Accounting Information Systems 8th Edition by James Hall

Exercise 59

INTERNAL CONTROL AND DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM
Until a year ago, Dagwood Printing Company had always operated in a centralized computer environment. Now, 75 percent of the office employees have a PC. Users have been able to choose their own software packages, and no documentation of end user- developed applications has been required. Next month, each PC will be linked into a local area network and to the company's mainframe.
Required
a. Outline a plan of action for Dagwood Printing Company to ensure that the proper controls over hardware, software, data, people, procedures, and documentation are in place.
b. Discuss any risks the company may face if the devised plan is not implemented.