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)

Perspectives on facilitating the use of quantitative tools in higher education decision-making are offered. Suggestions are directed to those in the institution who will be working with decision-makers, with a focus on how such individuals can assist the decision-maker in the development and use of computer-based tools. The instigators of computer…

Through a discussion of research on institutions using computer-based planning models, this question is addressed: How does the institutional decision maker make decisions using state-of-the-art computing tools without neglecting nonquantitative realities? (MSE)

This paper examines the proposition that management information systems (MIS) for colleges and universities are not achieving their original objectives of supporting better management decisions by providing more and better information in a more timely manner. As a consequence, the MIS activity should be reduced in scope, and standardized to…

Technological innovation in the form of the introduction of a formal information system represents change to the people within the organization. This paper (presented to California Educational Administrators participating in the Executive Information Systems program of Operation PEP--Prepare Educational Planners) is directed to those managers who…

This report describes a project designed to provide a cost effective centralized data collection, analysis, and retrieval system to handle all data on adult basic education (ABE) clients and staff personnel for all adult learning sites in Massachusetts for reporting, research, and evaluation purposes at local and State levels. This report is…

Complete but concise picture of the California Education Information System, how it developed, its current status, its basic features, and a description of its contents. Covers design, developmental history, business subsystem, pupil subsystem, and a summary. (Author)

The size, cost, and complexity of quantitative modeling in the social and physical sciences demand that modelers focus attention on premodeling phases of analysis, specifically on formulation and definition of problems. This is especially true in the areas of futures research and technology assessment. At the problem-defining stage of modeling, a…

The authors argue that recent events have given rise to a need for a new class of information related to strategic decisionmaking. They describe some of the characteristics of "ideal" systems to meet this need and suggest a program for building sophisticated systems that will develop toward that ideal. (Author)

The author discusses some approaches to assessing the impact of inaccurate information when the planning system involves formulae of the management accounting type or models of the operational research variety. The most appropriate method for quantifying information value in management information systems is through Bayesian analysis and decision…

Fiscal Impact Budgeting Systems (FIBS) are sophisticated computer based modeling procedures used in local government organizations, whose results, however, are often overlooked or ignored by decision makers. A study attempted to discover the reasons for this situation by focusing on four factors: potential usefulness, faith in computers,…

This is a collection of papers presented at an annual conference of the College and University Systems Exchange (CAUSE). Conference activities included a keynote address, general session, and five tracks of presentations: (1) Information Systems Development and Management's Expectations; (2) Information Systems Benefit Analysis; (3) Small College…

This paper presents the overall conceptual framework in which information gathered and stored by computers can be transformed into a comprehensive planning system useful in administrative decisionmaking. Identified and discussed are information needs (enrollment, costs, resources, and measurements) and a sample system (STEP - System for Trenton's…

Explains the function of information resources, predicts the increased importance of computers, and emphasizes that computer information systems are a resource to support institutional operation and management. Enumerates the components in planning for the use of information technology. Presents the Virginia Community College System's information…

Oversight information systems provide data to oversight agency managers that enable them to: (1) monitor the operations of agencies for which they are charged oversight responsibilities; (2) compare performance data against set performance criteria; and (3) identify exceptions that occur outside performance tolerance parameters. This research…