Maintaining a quality college alumni program on a small budget requires careful analysis of services and may involve painful decisions. This process should begin with a broad, strategic review of mission, programming, audiences, and services. Finding other funding sources and increasing cost-consciousness can also help keep some activities funded.…

The impact of the Employment Action Pilot Project on employable immigrants on welfare in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada), was studied with 24 immigrant clients, 15 single-parent female immigrants, and over 300 comparisons. Significant differences were not found between program and comparison groups. Impacts other than cost-effectiveness are discussed.…

This article describes the cost-of-quality model used at El Camino College (California), which formally measures the costs associated with process improvement activities. A case study illustrates use of the model in evaluating a new process for reimbursing faculty and staff attending conferences. (DB)

Worker's Compensation premiums at a New Jersey school district had risen 131% in only three years, and the insurance carrier informed the district that coverage would be dropped. A plan to reduce worker's compensation costs evolved on three fronts--administrative direction, rules concerning compensation claims, and safety issues. (MLF)

The percentage of books in a research library having personal authors that were cataloged and entered in a one-screen minicatalog was determined to be 36.6 percent when searched. Libraries can reduce cataloging costs and increase user access to information by simplifying cataloging. (AEF)

Examines the value of professional associations, and discusses their benefits, including networking, technological advancements, sharing of knowledge, cost-effectiveness, and career opportunities. Identifies the elements of a successful association: (1) mission; (2) vision; (3) objectives; and (4) strategy. Also describes procedures for setting up…

The North Carolina General Assembly directed the State Building Commission to study the comparative costs of multi- and single-prime contracting and report the results to the 1995 General Assembly. Describes the analysis of data collected from governmental units that had awarded construction contracts. Identifies some alternative contracting…

Examines teletraining as a cost-effective, high quality alternative in distance education. Teletraining methods include: audio-only, audio-graphic, computer-conferencing, one-way video broadcast, one- or two-way video with audio interaction, and desktop videoconferencing. (AEF)

A methodology for estimating the cost-effectiveness of coordinated programs from the standpoint of an electric or gas utility is described and illustrated. The discussion focuses on demand-side management programs cofunded by the government and utilities, but it can be applied to other types of cofunded programs. (SLD)

Examines production and cost structures of 28 Turkish universities to estimate their economies of scale and scope. Estimates multiproduct cost functions for teaching and research, examining social, health, and engineering sciences departments across 186 college faculties. Average incremental and marginal costs are highest for graduate instruction…

Lists 27 suggestions for making cost-effective decisions when buying personal computers. Topics covered include physical comfort; modem speed; color graphics; institutional discounts; direct-order firms; brand names; replacing versus upgrading; expanding hard disk capacity; printers; software; wants versus needs; and RLIN (Research Libraries…

Explores aspects of conducting management simulations in a corporate environment, based on the experiences of a facilitator for 15 classes that used a total enterprise game. Observations regarding simulation value, team size and selection, number of sessions, the role of the facilitator, and model design are offered. (36 references) (MES)

There are numerous historical precedents for today's demands for economic efficiency and accountability in schools. This paper examines comprehensive nineteenth-century accountability system ("Payment by Results") that endured in English and Welsh elementary schools from 1862 until 1897. The amount of the yearly governmental grant…

The conflict between family and work is not going to go away by itself. Many companies offer programs, benefits, and services that support workers and their families. Tracking results of the programs on such issues as productivity, turnover, absenteeism, and tardiness will help organizations modify or supplement their training and education…

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has made it illegal to discriminate against a disabled job applicant who is capable of doing the job. Adaptive devices allow even severely disabled people to perform jobs. Employers can use technology to help disabled employees be as productive as others. (JOW)