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…

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…

This guide is designed for school and district administrators and teachers who want to use data to improve their schools, for college and university instructors who teach school administrators, and for support personnel who teach graduate-level education courses. The guide explains how to define the scope of a needed database, how to ready the…

The first of two volumes, this document describes the planning process of a 5-year plan for meeting the telecommunications and automatic data processing (ADP) needs of the federal government, examines the planning efforts of several typical agencies, and explores issues involved in managing new technology as it evolves. For each agency,…

This working paper provides suggestions and considerations for anyone contemplating the electronic collection of data on foreign scholars (as distinct from international students). It is noted that, because the Immigration and Naturalization Service requires employment verification and immigration information such as country of citizenship and…

Several ways for a comptuer services director to effectively manage the resources available for such services are discussed. Case histories from Miami-Dade Community College and other South Florida schools are included. (SF)

Directed to local superintendents of schools and local coordinators who desire assistance in developing and implementing student information systems in their districts, this guide summarizes material presented in the Alabama State Department of Education's LEA Basic Data Systems: A Manual of Developmental Activities. It describes Alabama's…

Intended to assist school administrators in developing both student information systems and total information systems, this guide contains suggestions which, when considered in terms of local characteristics and concerns, can be used to create such systems to support administrative decision making, state and federal reporting, guidance, research,…

Potential uses of a central registry/clearinghouse approach in the Child Support Enforcement Program (CSEP) are described in this publication. The CSEP was established in 1975 under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act in an effort to reduce federal monies spent supporting dependent children not receiving financial assistance from absent parents.…

An introduction to the use of computers for educational administrative purposes is offered in this book, which presents basic systems methodologies which can be used for selecting and designing computer applications. Traditional systems analysis techniques are used to illustrate the design of microcomputer applications at the school and district…

Characteristics of student financial aid systems are reported and a framework for evaluating student financial aid systems and classifying major data processing designs is presented. The goals of a student financial aid system are discussed, including improved service to students, increased utilization of available funds, compliance with…

The relationship between data and their use in a planning, management and evaluation system in a higher education institution is discussed. Elements of the institutional planning process are detailed as well as the budgeting process and a method for relating fiscal resources to institutional goals and objectives. (Author/SF)

The way that the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) should conduct its quality assurance function of monitoring a processing contractor is described. For the following quality assurance procedures, information is provided on the goal of the procedure, activities to be measured, measures, and the role of…

A framework for monitoring quality control (QC) of processor contracts administered by the Department of Education's Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) is presented and applied to the Pell Grant program. Guidelines for establishing QC measures and standards are included, and the uses of a sampling procedure in the QC system are…