Describes the function of econometric and technological models in the policy process, and shows how different positions in the Dutch energy discussion are reflected by the application of different model methodologies. Discussion includes the energy policy context, a conceptual framework for using energy models, and energy scenarios in policy…

THE MAIN ADVANTAGE OF THE PROGRAM EVALUATION AND REVIEW TECHNIQUE (PERT) IS THE PROVISION OF A GRAPHIC MODEL OF ACTIVITIES WITH ESTIMATES OF THE TIME, RESOURCES, PERSONNEL, AND FACILITIES NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH A SEQUENCE OF INTERDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES, AS IN PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION. A PERT MODEL CAN ALSO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PERSONS AND…

Continuing educators can gain knowledge about their programs' environments, as well as predict the outcomes of change processes, by utilizing an emerging systems concept called the communication model. Utilization of the communication model involves three steps: (1) diagramming the perceived reality of the organizational system, (2) using the…

Employees in different kinds of organizations were surveyed for their perceptions of their companies' client and operational problem-solving networks. The individuals came from a manufacturing firm, a community college, a telephone company, a farmers' cooperative, and a hospital. Interviews were conducted with those people reporting numerous…

Evaluating alternatives provides both the reason for and the technique of program budgeting for educational planning. The activities demanded by the program budgeting system allow systematic choosing of a preferred course of action. Within this system, alternatives are considered in the context of all other programs. This document presents…

This document--intended to help technology education teachers plan their classroom curriculum for secondary school and college students--contains units on getting to know technology; problem solving; systems and subsystems; how technology affects people and the environment; controlling technological systems; how resources are processed by…

This paper explores the fault-tree analysis approach to isolating failure modes within a system. Fault tree investigates potentially undesirable events and then looks for failures in sequence that would lead to their occurring. Relationships among these events are symbolized by AND or OR logic gates, AND used when single events must coexist to…

A selected reference list is presented of 94 source publications of interest to architects contemplating employing systematic methods in the execution of professional services involving planning, programing, and design. The publication is divided into four major topical areas--(1) architectural design, (2) design (general), (3) decision making,…

Using data from several western nations, this article maintains that policy analysis has over-emphasized policy substance and neglected the influence of the political process. Focuses specifically on how political and institutional constraints influence policymaking in the Federal Republic of Germany. (JDH)

Using Latin American examples, this article examines the influence of four types of constraints (technological, cultural, clientelistic, and political) on bureaucratic-authoritarian, liberal-democratic and neo-patrimonialist regimes. Maintains that policy will be more effective if aided by an understanding of these constraints. (JDH)

This analysis of current and available information on the evaluation of vocational education and its policy implications includes a methodological appendix showing major studies of cost-effectiveness analysis, a critique of the various techniques employed in these studies, and an extensive bibliography of relevant source materials and related…

The suggested readings in this occasionally annotated bibliography concerning deliberate socialchange in the city are listed under five subject areas. These subject areas are as follows: I. The Scope of "Social Change"; II. Toward a Theory of Social Change; III. A. The Rational Problem Solving Process, B. Behavioral Approaches to Social Change;…

Systems analysis is about problems and their solutions. Analysts are warned that in a field of constant change, this text can only provide some of the needed tools and information, not all of the answers. Wise systems analysts never become fixed on one technique or technology, knowing that they will change, but instead focus on learning…

Local school districts must strengthen their innovative capacity in order to respond effectively to the problems facing them. Success depends on both an organization's technical capacity to match problems with appropriate solutions and its political capacity to move an innovation through the process from adoption to incorporation. Research shows…

This paper analyzes planning at Red River College in Manitoba. The paper suggests that the decision-making process be effectively linked with analytics. The fundamental role of institutional research and planning in postsecondary education is to provide the analytic and planning inputs that can facilitate decision-making. It is necessary to…