In the tug-of-war between researchers and IT for supercomputing resources, a centralized approach can help both sides get more bang for their buck. As 2010 began, the University of Washington was preparing to launch its first shared high-performance computing cluster, a 1,500-node system called Hyak, dedicated to research activities. Like other…

Information systems are becoming more than computer systems, with new equipment and techniques combining with data processing to form a new field called information technology. The emerging discipline of systems engineering is discussed along with nine systems engineering techniques. An organization chart of an information services department is…

This final article in a series on identification of cost/benefits data, formulation of models, and data collection discusses use of cost/benefits analysis results. The following issues are addressed: how to be prepared for study objections; how to increase understanding of your study; and viewing cost/benefit analysis as an iterative activity.…

Discusses possibility of using expert systems to develop new model in cataloging theory made necessary by technological progress, rising user expectations, and economic pressures. A data structure for bibliographic information required by Anglo American Cataloging Rules, 2nd edition, (AACR2) is suggested, and possible heuristics for interpreting…

A discussion on the impact of the information explosion on society provides the context for this paper's examination of procedures for designing the first stage of a systematic plan to incorporate computer technologies in elementary and secondary schools. Based on the rationale that a computer literate faculty must be available to make decisions…

The history and features of Decision Support Systems (DSS) and use of the approach by academic administrators are discussed. The objective of DSS is to involve the manager/decision maker in the decision-analysis process while simultaneously relieving that person of the burden of developing and performing detailed analysis. DSS represents a…

Advanced communication and computing technologies create new resources and new opportunities in expanded role relationships for institutional research. Approaches to impact analysis and the rates of future change are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Computer-based information systems have evolved from emphasizing data processing to providing full and flexible support for management. They have moved from providing mere data to providing a medium for representing knowledge wherein managers can analyze data, formulate ideas, structure arguments, and building models. (Author/MLW)

To support the position that the use of computers can make educational administration more cost-effective, the minicomputer-based information system in the Ridgeway Public School District in New Jersey is described. A model of the information system is included. (JJD)

Intended to establish a philosophical base for the acquisition and utilization of computers for both administrative and instructional purposes, this paper begins by briefly describing instructional applications and listing the necessary elements of a computer literacy program. Administrative applications are discussed in terms of traditional…

Papers on local area networks (LANs), modelling techniques, software improvement, capacity planning, software engineering, microcomputers and end user computing, cost accounting and chargeback, configuration and performance management, and benchmarking presented at this conference include: (1) "Theoretical Performance Analysis of Virtual…

Decision support systems integrate information from multiple data sources, both internal and external, to produce concise analytic reports for both decision making and planning. The administrator requiring information for decision making is usually not concerned with daily, detailed changes, but rather with aggregated numbers, from fixed points in…

Discusses strategic choices facing the Open University (United Kingdom) and other distance education institutions with the availability of electronic data processing and an increasingly competitive environment in traditional higher education institutions. Topics addressed include distance education and industrial production; production in the Open…

The improvement and standardization of quality Title I evaluations at the local, state and federal levels is the intent underlying the development and dissemination of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I Evaluation and Reporting System. Even if the current suggested procedures were technically perfect, implementation of any…

Designed to help the correctional administrator meet external demands for information, this detailed analysis of the demand information problem identifies the sources of requests for and the nature of the information required from correctional institutions and discusses the kinds of analytic capabilities required to satisfy most demand information…