This booklet uses the example of Micro-U--a hypothetical example intended as a training tool-- to illustrate the application of WICHE's basic Management Information Systems (MIS) concepts. Micro-U embodies a microcosm of higher education management problems related to the instructional functions MIS is designed to address. This initial version of…

This paper presents the results of research conducted to develop a model or a conceptual framework fo the study of project management in the field of educational research and development. The basic framework incorporates two dimensions; (1) the project and (2) its environment. Four project components; task, temporary management system, project…

In this discussion of the systems approach to educational change, the author discusses the programing, planning, budgeting, and evaluation aspects of a system for the management of educational resources. Four common misconceptions about PPBES are considered: (1) that PPBES can make decisions, (2) that costs can be completely quantitifed, (3) that…

This document illustrates one approach to the preparation of an instructional program budget and how it might be used to enhance the allocation of scarce resources in higher education. The ideas presented here are intended only as an introduction and will provide the reader with a brief overview of program budgeting as the term is currently used…

The Resource Requirements Prediction Model (RRPM) 1.6 is an instructional cost simulation model for use in all types of postsecondary institutions including community colleges, vocational schools, and large and small 4-year institutions with or without major research activities. The model provides institutions with a tool with which to analyze…

Staff members of the Division of Vocational-Technical Education and teacher educators attended a 4-day conference for the purpose of exploring the applicability of the management by objectives (MBO) process to vocational education. Conference presentations included: (1) "What Is Already Happening as Part of MBO?" by W. Russell Smith, (2)…

This paper describes a series of heuristic approaches to helping schools analyze problems by the use of a teletype time-sharing computer terminal. The examples detailed include 1) a Delphi exercise for students; 2) a budgeting model which examines the results of various levels of funding and of changes of relative priorities; 3) a school…

This document presents 34 guidelines for educational managers who are implementing or considering planning-programing-budgeting systems (PPBS). The guidelines, divided into planning, programing, budgeting, and systems analysis, are designed to point out potential trouble spots that could occur at any of the stages of system implementation. The…

This report describes the theory and 1st-year operation of the Educational Management System, a district-developed approach designed to identify and structure instructional program needs by emphasizing decentralized decisionmaking and focusing on intended program results. The report observes that educators using EMS will continually improve their…

Three of the more obvious advantages of using a computer to coordinate the logistics of a multifaceted instructional program with large numbers of students are the computer's ability to reliably control student activities, to keep and analyze data, and to make available instructional and evaluative materials. This document describes a…

A model is outlined that generates program costs and indicates the relative contribution of the various dimensions of a program to costs. The model says that there is no direct relationship between costs and learning, but that program (and school) parameters intervene. Some of these parameters have costs associated with them, but these are not…

The advantages of participative management under MBO are examined in this article. MBO's value lies in its ability to improve communication and relations among employers and employees. (DS)

Describes a computerized student records system developed by the Boston University School of Education that produces seven different reports for use by students, advisors, and administrators. Reports include student records worksheets, student contracts, alphabetical listings of students, department breakdown reports, course projection reports,…

Describes the development and operation of a countywide purchasing cooperative composed of ten local government agencies in Washington County, Wisconsin. (JG)

If schools are operated from the "top downward," is this in need of change? School-based administration could be one way to achieve change for the better. (Editor)