Seminars devoted to different aspects of the immediate implementation of cost effective information systems were conducted. A keynote address emphasizing the need for tough management decisions to accompany information systems in the years ahead preceded the workshop reports. The first workshop discussed the impact of new technologies--structured…

This monograph describes and analyzes recent efforts to develop measurable units for human services in the social services and mental health services areas. The issues surrounding the "unit of service" are examined along with the problems encountered by the system designer or information user in past projects, and some of today's more…

Intended to inform administrators of vocational-technical education programs, and other interested persons, what the state of the art is in producing and using employment projections for educational planning purposes, this essay focuses on labor market concepts which should be used, but are now frequently abused, in the development and operation…

Describes the management practices adopted by the Los Rios Community College District (California) as a result of the passage of the Jarvis-Gann tax initiative. Alterations included reorganization of upper management structure, full budget disclosures, collective bargaining, merit pay concept for administrative staff, and the creation of a…

When AVCO Financial Services, a national multibranch financial company, decided to convert from manual to computerized operations, a training program for employees was developed to implement the changeover. The program design, trainer training seminars, and a forty-five-day preconversion training period are described. (MF)

The development and implementation of a microcomputer-based system in a medical school's office of grants and contracts is described, with focus on the evolution from manual to minicomputer to microcomputer and the criteria for selecting appropriate software. (MSE)

A project to improve the "request budget" procedure at each of the campuses of the University of Colorado is described. The project extracted data maintained in central mainframe computers and downloaded it to floppy magnetic diskettes. The amount of manual data entry, calculation, and preparation time was reduced significantly.…

Examines the potential of libraries and information technology as resources available to those who must plan for and deal with emergency situations. Information support for decision making, a range of types of disasters, alternative uses of advanced information technology, and articles by librarians on emergency management are discussed.…

A study to survey CAUSE member institutions concerning the use and evaluation of data base management systems and associated fourth-generation products is discussed. Characteristics of respondents, their standards and methods, the automated tools they use, fourth-generation language usage specifics, and future plans of respondents are described.…

Data custodians are described as "owners" of the data and administrative computing staff the data processors. New hardware and software have put the processing tools into the hands of anyone who can afford them. The term "end-user computing" refers to the processing of data in the administrative units. (MLW)

Describes pilot project for establishment of microcomputer-based data system for village-level planning and rural development in Sri Lanka which was initiated in January 1983 to investigate problems and possibilities of improving information management at local level. Administrative and planning structure, project scope and objectives, and…

Describes the implementation of an office systems management curriculum (at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville) that trains students to develop their conceptual skills and to train for management-level positions. Courses involve the automated office, records systems, office systems analysis, case studies, and management information systems.…

Based on interviews with OCLC staff, network directors, and librarians in member libraries, and related literature review, it is recommended that OCLC take steps to improve statistics it currently makes available and to consider leadership role in helping libraries use microcomputer technology to provide statistics for library management. (27…

Computing operations at Iowa State are described, including the general administrative structure with two separate facilities, administrative data processing systems, computer hardware, system integration, office automation, and microcomputers. One facility provides administrative and service information; the other is a campuswide facility for…

The role of distributed computing continues to pose challenges, from organizational strategies to definitions and fundamental understandings of the terms. Concerns within the framework of management changes and organizational structures are addressed. (Author/MLW)