Information systems are becoming more than computer systems, with new equipment and techniques combining with data processing to form a new field called information technology. The emerging discipline of systems engineering is discussed along with nine systems engineering techniques. An organization chart of an information services department is…

A rapidly changing global economy, shifting demographics, and concerns about our ability to maintain a competitive workforce have focused national attention on the educational systems of America's states, highlighting their critical role in ensuring a productive and creative future for our country. As a result, Americas colleges and universities…

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)

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)

The creation of the Claremont Computing Center as a separate organization to serve only administrative information systems represented a significant change from past combined academic and administrative computing operations. File integration and custom reports are handled by individual users; database design and file maintenance are controlled by…

The development of a new automated alumni and donor support system at UCLA is discussed. Elements of project dynamics that are critical to a large systems development project are described. (Author/MLW)

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 paper describes one academic's experiences in utilizing a database management system, dBase II, with an Apple IIe microcomputer for record keeping and reporting. Initial problems created by processing data by hand or by a central computer system are described, and the selection process for a microcomputer purchase and software package (dBase…

Covered in the proceedings of AACRAO's 63rd annual meeting are: basics in systems management; why, when, and how of reporting data; data base management systems; and budgeting. (LBH)

The development of information systems using an engineering approach that uses both traditional programing techniques and fourth generation software tools is described. Fourth generation applications tools are used to quickly develop a prototype system that is revised as the user clarifies requirements. (MLW)

At Clemson University, requests from individual departments for specialized data processing services are increasing. Avenues taken by the division of administrative programing services to respond to department requests include: expanding availability of existing data retrieval and restricting new development to areas of general use by all…

In a 1981 national survey, nearly 80 percent of the surveyed institutions reported they were either already using or were planning to use computer-based administrative information systems. This survey is discussed and institutional predictors of the impact of information systems are analyzed. (MLW)

Clemson University has developed techniques and procedures to assist in the construction and maintenance of administrative systems. Procedures as well as the tools and techniques used by all systems are discussed: online report request software, online user table maintenance software, report supervisor and report writer software, etc. (Author/MLW)

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…

Problems of the college or university that center around the people who use the institution's computers are examined. It is suggested that effective use of computers in higher education depends on how well the users and providers understand the constraints and problems of each information system. (Author/SF)