A system approach is a process for effectively and efficiently achieving a required outcome based on documented needs. Three major types of system approaches have emerged from a variety of problem-solving techniques. The design-process mode builds a system to meet determined and substantiated needs. The solution-implementation mode uses various techniques to arrive at a "best" solution to a given problem. The descriptive mode describes a current or required system to identify and interrelate all system elements. The application of a particular system approach to educational management depends on the problem to be solved. Each system approach is a viable tool in educational planning, but design-process is the only approach that provides total system design. Implementing system approaches in educational management will require further conceptual and practical improvement. Related articles are EA 003 517, EA 003 518, EA 003 520, EA 003 521, and ED 044 833. (Author/RA)