Directed toward the novice in systems work, it is the purpose of this article to generalize at a very elementary level a methodology or approach which can be used in conducting a systems study. (34 references) (Author/NH)

A computer based planning and budgeting system aids decisionmakers in planning for allocation of limited resources. (RA)

This paper discusses the nature, scope, and limitations of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education's Planning and Management Systems Program (WICHE-PMS). (1) It summarizes the goals of the program which are the improvement of (a) higher education institutional management, (b) statewide coordination, and (c) decisionmaking processes…

This study attempted to identify the differences in cost-effectiveness analysis methods in order to select the most appropriate one as a decision-assisting aid for instructional management. The study is organized to explore and identify what cost-effectiveness methods are being used, identify and examine the differences among these methods in an…

This paper considers selected aspects of the systems analysis of administrative decisionmaking regarding resource allocations in an educational system. A model of the instructional materials purchase system is presented. The major components of this model are: environment, input, decision process, conversion structure, conversion process, output,…

A model of the educational system in a typical public school was constructed within the theoretical framework of a general systems theory. The model is quantified and computerized so as to provide high speed simulation. Using the model developed, one can then simulate solutions to educational problems in seconds and at modest cost. The theory…

Seven local government organizations are evaluated in terms of their ability to search out and respond to the properties of the external environment; to use their resources to produce outputs and to maintain and restore the system; and to bargain and optimize their use of resources with other decision-makers. (Author/MLF)

Tests the effect of school and school district size on a model of the process used by elementary school principals to allocate teachers. Finds that the decision-making model was appropriate across all sizes of schools and for small- and medium-size districts, but not for large school districts. (FMW)

A set of procedures were developed which assist in structuring tasks and objectives in a manner to permit rational decision making. The model uses a jury of experts to rank various objectives and program processes in terms of their importance. Values are generated which relate to costs in the form of a utility-cost ratio. The model was tested in a…

OPERATIONS RESEARCH CONCEPTS ARE POTENTIALLY USEFUL FOR STUDY OF SUCH LARGE URBAN SCHOOL DISTRICT PROBLEMS AS INFORMATION FLOW, PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF THE DISTRICT, ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION MAKING BOARD POLICY FUNCTIONS, AND THE BUDGET STRUCTURE. OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS REQUIRES (1) IDENTIFICATION OF THE SYSTEM UNDER STUDY, (2) IDENTIFICATION OF…

This paper examines some of the applications of computers in education, focusing on the political and people problems involved. Through this approach it is hoped that superintendents, principals, data processing specialists, and scholars might develop a better awareness and understanding of how to assess the use of computers in school systems. The…

THE EFFICIENT USE OF THE UNIVERSITY'S LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES INVOLVES ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS THAT SPREAD ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF CHOICE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER IS TO IDENTIFY BASIC CONCEPTS INVOLVING THE ALLOCATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES. THE BUDGET IS EMPHASIZED AS A TOOL WITH WHICH THE DECISIONMAKER CAN FOCUS AND SHARPEN HIS GRASP OF…

Educational resources are scarce and should be used efficiently. To do this, decision-makers in higher education need clearly defined objectives, creatively elaborated alternatives, and information about the costs and effectiveness of those alternatives. This paper describes a new management tool which is designed to provide better information…

The three main approaches to educational planning are social demand, manpower forecasting, and cost benefit. The social demand approach, useful only for reference purposes, attempts to forecast and assess consumer demand for education. Manpower forecasting tries to insure an output of the educational system to meet future economic demands, but…

This conference on program budgeting was planned to accomplish four objectives: (1) provide a basic orientation for academic administrators by defining program budgeting, and explaining how it might help their institutions; (2) interpret the vocabulary of systems analysis; (3) identify the different levels of involvement at which an institution…