Brief discussion of state-of-the-art of modeling complex information systems distinguishes between macrolevel and microlevel modeling of such systems. Network layout and hierarchical system models, simulation, information acquisition and dissemination, databases and information storage, and operating systems are described and assessed. Thirty-four…

Overview of the federal statistical system covers the central coordinating office, data access policy, "Directory of Federal Statistical Data Files," and effect of technology on data use. Source documents which aid in assessing social statistics are listed. A sample abstract from the directory and six references are appended. (EJS)

A college or university's management information system corresponds roughly to the institution's structure, with these elements in descending order in the hierarchy: policy and planning, a planning system, control and coordination, and typical operating systems (payroll, exams, scheduling, library, facilities assignments, and accounting…

Describes and evaluates the computerized training information system in use at New England Telephone Company. The system consists of a set of training records stored in four databases which can be used for summarizing and forecasting training course information. (JJD)

Describes the Student Scheduling and Tracking System (SSTS), which is a computerized student record database used in Davidson High School in Mobile, Alabama. The microcomputer-based system is used in report card preparation, student scheduling, and maintaining current student records. (JJD)

A description of a microcomputer based special education information management system which provides: class lists, program summaries, individual data files, pupil counts, mailing labels, and program titles. The text of the computer program is included. (JJD)

Describes The Information Game, a computer game intended primarily for management information system research. The use of this game will aid researchers in answering questions about the ways decisionmakers gather information and how they use it. (JJD)

The activities of Project TRANSACTION, a 10-year research and development project of the College Scholarship Service division of the College Board, are described. The project is intended to unify the student financial aid delivery system through application of electronic information technologies. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the role of the computer in the educational process and describes how the advanced computer system assists physicians in patient care. Distinguishes between informational and decisional support systems to help those anticipating the future role of computers in education. (JOW)

Discusses theory of mental models--i.e., representations of relationships within a system which enable the user to produce mental simulations of the system's actions and develop ways of dealing with it--and its implications for user training, interface design, and overall systems design. (EJS)

Presents information retrieval design approach in which queries of computer-based system consist of sets of terms, either unweighted or weighted with subjective term precision estimates, and retrieval outputs ranked by probability of usefulness estimated by "maximum entropy principle." Boolean and weighted request systems are discussed.…

The citizen of tomorrow needs to understand the role of information in political systems; computer technology and information storage, retrieval, and use; the implications of information systems for individual rights; and the impact of computer crime, databanks, and systems analysis on the social, economic, and political spheres. (QKR)

The use of the institutional research function in higher education institutions in Australia is discussed. The importance of this function for active and long-range planning and information gathering is emphasized, and the organization of the information system--centralized or decentralized--is considered. (MSE)

Discusses the functions of business planning systems and analyzes the underlying assumptions of the information systems that support strategic planning efforts within organizations. Development of a system framework, obstacles to the successful creation of strategic planning information systems, and resource allocation in organizations are…

Requests by external agencies for information about many facets of institutional operations and resources are examples of the complexity of higher education functions and societal demands. These requests are the result of uncertainty regarding external perception of tasks performed in higher education. (Author/MLW)