Early education leaders--inside and outside of government--are looking for new ways to improve quality, accountability, and efficiency across many different programs serving young children and their families, and they see investment in data systems as a pivotal part of that effort. However, it can be challenging to develop and implement effective…

The type of influence exercised on decision-making by a position in an organization may vary from decision to decision. The position may simply be free to make recommendations or need to be informed of decisions to implement them. On the other hand, the position may influence the decision, be able to veto it, or authorize and issue a directive to…

Designed to help explain library automation to the librarian or student, this handbook presents a case to be solved, i.e., the creation of a book acquisition system for a special library; the steps to be taken to solve the problem; and a users' manual for the system to be provided to the client. The handbook is divided into three major sections:…

Discusses points to consider when planning and implementing an integrated document management system: (1) background; (2) scoping the project; (3) strategic issues; (4) options review; (5) functional requirements; (6) technical requirements; (7) cost benefit analysis; (8) standard operational requirement checklist; (9) evaluation criteria; and…

Two systematic ways of analyzing and planning the components of a program or project, both used extensively by industry and government, are discussed in this paper. The methods are Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) Networks and Critical Path Method (CPM) Arrow Diagrams. The purposes of this paper are (1) to explore the need for…

Hawaii's Foundation Program Assessment and Improvement System (FPAIS) is the Department of Education's comprehensive system for managing the curriculum. The improvement component of this system involves participation of work groups at state, district, and school levels. This document describes the responsibilities, the location in the…

A project to propose a system for managing curriculum improvement at the state level (1) identified the basic functions necessary for a statewide curriculum management effort, (2) explained the supporting activities required to initiate and maintain its operation, and (3) developed a model system for curriculum management. The five functions…

In the first of a three-part series, the authors examine the origin of the organizational development movement, instrumented team learning seminars for managers, their experimental programs for industry at various locations, the development of the "managerial grid," management by objectives, behavior modification, and other approaches to…

Designed to improve the long-term operational efficiency of the Montgomery County, Maryland, Public Schools (MCPS) payroll system, this study begins with an executive summary, including a set of recommendations and a chapter-by-chapter synopsis. Following an introduction to the study and a general description of the payroll system in chapters 1…

This booklet focuses on how to manage a distance learning system so that it maximizes the efficient use of resources while meeting its goals. The management of a distance learning system involves planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The author focuses on the choice of institutional framework and the funding system; and then describes…

This handbook guides college and university business officers, from small liberal arts colleges to community colleges to research universities, through the complex set of decisions and actions associated with replacing financial management systems. It lists the steps necessary to evaluate an institution's current hardware, network, and software;…

This packet contains the materials necessary for presentation of the fourth of ten modules that comprise a portion of the National Training and Development Service Urban Management Curriculum Development Project. This module focuses on long range or technical forecasting techniques which are designed to reduce predictive uncertainty in regard to…

Describes trends affecting both knowledge workers and the performance technologists who support them. Five strategies are suggested for providing performance support: (1) address systems-level issues; (2) align performance technology efforts with technological imperatives; (3) provide information filters; (4) provide custom tools; and (5) make…

A model is presented for the development of effective, flexible student information systems that are directed by users' needs rather than other forces. The conceptual design, detail design, and policy consideration are discussed. Focus is on the development process rather than the final product. (MSE)

Developed to assist the building-level administrator in implementing a curriculum management system, this handbook considers two of five duties the vocational administrator must perform to meet the obligations of curriculum management: (1) performing curriculum management functions for the vocational program and (2) implementing and conducting an…