The practicality of existing statewide data systems is discussed. The expectations for the systems are contrasted with reality, and central policy questions and their implications are outlined. The system in use in Georgia, currently being reassessed by the state, is used as an example. (MSE)

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)

Methods for examining the risk of long-term interruptions of data processing in large computer centers are discussed. Procedures are outlined for responding to such a disaster, with the University of Illinois Administrative Computer Center and its security system cited as an example. (SF)

The 1990 winner of the ELITE Award for Exemplary Leadership and Information Technology Excellence in higher education offers his axioms for information resources management, covering authority/control, communications, project management, decision making, people management, strategic planning, change management, crisis management, and personal…

Offers advice to administrators and faculty in small colleges on planning, building, and managing campus computer networks. Also included are observations about the network as a strategic asset, funding and staffing issues, and planning for unexpected results. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the merger of FARNET (Federation of American Research Networks), a clearinghouse for tracking the development state-by-state of an information infrastructure, and NTTF (Networking and Telecommunications Task Force), which helped colleges and universities identify strategic networking and telecommunications policy issues, into a new…

A much misunderstood aspect of managing information technology is its economics. Rate of technological advancement is accelerating, demand is intensifying, standards and architectures are changing daily, prices are falling, but total costs are growing. Understanding the economics of information technology is a necessary first step in developing…

The process and experiences associated with strategic planning in a recently decentralized administrative information systems environment are described. Background information on why Virginia Commonwealth University decentralized the authority, responsibility, and accountability for the delivery of administrative information services to major…

Despite the decentralized nature of computing at Vanderbilt, there is significant evidence of cooperation and use of each other's resources by the various computing entities. Planning for computing occurs in every school and department. Caravan, a campus-wide network, is described. (MLW)

Telephone system acquisition by institutions of higher education is discussed. Some important areas of investigation are described and more comprehensive explorations of telephone systems are encouraged. Management of telephone systems and changing the telephone system are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Virginia Tech reorganized its computing and communications activities under a Vice President for Computing and Information Systems. Changes include integration of all voice and data communications activities. The mission, rationale, and goals for the Communications Network Services organization are discussed. (Author/MLW)

A seven-year long-range information systems plan at the University of Miami outlined 44 applications, most of which were to be installed in a database environment via prototyping with fourth-generation tools. The challenges that confront information systems managers are described. (Author/MLW)

A meeting of leaders from universities, industry, and professional associations to discuss and debate the nature and future of information technology is described. Management of information resources and how its technology might be integrated into typical university settings are discussed. (Author/MLW)

At Indiana University the demand for word processing, the burden on the university's text processors, and the variety of commercial equipment demanded detailed, systematic technical and social planning. In the process of studying available equipment and software, the university's Office Systems Groups developed tools for evaluating the technology.…

Arguments for and against decentralization of data management, analysis, and planning systems are presented. It is suggested that technological advances have encouraged decentralization. Caution in this direction is urged and the development of an articulated decentralization program is proposed. (SF)