The offices of Information Resource Management and Institutional Research at Virginia Tech developed a set of guidelines for information management. This article describes the historical evolution, the forces that motivated the development of the guidelines, and the consensus-building activities that led to the acceptance of the guidelines.…

The report presents the underlying software architecture and rationale of the Generalized Management Information System (GMIS), along with a sample demonstration (an energy analysis problem) of its characteristics and a summary of topics of continuing research. The field-tested experimental system has the following features: It allows on-line…

Executive management often holds a critical view of systems development. The reasons that systems development draws such negative attention are explored. The view of management can be reconciled with systems development--with attention to organizational continuity, cultivation of patience, development of sensitivity to people needs, etc.…

Microcomputers enable school public relations professionals to serve the educational community more effectively than ever. Successful computerization requires reliable state-of-the-art hardware and software, competent service, and knowledgeable/available consultation. Information is provided about word processing functions, the modem, and various…

Describes "optimization" computer programing to aid in school redistricting. Using diverse demographic data, the computer plots district boundaries to minimize children's walking distance and maximize safety, improve racial balance, and keep enrollment within school capacity. (TE)

Designing a student database to meet your school's specific recordkeeping and reporting needs is described. Setting up a data file, listing categories, and generating reports are each illustrated. (MNS)

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 simplicity of system design and productivity techniques used in development of an on-line management information system at Boston College is explained. The simplicity of system design means that all terminal transactions in the system are limited in function, small in size, uncomplicated, and easy to implement. (Author/MLW)

The trend to distributed processing is being fueled by numerous forces, including advances in technology, corporate downsizing, increasing user sophistication, and acquisitions and mergers. Increasingly, the trend in corporate information systems (IS) departments is toward sharing resources over a network of multiple types of processors, operating…

These guidelines for communicating effectively the details of computer model design and operation to persons with varying interests in a model recommend the development of four different types of manuals to meet the needs of managers, users, analysts and programmers. The guidelines for preparing a management summary manual suggest a broad spectrum…

One of six documents describing the Management Information System for Vocational Education (MISVE), this document is intended for MISVE managers and electronic data processing (EDP) operations staff who would be responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the MISVE on the computer. (MISVE was designed to provide users with an advanced…

Describes an improved method for solving typical timetabling problems which was developed for the American University in Cairo. The article outlines the 26-step algorithm, indicates computer storage requirements, shows how the algorithm copes with conflicts, and explains how to obtain the final output in convenient format. (EAO)

User dissatisfaction with computer systems usually results from too little involvement of the user in the programing process. Defining information requirements satisfactorily and taking steps toward smooth staff acceptance of the system are important prerequisites to satisfaction with the system's design. (MSE)

As computer systems play a larger role in student financial aid, the aid officer needs at least some expertise in computer programing. The advantages of the BASIC computer language for learning computer programing are discussed. The kinds of programs that can be written by the financial aid officer are identified. (MLW)

Rising costs of programming and program maintenance have caused discussion concerning the need for generalized information systems. These would provide data base functions plus complete report writing and file maintenance capabilities. All administrative applications, including online registration, student records, and financial applications are…