Agent-based models combine data and theory during both development and use of the model. As models have become increasingly data driven, it is easy to start thinking of agent-based modelling as an empirical method, akin to statistical modelling, and reduce the role of theory. We argue that both types of information are important where the past is…

Chapter I of this manual for a planning simulation system for higher education presents some basic outlines to aid in the planning process, including the "outline of plans" as a concrete aid to systematic planning. This chapter also identifies some of the typical problems and barriers that hamper the planning process, and conveys the…

Computer simulations provide powerful models for establishing goals, guidelines, and constraints in educational planning. They are dynamic models that allow planners to examine logical descriptions of organizational behavior over time as well as permitting consideration of the large and complex systems required to provide realistic descriptions of…

A model of the educational system in a typical public school was constructed within the theoretical framework of a general systems theory. The model is quantified and computerized so as to provide high speed simulation. Using the model developed, one can then simulate solutions to educational problems in seconds and at modest cost. The theory…

Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Los Angeles, California, February 5-8, 1969. Contrasts strategic and extrapolative approaches to planning, emphasizing the former's superiority in planning adaptive organizational change to meet changing conditions. (JM)

Any general systems approach has five basic elements, which serve as the tasks for the researcher using systems analysis. The five are (1) the objectives, (2) the alternatives, (3) the costs, (4) the model (or models), and (5) the decision rule. With these five steps, the researcher should be able to specify the objectives, select alternatives,…

This document begins by defining and discussing educational planning. A brief overview of mathematical programing with an explanation of the general linear programing model is then provided. Some recent applications of mathematical programing techniques to educational planning problems are reviewed, and their implications for educational research…

PLANTRAN II is a system of computer software designed to assist educational administrators in their planning and analysis activities. The unique feature of PLANTRAN II is that it requires no computer programing experience or expertise. Users with technical background have found PLANTRAN II helpful in their analyses without reducing the complexity…

Too often computer applications try to supplant rather than augment human capabilities. As a result, there is a gap between the power of the computer and some difficult administrative problems; e.g., longrange planning. However, there is increasing interest in the use of computer simulation in planning. PLANTRAN II represents a completely new…

The material in this volume was developed for use in a series of workshops on institutional research and planning for colleges and universities. The workshop sessions made extensive use of computers. This was made possible through the use of PLANTRAN II, a computer simulation system designed to make the power of the computer available to the…

This document contains ten working papers on educational alternatives, which were presented at a regional conference attended by 24 educational decisionmakers from eight Southeast Asian countries. The papers touch on such topics as the systems approach to alternatives, alternative objectives, the technology of education, alternative teaching…

The models presented in this volume were designed to fit the typical situation. Each user of these techniques will have to modify them to ensure their applicability to his institution. Although the material exploits the capabilities of the PLANTRAN system, computer processing is not required for use of the models. The techniques dealt with here…

A demand for more and better education has driven educators to seek the help of systems analysis in the process of decision making. Basic to the entire systems notion is the concept of a model, a simplified but controllable version of the real world. The systems approach, once the problem is defined, is to specify the subfunctions and…

The models presented in this volume were designed to fit the typical situation. Each user of these techniques will have to modify them to ensure their applicability to his institution. Although the material exploits the capabilities of the PLANTRAN system, computer processing is not required for use of the models. The techniques dealt with here…

A computer simulation model for allocating facilities and physical space is presented as a means of optimally allocating available educational resources. The model allows the decisionmaker to change specific program allocations, system parameters, and other controllable variables in order to determine the effects, both cost and utility, of these…