Interest in the Planning, Programming, Budgeting System (PPBS) has waned over the last five years for several reasons. Early rhetoric about PPBS obscured its true character and promised more than it could deliver. Initially, few had the competencies needed to implement it. It is often wrongly believed to be solely a budgeting system. Finally, previous limitations of available computer technology made implementation difficult. In fact, PPBS, much more than a budgeting system, can be an important decision-making tool. It extends the traditional conceptualization of the budget-making process, though it is distinct from zero-based budgeting, and it is complementary to management by objectives (MBO). It can satisfy demands for accountability and is useful in framing the policy issues confronting a governmental agency. It can be considered a subset of systems management. Conditions in the 1980s point to a probable revival of PPBS. Advances in the availability competency in MBO, and greater familiarity with the concept of outcomes will make implementation of PPBS easier. In spite of some shortcomings, PPBS is a powerful tool that the education profession can ill afford to neglect. (Author/JM)