Analyzes the effects of information systems and telecommunications on worker productivity. Discovered difficulty in measuring benefits, but determined that long term productivity benefits include higher efficiency and reduced costs. Describes three stages of technologically induced change. Tables show benefits and applications of…

This case study examines how the University of Florida personnel office coped with reduced staff and increased responsibilities. Key strategies included systematic goal setting, staff involvement, streamlining of routine tasks, and increasing computer literacy. Increased efficiency has resulted. (DB)

A college's administrative services and support units must give attention to improving quality and service just as instructional units do. Greater efficiency and productivity among noninstructional units can have a significant impact on institutional feasibility. Cost reduction is most effective when there is a common understanding of core…

Analysis of Swedish higher education according to a variety of efficiency and quality criteria and in comparison with other systems shows this liberal, unified system with open enrollment reaches an internationally acceptable standard of output relative to cost, indicating that democratization has not resulted in lowered quality as critics…

At Oregon State University, an investigation into physical plant administration in response to complaints found significant problems with customer service. Adopting an approach called Total Quality Management, the staff identified and resolved problems, improved quality, and reduced cost. Administrators feel the principles could be applied in all…

Describes a project that was designed to study the effectiveness and efficiency of editing procedures within an online bibliographic system at a large research university library. A comprehensive statistical overview of editing commands available is presented, frequency of their use is studied, and questions for further research are suggested.…

Practical time management and task management advice is offered to small college communications office personnel. Workers must know how to establish priorities and stick to them, what their limits are and how to leverage time, how to promote themselves and their work, when to tap outside resources, and how to network. (MSE)

Research suggests four different metaphors of schools as organizations: (1) factory; (2) family; (3) jungle; and (4) cathedral. Each implies a leadership role and an ethical responsibility for board members. Integrating all four images might help provide a better map of the board's governance task and improve the board's ability to make wise…

Critiques two recent White Papers representing future policy directions for British post-16 education and training. The higher education White Paper exemplifies the government's quest to enhance efficiency in pubic-sector organizations by introducing commercial-sector models. By prompting higher student enrollment without increased funding and…

Describes technology-based systems that offer performance support, called online performance support systems (OPSS), that help increase productivity and efficiency. Changes in information-related, organization-related, and learning-related factors in corporations are considered; OPSS components are explained, including user-centered design; and…

Seven personality types, and corresponding work styles, are described and ways to foster their creativity in the context of the college/university advancement office are suggested. Managers are urged to lead staff members to develop talents, allow them to do so, and help them move to the next level of achievement. (MSE)

A group of 17 independent colleges and universities in Virginia combine their long distance telephone traffic and network services for an expected savings of $4.65 million over 3 years. The 12-institution consortium that negotiated the plan prioritized service and system criteria and solicited bids from long distance carriers. (MSE)

Offers cost-saving measures that allow school districts to stretch their buying power through consolidation, privatization, and regionalization. (MLF)

Describes a survey of state librarians that was conducted to collect data related to time management practices and the leadership styles of directors in state libraries. Delegation of authority and the ranking of time-wasters are examined, and results are analyzed and interpreted to provide recommendations for improved efficiency. (10 references)…

Discussion of the design of computer menus focuses on two experiments that examined task time across several orderings of menu lists. Findings are described that demonstrated that good physical layout in screen design is not sufficient without good conceptual layout. The size of menu lists for maximizing efficiency is considered. (Contains 17…