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.…

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)

Two functions necessary for managing a computer center (organizing and controlling) are discussed with a focus on a nomenclature that was found to be useful for identifying parts of a system and was compatible with the definitions of most operational systems. For example, it is necessary to identify files, reports, and programs used in daily…

Perspectives on facilitating the use of quantitative tools in higher education decision-making are offered. Suggestions are directed to those in the institution who will be working with decision-makers, with a focus on how such individuals can assist the decision-maker in the development and use of computer-based tools. The instigators of computer…

The evolution of computer hardware for college computing has mirrored the industry's growth. When computers were introduced into the educational environment, they had limited capacity and served one user at a time. Then came large mainframes with many terminals sharing the resource. Next, the use of computers in office automation emerged. As…

Although information systems developers are encouraged to adopt a client/server orientation, systems architectures and tools are still evolving. Successful applications must be built on standards and a well-defined system architecture, and data administration issues must be addressed. Key management concerns for colleges and universities are…

Management and staff resistance to computer use often comes from anxiety over ignorance of computers and fear of replacement by machines. Such resistance can be overcome with practice, persistence, and an element of humility. (MSE)

Guidelines for colleges seeking to interface their diverse student and administrative databases are presented. The following key concepts are addressed that need to be understood before solving the problem of sharing and transmitting data between diverse databases: effective management of data from an institutional and a user point of view; the…

Higher-education administrators are alerted to the advent of the microprocessor and the capabilities of desk computers. The potential use of the microcomputer in administrative decision making, efficiency, and resource allocation are reviewed briefly. (MSE)

It is recognized that growing management information systems will require increased user involvement in acquiring, maintaining, and manipulating essential institutional data. A technique called Service/Requirements Analysis has been developed for incorporating user input into system design and development. (MSE)

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)

Issues surrounding the cost of Internet usage to individuals and institutions are addressed, including who currently pays for Internet use in colleges and universities, long-distance costs, how policy is set for institutional use, cost of transition to a larger system, and difficult issues to be faced in system expansion. (MSE)

Boston College's (Massachusetts) vice president of information technology remarks on the elements contributing to his success on the occasion of receiving a professional award. He credits talented and energetic employees and an improved administrative structure for making innovation work. An interview about personnel changes at Boston College is…

College advancement services can take the burden of many financial and analytical functions off the shoulders of development officers. Centralizing development-related financial functions can streamline clerical tasks and improve efficiency, consistency, continuity, accessibility of expertise, and capacity. Proficiency in a wide range of financial…

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…