Quality assurance is defined and some of the tools of the quality assurance analyst and how they are being used at the Division of Administrative Programming Services at Clemson University are described. Customer involvement and training of the data processing staff to ensure quality products are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The administrative data processing department at Michigan State provides support to all colleges and departments, and designs, programs, tests, and implements university management systems. A steering committee determines priorities for development projects and provides a sounding board for long-range plans of information systems. (MLW)

Distributed Data Processing, linking a central processing unit to remote computer sites, allows end users more control over their own destiny. Schools have distributed hardware and software but not talent. The primary goal of these staff experts should be to educate users as fully as they can. (MLW)

Improved data processing services have increased efficiency and productivity at Pacific Lutheran. By performing administrative tasks more efficiently, the university can maintain accurate records, report information promptly, and extend better overall service to the university community. (MLW)

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)

With a unique organizational structure, the Rockefeller University's need for administrative information systems is different from most institutions of higher education. The financial reporting needs of the many different laboratories led the university to purchase a computer-based accounting system. (MLW)

A discussion of information management within institutions looks at the relationship between data administration, the application of formal rules and methods to information resources, and distributed data processing, the dispersion of computing functions, and data at electronically interconnected nodes within the organization. Technology, tools,…

With more and more users in colleges and universities relying on electronic information, the need for a contingency plan in the event of a disaster has become more pressing. Setting objectives, impact analysis, interim processing strategy, working with users, and a two-level approach are discussed. (MLW)

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)

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)

The evolution of administrative data processing systems at the University of Georgia is summarized. Nolan's revised stage model was used as a framework to present the university's experience and relate it to the growing body of system implementation research. (Author/MLW)

Pepperdine University's decision support system provides: (1) user access to data through terminals; (2) the availability of retrieval modules and languages that allow the managers to structure ad hoc reports; (3) access to models through a national network; and (4) training, encouragement and consultation through coordinators. (Author/MLW)

A comprehensive network makes computing available to many individuals on the Carnegie Mellon University campus. Electronic bulletin boards provide a new campus communication medium for the exchange of information on a variety of topics. Most of the administrative systems operate in an online mode. (MLW)

A comprehensive network makes computing available to many individuals on the Carnegie Mellon University campus. Electronic bulletin boards provide a new campus communication medium for the exchange of information on a variety of topics. Most of the administrative systems operate in an online mode. (MLW)

The elements that contribute to the overall success of a computerized administrative system within the university environment are discussed. Some causes of failure, with particular emphasis on the socio/organizational causes, related to the traditional role of the systems analyst, are outlined. (Author/MLW)