Discusses points to consider when planning and implementing an integrated document management system: (1) background; (2) scoping the project; (3) strategic issues; (4) options review; (5) functional requirements; (6) technical requirements; (7) cost benefit analysis; (8) standard operational requirement checklist; (9) evaluation criteria; and…

The process for a successful multimedia conversion project is examined. Topics include initial conversion discussion and decisions; questions to consider in the planning phase; avoiding problems in the beginning; working the plan and planning the design; a list of prices; and evaluating the performance. (AEF)

Examines the history and process of information policy in Canada during the period from 1970 to 1994. Discusses the relationship of the Canadian federal government and the electronic information industry, crown copyright, the financial environment in the context of government policy, and recent developments. (235 references) (Author/AEF)

Reports on a pilot study in which a proposed design model was developed to characterize intergroup communication among designers, developers, and users. Design roles, themes, and networks based on two histories of design situations are described for several design phases; and future work is suggested. (24 references) (LRW)

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…

Describes an instruction and control architecture for classroom training (ICACT) developed by the Army Research Institute that uses off-the-shelf software to create an authoring system for military training systems. Topics addressed include requirements for ICACT architecture; object-oriented modular construction; and interfaces for training…

Describes performance alignment--ensuring that all things work together in an organization to achieve its external goals--as the ultimate goal of the human performance technologist's profession. Discusses the three areas where performance is in business, three dimensions of performance alignment, and how to achieve performance alignment. (AEF)

Examines three factors contributing to organizational success: use of a systemic model to design and guide the change effort; analysis of interdependencies within the system and of the change potential; and use of communication methods to help ensure that the change will be supported. Presents characteristics of successful change efforts with…

University portals provide a new computerized interface between colleges and constituent groups. This article discusses: campus portals and possible features they may contain, nine strategies for portal projects, collaborative mechanisms to develop and implement portal projects, criteria for determination of campus portal readiness, potential…

Demonstrates how the Gestalt Approach can be useful in facilitating systems design for educational change. This approach focuses on awareness of the process that the group is involved with and helps to create an environment where individual and group concerns can be integrated and harmonized. Discusses the "Cycle of Experience" and…

Proposes an extended form of dialog for social systems design called design conversation. Two modes of social discourse are combined: strategic dialog (communication that focuses on the specific task of seeking solutions) and generative dialog (common frame of thinking and shared meaning in a group). Describes a conversation program of the…

A design group needs to sift through confusion, come together, and converse as a team before it can be productive in design tasks. At the 1994 Fuschl Conversation on Systems Design, the metaphor of lighting a fire was used to symbolize this coming together; three tables examine the relationships between the metaphor and starting a design…

The .edu domain was originally intended for use by all educational levels. Since 1993, however, .edu names have been technically reserved for four-year institutions of higher education, leaving .us, .org or .net domains for two-year colleges. Nevertheless, 20% of 400 .edu names currently held by community colleges have been awarded since 1993.…

Studied the effects of state policies on the areas of tracking, content, and pedagogy on the faculties of eight German secondary schools after the fall of socialism. Teachers forcefully adjusted their beliefs to the new tracking structure, but did not necessarily adjust teaching standards. (SLD)

Describes the development and implementation of an electronic reserve system at the University of Adelaide (Australia). Discusses the decision to use a Web server strategy; scanning choices for papers; conversion of machine-readable sources; and future possibilities. (Author/LRW)