-17-54.Therehasnot bf~enabroadstudyofcomputer useinthesystemsincethemid-1970s. Thereportsurveys 11organizations located atGenevathathavesharply increased theircomputer usesinceasurvey wasmadein1977.All17organizationsnowusecomputers and14havetheirown.Thenumberofcomputers (includingpersonal computers) r~sefrom4in1977to427inmid-1984, whilecomputerterminals increased from132to1,867. 55.Toproperly managethisgrowtheachorganization needsacarefully consideredplanning andcontrol process withclear-cut responsibilities forcoherentinformation systems development anduse.Thereportreviews thepositiveinitiatives takenbyeightoftheorganizations andcertain keyelements andbasiccomponents whicheachorganization shouldincorporate. 56.Thereportthensummarizes applications, initiatives, possibilities andhazards thatareemerging ineightmajorareasof"office automation" intheorganizations, including substantive databases,substantive analysis, technicalco-operation, communication, records management andarchives, wordprocessing,printing andpublications, andadministrative andmanagement systems. 57.Fitting theseareasharmoniously together isacomplex, continuing task,whichrequires careful attention tocoherent networks, anoverall systems developmentstrategy, software requirements andavailability, andinter-agency co-operation andexchange ofexperience. Thenewtechnologies alsoprovide asignificant managementopportunity toanalyse andre-think operations andtasksinordertoimproveprogrammes andservices toMemberStates andtoenhance organizationalproductivi ty. 58.Peoplearethekeyfactorrequired foreffective useofthesenewtechnologies. Particular attention should begiventoworkenvironments, toestablishing well-rounded stafftraining programmes andtoactivestaffparticipation intheprocess ofcomputerized systems development. Topmanagementguidance andoversight areessential, andadministrative support unitsmustcarefully consider long-term procurement, security andmaintenance requirements.Goodmanagement systems staffareimportant tohelpmaximize operationalimprovements through computerization, andadequately staffed computer systems unitshaveacritical roletoplayinsupporting theothergroupsthrough systemsdevelopment, userservice andcontrol functions. 59.Problems inthedevelopment ofcomputerized systems intheUnitedNationsindicate aneedtoestablish acomprehensive andconsultative planning andreviewprocess forinformation systems development, toreconsider needsandactivities ofsystems development inoffices awayfromheadquarters, andtoupgrade computersystems development workintheUnitedNations OfficeatGeneva. Inaddition, a significant inter-agency effortthatdeserves allpossible support isnowunderwaytoreviewcomputer-based communications use,plansandresources inthesystem.Furthermore, costsavings couldbeachieved byextendinq tothespecializedagencies certain telecommunications rightspresently granted onlytotheUnitedNations. 60.Theorganizations oftheUnitedNations systemareatanearlystageofwidespread computer useandmanyhavemadeagoodstart,butdecisions madenowwillhaveamajorimpactonfutureoperations. Theorganizations arealreadyspending considerable amounts oncomputerization tobetter meetthairinternationalinformation andoperational responsibilities. Tomakethisprocess costeffective, -18-eachorganiz management. control ofi resource ski 61.Therep theUnited N wellastot 62.TheUni countries, h adopted the Co-operation subsequently 19December Nations syst technical ca development. bearprimary nevertheless organization discusses wh responsibili 63.There issuesrelat (TCDC/ECDC) • 250resoluti sincethePI leqislative pursued byt andthePlan orderofpri andtheincr ':lftenresult contrihuted PlanofActi 64.Therei concept and Formanv,th thetwoindi theonehand capacities 0 and,onthe andexchange countries. andFrocedureachorganization musthavesound,sustained andprofessional information systems management. TheInspector makesseveral recommendations concerning planning and control ofinformation systems development andthedevelopment ofthehuman resource skills andparticipation neededtomakethesesystems workwell. 61.Thereportwassenton11April1985foractiontotheSecretaries-General of theUnitedNations, lTUandWMO,andtheDirectors-General ofILO,WHOandWIPO,as wellastotheotherparticipating organizations ofJIUforinformation. H.UnitedNations development systemsupport tothe implementation oftheBuenosAiresPlanofAction onTeChnical co-operation amongDeveloping Countries (JIU/REP/85/3) 62.TheUnitedNations Conference onTechnical Co-operation amongDeveloping Countries, heldatBuenosAiresfrom30Augustto12September 1978,unanimously
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on the development and implementation of computerized systems within the United Nations system, with an emphasis on improving organizational productivity, efficiency, and communication. The report highlights the rapid growth of computer use among UN organizations, and discusses the need for careful planning, control, and management of these systems. It also touches on the importance of human resources, training, and staff participation in the process of computerized systems development.

**Category**
Transport and communication, Science and technology