Identifies sources of ambiguity in economics textbooks' discussion of the condition for efficient output mix. Points out that diverse statements without accompanying explanations create confusion among students. Argues that conflicting views concerning the concept of Pareto optimality as one source of ambiguity. Suggests clarifying additions to…

Examines Maine elementary schools' efficiency in maximizing student achievement, given certain student and community characteristics. Reports results of a simple educational production analysis focusing on the relationship of school expenditures and student performance. Identifies production inefficiencies. Efforts to identify patterns in…

A Nebraska district (Fort Calhoun Community Schools) evolved seven steps toward efficient vertical articulation: find leaders at different levels; create and support a committee; determine what should be articulated; draft a scope-and-sequence paper; review and compare exit objectives/competencies; adapt programs; and review, revise, and update…

Examines how Duke University facility management, faced with a triple-fold increase in steam use in its medical center laundry, made improvements that resulted in a three-month payback. Removing the flash tank from the condensate, repiping of the condensate system, and installing of a steam-metering system are discussed. (GR)

Links between organizational performance and high-performance work practices were studied using data from the National Employment Survey, measures of work practices comparable across organizations, and a longitudinal design incorporating data predating use of high-performance practices. Practices raise employee compensation without necessarily…

Seven case studies of Dutch organizations were used to analyze the relationship between organizational characteristics and types of on-the-job training (OJT) using contingency theory. When the type of structured OJT corresponded to the type of organization, the probability of effectiveness was greater. (SK)

Examines the concept of the efficiency with which text is entered into a word processor--from the perspective of effective use of keyboard shortcuts. Illustrates how the possibility for productiveness offered by shortcuts, available through the use of features such as Autotext, are often under-utilized by many word processor users, academics being…

Suggests that to develop fluency, educators need teacher-directed lessons in which children spend the maximum amount of time engaged in reading connected text. Presents the National Reading Panel's (2000) examination of research on guided oral reading in order to explore what works. Discusses research on effectiveness of reading practices and…

Discussion of online consumer behavior focuses on the development of a conceptual model and a set of propositions to explain the main factors influencing online price search. Integrates the psychological search literature into the context of online searching by incorporating ability and cost to search for information into perceived search…

Often, specialists in the field of Assistive Technology (AT) are presented with the challenge of teaching learners to utilize AT in order to increase, maintain, or improve their capabilities. Despite best efforts, rates of AT abandonment are alarmingly high. Understanding the factors that may influence an individual's choice to utilize AT may…

Based on a sample of ten of the country's 21 public universities, this article examines the relative efficiency of South African universities between 1994 and 1997 using Data Envelopment Analysis. After outlining the nature and limitations of the technique, a series of seven models were tested. Each used a consolidation of the annual output of…

The present paper tackles the issue of the higher education funding system in Slovenia. Its main attribute is that institutions are classified into study groups according to their fields of education, and funds granted by the state are based on their weights or study group factors (SGF). Analysis conducted using data envelopment analysis tested…

The article tracks the evolution of the English school finance system from 1988 to 2007. Three main periods are distinguished: Establishing Local Management of Schools (1988-1997); New Labour and Consolidation (1997-2002); and Centralizing Labour (2002-2007). Three key criteria are applied in assessing the system--efficiency, equity and…

The recent court decision in Ohio requires that school districts spend a sufficient amount to insure that students are able to meet outcome objectives. Determination of adequate spending is complicated by the influence that fixed socioeconomic factors have on outcome provision; adequate spending will vary depending on the harshness of the…

Given that 74% of undergraduates work an average of 25.5 hours per week while going to school, we know surprisingly little about how off-campus employment affects undergraduates and to what extent its impact varies by the number of hours worked. Our survey of undergraduates at a small liberal arts college found that the academic performance of…