DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATED MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Recently transit systems of all sizes have begun to explore the variety of small-scale computer uses for assisting management. The process of design and implementation of a computerized management information system (MIS) for the Iowa Department of Transportation and five Iowa transit properties is traced. The automated system chosen consists of an NCR supermicrocomputer and Tower hardware coupled with the UNIFY data-base management system and other software. The project consisted of two phases. Focusing on research and design, Phase 1 included needs analysis conducted on site, review of institutional relationships and capabilities, assessment of available hardware and software, evaluation of telecommunications needs, and development of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure hardware and software. Phase 2, centered around the implementation and evaluation portion of the project, included distribution of the RFP, evaluation of bids and the procurement process, development of the chosen software, preparation of training materials, and development of a computerization impact analysis. The variety and scope of issues relevant to the development and choice of a particular computerized MIS are presented. Among the major factors affecting choice were the functions to be performed on the computer, the relationship to both local and state computer resources, the amount of employee experience with computers, the desired level of telecommunications between local and state users, and the actual software and hardware needed to satisfy the MIS needs. The entire process of design through implementation was complex and involved, and the results should prove insightful to state transportation officials and transit managers.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1986/1077/1077-006.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=DESIGN+AND+IMPLEMENTATION+OF+AN+AUTOMATED+MANAGEMENT+INFORMATION+SYSTEM+FOR+THE+IOWA+DEPARTMENT+OF+TRANSPORTATION&author=P.+McOwen&author=M.+Mandell&author=J.+Collura&author=P.+Shuldiner&publication_year=1986
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Manpower Management and Productivity. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • McOwen Jr, Paul A
  • Mandell, Meryl A
  • Collura, John
  • Shuldiner, Paul W
• Publication Date: 1986

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 32-39
• Monograph Title: Highway finance and management issues
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1077
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Implementation; Information processing; Management information systems; Software
• Identifier Terms: Iowa Department of Transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Hardware
• Geographic Terms: Iowa
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Design; Highways; Research; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00474300
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 030904071X
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Oct 31 1987 12:00AM