Program Effectiveness and Related Costs (PERC), a comprehensive data management plan developed at Empire State College, is the subject of this explanatory report. Chapter 1 presents the conceptual framework of the program which incorporates data on outcomes, costs, programs, students, and faculty, and also incorporates a "multiple perspectives strategy," that utilizes a variety of observers and methods in data collection. A key function of PERC is to provide information for decision-making, and with this in mind, Chapter 2 examines the meaning and context of various policy questions in postsecondary institutions. Since PERC incorporates a variety of questionnaires, interview schedules, and rating forms, Chapter 3 is concerned with a discussion of instrument reliability and validity. Another major objective of PERC data analysis is the development and testing of typologies about students, faculty, and programs. Chapter 4 deals specifically with the dimensions of a student typology and a typology of learning resources as they were developed at Empire State College. Several appendices are included in the report, each dealing with more technical aspects of the general data management plan; specifically, editing, coding, and filing of data. Appendices also include a discussion of report-writing based on institutional research, and provide sample copies of various PERC data collection instruments. (Author/DR)