To be sure that the capitalization required in the move to distributed processing is spent wisely, it is necessary to understand the function, integration, and system architecture. How to achieve corporate standards in office automation/decision support in higher education is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Results of a computer needs assessment study by and for the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies are presented. Recommendations for cost effectiveness suggest starting with individual small computers and building towards a larger system. (DC)

The results of a study addressing the problems of the management information system of the State University System of Florida are discussed. It is suggested that a majority of the problems did not reside in software and hardware applications but in general management practices. Recommendations are also included. (SF)

While university researchers have long made use of the complex research-oriented applications of the computer and have discussed its utilization in the instructional process, in the early stages of computer use in higher education, two-year colleges made little or no use of its advanced research capabilities, and limited its use to business and…

Reasons for distributed systems (DS) of planning and design for information services for colleges are discussed. The methodologies and approaches from industry and academe are contrasted to show how the process of DS can be effectively managed to meet a variety of institutional needs. DS represent a natural evolution of the historic development of…

Steps that should be followed in choosing and implementing an administrative computer system are discussed. Three stages are involved: institutional assessment, system selection, and implementation. The first step is to define the current status of the data processing systems and the management information systems at the institutions. Future…

The review process conducted by the Information Processing Task Force at Northern Kentucky University is summarized, and eight recommendations are presented that resulted from data analysis, a literature review, information collected from vendors, and an assessment of related activities of other higher education institutions. The review focused on…

To estimate computer needs at a higher education institution, the major types of users and their future needs should be determined. In a large or complex university, three major groups of users are typically instructional, research, and administrative. After collecting information on the needs of these users, the needs can be translated into…

In light of federal legislation requiring colleges and universities to provide accurate institutional information to the public, the first two stages of development of the Consumer's Institutional Information System at the University of Missouri-Columbia are described. (BH)

The relationship between data and their use in a planning, management and evaluation system in a higher education institution is discussed. Elements of the institutional planning process are detailed as well as the budgeting process and a method for relating fiscal resources to institutional goals and objectives. (Author/SF)

Decision-making guidelines are presented as an aid to community college boards faced with the problem of acquiring and implementing a data processing system for administrative and/or instructional use. After introductory material noting the increased demand for data processing education and the desirability of using computer technology in the…

To give those business and vocational educators involved in curriculum development a better understanding of data processing personnel requirements, a study was initiated to determine the status of data processing equipment and personnel in selected Pennsylvania businesses. Following a literature review, a questionnaire was developed, revised, and…