It used to be much easier to get paid by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). A lot easier, that is, if you didn't work there. Saddled with an antiquated computer system and manual, repetitive data entry of time cards, officials at California's second-largest school district discovered the payroll department was mistakenly issuing $1…

A management information system (MIS) is a systems approach to data processing. It provides relevant, timely, and accurage data to decisionmakers, as well as information storage, retrieval, and transfer functions through the use of computers. Educational administrators have been slow to implement computerized data processing either because they…

This document explains recent developments in computer science and information systems of interest to the educational manager. A brief history of computers is included, together with an examination of modern computers' capabilities. Various features of card, tape, and disk information storage systems are presented. The importance of time-sharing…

Based on existing literature and user experience, the systematic approach to data base evaluation presented here provides a method by which data processing administrators can optimize the probability of selecting the data base management system best suited for their institution. (Author/WM)

The report is presented in two parts. The first examines the social and technical implications of information systems vis a vis the individual's ability to control the dissemination of information about himself. It is argued that information systems must incorporate certain properties in their initial design in order to safeguard man's…

Recognizing the need to balance generality and economy in system costs, the Project INFO team at Stanford University developing OASIS has sought to provide generalized and powerful computer support within the normal range of operating and analytical requirements associated with university administration. The specific design objectives of the OASIS…

Material concerning standardization activities in the area of information processing at the Federal, National and International levels is provided in this publication. Also included are related policy and procedural guideline documents. A list of Federal Government participants involved in the development of Federal Information Processing…

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…

A subset of data base management techniques for the hardware/software functions necessary to support a management information system are discussed. Seven basic dimensions of data base design are: (1) data base life span, (2) logical record growth, (3) record content growth, (4) data set organization, (5) linkages, (6) design criteria and (7)…

The purpose of this article is to set forth a conceptual framework to help educational administrators understand the applications and potential of data processing activities in their institutions. It is expected that such a framework will provide a basis for data processing decisions and direction for future data processing activities. The model…

A visit to American University's Department of Computer Services is summarized. Administrative systems in use and currently in production are described and a productive application of "structured walk-throughs" for systems design, computer programs, procedures, and documentation is discussed. (MLW)

This volume is designed to be a comprehensive guide to the evaluation and use of computers and modern data processing systems in libraries. It is organized into four sections, each covering a major facet of library automation. Part 1 provides a mechanized introduction to library data processing, including its benefits and costs, a review of its…

Some of the major elements of administrative information systems design as applied to higher education are described. Differences between the application of computer technology in the commercial environment and the educational environment are discussed. The major steps in systems development from problem definition through implementation are…

The problem of managing computer facilities at educational institutions is examined. User categories are defined, and the interrelations between user requirements and the goals/objectives of the facility are discussed. Enumerations of the factors that influence computer facility operations is also accomplished. In addition, management information…

The development of information systems is described with regard to the roles of the system user and the data processing specialist. Institutional needs are best served by coordination efforts, usually handled by a management systems office, which is also responsible for the maintenance and production of an institutional data element dictionary and…