Offers criteria for choosing software for child care centers that are based on meeting the centers' needs. The factors of hardware capabilities, ease of learning, cost, and vendor assistance are discussed. A guide to software lists available applications, addresses of companies, and prices of programs. (SH)

With the advent of high speed and sophisticated computer programs, all budgetary systems can be combined in one fiscal management information system. Defines and provides examples for the four budgeting systems: (1) function/object; (2) planning, programming, budgeting system; (3) zero-based budgeting; and (4) site-based budgeting. (MLF)

An overview of the uses of microcomputers in special education management is provided. Following a list of nine applications of microcomputers to educational management is a brief description of microcomputers currently used in education. A listing of five firms currently marketing special education management software includes information of…

Reports findings of a study that examined the administrative use of computer-based information systems for decision making at Harvard and a variety of other institutions. Recommends a plan for developing systems based on the executive's needs and for a program to train administrators who act as interpreters of information. (JT)

Perspectives on facilitating the use of quantitative tools in higher education decision-making are offered. Suggestions are directed to those in the institution who will be working with decision-makers, with a focus on how such individuals can assist the decision-maker in the development and use of computer-based tools. The instigators of computer…

Issues and strategies for developing a campus data communications system are discussed. It is suggested that individual microcomputer (MC) workstations will occasionally have a need for (1) access, via a data communications network, to a more powerful processor; (2) specialized software; (3) sophisticated output devices; (4) central data sets; or…

The evolution of computer hardware for college computing has mirrored the industry's growth. When computers were introduced into the educational environment, they had limited capacity and served one user at a time. Then came large mainframes with many terminals sharing the resource. Next, the use of computers in office automation emerged. As…

The applications of a recently developed computer program for microcomputers in developing models in an institutional research environment are considered. The VISICALC program requires no user programming skills, is available for all major brands of microcomputers, and provides for easy exchange of information between users of different computing…

An example of the application of microcomputers to education, described in this paper, indicates the possibilities for their widespread use. Forecasters claim that microcomputers will be acquired by more and more individuals and families in the 1980s. This implies that schools will also make greater use of microcomputers, in computer-assisted…

Written for the general audience concerned with management information systems for use by vocational education agencies, this document is one of six describing the Management Information System for Vocational Education (MISVE), and provides a capsule summary of the major purposes and features of MISVE, which was designed to provide users with an…

A university information system should be designed to serve both the transaction processing needs and the information needs of management. This paper includes a chart illustrating the general flow of a system that serves both the transaction data and the planning systems. Faculty data is used for input. The paper describes a sample data base and…

The successful Merit Computer Network is examined in terms of both technology and operational management. The network is fully operational and has a significant and rapidly increasing usage, with three major institutions currently sharing computer resources. (Author/CMV)

The growth of computer use into all areas of academic institutions has broadened and complicated the computer operations manager's job and has brought institution-wide management responsibilities, requiring more professional development in managerial skills. (MSE)

Computerized management information systems have long been used in business, and data integration and sophisticated programing now enable many businesses to decentralize their information operations. This approach has advantages and disadvantages that colleges and universities must weigh and plan for carefully. (MSE)

The University of Arizona has begun to reorganize campus computing. Six working groups were formed to address six areas of computing: academic computing, library automation, administrative data processing and information systems, writing and graphics, video and audio services, and outreach and public service. (MLW)