Although role-playing is an effective way to create the atmosphere of "real" business situations, technical writing teachers should continue to concentrate primarily on student writing problems and the development of such composition skills as brevity and audience awareness. (RL)

Seven local government organizations are evaluated in terms of their ability to search out and respond to the properties of the external environment; to use their resources to produce outputs and to maintain and restore the system; and to bargain and optimize their use of resources with other decision-makers. (Author/MLF)

There is no basis for the belief that making a school or district bigger is likely to make it better. Educational improvement and economic efficiency are the real challenges. (Author/MLF)

Presents an alternative conceptual model of Reflection-Impulsivity. The alternative dimension delineates both a cognitive style and a cognitive efficiency dimension. A methodological alternative for use with the model is also presented. (BD)

Assesses the current energy problems and considers possible solutions. (MDR)

Middle managers will be under the greatest strain as colleges and universities continue to adopt more efficient administrative practices and cut costs. They will meet the challenge by watching their time carefully and by maintaining professional development. (Author/LBH)

Performance assessment involves comparing the level and quality of an institution's outcomes with its objectives and examining input-output (cost-benefit) relationships. (Author/IRT)

Directors of small public relations shops were queried on how they have cut out unproductve work. Some time-wasters include: long committee meetings, telephones, outside services, things that require big effort for little reward, interruptions, junk mail, typewriters, etc. (MLW)

The chairperson of the Study Group on the Condition of Excellence in American Higher Education summarizes the group's report, "Involvement in Learning", and its recommendations concerning the need for: demonstrable improvements in student knowledge, skills, capacities, and attitudes; clearly and publicly expressed academic standards; and…

Describes a survey that evaluated time management practices among directors of large academic libraries. Factors such as the ability to delegate authority, leadership style, and the most common time wasters are discussed, and topics are suggested for further research. (19 references) (Author/CLB)

Illustrating major points with specific examples (including a "Doonesbury cartoon), the main article faults schools' organizational efficiency and educators' ignorance of child development for forcing young children to work beyond their developmental readiness. An inset article presents the 19th century kindergarten as a haven for children to grow…

Because diesel engines are more economical and longer-lasting than gasoline engines, school districts are rapidly increasing their use of diesel buses. Dependence on diesel power, however, entails vulnerability to cost increases due to the unreliability of crude oil supplies and contributes to air pollution. (MCG)

Develops a model for estimating the comparative costs of a middle school structure and an intermediate school structure. Considers the extensive cost data collected in the Montgomery County (Maryland) school system. (JW)

By focusing school schedules on teacher-directed instruction in reading and mathematics and developing a parallel-block master schedule, more efficient use can be made of classroom time without large expenditures of money or time for staff development. (DCS)

Analyzes four instructional methods used to teach biology to disadvantaged high school students in terms of learning efficiency (net gain mean/total time mean). Concludes that individualized methods are more efficient than group methods. (MLH)