The benefits of prototyping as a basis for system design include better specifications, earlier discovery of omissions and extensions, and the likelihood of salvaging much of the effort expended on the prototype. Risks and methods of prototyping during rapid systems development are also noted. (Author/MLW)

The entity-relationship (ER) approach to database design is defined, and a specific example of an ER model (personnel-payroll) is examined. The requirements for converting ER models into specific database management systems are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The ability to design and build sophisticated computer-based information systems (CIS) has progressed rapidly; however, the ability to implement them has not kept pace. These implementation problems can be solved by embedding CIS design with the socio-technical systems design approach. (Author/MLW)

A project management system for organizing requests from multiple departments and controlling the workload of the development/maintenance computer staff is described. Practical solutions to deciding project priorities, determining time estimates, creating positive peer pressure among programing staff, and formalizing information requests are…

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)

A voice recognition, voice response registration system used at Brigham Young University is described. System design and implementation, system impact, staff adjustment, student responsibility, freedom and flexibility, system acceptance, and the future outlook are discussed. (MLW)

The design of a database interface, the different types of decisions supported, the nature and applications of the system outputs, and continuing work on extending the system are described. The system was designed to forecast the enrollment for Guilford College. (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)

The two-phase effort at Clemson University to design a comprehensive library automation program is reported. Phase one was based on a version of IBM's business system planning methodology, and the second was based on a linear model designed to compare existing program systems to the phase one design. (MLW)

The ways in which institutional characteristics affect the application and development of administrative information systems are discussed. A cybernetics model is proposed and principles are developed to assist university administrators in distinguishing institutional constraints from shortcomings in the information system. (SF)

The nature and form of useful management information in a variety of situations is discussed. It is suggested that questions posed by managers may determine the effectiveness of the management information system. Questions concerning demographic trends and enrollment declines are used to illustrate this point. (SF)

Software design is still a craft; techniques are based on the way things have been done, not on basic theorems or design principles. Suggests that academic software design needs to be more like a science or technology and that a taxonomy of design solutions or classification method is required. Describes two case studies. (MLW)