Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

LaFerney, Preston E.

English

Research Papers in Economics

SOUTHERN  JOURNAL  OF  AGRICULTURAL  ECONOMICS  JULY,  1983
AN  ADMINISTRATIVE  PERSPECTIVE  ON  MICROCOMPUTERS  FOR
AGRICULTURAL  RESEARCH  AND  EDUCATION
Preston E. La Ferney
INTRODUCTION  Many of us grew up in an era when the IBM 650 was
king and one unit served the entire university. In many
The computer is possibly the most significant  technolog-  respects  comparable  in capacity  and capability  to the
ical innovation during the 1980's in American agriculture.  IBM 650,  the microcomputer  is rapidly coming to the
(ECOP, p. 1)  fingertips of each educator,  farmer,  and housewife,  and
in a dazzling  array  of sizes,  shapes,  brands,  and  ca-
Most of us involved in agricultural research and ed-  pabilities.  No  wonder the  typical administrator  alter-
ucation  are  aware of the  tremendous  aid to our work  nately  worships,  curses,  ignores,  questions,  lauds,  and
computers have provided over the past 20 to 25 years.  criticizes the microcomputer before turning the whole
But the  innovation  to  which  ECOP refers-the phe-  issue over to a committee or trusted expert.
nomenon of the microcomputer in agriculture-is just
now unfolding.  ABERRATION  OR  REVOLUTION?
For  almost  a  century,  we  have  developed  in  this
country  an impressive and productive  network of ag-  Among the reservations and concerns of administra-
ricultural  teaching,  research  and extension.  During  this  tors relative to the microcomputer  and  its use in agri-
span of time, many changes  have been wrought upon  culture has been the question of reality and permanence.
American agriculture; agriculture  has evolved as a sci-  Is the microcomputer only a fad, or is it really here to
ence.  As  a consequence,  U.S.  agriculture  feeds  our  stay and plague us,  and to find its place among us as a
citizens for less than 20 percent of the average family's  tool of management? By now, most of the agricultural
net income and provides the buffer between starvation  administrators  with whom I've talked  and whose  views
and survival for many other people  in the world.  We  I've read agree that we  truly are in the midst of a rev-
have successfully met, harnessed,  and even instigated  olution.  Based on these expressed views,  on my own
changes for the betterment  of mankind.  However, this  limited experience (and very few of us have had much
is in retrospect. The issue today is how to best meet yet  experience  in this area),  and on mounting evidence in
another change-the  evolution  and  increasing  use of  the form of sales and cries for help in using microcom-
the microcomputer  in our homes,  on our farms, and in  puters,  I submit that we must begin yesterday to plan,
our agribusinesses.  invest, integrate,  and manage our affairs accordingly.
This change,  as is  so often the case,  has taken us by  Another quote from the recent ECOP report reads:
sudden  force. It is  hard to appreciate  the fact that this
wonder machine was developed  and introduced into our  For the first time in American,  and world,  history, man-
society  less than  10  years  ago.  The average  agricul-  agementpower  can be put directly on the farm with added
tural  administrator  today  recognizes  this  force  and  productivity  and increased  efficiency  as the significant end
something of its awesome potential  for American ag-  results.  (p.  1)
riculture and for our land grant system of research and
education.  He or she also typically suffers sudden pangs  Among  administrators,  the  key question,  and  one
of discomfort throughout the day (and night, perhaps!)  with many facets,  is how best to go about making this
over what to do about all of this.  There are now many  happen most propitiously.
more questions  than there are satisfactory answers  re-
lating to the microcomputer and what it can and should
mean to us.  We view the  microcomputer  with mixed  MICROCOMPUTERS  IN  RELATION
feelings-it is  a potentially  powerful  tool for manag-  TO  OUR  MAJOR  FUNCTIONS
ing our homes, offices,  and farms,  yet it is  a stranger
whose character  and basic nature change rapidly.  The  Our  major functions-teaching,  research,  and  ex-
microcomputer  is  so  new  and  complex  that  making  tension-each  share  a common  set of challenges  and
close acquaintance  and developing understanding  of it  concerns,  yet  they  face  diverse  sets  of unique  chal-
is very  difficult.  lenges.  The  revolution  is  common  to each  function,
Preston E.  La Ferney is a  Professor and Associate Director  of Agricultural  Experiment  Station, University  of Arkansas.
Invited paper presented  at the annual  meeting of the Southern Agricultural  Economics Association,  Feb. 6-9,  1983  Atlanta.  Invited papers are routinely published in the July SJAE without
editorial council  review  but with review by  the copy editor (as  per Executive  Committee  action June  25,  1982).
53bringing similar responsibilities,  frustrations,  and op-  who has a new microcomputer,  but who does not have
portunities.  We must once again  meet sudden change  the knowledge  to use it.  I believe that this is typical.
by joining  hands.  However,  teaching,  research,  and  Again,  the specter of additional  training  arises.  How
extension each face a somewhat unique set of circum-  much additional training should be provided? What is
stances  concerning  the  use of microcomputers  as re-  the best way to obtain the training?  Who do we train?
ated to their particular functions.  What gets sacrificed  to afford the training?  How long
can we take to  "come up to full speed?"
Teaching  Also,  what is extension's role in providing software
for microcomputers? This has to rank as one of the ma-
A  tremendous  challenge  and opportunity  faces  our  jor  challenges  facing  us-the  division  of  labor be-
teaching component-that of generating  computer lit-  tween the public and private sectors in making  software
eracy in our graduates.  Gone are the days when we can  available and in maintaining it for our clientele.
justifiably do anything else.  And the teaching  respon-  Recent estimates available  through ECOP (p.  5) in-
sibility also extends  to developing  computer  literacy,  dicate  two  significant  things:  (1)  some  of us  are  al-
or  at  least  an  appreciation,  among  our teaching,  re-  ready giving  this issue very serious thought,  and (2) the
search,  and extension  faculties  (yes,  administrators  are  cost will be considerable.  As much as 5 percent could
included).This  will  include  decisions  regarding  be added to the state's extension budget (an estimated
courses,  new  faculty  members,  hardware,  software,  $54 million  annually on a national basis) to add the new
and software development skills.  How much computer  computer-based  delivery system, which would be lim-
expertise to require  of our graduates must also be de-  ited to technical personnel,  and to provide equipment
termined.  And how do we equitably reward  those fac-  to  assist  existing staff in  developing  software  pro-
ulty members  who consult with other faculty  or who  grams.
develop  software?  This  new educational  effort calls  for
changes  which we typically regard  as evolutionary or
long-term,  not revolutionary.  And yet, in the midst of  COPING  BY  ADMINISTRATORS
the  microcomputer  revolution,  some revolutionary
changes are warranted.  The  microcomputer  specter  has  administrators
scrambling. There is an aura of anxiety among us. But
~~~~~~~~~Research  ^early  signs of responsible coping with the complex is-
sues  are  beginning  to  appear.  This  meeting  and  the
meeting of the Southern Directors of Agricultural  Ex- As with many of our endeavors, research programs  periment  Stations  and of Extension Services later this
share in some of the responsibility of training students  ee  are  e  of respnsi  activity  The North
week  are evidence of responsible activity.  The North to conduct research with the aid of the computer. Mak-  Central  Directors  of Experiment  Stations  and  of Ex-
ing the correct selection  of computers  and related  tension Services  have  developed  and adopted  a set of tension Services  have developed and adopted  a set of equipment  for  use  in  conducting  our  research  pro-  administrative  policies  for  computer-based  informa- grams  is  a major  challenge.  In making  the selection,  tionsystemsto help eachstateandinstitution.  TheW
administrative and publications uses must also be con-
7*]  T|  A1^  P*^^~  *^~  ^  ^-  K.  Kellogg foundation  continues to provide financial sidered.  Also, especially for research,  the question of  backing and direction to regions and states through its
interfacing with both  teaching  and extension  pro-  t 
grants program;  the North Central Computer Institute grams,  particularly  those  concerning  computer  pur-  has  been established  and  is  immersed  in activity  de-
chase  and  usage,  poses  a  special  challenge.  To what  signed to help us with hardware,  software,  and related
extent do we "stay  compatible"  or "go  it alone?" In extent do we "stay compatible"  or "go it alone?" In  issues; a feasibility study is underway in the Northeast
what methodological  and developmental  software  re-  region and another one is underway in the Western re- search should we be involved, and how do we properly  gion.  Here in the Southern region, emphasis  is on use ^ ^  . 1^-iSrr  o  gion.  Here in the  Southern region,  emphasis is on use reward those involved in these efforts? of our regional structure to assist us in coping with these
computer-related  issues.
Extension  Recently,  a quick,  informal  survey  of institutions
across  the  country  indicated  that  while  more  institu-
In addition to considering questions  of appropriate  tions are beginning to work on  software questions  re-
equipment  and  software  for  maintaining  programs,  lating to patents, copyrights,  peer review of software
disseminating  information,  and administering  the en-  programs,  and  appropriate  rewards  (promotion  and
tire operation,  extension bears  the major brunt  of the  tenure credit)  for software  development,  very few  (less
uncertainty  as to how to best serve the public in using  than  10 percent) have actually developed and adopted
microcomputers.  The housewife with her new  micro-  policies in these areas.
computer has always  been able to call on her friendly  As with any other decision-making process,  various
home  economics  extension  agent  in  similar  predica-  administrators  are  handling  the  microcomputer  revo-
ments.  Will  she again be  able to obtain the necessary  lution differently.  Very  few are sufficiently  well versed
software to really use the new purchase or perhaps the  to personally  lead the charge,  sort out the relevant from
help to make the initial hardware purchase? This is not  the irrelevant issues, and set policy. Most are depend-
likely  at present.  The same  is true  for the farmer.  In  ent to a large extent on faculty  and staff for the tech-
Arkansas,  we very often encounter a progressive farmer  nical  input  for  day-to-day  decisions  and  for
54development of policy regarding hardware,  software,  Coordination Within
and related  issues.  Special  task  forces  and  standing  a  e 
committees  also are being  used  to help structure  and  extension best co-
guide computer-related  decisions.  ordinate efforts to optimize internal and client usage of
idited  earlier  coin  ill  e  eenthe  microcomputer? Administrators at all levels are, or As  I  indicated  earlier,  coping  will  be  expensive; need to be, facing  this issue.  Compatibility within ag- we're talking about big resources  in dollars  and peo-  nee  to  e  ain  this iss  Compatibility within ag-
ple.  And the  revolution has  begun  at a most difficult  riculture is important with respect to software,  reward pie.  And the revolution  has begun at  a most difficult or professional  credit for software  development,  and time for  most of us.  Both dollars  and people  are es-  hardare  to soe etent. Te intr  nal  odnatn
pecially scarce  within our land  grant system these days.  ha  e  to  some  extent.  The  nternal  coordination
ran^~  '.  ~ .^  ~  ^  • •  •needs  to  be  provided  before  much  can  be  accom- This puts the  administrator into  an  even more severe
plished toward coordination across  state lines. bind to do all of the things that he or she knows should
be done  and  to do  them  as  quickly  as  possible.  Re-  Coordination Among  States
sponsible coping  is beginning to occur, but we have a
long way  to go,  and it will involve considerable time,  The north central states appear to be out front in co-
pain, effort,  and expense.  ordinating efforts across  state lines. The North Central
Computer  Institute  provides  one  very  significant
SPECIAL  CHALLENGES  mechanism for coordination.  Perhaps the  diversity of
approaches to interstate coordination now occurring in
Finally, there are  several dimensions to the admin-  the  various regions  is  a plus.  Hopefully,  one or more
istrator's challenge regarding the use of microcompu-  viable  approaches  to coordination  can be forged from
ters  in  agricultural  research  and  education;  thus,  the  activities now underway.
perspectives  on microcomputer  use  are  multifaceted.  Cost Effectiveness
A few  of the  more challenging  issues  confronting  us
follow.  As  with  most  management  situations,  cost  effec-
tiveness  is  a challenge  to administrators  as they  cope
Hardware  with  the microcomputer  revolution.  Although  the
computer  industry  has  provided  for  a  great  deal  of
Technological  changes  are occurring  so rapidly  in  technical and cost efficiency  in computer hardware (a
hardware availability, capability,  and cost that it is dif-  major reason for the revolution),  the cost of providing
ficult for  an  expert,  much less  an  administrator with  adequate  hardware  and  software  and the  related  fac-
limited computer knowledge and more than computers  ulty expertise within our institutions are still very high.
to  manage,  to  stay  abreast.  The  two  primary  chal-  I believe we must depend upon private industry not only
lenges  are decisions  regarding hardware  purchases-  to continue  making hardware  available  to agriculture
kinds,  amounts,  priority  uses-and  long-term  plan-  at a reasonable  cost but also to effectively provide the
ning  and  budgeting  for  adequate  equipment.  Typi-  major  access  to  software through  time.  Even  so,  our
cally,  an  institution has technical  competence  available  institutional  role remains  significant,  expensive,  and
to judge  individual  purchase  decisions;  the crunch  subject to close scrutiny  for cost effectiveness.
comes in managing for overall efficiency across the in-
stitution through time.
SUMMARY
Software  In summary,  still another major change is suddenly
upon  agriculture  and  the  land  grant system.  Micro-
One thing is clear relative to software:  it is and will  computer usage is a revolution,  and  it is here to stay.
continue  to be a key element in harnessing the micro-  It confronts  each component  of our trio of functions:
computer as effective  management power. But the col-  teaching,  research,  and extension.  Some challenges  are
lective  task  is  gigantic,  considering  both  the  shared among these functions and must be confronted
development  and maintenance  aspects  as well  as  the  jointly;  others  are  somewhat unique  to a given func-
numbers  of potential  clients.  Some  thought has  been  tion.  Administrators  largely have been taken from the
devoted  to the issue,  but the question regarding the di-  blind side,  but are showing  signs of at least a willing-
vision of labor between the public and private sector in  ness  to cope.  Policies  must be  developed,  largely
developing  and  maintaining computer  software  is  through  joint  efforts  among  teaching,  research,  and
largely unanswered.  In general,  many administrators,  extension  administrators,  to face hardware,  software,
I  believe  most  administrators,  see  a  very heavy  de-  coordination,  and  cost  effectiveness  challenges.  The
pendence upon the private sector in providing software  reward  could  be  fantastic,  the  ushering  into  agricul-
for microcomputers  in homes,  on farms,  and  in agri-  tural  pursuits  of yet  another force  for human  better-
business.  ment-management  power.
REFERENCE
Extension Committee on Organization  and Policy. '"'The Computer: Management Power for Modern Agriculture. '"'
Purdue University,  1982.
55

AN ADMINISTRATIVE PERSPECTIVE ON MICROCOMPUTERS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

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Research Papers in Economics