Describes a study at Ball State University (Indiana) that compared local pre-cataloging authority control procedures with post-cataloging authority control procedures available through NOTIS (Northwestern Online Total Integrated System). Results show NOTIS authority control reduced redundancy and increased efficiency. Contains three tables and…

A generalized variance criterion is proposed to measure efficiency in item-response-theory (IRT) models. Heuristic arguments are given to formulate the efficiency of a design in terms of an asymptotic generalized variance criterion. Efficiencies of designs for one-, two-, and three-parameter models are compared. (SLD)

This study of 15 children with feeding disorders investigated identification of effective behavioral reinforcers by comparing outcomes and time requirements of two procedures in which presence in a particular area produced access to a preferred stimulus (i.e., zone discrimination). Both procedures were viable reinforcer identification tools, but…

In an engineering technology course at Coventry University (England), the utility of computer-assisted tests was compared with that of traditional paper-based tests. It was found that the computer-based technique was acceptable to students, produced valid results, and demonstrated potential for saving staff time. (Author/MSE)

Problem statement: Professional education is the principle means of the developing the human resource. Students who do not perform well in professional courses are not in any way better than those who do not have professional knowledge, because their chances of employment and efficient working are bleak. The present study attempted to examine…

Cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-benefit analysis are two related yet distinct methods to help decision makers choose the best course of action from among competing alternatives. For both types of analysis, costs are computed similarly. Costs may be reduced to present value amounts for multi-year programs, and parameters may be altered to show…

Utilizing data derived from 277 rural, male respondents initially enrolled in Lenawee County, Michigan high schools, the Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale was employed to test the hypothesis that locus of control will have interactive rather than additive effects on the process of status attainment. Locus of control was defined as…

The similarities and differences of administrative and educational structure, government role, history, and union role in Australian and U.S. college mergers are outlined and discussed in terms of their implications for current Australian organizational changes. The impact of mergers on individuals is seen as the most salient consideration. (MSE)

This paper begins by providing an overview of three types of textbook research methods: asking teachers, parents, or students about the different aspects of textbook quality; textbook analysis, i.e. counting some characteristics of a textbook using strictly fixed rules; and the experimental evaluation of textbooks, usually carried out in schools.…

A study analyzed the change in average cost per student and student/faculty ratios of a selection of Victoria (Australia) colleges of advanced education that were involved in 1981-82 mergers. Results are compared to average costs of some colleges not involved in the mergers to discover whether mergers resulted in economies of scale. (Author/MSE)

Five college and university fund-raising professionals discuss ways in which uncoordinated solicitations of gifts from the same prospective donor(s) by different schools or departments can be avoided by planning, coordination, and communication. Advantages and disadvantages of centralized and decentralized administrative approaches are considered.…

A National Association of College and University Business Officers project collects data on college administrative and business costs and compiles them for comparative purposes. The unpublished findings are available to participants to gauge institutional efficiency. However, some feel more institutions must participate for data to be useful. (MSE)

New methods of financing higher education used in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom are summarized and compared. The paper concludes that while these approaches are designed to improve efficiency, realize specific outcomes, and leverage additional funds from other sources, they may have unanticipated, unintended, and, in some…

The present paper describes an educational experiment dealing with teaching the theory of formal languages and automata as well as their application concepts. It presents a practical application of an educational experiment and initial results based on comparative instruction of two samples of students (n = 56). The application concept should…

Purpose: The study aims to examine the human resource management challenges in Southern EU and their effect on organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach: First, key challenges were identified in the existing literature. Then, these challenges were matched with those reported most often in the CRANET questionnaire. These challenges…