Characteristics of a decision support system (DSS) and factors that influence system design are described, along with a decision support database at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Reasons that the institutional research office is in a unique position to support decision-making are identified. A review of the literature of DSS briefly covers…

Describes a study of the nature and extent of community colleges' involvement in needs assessment practices. Presents findings with respect to institutional characteristics and settings, extent of involvement, need assessment projects' characteristics and impacts, and the relationship between institutional characteristics and the extent of…

While microcomputers may be easy to acquire and put into use, advance consideration of some pertinent issues will ensure that they are used successfully for planning and management support. (Author/MLW)

A summary of themes and observations in the development of management and planning techniques for colleges and universities is presented. Suggestions are included on how institutional researchers may assess changes in the management systems of their own institutions. (MSE)

Discusses trends in two-year college research, defines research, and poses questions that must be answered before research can be used effectively in management. Outlines steps in a decision-making system that converts data into planning concepts. Explains the need for a master plan and describes the master-planning process. (DD)

Fact books are discussed as effective methods of information dissemination that facilitate institutional research and planning. Advice is given on how to compile a fact book, information selection, and presentation. Examples are taken from the fact book concept formulated at Georgia State University. (SF)

A discussion of the need for institutional research to address student financial aid issues in higher education outlines, first, a research agenda for use within institutions, and then presents a research agenda for emerging policy issues and the role that institutional research might play in positioning institutions to participate in national…

Robert G. Cope's report on strategic planning models and techniques among higher education institutions is reviewed and found to shed light on the concept and processes of strategic planning. (MSE)

Effective college information-technology (IT) planning must be integrated into institutional planning, mission, and goals. Topics discussed include key constructs for ensuring that the acquisition and implementation of IT furthers the institution's strategic plan, an inclusive governance structure and facility planning approach, funding…

Examines the theoretical basis for data mining, one of the essential knowledge management processes, and uses a case study to describe its application and impact. (EV)

A long-range planning committee was established in fall 1980 at William Rainey Harper College (WRHC) to coordinate planning efforts and develop specific projects and long-range plans for the college. After 11 meetings, during which past institutional goals were considered and various institutional reports were reviewed, two long-range goals were…

In the midst of insistent demands for accountability, self-analysis by all educational institutions has become an urgent necessity. Long-range, comprehensive planning is an essential prerequisite for coping effectively with the rapid changes taking place in education, and institutional research is an essential element in such planning. For an…

A report on a study of the use of space facilities in universities in England is mainly concerned with the methodology involved in the study. An extensive appendix provides information on 24 different technical aspects of the study. (FPO)

This report represents the first component of a 3-year comprehensive planning study of longrange facilities needs of institutions of higher education, mandated by Congress in the "Higher Education Amendments of 1966." A manual provided institutions with a common method of defining and measuring space. Each room of every campus building…

It has been alleged that 2-year colleges often seek transformation to a 4-year status. This survey reports on an analysis of institutional changes that have occurred in 72 junior colleges from 1958-59 through 1967-68. Institutional information is profiled on the basis of the following factors: (1) year of academic extension and location by state;…