Institutional comparison groups can be selected in several ways, depending on the comparison issue. The method chosen involves both technical and political considerations. (Author/MSE)

A comparison of subject- and publisher-based book approval plans for academic libraries found publisher-based plans to be more successful for purchasing domestic publications, and subject-based plans for international ones. Library collections, organization, and vagaries of the publishing industry form the basis for selecting the plan which is…

A carefully orchestrated capital budget, an essential element of corporate management, is particularly important for a small college with limited resources. A simple management system can be adopted to achieve institutional goals. (MSE)

The annual Comparative Performance Study of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) contains data on the endowments of 223 colleges and universities. It can help answer many donor questions. (MLW)

Reviews current Asian educational systems, pointing out that comparison with the United States system is not possible. The educational systems reflect the societies' needs, which differ from culture to culture. (MD)

Successfully retrofitting aging K-12 schools using energy conservation measures (ECM) that can improve the physical plant and reduce energy consumption are explored. Topics explore how certain ECM measures can benefit educational facilities, why retrofitting begun sooner rather than later is important, how to finance the retrofit program, and the…

This study empirically examined the argument that a referent climate for creative productivity would be more useful than a omnibus measure of climate for assessing the creative norms in a specific work context. Results suggested that climate for creative productivity was related to criteria of effectiveness (convergent validity). (Author/PB)

It is argued that recent changes in accounting standards only change the way in which institutions of higher education report finances, not necessarily the way transactions are accounted for. While fund accounting may no longer be an appropriate term for the accounting approach used, it represents appropriate concepts of stewardship and…

Discusses balance sheets and income statements for private-sector companies and the ratios that have been developed to guide corporate decision makers. Discusses the various public-sector reports that school districts create and how they can be used to create information via ratios to help school administrators and policymakers in directing and…

The history, provisions, and impact on universities of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) are examined. It is concluded that the ADA will not break new ground for higher education and that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will remain the main avenue by which disabled obtain access to universities. (MSE)

Policy analysis in higher education is distinct from but is informed by and can contribute to both institutional research and institutional planning. Policy analysis extends beyond data analysis, using many qualitative research methods and a degree of intuition, and focuses on specific issues, not systems as does planning. (MSE)

This study found that the restructured National Board Dental Examination Part II is a reliable test assessing a full range of cognitive behaviors, and a unidimensional test of comprehensive general dentistry, suggesting better testing of knowledge and problem-solving skills than on the traditional examination. Performance on the pilot and…

A study examined the appropriateness of two methods for relating the enhanced American College Testing Program (ACT) Assessment Composite and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) total scores: equipercentile concordance and regression. Study results, potential inaccuracies, and the usefulness of institutional concordances based on their own data are…

A total of 93 elementary, middle school, and high school teachers rated the desirability and feasibility of adaptations for mainstreamed students in their general education classes. All adaptations were perceived as more desirable than feasible, and few differences were found among teachers of different grade levels. (Author/JDD)

A national ranking of 508 colleges and universities, based on the size of their endowment funds and life-income-fund assets, is presented. Over 80% of endowment wealth is held by 124 institutions; 31 institutions have over $1 billion in endowment assets. Returns averaged 18% in the last fiscal year; there was little change in investment patterns.…