The offices of Information Resource Management and Institutional Research at Virginia Tech developed a set of guidelines for information management. This article describes the historical evolution, the forces that motivated the development of the guidelines, and the consensus-building activities that led to the acceptance of the guidelines.…

Executive management often holds a critical view of systems development. The reasons that systems development draws such negative attention are explored. The view of management can be reconciled with systems development--with attention to organizational continuity, cultivation of patience, development of sensitivity to people needs, etc.…

The development of information systems using an engineering approach that uses both traditional programing techniques and fourth generation software tools is described. Fourth generation applications tools are used to quickly develop a prototype system that is revised as the user clarifies requirements. (MLW)

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)

The integration of data processing and word processing is seen as a new frontier for Management Information Systems. A system developed by the University of Massachusetts for the admissions office is described. Online admissions system, data processing overview, word processing interface, and System/6 programing aspects are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Both academic and administrative computing as well as network and communications services for the university are provided and supported by the Computer Services Division. Academic services, administrative services, systems engineering and database administration, communications, networking services, operations, and library technologies are…