This collection of essays focuses on the importance of accurate and timely information for effective decision making. First, Ivan Lach considers the proliferation of statewide planning and policy formation and discusses problems with and ways to improve statewide research. Next, Cheryl Opacinch focuses on decision making for federal postsecondary policy, discussing strategies for influencing the policy-making process by improving the use of community college research. After tracing trends in two-year college research, William Ramsey presents plans for action to involve research as a tool in the development of a master plan. Joseph Rossmeier places his discussion of information resource management in the context of the growing importance of computers, the role of information as a primary institutional asset, and a hierarchy of information needs. M. Kathryne Baratta examines the use of student data in planning and for better management. The utilization of student information systems is further discussed by Toni Hall and Jim Reed, who recommend a planned approach to student follow-up, strategies for organizing research and promoting data utilization, and ways that decision makers should use student information. Mike Stevenson and Dan Walleri present nine guidelines for financial decision making in a period of retrenchment. Mantha Mehallis deals with the improvement of decision making through institutional research. Finally, Donna Dzierlenga cites relevant ERIC documents. (AYC)