Farmer cooperatives are rapidly adopting the computer as a managerial tool as indicated by their attempts to make greater and more sophisticated use of their computers since their initial installation. This report presents factual data on the popular criticism that many cooperatives are not using the computer to its fullest potential. The report…

Two factors predominate in determining the appropriateness of strategic plans for management information systems (MIS)--explicitness (the degree to which the process is conscious, formal, and documented) and situational fit (the degree to which the MIS is compatible with the specific organization and its members). (Author/IRT)

Offers several reasons, including the security of the administrative file, for the separation of instructional and administrative computing on campus. (IRT)

Describes statistical techniques for analyzing data collected by management information systems. The techniques permit comparison of the performance of service providers and are applicable to databases developed for all service systems where human beings are being provided total care. The approach involves the application of both traditional…

Kendall Demonstration Elementary School's computer managed education system with functions for individualized educational plan development and monitoring, computer assisted learning, word processing, curriculum management, and other capabilities is described in terms of the decision-making process leading to the development of the system and its…

The administrative data processing department at Michigan State provides support to all colleges and departments, and designs, programs, tests, and implements university management systems. A steering committee determines priorities for development projects and provides a sounding board for long-range plans of information systems. (MLW)

Authors discuss the advantages of the EMIS/SEMIS (Extension Management Information System/State Extension Management Information System), point out some of its deficiencies, and suggest ways to strengthen and improve it. (Editor)

A computer named Sophia at Smith College does far more than routine data processing. Her activities range from matching roommates to classifying plants. (Author/MLF)

The benefits of management computer technology for both classroom and resource teachers of the hearing impaired are described. Their advantages in planning and organization tasks are illustrated by examples of the management system at Rochester School for the Deaf and its use in two specific areas: the reading checklist file and speech production…

Reports on the U.S. State Department's experiment with a new concept in management information systems for personnel resources--the Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). Suggests that the HRIS approach may meet public executives' demands for accurate, rapid, responsive, and flexible information systems. (Author/JG)

Describes a computer-based knowledge system that assists faculty and administrators in defining, documenting, and evaluating faculty productivity. Suggests that these systems may be valuable in improving faculty productivity documentation, evaluating productivity more objectively, and linking institutional policy to teaching, research, and service…

Considers the problem of bibliometric prediction and the applicability of Lotka's law regarding the number of papers written by each author. Results of a study of 899 Management Information Systems (MIS) research articles published in 10 journals between 1975 and 1987 are described. (24 references) (LRW)

Describes how course management software systems that ease professors' administrative workload are becoming easier to use, as well as more expensive. (EV)