School systems with a rating of "A" or lower can save money by insuring their bonds because, in almost every instance, the reduced borrowing cost more than offsets the bond insurance premium. Included is a list compiled by Donna Harrington-Lueker of the four major players in the bond insurance field and elements to consider in choosing…

Evaluates the Library and Information Science Abstracts on optical data disk available through SilverPlatter Information Inc. The criteria discussed include installation instructions; ease of use; retrieval facilities; the results of a test search; the screen display; documentation; characteristics of the database; and cost and updating. (CLB)

Presents findings of an evaluation that was designed to assess the results of the Second Pan American Teleconference on AIDS. Benefits of teleconferencing for health care workers in developing countries are discussed, emphasizing cost effectiveness; evaluation methods are described; and results are analyzed from a regional perspective. (six…

Discusses the economic implications of the recommendations of "Health Care for the Homeless," the controversial supplementary statement to the Institute of Medicine's report, "Homelessness, Health and Human Needs." Concludes that the original report presents a more politically realistic approach to the problems of the homeless…

Topics related to the identification and use of effectiveness indicators in the economic analysis of education are discussed. These topics include the relation between economic concepts and educational production; the economic concept of utility; and the nature and use of input, process, output, and outcome indicators. (TJH)

Data from a survey of 88 computer-assisted instruction (CAI) projects suggests that (1) costs of CAI include far more than computer hardware, (2) CAI is not always more cost effective than other alternatives, and (3) underutilization of CAI delivery systems reduces cost effectiveness. (IAH)

Cost information influences many decisions managers and school administrators make. A well-conceived cost analysis promotes financial control and accountability, and should be used as a mainstream management activity in nonprofit organizations in order for them to become more cost-conscious and efficient. Two case studies are presented. (VM)

Explains the myths and marvels of computer networks; cites how several schools are utilizing networking; and summarizes where the major computer companies stand today when it comes to networking. (MLF)

Discusses the need for research libraries to develop a greater sense of financial accountability, both from a moral standpoint and to provide better services. Topics covered include areas where cost benefit tradeoffs have been neglected, possible consequences of not becoming accountable, and the debate over user fees. (12 references) (CLB)

The Palos Heights School District, Illinois, eliminated neighborhood elementary schools in favor of a primary (K-2), intermediate (3-5), and middle school (6-8) configuration. Details the strategies for handling public opposition. (MLF)

Johns Hopkins Hospital expanded its health care delivery capabilities and strengthened its position in the marketplace by acquisitions of and mergers with other hospitals and a health maintenance organization. The resulting conglomerate has achieved its goals of expanding patient care, broadening the patient base, and enlarging the asset base and…

Arizona's Future for Child Nutrition organization hired a professional public relations and advertising agency to increase student participation in school lunches. After, the opinions and needs of students were researched, and the agency launched a campaign that featured radio advertising, television and radio talk shows, and press coverage, with…

FAX technology was used to send surveys to professionals at 25 higher education institutions whereas professionals at 25 more institutions received mail surveys. Follow-up responses were sent by FAX and mail. Response rates (overall rate of 40%) were best for those receiving surveys and reminders by FAX. Cost effectiveness is discussed. (SLD)

When it became apparent that change was necessary to alter Hatboro Horsham High School's (Pennsylvania) downward trend in grades and SAT scores, the school adopted "intensive scheduling," which is built on the 85-minute, 5-period day. Intensive scheduling proved very successful, and the school's statistics have improved greatly. (KDP)

Uses household survey data for 18 Latin American countries to assess earnings differentials by education level and to chart 1980s changes. Introducing cost of education allows private and social rates of return to education investment to be estimated by education level, gender, employment sector, curriculum type, duration. In most countries,…