Any general systems approach has five basic elements, which serve as the tasks for the researcher using systems analysis. The five are (1) the objectives, (2) the alternatives, (3) the costs, (4) the model (or models), and (5) the decision rule. With these five steps, the researcher should be able to specify the objectives, select alternatives,…

This paper explores the fault-tree analysis approach to isolating failure modes within a system. Fault tree investigates potentially undesirable events and then looks for failures in sequence that would lead to their occurring. Relationships among these events are symbolized by AND or OR logic gates, AND used when single events must coexist to…

In this era of rapid social change, educational administrators have discovered that new approaches to problem solving and decision making are needed. Systems analysis could afford a promising approach to administrative problems by providing a number of systematic techniques designed to sharpen administrative decision making, enhance efficiency,…

This bibliography on the tools and applications of operations research, management science, industrial engineering, and systems engineering lists many entries which appeared between 1961 and 1966 in 186 periodicals and trade journals. Twenty-six texts in operations research are also listed along with an indication as to which of 37 techniques or…

A survey of the use of eight decision-science techniques was conducted in a stratified random cample of school districts in the United States. The purpose of the study was to determine the relative use frequency of these techniques in 14 application areas and the potential uses of the techniques in the school districts. The amount of formal…

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is used in the U.S. Marine Corps task analysis program for occupational field studies. Scheduling sequential tasks, estimating time requirements, determining staffing needs, and locating checkpoints for control all can be accomplished using PERT. Examples of operational aspects of PERT, PERT…

This publication is designed to serve state-level planners interested in reviewing the key concepts of state planning and management systems. The compact nature of the review and its organization in guideline format should provide a ready reference for the practitioner seeking to develop and improve management systems for vocational education in…

This book focuses on and utilizes the methodology and tools of systems analysis and operations research to demonstrate their use in planning for the future and meeting public demands for information on how tax money is being spent by educational administrators. The range of possible and relevant applications is demonstrated by a step-by-step…

THIS BIBLIOGRAPHIC LISTING OF 109 RELATED ADDRESSES, ARTICLES, BOOKS, MICROFILMS, MONOGRAPHS, REPORTS, AND OTHER ITEMS, PUBLISHED BETWEEN 1959 AND 1968, INCLUDES 39 ITEMS ON NETWORK PLANNING, 48 ITEMS ON RESEARCH MANAGEMENT, 13 ITEMS ON PROJECT SELECTION, AND NINE ITEMS ON PROGRAM MANAGEMENT. (JK)

The methods of operations research (OR) can make many contributions to the solution of the complex problems which beset urban education. OR techniques such as PERT are useful aids to planning school construction, budgets, and research projects. System planning models can be used to represent urban educational systems and to predict the effects of…

The intent of this document is to describe approximately 30 management science and organizational behavioral techniques with practical applications in school business management. Each technique is described by the mechanics of using the technique, specific applications of the technique, and requirements and constraints in the use of the technique.…