Reorganization of the information systems at Indiana University is chronicled and the role of computing services in linking all parts of the institution in support of both education and administration is discussed. Involvement of planning and policy groups in developing directions and initiatives is also outlined. (MSE)

Characteristics of colleges that may indicate the need for a chief information officer (CIO) are identified, along with factors that might lead to failure in taking this direction. An example of an institution that encountered problems when they hired a CIO is included. Factors leading to success are as follows: (1) a well-thought-out position on…

Louisiana State University applied a wholistic philosophy to its computer applications development. The new standards provide a step-by-step plan for the entire application process, from initiation to implementation and maintenance; list required deliverables instead of rules; and allow the programer and analyst flexibility to exercise technical…

Common challenges faced by colleges and universities in fulfilling information system needs are explained and discussed, including frequent and bothersome database and application program upgrades, bugs in the application programs, business systems lacking the required business capability, upgrades to software tools used to build the business…

The University of Miami (Florida) information resources department developed and instituted a program of "jump level leadership" in 1989 to open communication between all hierarchical levels. Results include free flow of ideas within the department, organizational changes, and happier, more effective employees. Successes, problems, and…

Based on research on management improvement efforts at developing colleges and universities, a model of evolutionary change in organizational structure and management practices is outlined, and change strategies considering both formal and informal management needs are proposed. The model assumes that management needs are intertwined with…

The strategies used by the administrator of the University of Melbourne's central registration office to meet the multiple challenges of retraining staff for computerization, substantial reduction in staff, and a specific directive to improve services to users are outlined and discussed. (MSE)

The advent of decision support systems, specific computer applications for organizational decision-making, redefines the primary professional role of institutional researchers, but a more comprehensive understanding of organizational behavior and development is necessary for them to work well. (MSE)

Current issues that are important for the future of information resources management in higher education are presented. They include: integrating planning for information resources within institution-wide strategic planning; reengineering fundamental services; change management; distributed computing support; networking; the changing communication…

Development of Arizona State University's computing architecture, designed to ensure that all new distributed computing pieces will work together, is described. Aspects discussed include the business rationale, the general architectural approach, characteristics and objectives of the architecture, specific services, and impact on the university…

The organizational structure of a college should reflect working relationships and roles. Word processing, electronic mail, video and optical disk, micrographic, telecommunication, and other related technologies offer the small college excellent opportunities to increase effectiveness and control costs in a people-intensive enterprise. Total…

Looks at how Pennsylvania State University is examining its evolving research administration infrastructure and investigating electronic research administration. Discusses use of total quality management techniques to view research administration as a single process, determine the best organizational level for various activities, and remove…

A nationwide longitudinal study was undertaken by the Higher Education Research Institute in Los Angeles to study the impact of Exxon Education Foundation's Resource Allocation Management Program on the 49 institutions receiving grants under the program. The focus was the behavioral consequences of management changes for administrators, staff, and…