Most companies in Thailand's agroindustry (agribusiness) have not conceived and planned their computerization schemes with any significant amount of attention to their intended function supporting operations, management, and decision making in a company. Few executives in this economic sector have a clear picture of the ways in which computerization can be advanced. The authors here outline the development of management information system (MIS) in Thailand's agroindustry with special reference to the EDP function, from simplest automation of clerical systems within the financial area to all-embracing database applications for general management and personalized information systems for individual managers throughout the company. The data presented and the observations made here are based on the interviews with the highest-ranking officials in 82 companies engaging in agribusiness in Bangkok and Samutprakarn provinces during March-September 1990. During the interviews the researchers discussed the characteristics of the life of the EDP function, traditionally used with computerized application, and the concept of the MIS development including corporate modeling, database, feasibility study and external environment. After this discussion, the company official was asked to fill up the questionnaire. The responses to these questions are : The number of companies using new applications for general management and personalized information systems for individual managers is smaller than one might expect after learning the highest growth rates of the Thai economy. About 17 per cent in this survey are in this stage. There are substantial requirements of moderate personnel specialization. The number of operator, programmer, and analyst accounted for 71 per cent in this survey. The needs for personnel who possess high skills in database technology and teleprocessing are increasing, but still at the low level. Two-thirds in this survey are in the first stage of management techniques applications. EDP is organized under a small department. Controls are notably lacking. The companies which provide computer services to users on a no-charge basis accounted for 86 per cent in this survey. This survey indicates that 17 per cent of companies studies initiated corporate modeling efforts using the top-down approach. These companies also acquire commercial software for structuring data and responding to management requests for ad hoc analysis and reports. About 62 per cent in this survey indicate that feasibility study is inappropriate to justify a proposed computer system. The benefits are often qualitative and the costs are not easy to identify. It was found that the government is seldom in a leadership role in the computerization process of a company. However, university's professors are frequently used as consultants. The development of MIS is quite often heavily dependent on the government regulations of the imported information technologies. More active role is also required in the area of training and education.
