The trend to distributed processing is being fueled by numerous forces, including advances in technology, corporate downsizing, increasing user sophistication, and acquisitions and mergers. Increasingly, the trend in corporate information systems (IS) departments is toward sharing resources over a network of multiple types of processors, operating…

The administrative computing operation of Clemson University is discussed. The university's computing history, computer hardware, and computing organization (including the Computer Center, administrative programing services, and information systems development) are described. (MLW)

At present most systems development is completely dominated by systems people. Such domination can lead to long delays in the development of systems, failures of many systems to ever become operational, costly redesigns for those that do, and a poor fit between systems and their users. Management and users, as well as systems programmers, need to…

The future of information resources management requires new approaches to implementing systems which will include a type of data base management that frees users to solve data processing problems logically by telling the system what they want, together with powerful non-procedural languages that will permit communication in simple, concise…

Describes LOTUS 1-2-3, an advanced spreadsheet with database and text manipulation functions that can be used with microcomputers by librarians to provide customized calculation and data acquisition tools. Macro commands and the menu system are discussed, and an example is given of an invoice procedure. (Author/LRW)

The requisites for the development of sophisticated and meaningful information systems being applied in varying degrees in universities and colleges are discussed. It is suggested that a philosophy that provides for an adequate, reasonable amount of computer power for administrative use is mandatory, and that users should not be slaves to the…

This report and research analysis relate to the Milwaukee Area Technical College Research Project, a study undertaken to determine a curriculum to meet the information processing/management training needs of individuals entering or continuing careers in the information marketing and business data processing occupational clusters. The report of…

This study presents a review of selection factors for the seven major general-purpose programming languages: Ada, BASIC, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL, and PL/I. The factors covered include not only the logical operations within each language, but also the advantages and disadvantages stemming from the current computing environment, e.g., software…

A method to calculate the need for academic staff per faculty, based on educational programs and numbers of students, is described which is based on quantitative relations between programs, student enrollment, and total budget. The model is described schematically and presented in a mathematical form adapted to computer processing. Its application…

The report presents the underlying software architecture and rationale of the Generalized Management Information System (GMIS), along with a sample demonstration (an energy analysis problem) of its characteristics and a summary of topics of continuing research. The field-tested experimental system has the following features: It allows on-line…

Describes "optimization" computer programing to aid in school redistricting. Using diverse demographic data, the computer plots district boundaries to minimize children's walking distance and maximize safety, improve racial balance, and keep enrollment within school capacity. (TE)

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)

These guidelines for communicating effectively the details of computer model design and operation to persons with varying interests in a model recommend the development of four different types of manuals to meet the needs of managers, users, analysts and programmers. The guidelines for preparing a management summary manual suggest a broad spectrum…

As computer systems play a larger role in student financial aid, the aid officer needs at least some expertise in computer programing. The advantages of the BASIC computer language for learning computer programing are discussed. The kinds of programs that can be written by the financial aid officer are identified. (MLW)

Rising costs of programming and program maintenance have caused discussion concerning the need for generalized information systems. These would provide data base functions plus complete report writing and file maintenance capabilities. All administrative applications, including online registration, student records, and financial applications are…