Strategic planning and strategy implementation in colleges and universities are examined and the implications for the design of information systems are discussed. At the University of Vermont it has not been necessary to decentralize access to major databases for strategic planning or strategy implementation purposes. (MLW)

The University System of Georgia Computer Network serves 33 colleges and universities throughout the state. It provides low cost computing services to meet research, education and instructional needs of students, faculty and administrators. Computers used and the general administrative structure are noted. (SF)

At Clemson University, requests from individual departments for specialized data processing services are increasing. Avenues taken by the division of administrative programing services to respond to department requests include: expanding availability of existing data retrieval and restricting new development to areas of general use by all…

A project management system for organizing requests from multiple departments and controlling the workload of the development/maintenance computer staff is described. Practical solutions to deciding project priorities, determining time estimates, creating positive peer pressure among programing staff, and formalizing information requests are…

The Pendleton Computer Science Center of Pepperdine University is described. Computer services provided through University Information Services include management information and technical expertise for design, implementation and operation of the system. Business and academic applications of the computer facilities are also discussed. (SF)

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)

Arguments for and against decentralization of data management, analysis, and planning systems are presented. It is suggested that technological advances have encouraged decentralization. Caution in this direction is urged and the development of an articulated decentralization program is proposed. (SF)

The ways in which institutional characteristics affect the application and development of administrative information systems are discussed. A cybernetics model is proposed and principles are developed to assist university administrators in distinguishing institutional constraints from shortcomings in the information system. (SF)

The use of a data base management system (DBMS) as opposed to traditional data processing is discussed. The generalized file concept is viewed as an entry level step to the DBMS. The transition process from one system to the other is detailed. (SF)

The development of an inexpensive, effective information system at Cornell University is described. The change from an outdated student records and registration system is discussed as well as considerations that motivated Cornell to institute a less powerful and less technically attractive system. (SF)

Construction of a separate data base for university planning information is proposed. Characteristics of a planning system and its relationship to other university systems are discussed as well as the need for data bases that contain both quantitative and nonquantitative information. (BH)

The many and varied demands on university computer services are discussed and the importance of an effective data processing system for university management is emphasized. Case studies of computer use in admissions, registration, and billing are presented as well as the role of top level management in implementing data processing. (BH)

In January of 1979, the Contracts and Grants Office at Utah State University implemented a computerized system to keep track of pending research proposals, as well as active grants. The automation process used is described from its conception, design, and implementation to future enhancements. (Author/MLW)

Several ways for a comptuer services director to effectively manage the resources available for such services are discussed. Case histories from Miami-Dade Community College and other South Florida schools are included. (SF)

The nature and form of useful management information in a variety of situations is discussed. It is suggested that questions posed by managers may determine the effectiveness of the management information system. Questions concerning demographic trends and enrollment declines are used to illustrate this point. (SF)