The purchasing professional's role involves the development of purchasing-program strategies that include the following: (1) product research and evaluation; (2) supplier sourcing; (3) procurement and pricing alternatives; (4) contract administration; (5) systems design and administration; and (6) strategic planning. (MLF)

The primary objective of the purchasing specification is to provide an accurate basis for obtaining a product or service that will satisfy a particular need at a reasonable cost. Describes material vs. performance specifications and brand-name or equal specifications. (MLF)

The average American child lives on a fat-laden diet, watches too much television, and gets insufficient exercise. A comprehensive, cost-effective school program based on three interrelated components--health education, health services, and a healthy environment--should increase awareness of healthy lifestyles and build in strategies for involving…

Two important parameters of the general utility function--the standard deviation of job performance and predictor performance--were examined in terms of their sensitivity to departures from underlying mathematical assumptions. Integral calculus was used to assess the effects of statistical violations of the assumptions underlying these parameters.…

Models through which higher education provides outreach include centralized, decentralized, and hybrid. The latter, academically integrated and administratively decentralized, meshes continuing education programs with the academic mission while maximizing cost effectiveness. (SK)

A central food service production facility combined with a central warehouse and commissary has been financially effective in Dayton, Ohio. (MLF)

Reviews the literature and analyses of the joint problem-solving strategies that have emerged during the 1980s and are used by management and labor to improve company performance, employee welfare, and labor-management relations. Includes a 58-item bibliography and 32 additional references. (JOW)

The principal is viewed as the one responsible for the opening and occupation of a new school. Lists 17 questions a newly appointed principal needs to have answered. Stresses the importance of operating an efficient and effective maintenance and operations program. (eight references) (MLF)

American Trucking Association conducted survey of 1,655 motor carriers 2 years ago concerning drug use in trucking industry. Based on responses from 540 carriers (32%) costs of drug testing ranged between $30 and $70 per test. Of 153,000 truck drivers tested, 1.95% were verified "positive" for illegal drug use. Delaware study of school…

Discusses a four-level model of criteria for evaluating training: learner reactions, learning, job application, and observable business results. Looks at reasons why organizations avoid evaluating business results--they can be difficult, time consuming, intimidating, and used inappropriately. Offers guidelines for effective use of the model. (JOW)

Discussion of the value of knowledge clarifies issues related to the distinction between the process of information and the knowledge transmitted. Topics addressed include practical and intellectual knowledge, the value of education, the private and social value of scientific journals, and benefit-and-cost analysis. (eight references) (MES)

Survey forms sent to 108 Ohio school districts asked which of 11 food-service practices they used. A statistical comparison of their responses against state figures on the profitability of food-service operations at similar districts reveals what works and what does not work. (MLF)

Self-funding means that the client has accepted a portion of the risk and funded for that portion of the risk in a separate account designated exclusively for the payment of claims. Focuses on the financial advantages to self-funding the medical-insurance program. Presents pluses and minuses and defines a list of insurance terms. (MLF)

This third in a series of articles on EDIS (Electronic Document Imaging System) technology focuses on organizational issues. Highlights include computer platforms; management information systems; computer-based skills of staff; new technology and change; time factors; financial considerations; document conversion costs; the benefits of EDIS…

Examines adequacy and stability concepts found in education finance reports and Oregon reform efforts and legislation, highlighting funding for safety net districts. The concept in the governor's commission report are largely undefined, making operationalism and measurement difficult. A centralized, comprehensive database would aid future research…