The reasons underlying the "failure" of a management information and planning system at a unit of a large urban university system are examined. The problems experienced include the level of expectations, methodology of implementation, and degree of commitment or perceived self-interest. The factors relate to human rather than technological aspects…

A major change is underway at the University of Michigan as a new telecommunications network is being installed to become the central focus for information technology on the campus as voice communication, mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer installations all become part of the network. (MLW)

Identifies organizational risks of end-user computing (EUC) associated with different stages of the end-user applications life cycle (analysis, design, implementation). Generic controls are identified that address each of the risks enumerated in a manner that allows EUC management to select those most appropriate to their EUC environment. (5…

It is recognized that growing management information systems will require increased user involvement in acquiring, maintaining, and manipulating essential institutional data. A technique called Service/Requirements Analysis has been developed for incorporating user input into system design and development. (MSE)

As new information technology options are made available, office automation systems are being introduced and along with campus networks, and management information service requirements are evolving. Eight common strategies found in 10 American institutions are reported. (Author/MLW)

Discussion of the state of the art in computer-assisted school administration (CASA) is based on preceding articles in this issue describing administrative computing in Australia, England, Hong Kong, Israel, Mexico, The Netherlands, and the United States. Highlights include findings of the country-specific articles, elements of the school…

The role of performance evaluation and testing in the development of an operational accountability system for urban public schools is discussed. Management science techniques and concepts and econometric methods are used to specify an accountability system, determine its data requirements, and evaluate alternative measures of systems performance.…

Discusses the relative ease of obtaining library management statistics when using machine readable records and powerful software tools such as the Statistical Analysis System package. The development of such a management information system for the Cataloging in Publication division of the Library of Congress is described. (Seven notes with…

The article details major steps in establishing a computerized management information system in a special education organization to carry out such functions as student record monitoring and fiscal control. Steps include (1) the study phase, (2) the gross design phase, (3) the detailed design phase, and (4) the implementation phase.(Author/DB)

A seven-year long-range information systems plan at the University of Miami outlined 44 applications, most of which were to be installed in a database environment via prototyping with fourth-generation tools. The challenges that confront information systems managers are described. (Author/MLW)

Working with users through an "information center" offers an alternative to formal application systems development, and the backlog of application development projects has made this approach attractive at many institutions. Guidelines used at Loyola University of Chicago are presented. (Author/MLW)

Describes the characteristics and application of a methodology for developing a strategic, long-range organizational information plan that will permit coordination of information subsystems within a university's computerized information system. The University of Minnesota's application of such a methodology provides illustrative examples. (PGD)

The Computer Center at the University of Northern Colorado provides service to the entire University community in all areas of instruction, research, student services, and administration. Administrative computer applications have all been developed by UNC staff, and most of the major administrative areas are operating online. (MLW)

The ways in which institutional characteristics affect the application and development of administrative information systems are discussed. A cybernetics model is proposed and principles are developed to assist university administrators in distinguishing institutional constraints from shortcomings in the information system. (SF)

The use of a data base management system (DBMS) as opposed to traditional data processing is discussed. The generalized file concept is viewed as an entry level step to the DBMS. The transition process from one system to the other is detailed. (SF)