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,…

Computing began at Rice University with the first computer project on campus about 1958. In 1960 a computer center was formed. Today's Institute for Computer Services and Applications serves Rice administration, departments, faculty, and students by writing systems, maintaining files, entering data, retrieving information, etc. (MLW)

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.…

The administrative computing operation of Clemson University is discussed. The university's computing history, computer hardware, and computing organization (including the Computer Center, administrative programing services, and information systems development) are described. (MLW)

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)

The University of Arizona has begun to reorganize campus computing. Six working groups were formed to address six areas of computing: academic computing, library automation, administrative data processing and information systems, writing and graphics, video and audio services, and outreach and public service. (MLW)

A comprehensive study of five institutions, selected as leaders in the field of administrative computer technology in higher education, is analyzed. Results are presented in the following areas: administrative tasks, information organization/technical structure, institutional operation, personnel, and cost/value. (Author/MLW)

Through a discussion of research on institutions using computer-based planning models, this question is addressed: How does the institutional decision maker make decisions using state-of-the-art computing tools without neglecting nonquantitative realities? (MSE)

Thoughts on planning, from the perspective of managers/administrators are presented. Eleven steps of the planning process are identified: statement of objective, proposal outline, management approval, organization, outline of plan, organization of data, evaluation of data, formulation of conclusions, review of draft plan, preparation of plan, and…

The simplicity of system design and productivity techniques used in development of an on-line management information system at Boston College is explained. The simplicity of system design means that all terminal transactions in the system are limited in function, small in size, uncomplicated, and easy to implement. (Author/MLW)

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…

Marist College, a small liberal arts college in New York State, began using computers in 1967 for academic and administrative uses. The growth of the computer system is outlined, referring to future plans and guiding principles for the system's operation. (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)

The management information system used at the University of Colorado is described, outlining its history, administrative organization, administrative systems, hardware, budgets, software, and future plans. (MSE)