As part of a larger five-year analysis of the behavioral impact of modern management procedures on private liberal arts colleges, data were collected from administrators at 22 institutions of various enrollment size, admissions selectivity, and religious affiliation. With the exception of student dropout rates, most administrators are reasonably…

Organizes, describes, and evaluates management information systems research from 1981 to 1985 to provide an understanding of what constitutes management information systems research and to indicate areas for future research. (210 references) (Author/CLB)

Progress toward the goal of improved service to students through administrative systems can be achieved in many ways. Some suggestions include review current projects and existing systems, make service to students a systems department priority, publicize good systems, obtain student input in project planning, and utilize new technology. (MLW)

Focuses on the major issues faced by a school district throughout the implementation of a financial management information system. Describes how commercially available software was tailored to the specific needs of a Virginia school district. (MLF)

Risks to institutional data processing operations include physical damage, violations of data integrity, and restrictions of physical access. Development of a responsive and effective disaster recovery program is complex, requires significant effort and the use of specialized personnel, and spans all major disciplines and organizational levels.…

This description of the development of expert systems designed to solve management problems focuses on the issue of corporate divestment as an example. Software needs are discussed, and an example of a management expert system for divestment analysis at James Madison University is briefly described. (Author/LRW)

Academic support systems are characterized as those activities that center around a dean's office--office automation/information systems, institutional research and electronic communication. The basic and design and implementation issues that are encountered in providing these support systems are examined. (Author/MLW)

Described a distributed approach to management information systems for mental health organizations that is less costly and complex than the widely advocated integrated system. Presents a client statistics subsystem that can be written with a standard statistical analysis package. Describes Florida Mental Health Institute's data system to…

Derives three guidelines for management information systems (MIS) planning research by illustrating similarities between research streams of MIS planning and organizational strategic planning: recognition of MIS planning levels hierarchy and corresponding hierarchy in MIS planning benefits; specific attention to operationalization of constructs;…

Without clear administrative support, a consultant's wisdom, or political harmony, but with much equipment already in place, two middle managers at the University of Illinois at Chicago worked to build a word processing network. Issues such as forging alliances, sharing resources, and creating administrative support are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Recent technological advances have put alumni-development computer systems within reach of most colleges and universities. Options, including the types of hardware available, the many ways to match an office's needs to your hardware, and the types of software available are discussed. (MLW)

To be sure that the capitalization required in the move to distributed processing is spent wisely, it is necessary to understand the function, integration, and system architecture. How to achieve corporate standards in office automation/decision support in higher education is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Three implementation strategies for office automation and decision support systems within postsecondary educational institutions--"natural evolution,""the total solution," and "coordinate evolution"--are identified. The components of an effective implementation plan are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Microcomputer technology is direct, personal, and well suited for the task of decision support. Learning to use it constructively and effectively to improve higher education management is the challenge of the immediate future. (Author/MLW)

Online registration at Boston College, CORSS (Course Registration and Scheduling System), is described. Students register at a specific appointment time to work out an acceptable program with a terminal operator who is a member of the registrar's staff, and leaves the registration area with a printed schedule of courses. (MLW)