduser Rapid Application Development' or SERAD. A data base management system (DBMS) is used to manage data about 'focal objects' with status flags and queries/views at interface points through UDA (UserAction, DataEntry, ApplicationAction) cycles. The system which permits data entry almost immediately, not only eventually creates a full application, but also trains endusers in the process. The methodology leads ITPs and ensuers through a sequence of exercises in systems analysis, tailored to minimise the time and effort input of ITPs despite the relative lack of IT training and concepts in endusers, with a view to rapidly creating dynamic, robust and sound information systems.
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health, College of Medicine Building, Singapore.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Yap
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003200:Computer User Training; D003628:Database Management Systems; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000145:classification / Q000458:organization & administration; D013597:Systems Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface