Computerized management information systems have long been used in business, and data integration and sophisticated programing now enable many businesses to decentralize their information operations. This approach has advantages and disadvantages that colleges and universities must weigh and plan for carefully. (MSE)

The planning and implementation of a computerized management information system at a fictional small college is described. Nine key points are made regarding department involvement, centralization, gradual program implementation, lowering costs, system documentation, and upper-level administrative support. (MSE)

As campus computing is decentralized, new responsibilities will devolve to deans. These can be met by appointing faculty committees to develop academic computing plans for teaching and research, assigning departmental staff to administrative systems project development teams, and forming new alliances with directors responsible for academic and…