The purpose of this paper is to highlight the complexities involved in higher education provision and how systems thinking and socio-technical systems (STS) thinking approach can be used to understand the education ecosystem. Systems thinking perspective is provided using two case studies: the development of European Learner Mobility (EuroLM)…

Most UK universities can trace their current management information systems back to significant investments made in the 1990s, largely fuelled by concerns about the millenium bug and a change from character interfaces to graphical user interfaces following the introduction of the personal computer. It was during this period that institutions also…

Describes the problems brought on by a lengthy strike that occurred during a major computerization effort by Britain's Department of Health and Social Security. Implications for personnel officers are presented. (CH)

Based on the literature and interviews with personnel in the United Kingdom, this article identifies possible roles for information professionals in the design and development of expert systems. The need for training in expert systems, communications with computer scientists, and improved recognition of the information science profession are…

As new information technology options are made available, office automation systems are being introduced and along with campus networks, and management information service requirements are evolving. Eight common strategies found in 10 American institutions are reported. (Author/MLW)

Given the rapidly changing skills needs of post-industrial economies, lifelong learning forms an integral part of government policy within the UK and abroad. However, like the UK, most economies are faced with the problem of how to reach those sections of the community that have traditionally not embraced learning and educational opportunities. In…

Described are the first 25 years of Britain's Inter-University Council's program to develop university education in the then dependent territories, which has developed into a system of cooperation voluntarily adopted by some 35 overseas universities of different sizes, patterns and roles. Part I, Evolving Policies, examines the foundation for the…

Three supplements to the main report (December 1987) of the Task Group on Assessment and Testing in the United Kingdom are presented. The first report, "Reactions to the Main Report," examines the chief issues raised in public reaction to the main report. The national reaction has been largely positive and supportive. It is reaffirmed…

More elaborate systems for managing and evaluating the performance of schools are needed than have prevailed to date in the United Kingdom. Experiences in working with schools and local education authorities indicate the necessity for radical breaks with past practices and procedures. (SLD)

Reviews recent and current research and development projects in the United Kingdom dealing with online information systems. Main areas of research (systems design, impact on user behavior and organizational structure, ergonomics and bibliographic factors) and research techniques (features analysis, transaction log analysis, surveys and comparative…

This guide, which examines the relationship between learning processes and learning outcomes, is aimed at senior managers, quality managers, and others at colleges and other post-16 learning providers in the United Kingdom. It is intended to help them define the key processes undertaken by learning providers, understand the critical relationships…