Describes the use of the charge-back system to foster better financial decision making, organizational efficiency, and waste prevention. Discusses an example of the charge-back system in reducing copying costs, including charging criteria. (GR)

Considers user charges from the perspective of (hidden) taxation theory and relevant principles (benefit, ability-to-pay, yield, neutrality, and administrative costs), based on semistructured interviews with 43 educators conducted at 18 British Columbia secondary schools. Students were offered more choices, but imposition of fees probably…

Although some patent questions should be left to professionals, others can be answered using Internet-based patent databases. Provides an overview of Internet sites, including addresses, descriptions, costs, and evaluations of free and fee-based sites and guidelines for when do-it-yourself online patent searching is and is not appropriate. (PEN)

Comparisons of the training practices of large companies confirm that the delivery and financing of training is changing rapidly. Companies in the American Society for Training and Development Benchmarking Forum are delivering less training with permanent staff and more with strategic use of technology, contract staff, and external providers,…

Looks at different performance-measurement tools than can ensure that a training or performance solution is strategically aligned, objectively evaluated, and quantitatively measured for results. Suggests aiming for a balance among the financial, customer, and internal perspectives and the innovation and learning that can result. (Author/JOW)

The Agricultural Experimental Station at Kansas State University switched from paper publication to compact discs. The change resulted in savings of more than $20,000 in 1 year and allowed for a searchable, comprehensive package of information rather than a single publication. (Contains 10 references.) (JOW)

Describes a framework to support an object-oriented approach to performance analysis and instructional design that includes collaboration, automation, visual modeling, and reusable Web-based repositories of analysis knowledge. Relates the need for a new framework to the increasing concern with the cost effectiveness of student and employee…

Research reveals better outcomes for smaller schools or smaller learning communities within schools. Data from 489 schools indicate that smaller size can be cost effective. In light of these findings, some states are changing policies that favored consolidation and larger schools. (SK)

Considers whether electronic learning can be effective for performance improvement in business. Topics include the prevalence of online instruction; electronic learning as one tool among many effective ones; different ways of learning; cost effectiveness; reasons to invest in electronic learning; and assessing learning needs. (LRW)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of audioconferencing for professional development; recommends basing technology choice on curriculum and provides a checklist of criteria. Describes an audio workshop on learning disabilities, outlining principles of good practice, guidelines for site coordinators, and participant handouts. (SK)

Discusses how an emphasis on student recruitment, combined with deferred maintenance backlogs and maintenance budget cuts, suggest that further study needs to be done on the intrinsic value of campus maintenance. (EV)

Discusses how to calculate the return on investment from electronic learning. Describes web-based calculators that help assess the effect of training on organizational performance. (JOW)

Professor of community pediatrics at the University of California at San Diego describes several cost-effective approaches to implementing a school health program. Includes, for example, taping underutilized community resources, carefully screening school health requests, prioritizing student health problems. (PKP)

Using the example of the Five Colleges consortium, explores the measuring of benefits and costs involved in intercollegiate cooperation. Discusses how the benefits are often other than cost-savings, which is ostensibly why many institutions join such consortia. (EV)

Describes a Missouri self-insurance or pooling program that provides a risk protection package, along with risk management services, to its members. Discusses cost advantages to pooling, and other factors school districts should consider when deciding whether or not to join a pooling arrangement. (MLF)