This chapter introduces the key economic concepts, models, and methods that can help inform institutional research in higher education. (Contains 1 table and 9 figures.)

A decision support application based on the Markov analytic model is described, and its use in the formation of policy concerning reduction in force and work force distribution is illustrated through the comparative modeling of two personnel management policies. (MSE)

In the context of decision support systems (DSS) use, four perspectives on evaluating decisions (consensual, political, empirical, and rational) and four models of organizational effectiveness (human relations, open system, internal process, and rational goal) are examined for their implications for DSS implementation and evaluation. (MSE)

Institutional research is a practicing art, whose merits lie in its relevance to and influence on decision and policy making. A more positive attitude toward theory-related research would enhance its future development. (Author/MLW)

Advanced communication and computing technologies create new resources and new opportunities in expanded role relationships for institutional research. Approaches to impact analysis and the rates of future change are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Computer-based information systems have evolved from emphasizing data processing to providing full and flexible support for management. They have moved from providing mere data to providing a medium for representing knowledge wherein managers can analyze data, formulate ideas, structure arguments, and building models. (Author/MLW)

The key to the success of decision support systems will be the way that institutional researchers integrate the variety of specific and personal systems into a viable and coordinated institutionwide system. (Author/MLW)

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)

Microcomputer technology is direct, personal, and well suited for the task of decision support. Learning to use it constructively and effectively to improve higher education management is the challenge of the immediate future. (Author/MLW)

The effective communication of desired information between the generator and the user requires one to accommodate variances in decision-making style, behavior, and context. The premise that decision making in organizations follows the classic rational model is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Institutional researchers must be in the institutional planning process in the coming years if institutional research is to remain a viable administrative specialty. Politics is viewed in its purest sense as the influence individuals, organizations, or other entities have upon policy-setting and decision-making. (Author/MLW)

Three institutions' planned change strategies that introduced a comprehensive array of new approaches to planning, management, communication, information and analysis, and staff development are discussed. The larger purposes of these planned change activities--educational change and institutional vitality--await future evaluation. (MLW)

The contemporary context and some recent trends affecting college program reviews or evaluations, current options in purposes and practices, and impacts on programs and institutions are discussed. It is recommended that the process be viewed as a contribution to the general knowledge base for campus constituencies rather than as "right answers"…

The nature of the legislative environment is discussed and observations are made about how institutional researchers can influence lawmaking outcomes. (Author/SF)

The need to incorporate institutional research directly into the college decision-making process is discussed. The important role that computers and a management information system can play in this liaison for two-year colleges is emphasized. (Author/SF)