Explaining the Role of the Information Systems (IS) in management and university development planning with an emphasis on databases

In today’s world, information and databases serve as the foremost basis in academic planning and management. For this reason, establishing Information systems (IS) is a prerequisite for managers and can be helpful in consistent and in-time evaluation of factors affecting the effectiveness, efficiency and access to accurate and appropriate information according to the conditions of higher education system in a country which ultimately leads to "suitable decision making" in turn. The main purpose of this paper is to explain the role of information systems with an accent on databases and their use in university planning and management. The method used for this research is a documentary analysis method. The results suggest that with regard to structure and features of academic systems, using information systems according to management levels which are appropriate for relatively weak-link and non-structural environments (such as universities) and considering a holistic method help to improving planning processes and managing universities. Furthermore, acknowledging information, perception of the complexities (not their diminution to limited aspects and features), knowing the capabilities and potentials of data bases based on imaging the clear status of databases and specifying proper role for them in planning and decision making seems crucial.