The role of information technology on college and university campuses continues to evolve. The direction the profession is heading and how CAUSE, as the association for the management of information technology in higher education, can help serve the profession and its members is discussed. (Author/MLW)

The benefits of prototyping as a basis for system design include better specifications, earlier discovery of omissions and extensions, and the likelihood of salvaging much of the effort expended on the prototype. Risks and methods of prototyping during rapid systems development are also noted. (Author/MLW)

The need for information services offers institutional researchers with experience in systems design, data management, and analysis an opportunity to study the key issue involved in providing this service to the campus administrative community. The case of the University of Kansas is described. (Author/MLW)

A microcomputer-based system to analyze both historical funding and current resource allocation patterns helped to prepare for an anticipated budget crisis at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The system also included a module which permitted decision makers to test resource allocation alternatives. (Author/MLW)

Changes in technology and the changing telecommunications needs of students, faculty, and staff are presenting colleges and universities with two challenges: organizational and technical. An integrated campus communications utility is described. (MLW)

Five alternative approaches to computer operations are reviewed including: using a service bureau, joining others in operating a computer center, using in-house personnel for hardware operation and software development and maintenance, purchasing softward, and entering a full or partial facilities management agreement. (MLW)

The need for a coherent information systems development strategy that integrates both voice and data communications with computing into the campus computing environment is described. The need for a strategy, as opposed to a set of goals, in light of rapidly changing technological parameters, is discussed. (MLW)

As knowledge has become the central economic resource of the post-industrial society, it is essential that government should be the catalyst for discussion and resolution of issues surrounding information technologies. The establishment of an Institute for Information Policy and Research is advocated. (MLW)

The development of a specific interactive computer model at the University of Kansas and its potential to promote administrative involvement in sophisticated model development and design of management information systems are discussed. An interactive computer model that relates the variables surrounding decisions involving faculty, funding, and…

The emerging national information infrastructure is viewed as a solution to problems facing higher education, rather than as another drain on resources. Creative planning, reassessment of traditional models of campus organization, teaching, and learning, and creation of broad-based partnerships in public and private sectors will be required.…

Argues that complex forces (new delivery technologies, changing demographics, emergence of corporate universities, global economy) have created a new, competitive landscape for higher education that forces institutions to think methodically about how to respond. A framework for college planning, incorporating three critical components, is…

The concept of distributed computing is discussed and reasons for coordinating decentralized computing at an institutional level are presented. Ten coordinative actions that an institution might decide upon are offered. (MLW)

Information management has taken on more meaning for the small to medium-sized college and university in recent years. Advances in hardware and software have brought improved performances to campuses at a lower cost. Some of the planning methods used by Regis College are outlined. (MLW)

Typical higher management expectations for the planning process are explored, along with why these expectations cannot always be met. Some limitations to planning for computer services are proposed that can make planning meaningful for operational concerns. (MLW)

Microcomputer-based decision support systems were the backbone for the development of the University of Miami's five-year strategic plan. The ways that computer-generated data and graphs were used in the development of the university's strategic plan is described. (Author/MLW)