Distributed Data Processing, linking a central processing unit to remote computer sites, allows end users more control over their own destiny. Schools have distributed hardware and software but not talent. The primary goal of these staff experts should be to educate users as fully as they can. (MLW)

The ability of operating departments of an institution to mechanically gather, summarize, and report "local" data is discussed. Problems are outlined that arise when departments have the ability to produce data and do so with rigorous quality control by the institution's central information management organization. (MLW)

The elements that contribute to the overall success of a computerized administrative system within the university environment are discussed. Some causes of failure, with particular emphasis on the socio/organizational causes, related to the traditional role of the systems analyst, are outlined. (Author/MLW)

Allocating limited resources to an unlimited demand is an issue faced by data processing management in higher education. Use of the central computer for word processing is creating a demand at many institutions that is stretching and exceeding the available computing resources. (Author/MLW)

To be sure that the capitalization required in the move to distributed processing is spent wisely, it is necessary to understand the function, integration, and system architecture. How to achieve corporate standards in office automation/decision support in higher education is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Competent data processing employees can be attracted to higher education, despite a nationwide shortage of computer programers and analysts. Suggestions are given for each phase (contact, interview, and closing) of the recruitment process. Vigor, enthusiasm, and follow-through are key elements. (MSE)

The U.S. transformation from an industrial society to an information society is discussed. Economic and social implications of moving toward a technological information society are examined, and the role postsecondary education can play in intellectual capital formation for economic development is explored. (Author/MLW)

The practicality of existing statewide data systems is discussed. The expectations for the systems are contrasted with reality, and central policy questions and their implications are outlined. The system in use in Georgia, currently being reassessed by the state, is used as an example. (MSE)

Administrators, faculty, and staff should have electronic access to records needed to perform their jobs, and students should have access to their own records--course registration and addresses. User-directed analysis and reporting are discussed and the security and audit issues are examined. (Author/MLW)

Users of computer services want and are willing to pay for the ability to locate, manipulate, and analyze the information they need. Strategies for effective user relations are discussed, including how data processing personnel can discover who the users are, appropriate methods of user/data processing involvement, etc. (Author/MLW)

Arguments for and against decentralization of data management, analysis, and planning systems are presented. It is suggested that technological advances have encouraged decentralization. Caution in this direction is urged and the development of an articulated decentralization program is proposed. (SF)

In February 1980, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes Medical Center in Chicago appointed a task force to study word processing/office automation and to make recommendations for acquisition, implementation, and administration. The group's working approach, findings, and conclusions are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The use of management information systems (MIS) in higher education is discussed. It is suggested that the value of MIS in higher education is its potential utility in effective political position-building rather than conventional problem-solving. (BH)

The many and varied demands on university computer services are discussed and the importance of an effective data processing system for university management is emphasized. Case studies of computer use in admissions, registration, and billing are presented as well as the role of top level management in implementing data processing. (BH)

The importance of cooperative development among and exchange between university information systems is discussed. Cooperative developments in the California State University and Colleges System and exchange efforts between university systems in other states are described. (Author/BH)