APPLICATION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN TOWN COUNCILS

Abstract

With electronic-commerce and millennium bug as the buzzwords of today's world, one may ask how the government is responding to this ever-changing world. Town Councils (TCs) are around only for ten years. How are they coping with the changing information technology environment? This dissertation attempted to find out the information systems present in two People's Action Party (PAP) and two non-PAP TCs, and their usefulness. Decision making in TCs is important as the decision will affect the residents and the confidence placed in the government. Hence, the author explored the applicability of Decision Support System (DSS) to the TCs. Interviews with various TCs and their computer vendors were conducted. PAP TCs use Estate Management System (EMAS) whereas non-PAP TCs use J. D. Edwards. Both of the systems are Management Information Systems. They enable the TCs to manage the HDB estates effectively and efficiently in financial and estate maintenance aspects. Immediate plan of the town councils is to deal with the Y2K issue. While EMAS is moving on to phase two, J. D. Edwards is advancing to higher level. It was concluded that DSS could further increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the present system. However, huge sum of money is involved and only big organization like HDB can afford it. If all the TCs, including the PAP and the non-PAP, combine their forces, DSS could be a reality.