Abstract: COBOL is still the language of choice in most business computer information systems (BCIS). As a result, COBOL remains the language of choice in structured programming courses required in most undergraduate and graduate computer information system (CIS) and business administration curricula in the United States and Canada. The cost of maintaining COBOL systems, however, can be very expensive for business. A collection of structured programming standards and guidelines (SPSGs) for CIS designed with COBOL has evolved to reduce maintenance costs: This review examines SPSG coverage in textbooks currently used in structured programming courses. These textbooks are evaluated and ranked on the basis of SPSG content. In turn, each SPSG is prioritized according to the degree of inter-textbook coverage. Three textbooks and four SPSGs stand out in the research findings along with suggestions for further empirical research.

Keywords: CIS education, Structured COBOL programming, Textbooks

Download this article: JISE - Volume 6 Number 2, Page 60.pdf

Recommended Citation: Leif, D. J. (1994). Textbook Treatment of Structured Programming Standards and Guidelines. Journal of Information Systems Education, 6(2), 60-64.