Typical higher management expectations for the planning process are explored, along with why these expectations cannot always be met. Some limitations to planning for computer services are proposed that can make planning meaningful for operational concerns. (MLW)

Microcomputer-based decision support systems were the backbone for the development of the University of Miami's five-year strategic plan. The ways that computer-generated data and graphs were used in the development of the university's strategic plan is described. (Author/MLW)

The development of a new automated alumni and donor support system at UCLA is discussed. Elements of project dynamics that are critical to a large systems development project are described. (Author/MLW)

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)

The study and implementation of an online facilities management system at Clemson University that was designed with distributed processing in mind is described. The system provides for centralized data, assignment of data responsibility, increased data accessibility, and audit trail. Security considerations and mini- and microapplications are…

The management information system used at the University of Colorado is described, outlining its history, administrative organization, administrative systems, hardware, budgets, software, and future plans. (MSE)

Despite the decentralized nature of computing at Vanderbilt, there is significant evidence of cooperation and use of each other's resources by the various computing entities. Planning for computing occurs in every school and department. Caravan, a campus-wide network, is described. (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)

Construction of a separate data base for university planning information is proposed. Characteristics of a planning system and its relationship to other university systems are discussed as well as the need for data bases that contain both quantitative and nonquantitative information. (BH)

The experience of a small liberal arts college in trying to develop a usable and understandable planning, management, and evaluation (PME) system is described. PME tasks in small colleges center upon selecting starting points, demonstrating how different procedures can facilitate operations and decision making, and educating people. (Author/MLW)

Several ways for a comptuer services director to effectively manage the resources available for such services are discussed. Case histories from Miami-Dade Community College and other South Florida schools are included. (SF)

To increase the value of administrative information for universitywide decision making, the office of institutional research at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has undertaken a project to standardize data elements and codes across all administrative systems and institutionalize an ongoing standardization process. (Author/MSE)

The pressures of continued budgetary constraints will be felt at every level of the academic community and responses to these pressures will determine the complexion of private higher education. Responsive management is discussed in terms of information systems and communication. The structure and process of institution-wide planning are charted.…

A major information systems planning study undertaken by Boston University and recommendations that were made to enable the university to meet the new demands and changing priorities of educational management are discussed. (BH)

Oregon Institute of Technology, a polytechnic institution offering programs in engineering, health, and business technologies, is committed to the laboratory approach to practical applications training and education. Computing policy and planning, faculty and student computing, and computing services are discussed. (MLW)