There are two ways to avoid time-crunch panic attacks: work smarter and delegate wisely. In this article, the author provides a list of some strategies and tactics he has used to help more than 500 school executives in North Carolina work smarter, delegate more effectively and become more effective instructional leaders. These strategies fall into…

The community cable that brings television programs to homes can, at a small cost, be utilized by schools and local governments as a medium for data communication. Technical and legal aspects are addressed. (MLF)

The distributed data processing system at an Indiana school district can be expanded without causing degradation in response time. Microcomputers are used for daily data entries, and to initiate data inquiries to the mainframe and to communicate with each other. (MLF)

Supplying data from mainframe computers to microcomputers is tedious because IBM mainframe computers use Extended Binary-Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) to represent data and microcomputers use an American National Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) code set. (MLF)

A discussion of information management within institutions looks at the relationship between data administration, the application of formal rules and methods to information resources, and distributed data processing, the dispersion of computing functions, and data at electronically interconnected nodes within the organization. Technology, tools,…

Provides guidelines for proper computer environment, care, and handling. Successful implementation of equipment and programs depends on adequate electrical circuitry, antistatic carpeting, and proper lighting and room temperature, among other factors. Hints are also provided concerning computer furniture, care of software, and personnel…

Six steps in creating a master plan for the institutional computing system include: describing a mission for computing technology, establishing program objectives, matching the technology to the objectives, prioritizing alternative approaches, developing alternative approaches, and selecting the preferred approach. (MSE)

Increased use of microcomputers in schools can be implemented more effectively when management develops acquisitions standards and controls. Technical standards as well as operational and documentation standards are outlined. (MLF)

Risks to institutional data processing operations include physical damage, violations of data integrity, and restrictions of physical access. Development of a responsive and effective disaster recovery program is complex, requires significant effort and the use of specialized personnel, and spans all major disciplines and organizational levels.…

The proper combination of computer hardware and software with database subscription services make online information retrieval available to enhance decision making in virtually all aspects of school administration. (MLF)

Selection of administrative software requires analyzing present needs and, to meet future needs, choosing software that will function with a more powerful computer system. Other important factors to include are a professional system demonstration, maintenance and training, and financial considerations that allow leasing or renting alternatives.…

Describes a program for enrollment projections in sufficient detail to communicate the output generated and techniques utilized. Interspersed with the text are 14 tables. (MLF)

The LOTUS 1-2-3's special database management operations are used by school budget officials to display data in a variety of ways to assist their decision making. (MLF)

A project to implement an integrated data system at the four-campus University of Missouri is described. Analytical processing is discussed as it relates to executive decision-making support. It is noted that understanding of specific institutional circumstances and timely delivery of supporting information are critical to system effectiveness.…

An effort to enhance quality and efficiency at the University of Florida was designed to produce quick results without involving many employees and focused on the accounts payable department. Flowcharting identified inefficiencies and pinpointed opportunities for improvement in labor-intensive processes, mailings, check registers, reports,…