STRATEGIC MODELS FOR COMPUTING IN SMALL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (HIGHER EDUCATION, PLANNING, MANAGEMENT)

The purpose of this study was to identify strategic models for computing in small universities and colleges.;The first problem, to identify academic and administrative computing and information technology issues affecting small universities and colleges, was accomplished through a search of published sources on higher education computing.;The second problem, to determine key elements which make up computing strategy, was accomplished through combining the findings of the literature search, the investigator's knowledge of the field, and information obtained from three higher education computing experts.;The third problem, to identify models for computing within ranges of financial resources devoted to central computer services, was accomplished through the survey responses of 103 small universities and colleges.;The need for the study was expressed by national concern about computing in higher education; the viability of small universities and colleges during a period of declining enrollments, heightened competition and increased costs; and the need for information to make strategic computer-related decisions.;The fourth problem, to identify a strategic model for computing, was accomplished by combining the survey responses on the basis of 12 strategic elements. The model prevalent within each set of budget parameters and for the total population are depicted on a strategic decision matrix.;While some strategies varied among groups, prevalent strategies include: a collegial approach to major policy matters, centralized decision-making over resources including those for decentralized use; balanced emphasis on administrative and academic computing, with resources predominately supporting the administrative; reliance on full-time faculty and staff, plans to hire more but no plans to modify personnel policies to improve recruitment/retention; increased computer-related courses and computer literacy programs for students and faculty; mixed reliance on computerized library support; reliance on small computers for word processing and plans to increase such dependence; strong budget support for computing as compared to other institutional priorities; increased reliance on the microcomputer for both academic and administrative uses, and a preference to own rather than lease larger computers; improvements in telecommunications but without significant interest in electronic mail; primary reliance on in-house development of administrative software with little interest in shared development; and a concern about computer security. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).