Classifies and briefly describes several types of optical storage media available today--read-only and write-once analog disks, read-only and write-once digital disks and erasable disks. The appropriateness of CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) for use in libraries of developing nations is discussed in terms of users' information needs and…

It is difficult to apply benefit cost analysis to human service programs. This paper explains "threshold benefit analysis," the derivation of the minimum dollar value which the benefits must attain in order for their value to equal the intervention costs. The method is applied to a mobility training program. (BS)

Comments on Kerwin et al.'s article on Covariance Structure analysis (LISREL). Concerns include assumptions about requirements for causal inferences, psychometric properties of measurement scales, validity of the indicators of each latent variable, completeness of the structural model, linearity of the latent variables, and the joint distribution…

Described back-end synthesis as the creation and integration of the secondary intervention required for efficient and cost-effective implementation of performance improvement programs. Involving analysis, design, evaluation, revision, and implementation, this process is related to front-end analysis, and a sample application in a performance…

A study of Massachusetts Institute of Technology student living groups equipped with powerful computer workstations suggests that the intervention enhances rather than degrades the living groups socially, a few residents benefit substantially while most benefit only modestly, and individual benefits fail to offset potential organizational costs.…

Discusses the problems encountered in viewing original works of art for scholarship purposes, and argues that a combination of videodisks and computers offers a cost effective method of reproduction. A description of the development of the Perseus Project, a visual database of ancient Greece, focuses on advantages to scholars. (CLB)

Discusses federal regulations that force federal agencies to justify budget requests through the use of benefit-to-cost analysis techniques. The description of a new approach, based on the Delphi technique, includes the information handling process, calculations of costs and benefits, and resulting value enhancements. (three references) (CLB)

Summarizes presentations on profitability in the information industry from the viewpoints of producers, who have to have a reason to be in business, and users, whose businesses are often driven by the information they can access and the price of that information. (Author/CLB)

National survey data on the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefits of 11 different juvenile offender treatment program types are reviewed. Best-worst-midpoint, threshold, and convergency analyses are applied to these studies. Meaningful ways of dealing with missing information when evaluating alternative juvenile justice policies and programs are…

Describes an approach to bridging the gap between a packaged computer-based training program and desired course goals and objectives. (JOW)

The capital markets approach is an alternative means of risk financing whereby a school system establishes and controls its own insurance company and makes systematic contributions to pay for expected and anticipated losses and their associated costs. (MLF)

The exposure to risk and its potential subsequent costs are commonly financed through insurance. Another way to handle risk is by a contract defining the responsibility for loss between the parties to a contract. Guidelines with examples are provided. (MLF)

Describes the conspectus collection evaluation process and its utility to smaller libraries, as demonstrated by the Library and Information Resources for the Northwest project. The discussion includes the costs of this method in staff time, the value of a completed conspectus, and problems with the methodology. (13 notes with references) (CLB)

The author defines the output and effectiveness of training and its monetary and psychological costs and discusses the cost-benefit implications of institution-based training, enterprise-based training, apprenticeships, self-instruction, and new educational technologies. He argues that an examination of these implications is indispensible for…

Describes the experiences of the American Society for Training and Development library with the CD-ROM version of ERIC. The following topics are discussed: (1) installation of the CD-ROM system; (2) CD-ROM vs. online searching; (3) cost/benefit of CD-ROM; (4) patron response; and (5) future plans. (1 reference) (MES)