The differentiation between efficiency and effectiveness in evaluating the performance of institutions of higher learning is examined and the role of management information systems in the decision-making processes of such institutions is explored. While efficiency is primarily concerned with cost minimization concepts, effectiveness is concerned…

Part of a series of instructional packages for use in college level economics courses, the document contains nine microeconomics chapters. Chapter I, "Economic Concepts, Issues, and Tools," discusses scarcity and choice; preferences, resources, exchange, and economic efficiency; marginal analysis and opportunity cost; and different economic…

This document reports the proceedings of a conference held to discuss the availability of educational resources and the financing of education in Canada. The conference focused specifically on the financial implications of redesigning educational institutions to be capable of flexible response to students' needs, making educational benefits more…

A trend toward adoption of the early-semester calendar, which runs from August to May with exams before Christmas vacation is discussed, along with other changes in college scheduling for curriculum development, increased efficiency, student job scheduling, student retention, and decreased paperwork. (MSE)

Compares benefits and problems associated with traditional and newly automated circulation systems in the learning resources center of a modern medium size high school. Descriptions of the two systems include the selection, implementation, and use of the Apple compatible software used. Eight recommendations for implementing an automated system are…

As states build comprehensive early childhood systems, policy leaders will need to be attentive to the funding streams available to communities to achieve desired returns. Most public funding for early care and education, as well as for other health and social services for young children and their families is categorical. Categorical funding…

This report examines school district size and organization in South Carolina and their impact on student achievement and fiscal efficiency. A brief overview discusses the history of school district organization since the Civil War, the current distribution of districts across size categories in South Carolina and the nation, variations in school…

It is a well-known fact that, while we have a considerable body of literature on public-school administration, information on collegiate administration is meager. This is especially true concerning the problems of the registration office. In collecting the data used for this report, the institutions holding membership in the Association of…

Productivity is a central issue these days in any discussion about the economy. However, there is much more talk about productivity than there is real knowledge. We need a clear understanding of what direction productivity improvement efforts will take and what efforts are required to retrain the existing work force. (SSH)

Colleges and universities have adjusted the packaging and targeting of student aid that may be more effective in reaching an institution's objectives in lean times, including increasing parent contributions, reducing the unmet need percentage, changing pricing policies, using quotas, revising capital campaigns, tapping alumni, and capitalizing on…

Ohio University's use of computer programing for the need analysis and internal accounting functions in financial aid is described. A substantial improvement of services resulted, with 6,000-10,000 students and the offices of financial aid, bursar, registration, student records, housing, admissions, and controller assisted in the process. Costs…

Presents reasons for objecting to a clinical component in the graduate nursing administration curriculum and suggests some curriculum content, while stating that only a nurse with clinical experience should be a nursing administrator. Describes how a nurse manager administers the program while staff nurses provide the patient care. (MF)

Through a case study of China (Guangdong Province) the author examines the problem of "diploma disease" in developing nations. "Diploma disease" is the students' desire for the paper credentials of academic education that insure employability. This desire can frustrate government efforts to promote alternate vocational…

A study of fifth-grade students showed high achieving students spent less time interacting with teachers, so their instructional cost was lower. Lower achieving students demanded more teacher and aide time, resulting in higher instructional cost. A measure of instructional cost based on productive use of time is proposed. (JAC)

Economies of scale frequently have been advanced as a rationale for rural school consolidation. This article defines the economies of scale principle; describes its application to public education; and reviews selected studies, 1959-86, from a rural education perspective. Notes the possible overstatement of economics of scale in some studies.…