Develops a model for estimating the comparative costs of a middle school structure and an intermediate school structure. Considers the extensive cost data collected in the Montgomery County (Maryland) school system. (JW)

The cost effectiveness of videocassettes and television broadcasts for the Open University's instructional purposes is examined, and the relative inexpensiveness of videocassette production and distribution is weighed against other issues, including access to equipment, changes in format necessary to take advantage of videocassettes' instructional…

This essay addresses factors that influence a customer's perception of the value of online information delivery services: evident costs, uncertain return, long-term return, not directly productive, overhead expense, and differential use. Roles assumed in acquiring and using information services (purchasers, searchers, consumers), price, and…

Presents methodological considerations in developing an automatic cheap algorithm for computerized path diagraming, gives some plotted results, and describes a program which produces the plots from an input matrix of path coefficients on a standard line printer. The program accommodates unidirectional and reciprocal causation and represents…

The article cites the need for quality evaluation of the effects of early intervention programs for handicapped students and outlines a meta-analysis approach to examine issues of efficacy and cost effectiveness. Proposed plans for collecting and analyzing cost effectiveness data are detailed. (CL)

Describes a study of the effects of a low-cost incentive program--including daily, weekly, and monthly reinforcements such as attention, approval, and inexpensive awards--on the absenteeism of high-absence employees in an urban school district's transportation department. A 20-percent reduction in absenteeism was achieved. (TE)

An approach to cost analysis that begins in the department, the lowest organizational level, is discussed, using tables designed to outline the distribution of instructional staff resources and academic program characteristics such as enrollment, student characteristics, curricula requiring the course, and staff cost data, by course. (MSE)

Threshold analysis (TA) is introduced as an evaluation model. TA converts unknown variables into questions as to whether a given benefit, cost, or success probability is more or less than a threshold, above which the proposed project would be profitable, and below which it would be unprofitable. (Author/PN)

Argues against using regional cost adjustments in state school finance plans. Identifies and corrects erroneous assumptions about cost effects, cost of teachers, and salary rationales. (JW)

Examples of educational facilities using metal buildings to lower construction costs and increase flexibility. (MLF)

Chicago's public schools are getting a major face lift in a $330 million rehabilitation program. (Author/MLF)

A participatory process by which a useful costing and data management system was developed at Chapman College is described. The system summarizes information on instructional workloads, class sizes, and the costs per student credit hour for academic programs. Costs incurred in other areas to support each program are included. (Editor/LBH)

The lack of statistical records in library administration is examined along with various reasons for the difficulty in measuring and recording the assorted contents and costs of a library. The need for some realistic benefit-and-cost analysis for information systems of various dimensions is noted. (LBH)

The Seattle Community College District substituted a four-person committee for a district president for a 44-month period. The results were better than expected, with cost savings and general harmony, but with losses in areas of planning, continuity, grievance handling, and accountability. (Editor/LBH)

The increasing demand for accountability involves both a demand for cost-effective management and a demand for proof that objectives are being met. It is suggested that the public has difficulty understanding quality in higher education because it is not familiar with the language of quality. (LBH)