The area of finance should be the first one to be automated or upgraded with computers. After a needs analysis, a computer consultant will work with management to determine a realistic budget that will get the most computing power for the dollars available. Offers 10 tips for working with consultants. (MLF)

Nine computer-assisted career guidance systems are assessed: the Career Information System; CHOICES; CHOICES for Adults; CHOICES Jr.; DISCOVER for Colleges and Adults, for High Schools, and for Junior High and Middle Schools; the Guidance Information System; and SIGI PLUS. Four detailed tables compare features in terms of career decision-making…

Critiques the computer-assisted career guidance systems assessment guidelines by Sampson et al. (CE 521 972). Finds that the system gives consumers important information but is missing the identification of how effective the systems' features are individually or collectively. (SK)

Finds the Sampson et al. guidelines for computer-assisted career guidance systems (CE 521 972) comprehensive and self-explanatory, but states that user judgment is still required. Suggests revision of existing standards to take into account the feature-cost analysis method. (SK)

Critiques the assessment of computer-assisted career guidance systems by Sampson et al. (CE 521 972), stating that the conceptual framework was sound and well developed and criteria were based on recognized experts. Limitations of the study are the assumption of equivalent effectiveness and the use of a checklist for comparing the systems. (SK)

The framework for an ideal computer-assisted career guidance system is a combination of a decision support system and an expert system. Such a system takes into account individual differences in all relevant dimensions and guides the user to the relevant information in the shortest way. (SK)

Finds the feature-cost analysis method (Sampson et al., CE 521 972) a useful tool, but suggests that users need to determine which criteria are most important to them on the basis of a needs assessment. (SK)

Synthesizes critiques of the computer-assisted career guidance system selection guidelines (CE 521 972) in terms of system and feature effects, qualitative features, benefits, and costs. Presents implications for practitioners, researchers, system developers, and policy makers. (SK)

This inventory highlights similarities and differences between 19 computerized career information delivery systems (CIDS) so practitioners may make more informed choices concerning the adoption of such systems, and policymakers may monitor the developing scope of system features and costs. It was developed through a survey of computer products…

The primary purpose of this study is to highlight similarities and differences among 17 computer-assisted career guidance (CACG) systems so that practitioners, CACG system developers, policy makers, and researchers may make informed decisions concerning such systems. The CACG systems in the analysis are: (1) Career Information System; (2) Career…