The educational system is characterized by a vector matrix differential equation, and it is shown that the concepts of modern control theory such as observability, controllability, and optimal control can give deeper insight into the behavior of the educational system. The identification of the system dynamics and the definition of a realistic…

This study discusses some of the central concepts, assumptions and methods used in the development and design of a Management Information and Evaluation System for the Peace Corps in Colombia. Methodological problems encountered are reviewed. The model requires explicit project or program objectives, individual staff behavioral objectives, client…

This bibliography suggests a number of introductory readings that will enable regional and urban planners to understand the systems approach. The main focus of the research study that gave rise to this review of the literature was on establishing ways in which decisionmakers in regional planning could be helped in making their choices. The…

The mission of the ERIC Management Review Group was to examine the practices and procedures used by Central ERIC Management in their guidance and management of the 19 ERIC clearinghouses. The major topics covered in this report are: recommendations; the role of the clearinghouses; the bibliographic and documentation function; the interpretation…

The purpose of the seminar, which brought together users and developers of analytical models and associated management information systems, was to explore in depth the problems and possibilities of such systems for higher education institutions, and to review the current "state-of-the-art." The papers in this report are: "Evaluating the…

ERIC abstracts on systems approaches in education, announced in RIE through January 1970, are compiled. The key terms used in compiling this collection are "systems approach,""systems analysis,""critical path method," and "systems concepts." The following information is presented for each document: author, title, place of publication, publisher,…

This paper discusses the nature, scope, and limitations of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education's Planning and Management Systems Program (WICHE-PMS). (1) It summarizes the goals of the program which are the improvement of (a) higher education institutional management, (b) statewide coordination, and (c) decisionmaking processes…

The Minnesota Computer Aided Library System (MCALS) provides a basis of unification for library service program development in Minnesota for eventual linkage to the national information network. A prototype plan for communications functions is illustrated. A cost/benefits analysis was made to show the cost/effectiveness potential for MCALS. System…

A basic description of the Planning, Programming and Budgeting System (PPBS) and how it can be utilized by the practicing librarian is presented. PPBS is described as a system of relating planning to budgeting that seeks to get your dollars worth for you by analyzing what you are doing in the light of what you should be doing and plan to do in the…

This study, concerning the conceptual and econometric problems involved in estimating educational production functions, focuses on the following topics: 1) the meaning of an educational production function estimated from cross-section data; 2) the measurement of the output of schools; 3) the problem of measuring the initial endowment of students…

Student discontent, faculty demands and the sometimes unwise behavior of boards of trustees have made the job of college president a difficult one. Because of the job's complexity, it is essential to redefine administrative functions, to base decision making on empirical findings, and to conduct institutional research and studies of governance to…

A basic primer of comprehensive architectural services has been compiled for use by architects who wish to expand the range of services offered to clients. The titles of the six major parts describe the topic content--(1) The New Role of the Architect, (2) Principles of Comprehensive Architectural Services, (3) The Architect and His Client, (4)…

A conceptual design is presented for a planning, programming, budgeting system (PPBS), which provides the information necessary for--(1) planning educational programs that will meet the needs of the community, and (2) choosing among the alternative ways in which a school district can allocate resources to achieve its goals and objectives. The PPBS…

There have been four objectives to this preliminary study on cost analysis procedures in higher education: to examine and evaluate materials on cost analysis recently gathered; to explain the basic techniques of cost studies and the uses to which they are put; to identify, if possible, the specific value of cost analysis as an administrative tool;…

The Second Law of Thermodynamics demonstrates the idea of entropy, the tendency of ordered energy to free itself and thus break apart the system that contains it and dissipate that system into chaos. When applied to communications theory, entropy increases not only with noise but with the density of information--particles of possible meaning…