Sophisticated managers know that reams of data cannot take the place of important information. Planning is necessary to ensure that what is being reported in an organization is necessary and useful and that data are not assembled just because the computer makes it possible. (MLF)

Discussion of the strategic value of information technology in business activities focuses on the use of information and knowledge. Highlights include the role of information in value creation; information as a competitive factor; the company as a consumer of information; and methods necessary for the successful use of information. (eight…

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…

Discusses information systems in which information use becomes the prime design factor rather than technology and content. Highlighted topics include the change of useless data to productive knowledge, a value-added process; environments in which problems requiring information exist; and users' perceptions of the benefits and costs of using…

Data and information needs of college administrators are discussed, along with the uses of information to support decisionmaking. Difficulties in applying information technology to the administration of higher education are briefly reviewed. Data and information are discussed both in definitional and functional terms. Data are defined as either…

Requests by external agencies for information about many facets of institutional operations and resources are examples of the complexity of higher education functions and societal demands. These requests are the result of uncertainty regarding external perception of tasks performed in higher education. (Author/MLW)

The rising demand for accountability has had a great influence on the design and use of management information systems. The purposes of accountability, needs assessment, and program evaluation would be well served if a set of indlcators could include information about the outcomes of higher education. (MLW)

Chief academic officers need to encourage computer use among faculty for curriculum design and development, and in administrative services, to develop a competitive edge in institutional management. (MSE)

Addressed to professionals involved in program evaluation, this working paper covers various aspects of evaluation planning, including the following: planning as a sociotechnical process, steps in evaluation planning, program planning and implementation versus evaluation planning and implementation, the literacy system and its subsystems, and some…

The politics of information on college campuses are seen in national, regional, and statewide concern with planning, management, and evaluation. Concepts, methods, and information-processing styles in each of these three institutional functions have been greatly influenced by political pressures in the past 15 years. (Author/MLW)

Explains the function of information resources, predicts the increased importance of computers, and emphasizes that computer information systems are a resource to support institutional operation and management. Enumerates the components in planning for the use of information technology. Presents the Virginia Community College System's information…

In 1993, The Pennsylvania State Board of Education approved 15 performance-based education goals that contain 53 student learning outcomes. Boards of education and superintendents must create and implement strategic plans that specify how school districts and area vocational-technical schools will help students reach the intended outcomes. This…

A series of 11 articles describes information technologies being used in the U.S. Congress, the impact of these technologies, and possible future developments. Included are a chronology of key actions affecting congressional information support and a list of readings in information technology and Congress. (CLB)