Some of the major elements of administrative information systems design as applied to higher education are described. Differences between the application of computer technology in the commercial environment and the educational environment are discussed. The major steps in systems development from problem definition through implementation are defined, including the differences among production, research, and art-form types of systems development. Traditional horizontal and vertical systems integration techniques are presented and the complexity of interrelating operational data systems in higher education are noted. To give the administrator an appreciation of the need for management of the technical side of system development, modular file structures and table-driven software techniques are used as examples. The relatively new technique of data base management systems is also covered. One definition of management information systems is presented, and the need for closely coordinated and supporting operational data systems is stressed. (Author/LBH)