Organizations commonly engage in long range planning to direct decisions. Scenario planning, one method of private sector planning, is recognized as useful when organizations are facing uncertainty. Scenario planning engages the organization in a process that produces plausible stories, called scenarios, describing the organization in several…

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)

Argues that developing a long-range educational technology plan requires a network that can support all future technology purchases a school might make. Suggests identifying a consultant to develop a systems blueprint, and presents specific recommendations, including building a wiring closet, checking conduit size, and utilizing a team approach to…

The first of two program sessions at this semiannual meeting addressed the agenda of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) for the 1990s, and the report provides summaries of remarks by Elaine Sloan on the background; D. Kaye Gapen on a report from the Task Force on Review of the ARL Five-Year Plan; and Duane E. Webster on the ARL framework…

Discusses the functions of business planning systems and analyzes the underlying assumptions of the information systems that support strategic planning efforts within organizations. Development of a system framework, obstacles to the successful creation of strategic planning information systems, and resource allocation in organizations are…

A framework is provided for considering whether current New York community college planning and control systems can be made more effective and efficient through the use of business-derived strategic planning and management control technology. After a report summary and section 1's introductory material, section 2 reviews current pressures on New…

County government has a large stake in the creation of employment and training systems at the local level to insure that Federal, state, and local dollars are spent effectively. The door to the creation of an employment and training system has been opened by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) through the establishment of Private Industry…

Discusses the characteristics, development, and applications of the North Clackamas (OR) School District's long-range financial planning model, which is operated through an electronic spreadsheet. Two tables show sample outputs. (MCG)

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)

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)

Addressed to the new administration and the Congress, this summary report on Federal Government information management and technology issues begins by describing the environment in which information technology has been managed. Arguing that effective government depends directly on effective automation to support programs and initiatives, the…

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…

In February 1980, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes Medical Center in Chicago appointed a task force to study word processing/office automation and to make recommendations for acquisition, implementation, and administration. The group's working approach, findings, and conclusions are discussed. (Author/MLW)

This paper is based on the assumption that in shaping academic strategies for long-range planning purposes, educational institutions must be able to gather adequate information on which to base administrative decisions. Information on how the institution has operated in the past as well as how it is currently operating are critical items for valid…

The model for long-range planning described in this report was instituted at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) in 1982. Introductory material outlines the elements of WPCC's planning process, i.e., the clarification of issues, the establishment of priorities, the achievement of consensus on courses of action, and the allocation of…