The applications of a recently developed computer program for microcomputers in developing models in an institutional research environment are considered. The VISICALC program requires no user programming skills, is available for all major brands of microcomputers, and provides for easy exchange of information between users of different computing…

It is recognized that growing management information systems will require increased user involvement in acquiring, maintaining, and manipulating essential institutional data. A technique called Service/Requirements Analysis has been developed for incorporating user input into system design and development. (MSE)

The development of an unusual database at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is described. The Student Census-date Report File (STUCENFL) was designed to meet both internal and external data recipients' needs for student-related information. Attention is directed to needs for the database, underlying design…

The philosophy, structure, and operation of a Dutch system for institutional self-evaluation in higher education (AMOS) are described. The system is centrally designed to assist in national resource allocation for higher education, but the feedback is intended primarily for institutions and faculties to use in increasing efficiency and…

The demand for decision-support systems (DSSs) at the University of Hartford and the use of current software systems based on an information center approach are discussed. It is noted that declining enrollment demand and financial stress in tuition and enrollment-dependent universities requires a flexible and dynamic DSS for effective planning and…

The changing nature of institutional research due to the expanded use and capabilities of information technology was explored through a regional survey of institutional researchers, who indicated their involvement in information systems development. Results were analyzed for all respondents, by type of institution (four-year versus two-year), and…

Six papers presented at the conference are summarized. In "An Extended Look at Inflation in Higher Education" (D. Kent Halstead), direct confrontation of inflation problems by institutions is recommended. Discussion that followed focused on how best to project inflation rates for higher education, and how to convince legislatures to…

Abstracts and four papers from the 1983 Association for Institutional Research (AIR) Forum on integrating human resources and technology are presented. AIR membership and organizational information are also provided. Paper titles and authors are as follows: "It Ain't All Bad" (Dean F. Berkley); "Technological Innovation and…

The procedures for producing a report on departmental service to nonmajors are described in detail. The objective was to provide information for decision-making needs without reliance on the standardized pre-packaged models. An alternative to the Induced Course Load Matrix (ICLM) of the Resource Requirements Prediction Model (RRPM) package of the…

The importance of information systems management to institutional research efforts of colleges and universities is discussed. The goal of information system management is to make an institution's information system more consistent, efficient, and informative. Each of the different functions of the university, such as admissions and registration,…

The potentials and problems of using computer programs for developing college planning models and policy are discussed, and the capabilities of a number of commonly-used programs are outlined. The need for understanding and participation by nontechnical administrators is emphasized. (MSE)

Based on research on management improvement efforts at developing colleges and universities, a model of evolutionary change in organizational structure and management practices is outlined, and change strategies considering both formal and informal management needs are proposed. The model assumes that management needs are intertwined with…

The complexity of Seattle University's decision to replace three separate computerized student information systems with one integrated system was managed with a multicriteria method for evaluating alternatives. The method both managed a large amount of information and reduced people's resistance to change. (MSE)

An integrated student information system (ISIS) at Trinity University (Texas) is described with attention to how data are entered and how data are extracted for purposes of institutional research. The structure of the original ISIS files, the extract files, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) files is examined. An outline is…

The successful integration of microcomputer support to help prepare for an anticipated budget crisis at the University of Illinois at Chicago is described. The IBM Personal Computer and VisiCalc software were key tools in the decision support system. When campus executives were instructed to cut budgets and reallocate funds to produce a…