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)

This manual on microcomputer-based database management programs provides a description of the key characteristics of database software as well as guidelines for designing a database, uses of database programs, and selecting the right software. Three sets of concepts related to database management are listed and explained: creating a database,…

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)

This report presents an objective overview of features of six selected data-base management systems and federal user experiences with these systems. Application criteria were developed in order to aid in the evaluation and selection of data-base management systems. The advantages of generalized data-base management systems over traditional methods…

Discusses what generalized data-based management systems are and how they can be utilized in the field of education. Advantages of using the system and its effect on educational management are considered in detail. (DN)

Prospective student data, supplied by various national college testing and student search services, can be matched with existing student records in a college admissions database. Instead of relying on one unique record identifier, such as the student's social security number, a technique has been developed that is based on a number of common data…

This paper proposes construction of a separate data base environment for university planning information, distinct from data bases and systems supporting operational functioning and management. The data base would receive some of its input from the management information systems (MIS)/transactional data bases and systems through a process of…

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 Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) is revising and enhancing its data-processing capabilities with the development of a large-scale, multi-site, on-line, integrated data base information system known as the Advanced Logistics System (ALS). A data integrity program is to be built around a Data Base Manager (DBM), an individual or a group of…

Guidelines are offered to institutions seeking to interface their diverse student and administrative databases. Administrative costs associated with maintaining separate data systems are often unnecessary, and duplication of data can make consistent and accurate reports hard to achieve. (Author/MLW)

This workshop investigated how managers can evaluate, select, and effectively use information resource management (IRM) tools, especially data dictionary systems (DDS). An executive summary, which provides a definition of IRM as developed by workshop participants, precedes the keynote address, "Data: The Raw Material of a Paper Factory,"…

An integrated data base system providing online services to purchasing and accounts payable, which was implemented at the University of Michigan, is described. The system was designed to use online IMS transactions for data entry and inquiry and IMS batch reporting programs. With the implementation of the system, departmental and vendor inquiries…

Establishing the computerized information needs of a college development office involves defining the reporting needs, understanding the concept and content of structured files, defining the data elements to be included in those files, and outlining the potentially useful applications of the information and programs. (MSE)

Discusses why, when preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Facilities Condition Audit (FCA)--including software-based delivery of findings--facilities managers should avoid complicating the bidding process with nondescript data-linking requirements. Presents ways to get an apples-to-apples comparison of bids for a proposed FCA project and…

Columbia University's major program to distribute its central administrative data processing to its various schools and departments is described. The Distributed Administrative Management Information System (DAMIS) will link every department and school within the university via micrcomputers, terminals, and/or minicomputers to the central…