Provides an understanding of what MIS (Management Information Systems) is and how it can assist the student services administrator in planning and decision making. (Author)

A study dealing with administrative computer centers in four-year institutions of higher education in the United States is described. Organizational impact on management of computers, descriptive findings about the institutions used in the study, factor analysis of dependent variables, and multiple regression analysis are reviewed. (MLW)

The administrative and financial structure of the Office of Administrative Information Systems and Services at the University of Illinois are briefly described and its financing outlined. Support software and special services are detailed. (MSE)

This concluding article in a series discusses the need for and possible solutions in protection of college-originating computer programs from unfair competition, much as copyrights are intended to protect printed material. A chart outlines legal protection for various aspects of computer software. (MSE)

The ways in which institutional characteristics affect the application and development of administrative information systems are discussed. A cybernetics model is proposed and principles are developed to assist university administrators in distinguishing institutional constraints from shortcomings in the information system. (SF)

The use of a data base management system (DBMS) as opposed to traditional data processing is discussed. The generalized file concept is viewed as an entry level step to the DBMS. The transition process from one system to the other is detailed. (SF)

The development of an inexpensive, effective information system at Cornell University is described. The change from an outdated student records and registration system is discussed as well as considerations that motivated Cornell to institute a less powerful and less technically attractive system. (SF)

Essex Community College (Maryland) has used issue-oriented planning to maintain flexibility and adaptability while responding to environmental changes. Issues addressed by centralized and structured processes include management information systems, budget development, and external resource development. Issues addressed by decentralized processes…

A description of how image database technology was used to develop two prototypes for academic and administrative applications at Yale University, one using a video data base integration and the other using document-scanning data base technology, is presented. Technical underpinnings for the creation of data bases are described. (Author/MLW)

To provide effective leadership and assure project success, policy makers should understand two major pitfalls in pursuing purchased administrative systems solutions. First is the failure to organize for successful project implementation and monitoring, including organizing for contract negotiation; second is the failure to develop an effective…

Discusses the problems encountered at the Duquesne Light Company of Pittsburgh's nuclear power plant as the result of an inability to process information effectively and keep pace with technological change. The creation of a separate division trained and directed to manage the plant's information flows is described and evaluated. (CLB)

The acquisition and implementation at Arizona State University of a fourth-generation language product to facilitate end-user access to institutional data are described. Some problems encountered are included, as are discussions of training and security considerations. (Author/MLW)

Computing and information technology at Arizona State University have developed within the University's large, complex decentralized culture. Delivery of central services, faculty and student computing, networking, administrative computing, and the construction of a computing and network services building are discussed. (MLW)

Proposes ways in which computerized data available in public libraries can be organized and used for management decision making. Experiences in the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library system and the Monroe County (Indiana) Public Library system are described, and use of the data for preparing materials acquisition budgets is discussed. (36…

Carnegie Mellon University's decision to standardize its administrative system development efforts on relational database technology and structured query language is discussed and its impact is examined in one of its larger, more widely used applications, the university information system. Advantages, new responsibilities, and challenges of the…