Proposes a framework utilizing feature and functionality appraisal and quantitative and qualitative techniques to allow systematic evaluation of different Internet telephony systems. Techniques include voice process evaluation through signal reproduction, Diagnostic Rhyme Test, Diagnostic Acceptability Measure, Degradation Category Rating, and…

Presents components of human resource accounting (HRA)--description of human resource costs, estimation of return on investment, estimation of human resource values. Reviews research on the influence of HRA on decision making, concluding that a number of factors inhibit its effective use. (SK)

States that cost-control and efficiency initiatives will continue to be directed at higher education. Suggests that rather than focusing on technology it might be wiser to focus on attaining the highest standards in teaching, innovative learning opportunities, academic advising, and student-development services throughout the nation's colleges and…

Discusses the tradeoff of speed and movability versus costs when using relocatable buildings to solve educational space needs. Concluding comments address building-code compliance issues driving up expenses and impacting facility planning.(GR)

Describes an integrated counseling model that combines both solution-focused and cost-benefit counseling techniques. The model was designed to be used with college students who abuse alcohol. (Author/MKA)

Discussion of distance education evaluation focuses on the differences between delivery technology and instructional technology. Offers brief descriptions of evaluation plans, questions, and examples associated with each type of technology and discusses issues related to the cost effectiveness evaluation of distance education. (Contains 50…

Describes parallel computing and presents inexpensive ways to implement a virtual parallel computer with multiple Web servers. Highlights include performance measurement of parallel systems; models for using Java and intranet technology including single server, multiple clients and multiple servers, single client; and a comparison of CGI (common…

Alliances for academic home care offer a new approach to advance the knowledge base related to home care, to improve quality and cost effectiveness of home care services, to prepare the next generation of providers to manage and deliver care in a restructured practice paradigm, and to influence health and social policy. (JOW)

Suggests a framework for estimating the costs associated with shifting from the traditional method of financing and administering U.S. public schools to an educational voucher system. Uses certain framework components to compute "ballpark" estimates in five cost areas: accommodating additional students, record keeping, student…

Comparison of 35 nurses in a traditional continuing-education workshop with 28 using a self-instructional videotape-learning package showed that both groups improved scores. Initial costs for the self-instruction package were higher, but it could prove more economical in the long run, saving participants time and money. (SK)

A research review identified findings about the financial analysis method, forecasting of the financial benefits of human resource development (HRD), and recent financial analysis research: (1) HRD embedded in a performance improvement framework yielded high return on investment; and (2) HRD interventions focused on performance variables forecast…

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Tech Prep Consortium model for replicating tech prep programs includes these steps: fact finding, local industry analysis, curriculum development, detailed description, marketing strategies, implementation, and program evaluation. (SK)

Provides an overview of the recently developed state accountability system for public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island. Discusses accountability systems as technologies of social control and considers the costs, benefits, uncertainties, and necessary tensions associated with accountability systems. (Author/SLD)

Electronic learning can demonstrate its value to an organization in terms of raw numbers. Assessment and skill-gap analysis tools provide useful performance improvement evidence. (JOW)

Employs a contextual effects perspective to identify family, job, and workplace characteristics associated with the use of work-family benefits of 527 employees in 83 businesses. Determined that particular family problems predict female employee use of paid leave and mental health benefits. Summarizes that workplace size, sector, and culture are…