Describes a major problem facing educators today, outlines various methods that have been used (for the most part, unsatisfactorily) to solve the dilemma, and posits a systematic approach to modern curriculum planning that has been field tested at the Kettering Medical Center School of Medical Technology. (Author/CT)

This article reports on productivity programs being undertaken by private sector organizations. One private sector case described here was based on identifying productivity problems and linking information/measurement systems with participative management efforts and could be adapted and applied to public sector organizations. (CT)

This study notes the increasing need for economic justification of vocational education at the local level. A cost-benefit analysis model (the components of which are costs, process, and benefits) was established for use by local practitioners. The findings from use of the model indicate that three of the four vocational programs had positive…

Suggests that the application of the economists' paradigm, which is that an economic entity will behave in a positive way if he or she perceives the benefits of that behavior as outweighing the costs, can be applied to the problem of reading difficulties. (DF)

Describes underlying technology of interactive videodiscs; significance of still-frame audio in videodisc design; instructional uses and effectiveness, particularly in mass training situations; main production stages (concept, preliminary plan, final plan, script, premastering, mastering); mastering process; costs; and guidelines for…

Planning details are suggested for producing a quality, cost-effective training video. Discusses choosing a video medium, writing the script, and deciding on production facilities. Tips to consider when hiring an outside consultant are also given. (CT)

Attention is focused on the possible loss of efficiency associated with efforts to increase size by closing schools and consolidating school districts. Empirical evidence from New York State is presented that shows that lower levels of efficiency exist in large compared to small school districts. Implications for policy are explored. (Author/CT)

Presents the options available in risk management insurance and group health insurance programs, while outlining recent changes in the industry and their effects on school risk management programs. (MD)

Describes how one school district saved money, simplified carpet maintenance, and kept its carpets clean by trying a new dry compound carpet care method. (MD)

Presents a feasibility study on the use of the telephone for screening interviews. Participants were 50 students interviewed on campus and 14 students interviewed by telephone. There were no significant differences in the two groups' evaluations of their interviews. The importance of verbal communication skills was emphasized. (JAC)

Computers, though they can help educational institutions manage their facilities efficiently, are no substitute for good judgment. Before computerizing, institutions should systematize their records and evaluate their information needs; they should take care not to acquire unnecessary systems or become over-reliant on computers. (MCG)

Describes a study conducted to determine how many state governments had established employee assistance programs (EAPs). Results concerned how state EAPs are organized, services provided, cost of programs, what dollars or productive benefits were calculated, and what problems have been encountered by state EAPs. (CT)

College purchasing officers need to dispel their image as penny-pinchers looking for the low bid and purveyors of paperwork who keep employees from the products they want. With competitive bidding and consortium buying, universities have realized significant savings. (MLW)

A cost analysis approach can effectively integrate budget and program planning. By analyzing staff time across components of an early childhood program, one can analyze program operations and their costs. The cost analysis system examines personnel costs as well as nonpersonnnel costs and in-kind contributions and provides a format for displaying…

The author discusses various aspects of training and development: formal job-related training and development, the behavioral/cognitive split in informal learning on the job, workplace training inside and out, costs and benefits of workplace learning, and forces accounting for growth and decline in the training and development function in…