It is claimed that, properly organized, management information systems not only can contain all the data within a total organization, but can refine and arrange the information so that it becomes meaningful to the decisionmaker. At present their functions are virtually restricted to middle management, operational control levels. However, the rapid growth of both hardware and software promises very soon to come to the aid of upper management for strategic planning and policymaking as well. The review examines the nature of these new computer-based management information systems and their contribution to educational decisionmaking. It stresses the need for careful definition of problems and for planning before engaging in MIS development, while raising the question of the role of management information systems within the total system. (Author)