The benefits of prototyping as a basis for system design include better specifications, earlier discovery of omissions and extensions, and the likelihood of salvaging much of the effort expended on the prototype. Risks and methods of prototyping during rapid systems development are also noted. (Author/MLW)

The Department of Education has begun a project to redesign the information systems used to deliver student financial aid funds to students, postsecondary institutions, lenders, and state guarantee agencies. The implications of this strategy are considered. (MLW)

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)

The ability to design and build sophisticated computer-based information systems (CIS) has progressed rapidly; however, the ability to implement them has not kept pace. These implementation problems can be solved by embedding CIS design with the socio-technical systems design approach. (Author/MLW)

The formation of a partnership between the Internal Audit Department's EDP auditor and the Administrative Systems Team at the University of Southern California during the implementation of a student information system is discussed. Success in security, accountability, reliability, and credibility are obtainable through such a partnership.…

Virginia Tech reorganized its computing and communications activities under a Vice President for Computing and Information Systems. Changes include integration of all voice and data communications activities. The mission, rationale, and goals for the Communications Network Services organization are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky has designed and implemented a student personnel information system that facilitates storage and retrieval of data concerning admissions candidates, student records and scheduling, and alumni. The system was designed to be run in-house by the clerical staff. (Author/MLW)

For nearly a decade and a half, the California State University and Colleges has operated a distributed processing computing network with interconnected computer installations on all campuses. A new technologically advanced network that will deliver top-quality computing to students, faculty members, and administrators is described. (MLW)

Some of the economic and technological influences under which computing centers of the 1980s will have to operate are reviewed. Several strategies for hardware, software, and personnel management to cope with and to take advantage of in relation to a trend in changing costs are outlined. (Author/MLW)

Describes a system at Florida State for reporting faculty effort, which fulfills and reconciles highly sensitive and mutually opposed federal and state regulations for the use of faculty resources, while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy. Highlights problem areas and solutions. (MLW)

The findings of a CAUSE survey of institutions of higher education that are either currently using or have used a database management system are presented. In addition to demographic information, other issues addressed are: management implications, systems concepts, systems development, personnel, operational considerations and prospects for the…

The academic transcript system at the University of Calgary, a successful application that combines online and batch processing to generate student transcripts, is described. In addition to improved service to students and alumni, the registrar's operating budget has been reduced and productivity has increased. (Author/MLW)

A major information systems planning study undertaken by Boston University and recommendations that were made to enable the university to meet the new demands and changing priorities of educational management are discussed. (BH)

The major information systems at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University are described. The use of the feedback and feedforward controls in planning and projecting administrative functions is examined. (Author/BH)