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)

Much of the power of the "information center" comes from its ability to effectively use fourth-generation productivity tools to provide information processing services. A case study of the use of these tools at Western Michigan University is presented. (Author/MLW)

Two major Boston University computer installations--the Academic Computing Center and the office of University Information Systems--are described. Policies and priorities for information systems within the university are established by a committee and proposals for the development of new systems are approved through this committee. (MLW)

The management systems office at the University of Hawaii assists in the development and operation of an effective management information systems service. A shared computer system approach was developed to provide service in the areas of office automation and data processing. (MLW)

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 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point approach to implementing an ideal student records system is discussed. The characteristics of such a system are defined and a model for directing the development and implementation of a new student records system is presented. (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)

The implementation plan, database design and data relationships, and benefits achievable through an integrated online/database approach to a university information system are presented. The core of the Washington State system is a central name and address file. (Author/MLW)

A sociotechnical systems model used by John Brown University is described that is useful for analyzing the complexities of change in an organization and for describing the many elements involved in change. (Author/MLW)

The experience of Indiana University in managing information resources--computing, word processing, telephone services, mail services, microfilming, and duplicating services--in a more integrated fashion is described and strategies to overcome tradition, the fiefdom syndrome, and institutional inertia are detailed. (Author/MSE)

For nearly a decade and a half, the California State University and Colleges has operated a distributed processing computing network with interconnected computer installations on all campuses. A new technologically advanced network that will deliver top-quality computing to students, faculty members, and administrators is described. (MLW)

USC reorganized computing administratively in early 1984. The university's financial accounting system was developed to provide better information to central administration, deans, and directors. USC is currently negotiating to install a digital telephone switch to handle voice and data communications on campus. (MLW)

In January of 1979, the Contracts and Grants Office at Utah State University implemented a computerized system to keep track of pending research proposals, as well as active grants. The automation process used is described from its conception, design, and implementation to future enhancements. (Author/MLW)

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)

The integration of data processing and word processing is seen as a new frontier for Management Information Systems. A system developed by the University of Massachusetts for the admissions office is described. Online admissions system, data processing overview, word processing interface, and System/6 programing aspects are discussed. (Author/MLW)