The use of evaluation findings for program improvement and decision making was explored with the philosophy that different levels of information use occur--from altering perceptions of a program, to influencing major decisions about it. The strategy of deliberately involving potential information users such as clients, sponsors, and other…

In 1985-86, Butler County Community College (BCCC) was awarded a Title III Planning Grant, which allowed the college to develop a long-range strategic planning process. Expected outcomes of the process were to define future directions for BCCC, capitalize upon present and future realities, provide systematic processes whereby the college is able…

The shared governance program in the Salt Lake City schools has the teachers and administrators working together to solve problems. (IRT)

The Management Decision Making Matrix establishes the basis for the development and revision of a district management philosophy, procedures, job descriptions, as well as group and individual goals and objectives. It provides the management team with the basis for identifying decision making areas and assessing appropriate degrees of involvement.…

Describes the residents' committee in China as a form of neighborhood organization that acts as a linking mechanism between the bureaucracy and ordinary citizens. Argues that the residents' committee can reflect community problems and needs to policymakers and, conversely, help the grassroots government explain or implement public policies. (CH)

The collaborative school provides a climate and a structure that encourage teachers to work together with the principal and other administrators toward school improvement and professional growth. (Author)

The project described attempted to analyze the informal and nonformal educational practices within certain community agencies that are part of an emergent social movement in Cape Town, South Africa. The paper focuses on a critical discussion of internal participatory democratic practices within the agencies. (CH)

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has two major distinctions: national recognition for determining Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for state and local governments, including school districts, and its commitment to due process. This article urges GASB's 11,500 constituents to participate fully by responding to discussion…

Offers administrators 15 guidelines for effective delegation, descriptions of 6 participatory decision making methods, and 5 procedures for problem solving. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of delegation and participation. (LFL)

Discusses an instrument called "The Balance of Power" which is designed to enable managers to identify their management skill needs and improve their management style by balancing effective planning and involvement of the person to be managed. Five management styles and their idiosyncrasies are discussed. (MBR)

Analyzes the effects of an implementation of a three-day/thirty-eight hour (3/38) work schedule among information systems personnel (N=84). Data showed that 18 months after implementation, 3/38 employees still strongly favor the compressed schedule. Data also suggest substantial organizational payoffs including reductions in sick time, overtime,…

Discusses a group problem-solving method in conflict resolution which consists of three phases: problem identification (four steps); analysis (two steps); and synthesis (three steps). A matrix format for evaluating alternative solutions in terms of essential and desirable criteria or conditions, with a complete analysis of each step, is included.…

This report summarizes key implementation lessons from the six-city Community Change for Youth Development (CCYD) initiative, which investigated whether providing neighborhoods a framework of ideas (core concepts) would speed the process and increase the effectiveness of neighborhood-wide, resident-involvement initiatives aimed at assisting all…

This participant's manual presents materials for a national conference (May 2002) on youth leadership development within organizations of disabled individuals. Introductory material includes the conference agenda, information about the trainers, and information about the sponsoring organizations, the Independent Living Research Utilization Program…

Criticizes the Job-Training Partnership Act of 1982 (JTPA) for failing to provide an active role for young people in shaping, rather than simply consuming, its services. Describes ways in which youth can contribute to training programs and calls for elected officials and planning groups to encourage such participation. (GC)