There are two basic approaches offered in current computerized transportation routing and scheduling programs: the mathematical programming approach and the intuitive optimization approach. Lists questions that an informed buyer should ask of the routing and scheduling company. (MLF)

A formal environmental scanning system designed to identify emerging issues, events, or trends threatening or bringing opportunity to an institution is discussed that uses a committee to systematically collect and analyze data from a variety of sources. (MSE)

This fifth edition continues to provide an exposition of the Library of Congress Classification and to act as a tool for studying and for staff training in the use of the scheme. It reflects significant electronic developments that have taken place with regard to the Library of Congress Classification since the last edition. Chapter 1 contains an…

Educational administrators need to become sufficiently computer literate to ask programers the necessary questions, to know and use the full range of computer capabilities, and to increase the computing capabilities of their schools. (MLF)

Increasing numbers of schools in Great Britain are using curriculum notation and curriculum analysis to assist them in decision-making and curriculum review. The purpose of and criteria for assessing a management information system are examined. (RM)

Establishing the computerized information needs of a college development office involves defining the reporting needs, understanding the concept and content of structured files, defining the data elements to be included in those files, and outlining the potentially useful applications of the information and programs. (MSE)

User dissatisfaction with computer systems usually results from too little involvement of the user in the programing process. Defining information requirements satisfactorily and taking steps toward smooth staff acceptance of the system are important prerequisites to satisfaction with the system's design. (MSE)

Suggestions are provided for college development offices interested in linking an office word processing system with the institution's main computer system. These include researching needs, leasing versus purchasing, obtaining equipment, and making the most of the system obtained. (MSE)

A marketing information system approach for college admissions is outlined that includes objectives, information needs and sources, a data collection format, and information evaluation. Coordination with other institutional information systems is recommended. (MSE)

Points out the advantages and disadvantages of the four ways to design and use a student information system: (1) manual files, (2) use of a computer located in the school building, (3) shared use of a larger computer, and (4) use of a commercial service bureau. (Author/MLF)

A framework is provided for planning for and using the Management Information System (MIS) most appropriate to an individual institution. Information needs are considered as part of the overall planning, managerial, evaluation, and inquiry system. Factors affecting MIS development and successful use are addressed. (MSE)

Discusses why, when preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Facilities Condition Audit (FCA)--including software-based delivery of findings--facilities managers should avoid complicating the bidding process with nondescript data-linking requirements. Presents ways to get an apples-to-apples comparison of bids for a proposed FCA project and…

The formats of the school budget and annual financial report are usually prescribed by state regulations. Creative use of data already collected for other purposes will give meaning to a district's financial story. Lists recommended tables for the statistical section of a comprehensive annual financial report. (MLF)

Issues that colleges and universities must address in implementing the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statements of Financial Accounting Standards 116 (concerning contributions received and made) and 117 (for nonprofit organizations) are outlined. The overall objective is to present a financial statement in a format that tells the…

College and university public relations specialists find that, to get competitive coverage for their institutions, they must provide the media with instant access to information and understand the way the media operate. Although the computer is useful in expanding contacts, responsiveness and information of real interest are foremost…