A management data base is seen as essential for a management information system, program budgeting, program costing, management by objectives, program evaluation, productivity measures, and accountability in institutions of higher education. The necessity of a management data base is addressed, along with the benefits and limitations it may have for a given institution, and its development, maintenance, and use in both operating systems and management systems. Methods for implementing a data base system are described. Plans for developing a computerized system are also addressed. It is suggested that at the time a data base system is implemented, any existing applications that are not adequate or that need improvements should be redesigned to ensure improved technology in both data entry and retrieval. (LBH)