Describes and reviews commercially-available computer software for social studies (SS). They are: "Jury Trial II" (utilizes artificial intelligence); "Africa" (utilizes creative graphics to teaching SS facts; "Revolutions: Past, Present and Future"; "The Other Side" (examines world peace using values…

A rationale is presented for viewing the decision-making process inherent in determining budget reductions for educational programs as most effectively modeled by a graduated funding approach. The major tenets of the graduated budget reduction approach to educational fiscal policy include the development of multiple alternative reduction plans, or…

Complex decision-making environments often demand that a range of alternative strategies be identified and compared for their shared value in achieving desired ends. Simple parametric statistical procedures such as analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis can be used in such situations to compare (using selected criteria) the value…

Reviews a classroom experience which used the computer simulation "Decisions, Decisions: Immigration" in a secondary school social studies class. Highlights include descriptions of the decision making process, rank ordering of priorities, political and social issues relating to immigration, and benefits of teaching the simulation. (LRW)

Describes the emphasis of decision support systems as being on the decision making process itself, rather than the flow of information; reviews the uses of microcomputers in libraries in recent years; and compares five decision modeling software packages. An appendix lists the name, manufacturer's address, price, and hardware requirements of each…

Describes a set of six instructional simulation games in economics. Identifies simulation goals as increasing students' understanding of economic variables and political policy issues and enabling students to question, express views, and hold decision makers accountable. Suggests that by increasing economic awareness, the games will promote the…

Defines computerized functional business games as those focusing on decision making and integration in the areas of accounting/finance, marketing, personnel/human resources, and production/operations. Nine currently available games are reviewed and evaluated in the context of a learning model. (Author/LRW)

Describes the use of online accounting systems as a means of integrating diverse data and providing different levels of analysis for managers. An appendix provides examples of reports produced by online systems. (CLB)

Reports on emergence of decision support system (DSS) as a practical approach for applying computers and information to problems facing management. Information processing and decision making in organizations, simulation-model-based DSS in management of library resource sharing networks, and a resource-sharing simulation system are highlighted.…

This review of the literature describes a number of ways in which microcomputers are being used to improve instruction. A discussion of types of software being used in instructional settings focuses primarily on the use of word processing programs by both instructors and students in writing. Descriptions of types of computer software that may be…

Presents a review of microcomputer-based software packages that have been designed for Operations Research, Management Science, and Production and Operations Management. Listed for each package are price for student use, minimum system requirements needed to run the package, and maximum capability constraints. (PK)

A number of key issues facing elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational administrators during retrenchment require a hierarchical decision-modeling approach. This paper identifies and discusses the use of a hierarchical multiple-alternatives modeling formulation (computer-based) that compares and evaluates a group of solution…

Using the Oklahoma State University (OSU) computerized community simulation model, extension professionals can provide local decision makers with information derived from an impact model that is dynamic, community specific, and easy to adapt to different communities. The four main sections of the OSU model are an economic account, a capital…

Discusses the use of simulations to study complex real-life systems in engineering. Describes some of the limitations of using simulations. Identifies some situations in which computer simulations are practical and useful tools for the design, analysis, and evaluation of systems. (TW)

Preparation programs for principals should have excellent academic and performance based components. In examining the nature of performance based principal preparation this report finds that school administration programs must bridge the gap between conceptual learning in the classroom and the requirements of professional practice. A number of…