Thirteen trends in university computer system development are identified, system user requirements are analyzed, critical system qualities are outlined, and three options for organizing a computer system are presented. The three systems include a centralized network, local network, and federation of local networks. (MSE)

Australia's training programs for academic department heads are examined in relation to the tradition of academic staff development, the changing nature of department heads' responsibilities, and increased concerns about the effectiveness of institutional management. It is suggested that training programs be one element in a comprehensive…

A discussion of the emerging international need for training for department heads focuses on why such training is now a critical issue, what current management problems imply for training needs, the nature and variety of the training available, and some general avenues for future development. (MSE)

Describes the process of developing an administrative information system for the University of Debrecen (Hungary), a merger of four small universities and three colleges. Focuses on administrative applications (personnel, enrollment management, student records, financial aid, curriculum materials), student access to computers, campus-wide…

A collaborative research program in auger spectroscopy at the University of Liverpool (England) involved scientists from 12 universities and research groups in 5 European countries and financed with international funds is described. The experience of the collaborators suggests how similar projects might be initiated and managed. (Author/MSE)

The history of the relationship between Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and the Republic of Bulgaria is chronicled, and current programs and initiatives are described briefly. Educational projects are in political science, law, agriculture, aviation, foreign language teacher education, dentistry, economic development, public…

An address made to a conference of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Program on Institutional Management in Higher Education (IMHE) reviews IMHE's origins and progress over its 25-year history. Evolution of a number of technical issues, substantive issues, and structures of university governance is analyzed, and major…

The University of Trondheim's Norwegian Institute of Technology has redesigned its training program for deans and department heads to enhance the jobs' attractiveness, provide training opportunities, reduce problems of re-integration into the academic career, and introduce professional development talks by department heads with all staff. (MSE)

The rapid introduction of a faculty evaluation program at the University of Liverpool is described, addressing such issues as the consultation and negotiation involved in getting the program accepted, the changing role of the department head, and the program's part in the institution's overall academic plan. (Author/MSE)

A project to develop and evaluate a leadership program for department heads and a series of leadership seminars for more senior administrators is described. The project included comparison of approaches to leadership training in this and other fields. (MSE)

The Higher Education Information System (HIS) is Germany's publicly financed service institution serving higher education. One of its functions is to act as a clearinghouse for computer software for higher education. The evolution, role and mission, founding principles, and services of HIS in this capacity are explained. (Author/MSE)

Difficulties in the development of adult education programs in research-oriented, elite universities are discussed, focusing on the differences in traditional values and objectives of adult and university education. Organizational conditions at the University of Louvain (Belgium) that have proven conducive to a successful adult education program…