Computer technology has the potential to fundamentally alter present approaches to admitting, registering, recording grades, and servicing students. Some of the driving forces toward change and the restraining forces working against change at most universities are identifed. (MLW)

A public utility company uses laser wands to read bar-coded labels on furniture and equipment. The system allows an 80 percent savings of the time required to create reports for inventory control. (MLF)

A computer program utilized to generate detailed reports of labor requirements saved almost $700,000 in custodial labor costs for the Facilities Maintenance and Operations Division of Oakland County, Michigan. The program also is used for a quality-control audit system during inspections to evaluate cleaned rooms. (MLF)

This article briefly reviews the introduction of computer systems into recreation facility management. Past and future problems of computer use are discussed. (DF)

Suggests a four-step method for reconstructing evaluation offices originally established for federal funding programs so that they can provide information for local decision making: (1) review past work, (2) identify necessary projects, (3) establish joint priorities, and (4) develop action plan. (TE)

Two examples illustrate effective use of evaluation offices. The first, a centralized approach, involves goal setting, followed by measurement techniques and improvement based on data. The second, decentralized approach involves reduction of data to six profiles, which form the basis of planning. Similarities and differences are discussed. (TE)

Based on a study of 56 computerized decision-support systems, discusses the potential value of various decision-support systems, examines the challenges and risks such systems pose to managers, and suggests strategies for meeting those challenges and risks. (JG)

Examines some of the specifics of the Stanley House criteria for humanizing information systems. (IRT)

Examines issues related to real-world applications of higher education planning models, describing four different models as representative examples of the model spectrum. Also reviews situations in which qualitative considerations relegate the use of models to a low priority and situations in which information generated by models may be misused.…

The Core Data Collection System of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is an automated collection system with interactive edits that runs on IBM-compatible microcomputers. The data collected include information about school districts, schools, school programs, and student characteristics and achievement. This manual…

Among the purposes of this chapter is the provision of a description of the sample and research design of the MISOE sample data systems, including a specification of the size of the sample. (Author/RK)

Real accountability implies delivering specific, factual data to classroom teachers and administrators on which they can base decisions for improving students' performance. It also implies reporting the specific relationships between use of resources and educational outcome more accurately and concisely to the legislature, the State board of…

A Discussion of the development of a computer-based information system which allows flexible, simple student record maintenance for administrative use, while directly interfacing with the student advising process. (Author)

Discusses how the increasing demand for higher education and the need for sharper economic restraints have focalized common awareness of the value of priority assessment by quantitative methods. The author reviews the search for more comprehensive management information systems to assist the decisionmaker. (See also EA 504 111). (Author/WM)