A project was developed to link together the computer and an operations research technique (goal programming) and to bring them to bear on problems in improving vocational education planning. The process involves using the computer to solve a mathematical model designed to determine trade-off values among alternative goals and plans. Simulating the relationships among goals, constraints, and variables enables the planner to explore the effects of alternative actions. Typical vocational education goals center on training-related placements, completers' labor force participation, number of students to be served, completers' continuing education, completers' wages, dropout reduction, increasing employment options, serving disadvantaged/handicapped, eliminating sex stereotyping, and social-political goals. Constraints include limited job openings, limited budget/facilities, students available, and student interest. Decision variables, goals, and constraints are placed into an equation. The final step in developing the model is the formulation of an achievement function. Steps involved in model application are: identify goals and constraints, gather relevant data, put data into computer, apply the model, and interpret the results. The model is applicable to planning at the state level (for example, it was applied in Missouri) or regionally within the state. (CSS)