Presents a formal approach to information systems development and outlines the components of a structured systems development methodology. The various stages of the methodology are then reviewed in light of experiences gained in three consultancy projects in developing countries. (Author/CLB)

Migrating from a traditional to a relational database technology requires more than traditional project management techniques. An overview of what to consider before migrating to relational database technology is presented. Leadership, staffing, vendor support, hardware, software, and application development are discussed. (MLW)

Coordinated planning and management are critical ingredients of any successful alumni information system. The initial exercises in developing an effective alumni information system are to recognize any limitations, commit the institution to overcoming them, use existing resources effectively, plan for the acquisition of additional resources, and…

The first article discusses the general trends that led to the existence of online databases, including the development of books and libraries, mathematics and computation, computers, information systems, and databases. The second presents a timeline of major accomplishments in the online database industry from 1945 to the present. (CLB)

Describes the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Gateway Information System, which provides communications capabilities and access to online databases for DoD microcomputer end-users. Functions, structure, development, and artificial intelligence applications of the system are discussed. (11 references) (MES)

Describes 10 bulletin board systems available via dial-up access for federal government information, including National Technical Information Service, Consumer Information Center, Department of Agriculture, Economic Bulletin Board, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, Department of State, Department of Labor, and Department of…

Assesses hypermedia design issues and examines how learners access information in a hierarchically organized hypermedia environment. Evaluates three browsing methods: "hotwords" and two distinctively different cognitive mapping architectures. Results suggest that the inclusion of a properly constructed cognitive map can diminish feelings…

Provides an overview of the facilities for management information in library management systems. Highlights include the relationship between transaction processing systems, management information systems, and decision support systems; a review of previous work; enquiries and standard reports relating to library operations; report generators; and…

Describes the "Knowledge Board," a comprehensive integrated writing environment for professionals who write complex documents. Program functions, including navigational capabilities, an automated note card file, information sorting, information weaving, a function to organize information logically, and a revision function are examined.…

Describes the first stage in a study of home information systems in the United Kingdom that is being conducted to develop a theory of household information systems that will inform investors, producers, and consumers in a given region. Highlights include methodology, questions for structured interviews, task model, and technical model. (Author/LRW)

Presents brief accounts of the user-based performance measure of relevance and the information system-based performance measure of competence. Results of an experiment are reported that used a geographic information system to illustrate how collecting and analyzing data from both a system and a user view of performance can be beneficial. (73…

Presents an interactive method of eliciting information from students through microcomputers linked by a network. Results of this process show that students can construct and use an instrument of their own design, tend to select a multitude of rating items, do not select unimportant items, and take the process seriously. (Author/JOW)

Three medical curriculum database prototypes have been developed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Maryland, and the University of Miami. Generic characteristics of the hardware and software systems are noted, and issues in further development (such as a controlled vocabulary and collaborative activities) are…

Discussion of software tools for accessing information on the Internet focuses on the WorldWideWeb (WWW) system, which was developed at the European Particle Physics Laboratory (CERN) in Switzerland to build a worldwide network of hypertext links using available networking technology. Its potential for use with multimedia documents is also…

Surveys examples currently used to plan and conduct evaluations, perceiving a shift from rationalistic (logical positivist) to naturalistic (constructionist) evaluation. Presents a model of evaluation planning, implementation, and management incorporating both examples by calling for evaluative data undergirded by descriptive data generated by an…