This article has attempted to: (1) describe several dimensions of organization-environment fit; (2) describe some concepts which can be used in diagnosing the degree to which a school system's organization matches the demands and needs of its environment; (3) present some implications of such a diagnosis for OD [organizational development]…

Discusses the concept of "organizational development," which is a process of planned change that is organizationwide and iterative in its examination of problems, design of strategies, and evaluation of outcomes, but considers two components that previous OD interventions omitted: parents and students. (Author/SB)

Discusses the concept of "organizational development" (OD) and its relationship to educational change and reviews the five articles in this issue of the journal in the preceding pages 135-238. (SB)

Two systematic ways of analyzing and planning the components of a program or project, both used extensively by industry and government, are discussed in this paper. The methods are Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) Networks and Critical Path Method (CPM) Arrow Diagrams. The purposes of this paper are (1) to explore the need for…

This paper outlines an approach designed to provide an accurate and efficient cost accounting system for use in schools and other social service organizations. In his discussion, the author presents a detailed step-by-step description of how to establish, plan, and operate the system. The basic element of the system is the Daily Event Record…

Unified organizational systems with integrated information systems are required to deliver effective referral and remedial services to children who are experiencing learning problems. However, such organized systems do not exist widely enough in our schools. The purpose of the project was to develop a consensually derived data-referral system for…

This report, the result of developmental research on a planning information system for North Carolina, describes the planning process at higher levels of State government, defines a general information system and derives a planning information system from various types of planning, provides guidelines for system design and evaluation, and…

This collection of conference papers by nine different authors deals with the following topics: (1) philosophy of educational management; (2) systems concepts and development, and the systems approach; (3) management information systems in education; (4) cost-benefit analysis; (5) educational resource management; (6) systems approach to project…

The Essex County College Learning Resources Center was established within a two-month period in 1968, allowing no time to train personnel, develop procedures, or do organized planning. Consequently, the Director developed a tight central leadership and decision-making system. It was decided that the organization needed a management system that…

In this report, the definitions of systems and systems analysis are examined. The role of the systems analyst is discussed, and the steps that he and the designer take in developing a system for an organization are described. Some of the steps that the organization can take to aid in the analysis are also explored. The report looks at the…

This document discusses the development of systems from the viewpoint of instructional technology, some traditional and future teacher roles, the introduction of new media at the curriculum development stage, and the dichotomy between education and training. Reference is made to the contributions of Bruner, Carpenter, Finn, and Hoban in the…

The purpose of this paper is to present a practical model for maintenance of organizational communication systems through the use of effective appraisal systems. The paper includes a detailed definition of organizational communication, an identification of the components of a communication appraisal system appropriate to such definition, a…

An overview of the options and opportunities postsecondary institutions should consider when developing plans for student aid automation is provided. The role of automation in the financial aid office, interfaces with institutional and external systems, alternative approaches to automation, and the need for an institutional strategy for automation…

Introduces human performance technology (HPT) by answering the following questions related to: what systems does; practical issues and questions to which systems thinking is relevant; research questions and answers with respect to systems thinking; how HPT practitioners can do systems thinking; systems thinking tools; what is and is not known…

The number and diversity of the parameters involved in the organization of modern education make it necessary to employ modern management methods and techniques to optimize decisions about the organization and improve the use of available material and financial resources. To accomplish these goals, a systems approach is advisable. A model of any…