Addresses some problems associated with technological change and examines the nature of data and technology, organizations, and computer-mediated work. Concepts of sociotechnical systems design are related to library automation, and a set of strategies for facilitating technological change is proposed. (29 references) (Author/CLB)

It is proposed that too many executives, in industry and higher education, don't yet understand the need to transform their organizations to survive in the information economy. The executive must engage in the process of creating opportunities to strategically apply information technology. Five campus information technology managers respond. (MSE)

Discusses the nature and characteristics of information technology and its implications for education. Strategic directions for educational institutions are recommended: (1) improving academic quality; (2) supporting innovation; (3) developing the resource base; (4) developing partnerships with other organizations; (5) enhancing reputation; (6)…

This article explores the thesis that colleges and universities can leverage desktop computing power to address campus administration needs. It describes a study of administrative computing needs at the University of Chicago; identifies roadblocks to effective use of desktop computing, such as inadequate computing knowledge; and gives…

The strategic use of information technology (IT) is pervading almost all areas of higher education. Institutions must review their IT management structure to assure that the application of this rapidly changing technology will be maximized in the highly competitive 1990s. (Author/MSE)

The most critical challenge for higher education institutions in the near future will be to develop capacity for change, remove constraints to rapid response, remove unnecessary processes and administrative structures, question existing premises and arrangements, and challenge, excite, and empower all members of the academic community. (MSE)

Potential problems for college and university computing functions posed by arrival of the year 2000 (Y2K) are discussed, including arithmetic calculations and sorting functions based on two-digit year dates, embedding of two-digit dates in archival data, system coordination for data exchange, unique number generation, and leap year calculations. A…

Advancements in information technology have caused many colleges and universities to reconsider the organization of the units providing information services. Ranging from joint planning exercises to full vertical mergers, changes in organizational structure are powerful tools administrators can use to integrate and effectively manage information…

The 1990 winner of the ELITE Award for Exemplary Leadership and Information Technology Excellence in higher education offers his axioms for information resources management, covering authority/control, communications, project management, decision making, people management, strategic planning, change management, crisis management, and personal…

The process used to engineer and manage major organizational change at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is described. Issues include defining change, gaining support, organizing to facilitate change, staff development, establishing project strategies, and measuring success. The role of the institution's information…

In education, the inclination to use new technology for old purposes is strong. Teachers and administrators need to think about the interplay of technology and teaching, and imagine new ways to utilize technology. (MLF)

To make rational choices about educational technology, educators must examine the place of technology in institutional change. Technophiles predict a revolution in education, but it is important to separate this enthusiasm, and misconceptions that accompany it, from the realities of higher education. Democratic values should be allowed to operate…

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…

Information technology has opened new, fundamentally different options for higher education, both in running the "business of education" and in teaching and learning. It brings new rules, risks, and opportunities. The author challenges readers to think creatively about the future of education. (Author/MSE)

Recognizing that the hard part of making the application of technology successful is the development of appropriate management structures and approaches, this paper reviews the research and writings of several top management and communications professionals and correlates these theories to the information technology environment on campus. Six…