Some of the issues surrounding school productivity are discussed in this ERIC digest. It presents the results of early research that explored whether there is a relationship between educational funding and student outcomes. Some of the reasons behind schools' productivity problems are presented, including problems with unstable governance and the…

This report focuses on the use of linear programming models to address the issues of how vocational rehabilitation (VR) resources should be allocated in order to maximize program efficiency within given resource constraints. A general introduction to linear programming models is first presented that describes the major types of models available,…

This annual report includes major time series that reflect changes in farm production, production inputs, and production efficiency. Time series data are presented for the United States and, in most cases, for 10 farm production regions. The text highlights changes since the previous year or specified time period. In previous reports in this…

A study of the feasibility of charging real money for computer time used for academic, as contrasted with administrative, computing is presented. It is concluded that despite the problems of an in-house charging system, change to a real-money system is not justified in a small institution in which simpler financing can be accomplished. (MSE)

Considers the elements of organizational effectiveness, the relationships between ends and means, and the nature of inputs necessary to the organization's survival. Presents hypotheses for industrial, educational, and military organizational planning processes and training technology, and suggests changing planning focus from inputs to outcomes.…

Estimates the rates of return to overeducation in the United Kingdom, using the 1991 British Household Panel Survey. Describes three approaches to analyzing skill utilization and their returns. Analyzes characteristics of the overeducated and undereducated work force. Overeducation is part of an adjustment in the labor market and tends to…

Examines the modernization of Scotland's higher education funding during the Thatcher years; trends in funding since 1995, when support based on unit costs was reduced; and the 1996 allocation of university funding based on research assessment. Concludes that continued emphasis on "efficiency-based savings" will increase teaching loads…

This report presents data on costs associated with providing telephone service at 14 campuses of the State University of New York (SUNY) for the period January 1, 1994 through December 31, 1995. It examines the factors that affect overall costs of telephone service, and what opportunities exist for reducing telephone costs. The report includes…

Funding for public elementary and secondary education is a significant portion of most state budgets, representing on average approximately one-third of general fund appropriations. This booklet provides policymakers with five broad principles for the design of state school funding systems--equity, efficiency, adequacy, accountability, and…

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…

As part of its fee-supported extension education program, the California State University (CSU) authorizes students to enroll in continuing education course by attending "regular" campus courses, for which they pay continuing education fees, with instructor consent and based on space availability. This "concurrent enrollment"…

This paper explores some definitions of school-based budgeting and other forms of decentralization, attempts to determine the extent of their adoption, develops some indications of decentralization results, and provides suggestions for further research directions. The paper addresses (1) how often decentralization involving a change in resource…

The report summarizes the findings from a 3-year evaluation of 11 child abuse and neglect demonstration service projects. The 11 projects are described in terms of their goals, service activities, organization and management styles, staffing patterns, resource allocations and service costs, types of clients served, methods of case management used,…

Reactions to zero-based budgeting in the State of Georgia as it pertains to institutions of higher education are discussed. Major advantages and disadvantages of zero-based budgeting as reported by budget analysts and selected department heads in state agencies were examined by George Minmier and Roger Hermanson (1976). Zero-based budgeting was…

A system for long-term planning for facility needs and arrangement is described. A cost objective was established, and factors in the decision making were weighted: functional arrangement, efficient use of space, flexibility of any plan, minimization of cost, equity of arrangements for different groups, and balance between available space and…