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)

Considers the use of nonbibliographic databases, also known as source files, as an information service supplied to library users and notes commercially produced databases, brokerage firms offering a variety of small databases, community resource files, differences between use of bibliographic and non-bibliographic databases including fees, and…

Describes Miami-Dade Community College's computer-based Advisement and Graduation Information System (AGIS), which provides students with accurate, up-to-date information on their progress toward meeting graduation requirements and on courses recommended for transfer. Describes AGIS's six-phase development. Reviews AGIS's management applications,…

Carnegie-Mellon University is using word processing in several modes to enhance communication: dedicated word processing system, word processing package on a general-purpose minicomputer, computer mail, text editor, text formatter, spelling checker, and programmable printer. Each mode of word processing is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Argues for the use of decentralized decision-making and information systems as the best aids to intelligent decision-making when determining funding priorities for human services. (Author/RH)

The goal model is appropriate for evaluating effectiveness in complex service organizations because there are measurable outputs. An empirical method is provided for the identification and measurement of organizational goals. Perception of effectiveness could be improved if goals were made to coincide with the desires of user groups. (DWH)

Discussion of recordkeeping procedures and issues in college closing covers academic records, catalogs, update documents, original grade sheets, commencement programs and graduation lists, records of disclosures and requests, and class schedules. Recommendations are those of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions…

Argues that community college survival requires reliable information about environmental factors, trends, and changes. Reviews the use of strategic planning and change strategies. Considers the best way to organize an information-gathering unit, where to place it in the school's organizational structure, and how to staff it. (WL)

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point approach to implementing an ideal student records system is discussed. The characteristics of such a system are defined and a model for directing the development and implementation of a new student records system is presented. (Author/MLW)

In the twenty-first century, educators will move into the electronic age, where computers, satellites, and television will bombard education with incredible amounts of information to assimilate and store or act upon. Education in the twenty-first century will be mediated through media learning centers that obtain information through a network of…

A survey of 116 central office administrators in over 50 public and private school systems in western Pennsylvania examined the administrators' use of test data and other information on organizational performance. Respondents' preferences for nontest data lead the authors to suggest a new model of administrators' usage of performance information.…

Wiring the city of Irvine provided a community-wide education network through a student-controlled, interactive two-way TV system. Adding computer-based education will afford Irvine a first in combined information and education service. (Author/BB)

Discusses the role and possible impact of Congressional action on United States' policy at the 1979 World Administrative Radio Conference. (JMF)