The development of a State University System of Florida data management system is discussed with special emphasis on its user controlled aspects. Major components described include system documentation, computer data files, regional data centers, computing networks, and uniform transaction systems. (Author/MLW)

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…

The University of Southern California has implemented a decentralized management philosophy. Implementation of this approach to management is facilitated by making accurate management information available to decision-makers in their offices in real time. (MLW)

The evolution of decision support systems (DSS) has enabled computer and information technology to assist the management process of decision making. Decision support systems are designed to look forward in time, to forecast outcomes of uncertain events. A 70-item bibliography is included. (MLW)

Pepperdine University's encouragement and support of microcomputers is described. A secondary organizational structure was incorporated that optimally supports microcomputers without increasing staff within information services. (Author/MLW)

Pepperdine University's encouragement and support of microcomputers is described. A secondary organizational structure was incorporated which optimally supports microcomputers without increasing staff within information services. (Author/MLW)

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)

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)

In a 1981 national survey, nearly 80 percent of the surveyed institutions reported they were either already using or were planning to use computer-based administrative information systems. This survey is discussed and institutional predictors of the impact of information systems are analyzed. (MLW)

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.…

The development and implementation of an institutional framework to guide the management and use of information technologies (computing, office automation, and telecommunications) at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, are described. (Author/MLW)

The University Information Center has transformed data retrieval and reporting from a slow process performed by high-priced technical personnel to an instantaneous service performed by those who need and can define the service required. The result at Indiana University has been improved quality of computing. (Author/MLW)

The decision support system (DSS) environment, the functional requirements of a DSS, and the architectural requirements of the computer systems and communications network necessary to support a DSS are discussed. Changes in the computing environment that are necessary to implement decision support systems are suggested. (Author/MLW)

The process and experiences associated with strategic planning in a recently decentralized administrative information systems environment are described. Background information on why Virginia Commonwealth University decentralized the authority, responsibility, and accountability for the delivery of administrative information services to major…

The way in which Brandeis University moved its administrative data processing capability to an interactive online database environment is described. Brandeis installed a sophisticated program generator that provides a complete tool for system development and lifecycle management. (Author/MLW)