Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Managers
California Occupational Guide Number 348
Interest Area 11
1995
THE JOB
In every industry there is need for managers to plan and direct the
activities of all organizational functions.Industries that use computers
employ ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING (EDP) MANAGERS to control the various
activities related to the operation of the firm's mainframe computer or its
client-server network,as well as all of the peripheral equipment.Major
users of EDP systems are banks,public utilities,transportation and
insurance companies,large manufacturing firms,and government and
educational establishments.Computer equipment manufacturers and independent
computer service firms also operate computer centers on a fee or contract
basis.While the EDP unit often operates as an independent center,serving
all departments of the establishment under an executive officer,it is often
attached to another department,such as accounting.
In some firms,an EDP Manager may be responsible only for computer
production:data entry,data control,equipment scheduling,and quality
control.In such firms,another EDP Manager takes care of programming,
program maintenance and systems analysis functions.Frequently,however,
the EDP Manager is in charge of all of these activities.
As head of computer production units,EDP Managers plan and direct the
operation of the electronic data processing equipment,and select,train,
supervise and evaluate the work of the computer operations staff.In
planning the work of the department,EDP Managers evaluate the relative
importance of various projects and determine job priorities.They review
the requirements of each project,assign machine time and personnel to
complete it,and coordinate all projects to produce a continuous work flow
and meet deadlines established by management of user departments.Since
idle machines are expensive to the organization,one of the prime
responsibilities of the EDP Managers is the effective utilization of all
data processing equipment through scheduling.
When their departments encompass programming and systems analysis,EDP
Managers generally review and approve all systems charts and programs prior
to their implementation.They may also spend much time with the analysts
working out the requirements of a proposed job,defining the problem and
developing the program.If the EDP Manager is not directly responsible for
new programs,he/she is usually consulted about the data operations or other
aspects of a new program,and may confer with programmers and analysts
regarding program problems that arise during a machine run.
WORKING CONDITIONS
EDP Managers work in well-lighted and well-ventilated rooms.However,the
temperature where the data processing equipment is located is kept lower
than normal in order to counteract the heat generated by the machine
operations.EDP Managers are exposed to noises in the room from the low hum
of the tape or disc drives to the high-speed sound of the printers.Meeting
deadlines,satisfying the demands of user departments,and solving personnel
problems are potential causes of stress in this occupation; therefore,EDP
Managers should have emotional stability and patience as well as
organizational ability.Effective job performance generally requires that
EDP Managers be able to stand and move about with ease and have mobility of
arms and hands.Good vision is essential since this job demands
considerable reading and other close work.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.It includes
Engineering,Mathematical and Natural Sciences Managers.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 53,040
Estimated number of workers in 2005 64,830
Projected Growth 1990-2005 22%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 14,230
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Even though more organizations are acquiring computers or enlarging their
existing facilities,refinements in equipment and production methods which
increase the output of the machines,may actually lessen,rather than
increase the need for managers.The trend of large firms to consolidate
their activities into regional service centers will also limit the growth of
this occupation.However,because of industry expansion,there will
continue to be a need for EDP Managers,especially those who stay abreast of
technological changes.Most of the openings that will occur will be filled
from within the organization.
WAGES,HOURS,AND FRINGE BENEFITS
EDP Managers' salaries tend to vary widely in line with such factors as the
nature and size of the employing establishment,the level of the position
and the degree of responsibility entailed.Salaries also vary depending upon
the type of installation,i.e.,utilizing a single computer manufacturer's
line or using various computers manufactured by different companies.
Beginning salaries start at approximately $2,500 to $4,000 per month.
Those with experience may earn from $3,700 to $6,500 or more per month.
Highly experienced individuals may earn up to $8,500 or more per month.
Managers working for the State of California start at about $4,000 per
month,and may promote to manager IV,which has a maximum salary of $6,404
per month.
Those who have the higher salaries are generally responsible for directing
programming and systems analysis as well as EDP operations.The work week
is nominally 40 hours; however,most data processing managers find it
necessary to work overtime to handle peak workloads and to compensate for
unavoidable delays in the regular schedule.
Fringe benefits usually include paid vacation a year,paid holidays,sick
leave and health benefits.Some organizations provide a retirement and
profit-sharing plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most employers require EDP Managers to have a bachelor's degree in business
administration,engineering,or computer science.Three to five years
experience in data processing is usually required of EDP Managers.
Demonstrated supervisory ability,along with the required experience and
training is highly desirable.Managers should be familiar with program
languages such as COBOL or FORTRAN.In most establishments,a broad
knowledge of the firm's activities,gained through experience in accounting
production,inventory control,or other specialized activities is considered
an asset when combined with EDP experience.
ADVANCEMENT
Because of the evolving nature of EDP programming and equipment,it is
important that the EDP Manager engage in continuing self-education.Several
lines of advancement may be open to the EDP Manager depending on the
organizational structure of his firm.Where systems and procedures functions
are separate from machine operations,management of this overall planning
unit may constitute a promotion.If the EDP unit is a part of the
accounting department,the manager may advance to chief accountant or
controller provided he has the necessary accounting background.Elsewhere,
the EDP Manager may be in line for promotion to other managerial or
administrative posts since directing data processing activities provides the
opportunity to become familiar with most of the firm's activities.
Furthermore,as the job of the EDP Manager grows in complexity and scope,
these constitute an upgrading in itself with no reassignment of duties.