This article attempted to define the systems approach and discussed how it might be applied in education. (Author/RK)

Activities and information needs in museums and a project undertaken by the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum to develop systematic solutions to problems in cataloging museum collections are described. Museum activities are grouped in three categories: (1) initial--acquisition, accession, registration, identification, and restoration; (2)…

The analyses required for the design of an integrated record-keeping system in a history museum and the steps required to implement such a system are presented. The analyses include an examination of the management philosophy; the activities within the museum which require written records and the various data files desirable to support these…

This essay explores the methodology of a new discipline, system dynamics, as an approach to the analysis of decisions in education. (Author)

Examines recent developments in field of systems theory that can improve library management practices by broadening perspective in which these problems may be approached. The concept of organizational life cycles is discussed and a paradigm for application of its principles is developed. An Rx decision chart is appended. (9 references) (EJS)

Two trends in the use of quantitative methods of evaluating libraries that have evolved from general systems analysis are discussed in this literature review. The cost effectiveness approach is aimed at discovering new, improved procedures and devices for providing library services; such alternatives make it possible to evaluate how efficiently a…

An analysis of computer-based search services (ISSs) from a system's viewpoint, using a continuous simulation model to reveal growth and stagnation of a typical system is presented, as well as an analysis of decision making for an ISS. (Author/MBR)

Offers a conceptual/theoretical model of learners as total systems representing four learner system types: reactive, preactive, proactive, and spiralling. Motivation, behavioral manifestations, predominant learning strategies, and successful learning environments of these learner types are discussed. Instructional development and research…

Two systematic ways of analyzing and planning the components of a program or project, both used extensively by industry and government, are discussed in this paper. The methods are Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) Networks and Critical Path Method (CPM) Arrow Diagrams. The purposes of this paper are (1) to explore the need for…

A systems analysis-based process of structured observation is proposed as a means of describing and determining the value of college admissions and records program procedures. The process involves data collection, interviews of the personnel responsible for specific procedures, diagramming the system, and observation. A sample case is presented.…

Designed to focus attention on the design process in such computer science activities as information systems design, database design, and expert systems design, this paper examines three main phases of the design process: understanding the context of the problem, identifying the problem, and finding a solution. The processes that these phases…

This article discusses tools developed to aid the systems analysis process (program evaluation and review technique, Gantt charts, organizational charts, decision tables, flowcharts, hierarchy plus input-process-output). Similarities and differences among techniques, library applications of analysis, structured systems analysis, and the data flow…

The components of complex domains have dynamic, interdependent relationships that are often unstable. A useful method for representing relationships among elements in complex systems is causal influence diagramming, often described as concept mapping. This study employs the use of software applications, traditional assessment, and case studies to…

A quasiexperimental study involved 18 male students enrolled in an aircraft systems course at the University of Illinois. The control group of 10 students studied 39 schematic diagrams of aircraft systems. The treatment group of eight students studied the same schematic diagrams plus conceptual diagrams of the systems. Otherwise, the instruction…

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…