This report describes approaches to database translation (i.e., transferring data and data definitions from a source, either a database management system (DBMS) or a batch file, to a target DBMS), and recommends a method for representing the data structures of newly-proposed network and relational data models in a form suitable for database…

The relative retrieval performances of the CA Integrated Subject File (CAISF), CA Condensates, and a Merged File created from these two data bases were measured. Retrieval performance is reported in terms of recall, precision values, and costs. (Author/JB)

In this study the advantages and problems involved in using Generalized Data Management Systems (GDMS) to expand the capabilities of information retrieval (IR) systems are investigated. In particular, the design of a Data Manager-1 (DM-1) based system for the Reliability Analysis Center (RAC) at Griffiss AFB, Rome, New York is studied. A design…

Cost effectiveness of the QUERY program for searching the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) data base has been an important issue at Auburn University. At least two broad categories of costs are associated with information retrieval from a data base such as ERIC: fixed costs or overhead and data base associated costs. The concern at…

In this information system, sponsored research information is routinely forwarded, in machine-readable form, from NIH to Columbia, to the benefit of each. The promotion of future systems development is enhanced through the adoption of standardized data element designations and definitions. (LBH)

Consumers and producers of educational software must make decisions about what kind of software to buy and create. Both groups must base these decisions on criteria that consider what it is important to learn in our technological era, what is workable, and what is currently practical and cost-effective. Five criteria that are central to these…

Four major discussions are presented related to economic issues involved with property rights as applied to computer software and data bases. The first discussion qualitatively compares the relative incentives to computer software producers found in alternative regimes of copyright and trade secrecy. The latter is found to have certain…

A comprehensive review of the current status, prospects, and problems of computer networking in higher education is presented from the perspectives of both computer users and network suppliers. Several areas of computer use are considered including applications for instruction, research, and administration in colleges and universities. In the…

The Registrar at McMaster University, Ontario, Canada, reviewed the student records system, a data base structure using IBM's IMS package. Over 13 interviews were conducted to determine use of the system, problems, and suggestions. An estimated $50,000 could be saved annually by adoption of recommendations. (SW)

Michigan's Wayne County Intermediate School District, which serves 36 constituent districts, has converted from a centralized to a distributed computer system, resulting in improved and expanded data processing service to local district administrators, staff, and students at a substantially lower cost. (Author/MLF)

This report delineates the theory and terminology of data compression. It surveys four data compression methods--null suppression, pattern substitution, statistical encoding, and telemetry compression--and relates them to a standard statistical coding problem, i.e., the noiseless coding problem. The well defined solution to that problem can serve…

Completion of a four-month study of Oakland University's administrative systems needs is reported. It is recommended that the university undertake a major developmental effort to design and install new systems, with particular emphasis on payroll/personnel, general accounting, and student records. Following the development of these systems, a new…

Proprietary software available to the institutional researcher is discussed. It is suggested that as more institutions use proprietary software, the institutional researcher may find that varying levels of involvement in the process of evaluating and acquiring such software can result in the availability of more useful facilities. (Author/SF)

The report describes an experimental study involving an on-line placement system in Boulder, Colorado which permitted applicants to request information from a terminal on any job stored in the computer. Data were collected on applicants referred by the Employment Service: whether or not hired, reason for not being hired if not hired, applicant…

Relative cost and effectiveness of techniques for preparing a computer compatible data base consisting of approximately one million words of natural language are outlined. Considered are dollar cost, ease of editing, and time consumption. Facility for insertion of identifying information within the text, and updating of a text by merging with…