Shows how deductive data management techniques can be applied to the utilization of data value classifications in information retrieval. A representation of classifications which supports transitive computation is defined, and an operation-oriented deductive query language tailored for classification-based deductive information retrieval in fact…

Describes fast, dynamic update algorithms for document retrieval systems. B-trees are discussed; the M-B-T file directory structure is explained; insertions and deletions in inverted files are described; and performance evaluation is discussed. An appendix provides the formal definition of an M-B-T directory. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

In response to trustee calls for a more "businesslike" approach to university management and faculty defense of "academic integrity," this article sees universities as multiple entities: as cities, as consultancies, as preindustrial societies, and as businesses. It urges trustees to try to view the institution as all of these entities, but also as…

Discusses traditional information retrieval through indexing terms and describes a document storage and retrieval system based on structured information, where the SGML document is transformed into Grove (Graph Representation of Property Values) and stored at an element level by an object-oriented database management system. Also discusses query…

Explains how libraries can use data mining techniques for more effective data collection. Highlights include three phases: data selection and acquisition; data preparation and processing, including a discussion of the use of XML (extensible markup language); and data interpretation and integration, including database management systems. (LRW)

Discusses the nature of quality systems, including quality systems in education and schools; describes three criteria for the development of quality systems in New South Wales public schools; examines three approaches to quality system development and their relevance to New South Wales schools: The International Standards Organization, Investors…

A chart of 40 alumni-development database systems provides information on vendor/Web site, address, contact/phone, software name, price range, minimum suggested workstation/suggested server, standard reports/reporting tools, minimum/maximum record capacity, and number of installed sites/client type. (DB)

Discusses taking notes for research projects and organizing them into card files; reviews the literature on personal filing systems; introduces the basic process of database management; and offers a plan for managing research notes. Describes field groups and field definitions, data entry, and creating reports. (LRW)

This article introduces the architecture and implementation of an authoring system capable of modular and standard compatible course development. This system enables the aggregation of learning objects into higher course structures and reuse in different learning scenarios. The concept of modular course development is based on the construction kit…

When tasked with selecting a Course Management System (CMS), the first step many responsible colleges, universities and consortia take is to name a selection committee of faculty, administration, students and possibly IT staff. They do some Web searching and talk to colleagues, friends and counterparts at other institutions. This same committee…

Many school administrators protect their investments in new roofing systems by paying extra for an extended roof warranty. These warranties can be a valuable asset because they usually provide more coverage and reduce the school administrator's risk of having to pay for extensive roof repairs or replacements. Unfortunately, once an extended…

This paper taps the strategic management discipline to inform our understanding of technology transfer and innovation (TTI) initiatives. With special focus on the UK Foresight programme it considers the impacts that the resource-based and core competence approaches to strategy can have on understanding the nature and effectiveness of TTI…

Quality assurance for distance higher education is one of the main concerns among institutions and stakeholders today. This paper examines the experiences of Universitas Terbuka (UT), which has initiated and implemented an innovative strategy of quality assurance (QA) for continuous improvement. The credo of the UT quality assurance system is…

Course syllabuses are usually prepared by the instructors without any feedback observed and assembled from target students. More, even sometimes these syllabuses are used for many years with little alterations by the instructors. This situation affects the education negatively, because many of the students come with different backgrounds and…

This is a compilation of 12 primers on important information standards and protocols. These primers are: (1) Atom; (2) COinS; (3) MADS; (4) MARC 21/MARCXML; (5) MIX; (6) MXG; (7) OpenSearch; (8) PREMIS; (9) RESTful HTTP; (10) unAPI; (11) XMPP (aka Jabber); and (12) ZeeRex. The Atom Syndication Format defines a new XML-based syndication format for…