It is easier than ever to survey stakeholders about issues that confront one's district. A survey offers a way to collect information from many people in a short time at a reasonable cost. The information one collects can be descriptive, such as information solicited from those who voted on the district's budget, including age, income, or whether…

A variety of sources can help school business managers find the information and data they need to make informed decisions. The purpose of this article is to increase one's awareness of sources that one might use to access desired educational information. The author aims to introduce sources that can help alleviate some of the costs associated with…

In the past three years, Board of Governors' (BOG) staff, working in cooperation with university representatives, have continued to improve the data collection and reporting capabilities for the State University System. Simultaneously, Board staff have worked to lessen the reporting burden on the universities by reducing the number of data…

State education data systems have often been described as data rich but information poor. Historically, these systems were created for compliance purposes and, therefore, designed and managed as information technology projects, but a culture change is under way. Educators and other stakeholders are beginning to value data as a tool to inform…

This article describes the potential for using K-12 education data to support school improvement efforts and the effective and efficient use of education resources. It examines the availability and transparency of education data in California as part of the "Getting Down to Facts" effort to improve education decision making in that…

Describes information architecture as a high-level map of the information requirements of a corporation that can be used as a base for developing effective information systems. Methodologies for development, problems involved, and benefits are discussed, several examples are cited, and prescriptive recommendations are given. (Author/LRW)

Sophisticated managers know that reams of data cannot take the place of important information. Planning is necessary to ensure that what is being reported in an organization is necessary and useful and that data are not assembled just because the computer makes it possible. (MLF)

The purposes for which business management requires information, the sources of that information and the ideal characteristics in its form, presentation and availability are reviewed. In addition to the provision of technical information this paper deals generally with the problem of information needed to control the business as an entity.…

State vocational rehabilitation agencies need a system for effectively and efficiently collecting, processing, and reporting program information. Design of such a system begins with a thorough understanding of the nature of the information needs and the particular applications for which the information will be used. Information needs may be…

This paper focuses on the importance of information and documentation (I&D) as one of the essential production factors in pharmaceutical industrial activities. The need for and use of I&D services depends far more on such factors as product profile, decision making processes within the organization, and ownership than on the size of the…

The success of both evaluation and planning is greatly dependent upon the one critical element of the availability of valid, reliable, and timely information. To provide this information, the systematic approach of the Management Information System is increasingly being used. (Author/KP)

Describes a series of decision-making steps regarding the purchase of microcomputers for administrative use in schools. Includes such topics as defining information needs and purchasing computer hardware and software. (Author/JJD)

Outlines the procedures used in the creation of the Cooperative Management Information System (CMIS) at Macomb County Community College: determination of information needs, data collection, and information storage and manipulation. Discusses the use of CMIS in assessing program effectiveness. (SK)