Discussion of cultural barriers in information systems focuses on results of a study at a large private research organization in Austria that was conducted to identify major problem areas and to develop a framework for identifying and evaluating possible solutions. User, technical, and cost factors for evaluating options are considered. (30…

Critiques two recent White Papers representing future policy directions for British post-16 education and training. The higher education White Paper exemplifies the government's quest to enhance efficiency in pubic-sector organizations by introducing commercial-sector models. By prompting higher student enrollment without increased funding and…

A Lesson Plan Evaluation Form was developed to provide systematic quantitative data about classroom functioning in an elementary-level gifted program. Plans (n=137) from 15 teachers were analyzed, and useful information about program functioning was obtained in a cost-effective manner. Data obtained were consistent with data from more traditional…

Emory University (Georgia) has advanced its fundraising by leveraging a $2 million challenge from the Coca-Cola Foundation. The school publicized the challenge, made the case for an added incentive to give, and integrated advancement functions to get greater results. Challenge grants can come from industry, foundations, and alumni; and careful…

It is recommended that colleges and universities considering building renovation or new construction first conduct a feasibility study to uncover existing conditions, avoid potential problems, explore design options, and determine comparative costs. A seven-step process for such a study is outlined. (MSE)

A resource cost methodology was used to obtain estimates of the cost of 11 early intervention programs for children, aged birth through five, with disabilities. Factors that had the greatest influence on cost were program duration and frequency of service, staff-child ratio, geographic location, and volunteer resources. (Author/JDD)

In a time of declining earnings and increased economic inequality, special education could be an important source of equalizing funding for low-income children. Evidence regarding school resource allocation is used to evaluate the potential effects of increased spending on educational outcomes, required funding levels to meet various goals, and…

Offers cost-saving measures that allow school districts to stretch their buying power through consolidation, privatization, and regionalization. (MLF)

This article proposes that a feasibility study should precede a major college fund-raising campaign. Issues to consider include what such a study can accomplish, what makes it credible, who should do it and when, how to determine who should be interviewed, time requirements, costs, consultant role, and expectations. (MSE)

Computerized bus-routing systems plot the most efficient routes, cut the time it takes to draw routes, and generate reports quickly and accurately. However, school districts often underestimate the amount of work necessary to get information into the computer database. (MLF)

The article addresses special costs of strategies involved in maintaining students with behavior disorders in least restrictive environments including regular classrooms. Considered are factors influencing teacher choice of interventions, assumptions about classroom management, the role of the teacher, and intervention strategies and their…

Examines the postschool attainment effects of offering courses in typing and keyboarding as part of general education, using national survey data from the High School and Beyond data set. Regarding employability and earnings, society's investment in keyboarding instruction is money well spent. Taking high school keyboarding courses significantly…

Increasingly, colleges and universities are using video conferencing to cut administrative travel budgets and improve productivity. Texas A&M University uses the technology to link eight campuses statewide. Declining costs and enhanced picture quality make video conferencing more appealing to many institutions. It is also used for distance…

Surveyed by mail the preference patterns of 326 Florida small farm operators for obtaining information through extension programs. Confirmatory factor analysis verified the presence of a lower cost preference pattern (mass media) and two higher cost patterns, one focused on individual consultation and the other on group educational activities.…

An overview is given of four evaluation studies conducted to determine the need for and possible parameters of a "postinterstate" highway policy. How these studies sought to provide cumulative information for policy makers is discussed. They investigated the scope of problems, the federal role, cost issues, and technology. (SLD)