A discussion of information management within institutions looks at the relationship between data administration, the application of formal rules and methods to information resources, and distributed data processing, the dispersion of computing functions, and data at electronically interconnected nodes within the organization. Technology, tools,…

Partnerships are examined using information gathered in interviews with over 20 chief information officers or chief academic computing officers at universities considered leaders in information technology. Issues addressed include why partnerships are formed; four types; how they are formed; the importance of vendor contract; and impact.…

The common campus dilemma of decreasing or distributing central information systems (IS) resources while pursuing development of mission-critical systems that will require increased central IS support is discussed. Areas in which such increased support is needed are outlined, and the need for leadership is described. Specific steps are suggested.…

Document imaging, a technology that transforms printed text, figures, and pictures into computer-accessible forms, may be offered as a solution to document management problems involving space and personnel. Administrators and planners should understand relevant issues, considerations, difficulties, and options. Examples are drawn from the…

An award-winning administrator of a college computer system discusses the role of networking and teamwork in successful information management, drawing on experiences during recent political upheavals in eastern Europe for illustration. Other success factors stressed include having and sharing a dream and developing future leaders. (MSE)

Boston University's (Massachusetts) online requisition system allows authorized users in 130 campus departments to originate a variety of transactions, eliminating all manual processing of requisitions. The system is described, its two-year system development cycle is chronicled, and its impact and reception by users are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Reorganization of the information systems at Indiana University is chronicled and the role of computing services in linking all parts of the institution in support of both education and administration is discussed. Involvement of planning and policy groups in developing directions and initiatives is also outlined. (MSE)

Results of a national survey investigating problems with aging college computer systems are reported. On average, 68 percent of systems were identified as aging (five or more years old or not under database management systems). Strategies for upgrading obsolescent systems are discussed, and the role of planning is emphasized. Anecdotal information…

Yale University (Connecticut) uses a "constructive evolution" method of coping with maintenance and fine-tuning of aging information systems. In this process, system developers form partnerships with user department representatives to plan and coordinate system changes. Evolution of the personnel/payroll system over five years provides…

A framework is provided for planning for and using the Management Information System (MIS) most appropriate to an individual institution. Information needs are considered as part of the overall planning, managerial, evaluation, and inquiry system. Factors affecting MIS development and successful use are addressed. (MSE)

In 1988, Indiana University's separate academic and administrative computing units were not responding to changing user demands. In merging and reorganizing the systems, the university tackled problems shared by many institutions and gathered information that can encourage and forewarn others in similar efforts. The project's history, process, and…

The key to making optimal use of time, energy, and institutional resources in college and university technology planning is to understand important differences between long-term socioeconomic planning and short-term operational planning. A ten-step procedure that focuses on process rather than product, and allows ready reallocation of resources as…

Carnegie Mellon University's decision to standardize its administrative system development efforts on relational database technology and structured query language is discussed and its impact is examined in one of its larger, more widely used applications, the university information system. Advantages, new responsibilities, and challenges of the…

California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo is exploring several cost-effective technological solutions to improve learning productivity, reduce labor intensity, and provide new ways to deliver education and better services to students while enhancing quality of instruction. Strategic planning and partnerships have been key…

Guidelines are offered for colleges to use in making decisions about self-operation or contracting of campus services. Six primary factors and 10 phases in the decision process are outlined. A matrix incorporating those factors and phases, and specifically designed for decision-making concerning campus computing services is also presented. (MSE)