Maintaining Large Planning Systems during Rapid Technological Change

Today in the United States, large computerized planning systems have become accepted managerial tools. Four prominent examples taken from ongoing public sector projects are described. The proliferation of computerized databases, greatly reduced costs for computer hardware, new efficient algorithms, and analytically trained managers have all contributed to this acceptance. Expanded use of large-scale planning systems depends upon project managers taking advantage of future breakthroughs in computer hardware and software. Of particular concern are the design of forthcoming supercomputers and the impact of these designs on software planning systems. Three recommendations are presented.