An algorithm or decision chart is presented which provides basic decision steps to help management decide what data should be collected to derive valid and correct objectives, and to determine what levels of objectives will be selected relative to products, outputs, or outcomes of an organization. (MBR)

Reports the findings of a needs assessment study of congregate housing for the elderly. Used two models: the constant and the accommodating for the study. Suggests an alternative, balanced model involving intervention to strengthen the informal network. (RC)

Explores reasons for organizations' use of groups and the need for groupware systems. Discusses vendors; Electronic Problem Structuring; synchronous and asynchronous communication; four stages of decision-making (intelligence, design, choice, and implementation); the Windows environment; the loss of non-verbal communication; and future groupware…

Systems analysis is about problems and their solutions. Analysts are warned that in a field of constant change, this text can only provide some of the needed tools and information, not all of the answers. Wise systems analysts never become fixed on one technique or technology, knowing that they will change, but instead focus on learning…

The paper compares aspects of decision making in health and education in the United States and Great Britain from 1890-1970. The major purpose is to demonstrate variety in the degree of centralization within the two policy areas during this period. Centralization is defined as the degree to which all resources of a given type are controlled by one…

Recent applications of the strategic planning approach in colleges and universities and techniques necessary for its application are reviewed. In addition, the intellectual roots of strategic planning are traced, and strategic planning is defined and contrasted with long-range planning. It is suggested that strategic planning addresses the total…