The Computer as a Tool in Problem-solving

Abstract

Most people have, as part of their daily life, received information prepared or produced by a computer. There are many examples, from bills to standard letters reminding us to pay bills or extolling us to take advantage of the latest offers from a company’s product range. Even on occasions we receive competitions where the selection of winners is to be made by the computer. The fact that the computer has a role to play, in problem-solving and information-processing associated with business activities, is thus beyond doubt. We are therefore left to ask the question: ‘What is it about the computer that has put it into the business problem solvers’ arsenal of weapons with which to fight the information battle?’ In this chapter we seek to look at the salient features of a computer system and to relate these to the use made of them by the business world.