* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California)     OR      JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide)

More Occupational Guides

Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Managers

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.


FINDING THE JOB

The job of an EDP Manager is usually filled from within the organization.  
Occasionally, employers find it necessary to recruit from outside by 
advertising in newspapers and trade journals or through personnel agencies.  
Another source may be the California Employment Development Department Job 
Service office.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Association for Computing Machinery, Inc.
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
(212) 869-7440
http://www.acm.org/

Data Processing Management Association
505 Busse Highway
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(708) 825-8124


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Computer Programmers            No.  81
Computer Systems Engineers      No. 488


OCCUPATIONAL CODE  REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Manager, Electronic Data Processing                  169.167-030
Director, Research and Development                   189.117-014

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Engineering, Mathematical and Natural Sciences Managers   130170


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department, 
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, 
         (916) 262-2162.