ORIGIN OF SPREAD SHEET RISK AND IT STRATEGIES FOR ITS CONTROL IN ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
Author: Dr. Haridasa S. Acharya
Category: Information Technology Management
Abstract:
Spread sheet risks are a reality in enterprises. They are an unavoidable
component of any enterprise data processing system. Use of spread sheets
can never be fully eliminated from any enterprise data processing
environment. The only way to counter the problem is to minimize their ill effects
with proper IT policies and data processing strategies.
In this article, to begin with a quick analysis of the data base types and the changing
needs of data processing requirements of any Enterprise, small or big in size, is given.
An attempt has been made to trace the origin of the very concept of 'Spread Sheet
Risk' from historic perspective.
A formal theory is proposed to establish that 'Spread Sheet Risk' is an unavoidable
evil , specially in financial data processing.
Next an attempt has been made to theoretically examine the trend of 'Spread sheet
risk' over the past few years, and estimate the growth rates.
Strategies for monitoring the risk and effectively managing the same have been
suggested , using proofs which are based on the Software Engineering Principles,
established data growth laws, and the dynamics of tiny data to big-data
evolution.
It can be stated that this article conclusively proves that - Spread Sheet Risk is now
an established concept , which is a minimizable evil, but which can never be
eliminated. Hence it is necessary for the Enterprises to train their managers
adequately to be able to select and adopt appropriate control measures.
