User participation and its relationship to system success have been discussed in the information systems (IS) literature from many theoretical and practical perspectives. In reality, most of this discussion is grounded in empirical research that has yielded mixed results on the importance of user participation and its relationship to system…

Describes Fault Tree Analysis, a tool for systems analysis which attempts to identify possible modes of failure in systems to increase the probability of success. The article defines the technique and presents the steps of FTA construction, focusing on its application to education. (RAO)

Developed and demonstrated here is the design of interface systems for cost-effective communication of the user with the computerized operations research procedures. The concentration is in the area of interfacing methods for implementing the optimization techniques of mathematical programing. Emphasis is given to flexibility of accessing the…

During the transfer from conceptualizations to practical programs of educational innovation, difficulties, in the form of failure to close modular gaps, often occur. The author has constructed a functional model of research and systems development based upon logical sequencing and tight-line modular linkage between task assignment and…

In this paper the roles and functions of man in the evolution and development of two complex specific systems within the Army operational environment are discussed. It is pointed out that throughout the course of historical development, the basic system functions and objectives have remained unchanged even though the system equipments have varied.…

Considers two aspects of design and performance evaluation of information systems: initiation, planning, development, and testing of new systems, to include modification of existing structures; and appraisals and measurement of operational systems and components. A taxonomy of information systems provides a basis for organized evaluation of system…

Systems analysis of an operating system consists of the evaluation of the efficiency, economy, accuracy, and productivity of existing procedures measured against the stated objectives of the library; and the design of new procedures to satisfy the demands of management and user. The data processing subsystem performs ongoing operations of function…

This is the first of a 2-volume final report of a 20-month research and development project conducted by the Michigan State Employment Service agency and a private research firm. The purpose of the project was to design and test innovative methods of increasing the volume and quality of jobs listed with the employment service. Included are: (1) a…

Most universities in Canada are spending enormous amounts of effort collecting vast amounts of data, but are still--in some quarters--perceived to be unable to report data effectively. In other countries, this kind of problem has been resolved in two different ways. But in Canada, this hasn't happened. The purpose of this paper is to shed some…

CONVERSION AND COMPATIBILITY CONSTITUTE TWO MAJOR CONCERNS IN THE INSTITUTION OF AUTOMATED SYSTEMS IN LIBRARIES. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THESE TWO FACTS, THIS REPORT DESCRIBES IN DETAIL FIVE MORE OR LESS STANDARD AND HIGHLY COMPATIBLE CIRCULATION SYSTEMS WHICH INCORPORATE A COMMON FORM OF INPUT AND WHICH REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF CONVERSION FROM…

This report, the result of developmental research on a planning information system for North Carolina, describes the planning process at higher levels of State government, defines a general information system and derives a planning information system from various types of planning, provides guidelines for system design and evaluation, and…

The purpose of this paper is to present a practical model for maintenance of organizational communication systems through the use of effective appraisal systems. The paper includes a detailed definition of organizational communication, an identification of the components of a communication appraisal system appropriate to such definition, a…

THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS NECESSARY TO DEVELOP A FEDERAL-LEVEL, VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEM (VEIS), WERE PRESENTED IN THIS MANUAL. BASIC DESIGN ELEMENTS WERE DETERMINED BY STUDYING THE FEDERAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH STATE AND BY EVALUATING A NUMBER OF IMMEDIATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE FEDERAL…

THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS NECESSARY TO DEVELOP A NATIONWIDE STATE-LEVEL, VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEM (VEIS) WERE PRESENTED IN THIS MANUAL. THESE SPECIFICATIONS WERE PREPARED TO CONFORM TO A UNIVERSAL STYLE FOR ALL STATES AND U.S. TERRITORIES TO USE IN FULFILLING THEIR FEDERAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. THE OUTPUT…

This study (1) examines the university's serials system and identifies its problems; (2) analyzes the current manual operations in the serials department, with emphasis on the serials check-in system; and (3) determines whether or not computerization of some or all of the serials subsystems would improve the department's internal effectiveness and…