Designing a scientific and technical information system: Organizational dimensions and administrative decisions

A series of interrelated questions are examined regarding the acquisition and utilization of scientific and technical information among public and private organizations concerned with urban affairs. These questions provide a framework for synthesizing current research in organization and administrative theory. The concern for scientific information is not limited to those situations where special technical problems arise or particular technical departments are involved. Rather. it is assumed that sophisticated administration in most complex organizations requires appropriate scientific information. Special emphasis is placed on analyzing those administrative decisions which have the greatest potential for improving the scientific information acquisition and utilization process. For example, organization structure, boundary spanning. task structure, personnel staffing, and information system design are considered. The basic analytical tool is a general systems model which provides a broadened managerial perspective.