Describes the motivating reasons for a systematic approach to the specification, design, and development of information systems, and surveys some of the methods developed to assist software specification and design. Ways that system development organizations can create and use such techniques are emphasized. (Author/FM)

This document first outlines considerations relative to a systems approach to evaluation, and then argues for such an approach to the evaluation of information retrieval systems (ISR). The criterion of such evaluations should be the utility of the information retrieved to the user, and the ISR ought to be regarded as one of three interrelated…

The author applies Gerald Nadler's approach to designing work procedures and systems to designing a system for evaluating administrative performance. He lists ten steps necessary in system development: (1) identify those individuals who are directly involved or affected by evaluation; (2) determine the functions to be served by the system under…

A systems design framework for the transformation of education is presented in this paper. A systems approach views education as a system of interdependent problems and the design process as one of four parts of organizational inquiry. A framework for educational design is presented, which is composed of three dimensions--focus for change, scope…

A selected reference list is presented of 94 source publications of interest to architects contemplating employing systematic methods in the execution of professional services involving planning, programing, and design. The publication is divided into four major topical areas--(1) architectural design, (2) design (general), (3) decision making,…

In a controlled experiment, the IIEP attempted to develop efficient teaching materials in the field of educational planning. Informal instructional materials were compiled from the tape recordings, transcriptions, and summary notes of seminars, lectures, and discussions conducted by the IIEP in its training and research program. This instructional…

This guide is intended for use in teaching a course in the sequential tasks that change a designer's idea into a completed product. Emphasis is placed on the design of a product and the manufacturing system needed to produce it. The first two sections discuss the guide's development within the framework of North Carolina's efforts to improve…

Discusses the use of simulations to study complex real-life systems in engineering. Describes some of the limitations of using simulations. Identifies some situations in which computer simulations are practical and useful tools for the design, analysis, and evaluation of systems. (TW)