Computers, though they can help educational institutions manage their facilities efficiently, are no substitute for good judgment. Before computerizing, institutions should systematize their records and evaluate their information needs; they should take care not to acquire unnecessary systems or become over-reliant on computers. (MCG)

The Physical Plant Department at Portland State University (OR) performs accounting, inventory control, and purchasing tasks with a local online system. Using in-house software, this system has replaced and improved upon services formerly provided by the State System of Higher Education. (MCG)

Unusually hard hit by the 1970s recession, the University of Michigan accumulated more deferred maintenance problems than could be analyzed efficiently either by hand or with existing computer systems. Using an existing microcomputer and a database management software package, the maintenance service developed its own database to support…

The University of Arizona has begun to reorganize campus computing. Six working groups were formed to address six areas of computing: academic computing, library automation, administrative data processing and information systems, writing and graphics, video and audio services, and outreach and public service. (MLW)

Computers can serve as a valuable management tool for park and recreation agencies by providing storage, manipulation, and retrieval of data; increasing efficiency; and extending services. Various microcomputer applications are examined, and several sources of introductory computer information are offered. (DF)

A strategic plan for the University of Miami charts specific objectives, programmatic and financial, that will lead it to prominence among the nation's teaching and research universities. Long-range plans for the information systems and academic systems of the university are discussed. (MLW)

Washington State University developed a comprehensive supplies inventory system and a generalized billing system with multiple users in mind. The inventory management system and the service center billing system are described. (Author/MLW)

The development of information systems using an engineering approach that uses both traditional programing techniques and fourth generation software tools is described. Fourth generation applications tools are used to quickly develop a prototype system that is revised as the user clarifies requirements. (MLW)

Discussion of database integration and how it operates includes recommendations on compatible brand name word processing and database management programs, and a checklist for evaluating essential and desirable features of the available programs. (MBR)

By applying a computer-aided drafting system to a range of facilities layouts and plans, a division of Tektronix, Inc., Oregon, is maintaining staffing levels with an added workload. The tool is also being used in other areas of the company for illustration, design, and administration. (MLF)

The Applicant Retrieval System (PARS) in use at personnel services at Purdue University is described. Because of the large number of job applicants and the task of preparing referral and placement reports needed by Personnel and the Affirmative Action office, a computerized system seemed to be the solution. (Author/MLW)

A system developed for acquisition of information germane to long-range community college planning in North Carolina is described. The three surveys developed for the information system can serve several purposes: (1) to give planners a basis for considering change/expansion of course offerings; (2) to give institutions a means of assessing…

The current method of advising students at Grambling State University was compared with that of Computer-Assisted-Academic-Advisement-and-Placement (CAAAAP) to determine which approach would be more effective for advising students. The current method was a "semi-manual" method that takes quite a while to advise and place one student. As…

The purpose of this chapter is twofold: to provide the reader with an economist's view of education as a social investment and to offer a description of the basis for MISOE cost systems. (Author)

The cost system designed as a sub-system of the Management Information System, to record and report cost data for occupational courses funded by the Illinois Division of Vocational and Technical Education, can stand alone if necessary, providing the flexibility essential to the success of the total system. (Flow chart included.) (Author/SA)