Electronic Office

3. Wiring up the Organisation

BBC1 Series 1 Episode 3
First broadcast 6th May 1984, 12:35
Duration: 24:41
Run software from this programme (1 program)
3: Wiring up the Organisation : A microcomputer on its own can perform many useful tasks in the office but as soon as an organisation starts linking computers together into a network, its whole style of working may change dramatically, with a consequent challenge to management. In the third of six programmes IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS continues his examination of the office technology of today and tomorrow. Film editor JOHN DlNWOODIE Production MIKE COCKER and DAVID ALLEN

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Clips from this programme

Opening Titles

Duration: 00:25

A marketing manager for DEC works from home in his cottage in the woods

Duration: 00:43

The National Extension College in Cambridge had to update its archaic methods to get better information and provide a better service. Richard Freeman says they had to Computerise or die.

Duration: 03:34

Local area networks linked to a main frame computer in the London Borough of Hammersmith

Duration: 01:29

An integrated but hierarchical system in use in DEC has speeded up financial predictions but many people disliked the central calendar management system

Duration: 04:22

With little previous experience of computers, how did the National Extension College decide what to do and what systems to choose?

Duration: 13:31

The health and safety and morale issues surrounding the introduction of new technology. Colin Peacock of the Oxford Exam Board, Peter Keen of the London Business School and Joe Ferreira of the Diebold Group comment the management of organisational change.

Duration: 11:14

End Titles & Credits

Duration: 00:31

Electronic Office

1. Office on the Move

First broadcast: 12th April 1984
Duration 24:28

1: Office on the Move : The combination of ever cheaper computers and improved telecommunications has produced a quiet revolution on the desks of secretaries, clerks, middle managers and executives, sometimes for good, sometimes for ill. IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS. himself the director of a major computer company, begins a six-part examination of the office technology of today and tomorrow. Production MIKE COCKER and DAVID ALLEN

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2. The Stand-alone Micro

First broadcast: 19th April 1984
Duration 24:44

2: The Stand-alone Micro : Most of the computers in business are being used for relatively straightforward tasks like word processing, financial planning and simple data base management. IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS examines these various 'stand-alone' applications in the second of six programmes about the office technology of today and tomorrow. Production MIKE COCKER and DAVID ALLEN

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3. Wiring up the Organisation

First broadcast: 6th May 1984
Duration 24:41

3: Wiring up the Organisation : A microcomputer on its own can perform many useful tasks in the office but as soon as an organisation starts linking computers together into a network, its whole style of working may change dramatically, with a consequent challenge to management. In the third of six programmes IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS continues his examination of the office technology of today and tomorrow. Film editor JOHN DlNWOODIE Production MIKE COCKER and DAVID ALLEN

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4. Changing with the Times

First broadcast: 10th May 1984
Duration 23:45

4: Changing with the Times How do modern electronic methods affect the working habits and culture of an old established daily newspaper? IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS finds out with the help of journalists, editors and others at the New York Times. Film editor JOHN DINWOODIE Production MIKE COCKER and DAVID ALLEN

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5. Wiring up the World

First broadcast: 17th May 1984
Duration 24:25

5: Wiring up the World : The microcomputing revolution in business would mean little without the telephone network. Companies can exchange data electronically with each other and even with us, their customers, in a fraction of a second, and this is having a considerable effect on competition. Production MIKE COCKER and DAVID ALLEN

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6. Easy to Use?

First broadcast: 24th May 1984
Duration 24:32

6: Easy to Use? : Computer manufacturers at present claim 'ease of use' for their machines. In reality most computers are far from easy to use. In this last programme IAN MCNAUGHT-DAVIS takes a look at some of the work being done to humanise the technology. Production MIKE COCKER and DAVID ALLEN

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