Decision Support Systems (DSS) are automated information systems designed to aid administrative decision making. A literature review on the design, implementation, and evaluation of DSS, suggests that evaluators act as liasons between designers and managers, identify and collect data for DSS, and evaluate DSS. (Author/EGS)

The potential that exists for expanding services and automating routine procedures via the microcomputer has been greatly increased by the advances in database managers. A database manager is described as a collection of programs that perform many data manipulation functions that would have required elaborate programming work in the past. (MLW)

Four articles discuss library uses of dBase III: (1) an interlibrary loan journal request file; (2) an acquisitions system; (3) customized multi-column output for reports; and (4) a circulation system. Program listings are included. (EM)

Problem solving and decision making are considered to be keys to successful management. A normative method for problem solving is presented, suggesting that the analysis of the problem be structured along a five-step procedure: problem identification, analysis, decision alternatives, decision making, and decision implementation. Follow-up…

Offers models of three message design logics--expressive, conventional, and rhetorical--as alternatives to the premises and beliefs of ends to means reasoning. Describes a general method of message analysis based on these models, which is exemplified in a study of messages used in addressing a regulative communication task. (MM)

Compares seven center management programs used for basic financial and data management tasks such as accounting, payroll and attendance records, and mailing lists. Describes three other specialized programs and gives guidelines for selecting the best software for a particular center. (NH)

Addresses the problem of underservice to the elderly in mental health settings. Investigation of management variables as a type of system level variable reveals that number of staff assigned to work with the elderly is related to outpatient service use and that number of elders on the advisory board is an inverse predictor of inpatient use.…

Describes the use of a database management system (DBMS)--dBaseII--to create an enriched title-based keyword index for a collection of news items at the Renewable Energy Resources Information Center of the Asian Institute of Technology. The use of DBMSs in libraries in developing countries is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

Alternative educational applications of microcomputer technology in allied health are discussed, including word-processing software for creation and revision of syllabi, exams, and handouts; database management software for creation of large sets of bibliographic references, storage and retrieval of data on students; spreadsheet software; and…

In an attempt to correct for limitations in the Program Evaluation and Review Technique-Critical Path Method (PERT-CPM), the Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT) has been developed. This management tool allows for evaluation during the facilities' development process. Two figures and two references are provided. (DCS)

The article describes a management system used in a secondary resource program for exceptional students that incorporates a clinical teaching model, task analysis, and the use of management objectives to provide individualized services. Five-year evaluation data reveal increased completion of assignments, decreased teacher preparation, and a more…

Suggests that educational accountability is basically a simplistic application of business administration models to education and argues that accountability has failed to deal with the complexities of the school environment, to provide a conceptual framework appropriate to educational settings, or to provide means for developing viable alternative…

The current study identifies the potential problems of current web-based instruction and learning management systems in terms of its lack of flexibility and customization required for individual learners? different goals, backgrounds, knowledge levels, and learning capabilities. Advanced adaptive learning management system technologies are able to…

Ohio Dominican University, a small traditional Catholic Liberal Arts University steeped in the Dominican tradition, is in the midst of a technological metamorphosis. At the forefront of the change is the Center for Instructional Technology. Charged with supporting the development of technology enhanced, hybrid, and totally online curriculum, the…

This book is a summary in a readings format of what the author has learned about strategic-reward systems. The collected material draws heavily on empirical research to guide the author's conclusions. The book contains 26 articles, which are divided into 10 topical areas: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Pay and the Changing Business Context"; (3) "Pay in…