Critiques labor force planning techniques and suggests ways to improve decision making for resource allocation. Argues that the basic premise of such planning--balancing supply and demand--may be faulty. (SK)

The 1990s will not be easy for public college faculty, administrators, and governing boards, who will be expected to do more with less money and fewer resources, but bear criticism for cutting back. Simultaneously, society will make greater demands for preparation of the next generation of professionals. The educational establishment must…

The Department of Education's fiscal year (FY) 1992 budget for higher education essentially freezes the FY 1991 funding level, with requested increases in student financial aid and categorical support offset exactly by proposed reductions. Most categorical programs will continue at their current funding level. (MSE)

Astronomical increases in financial-aid budgets are forcing many colleges, even those who have long assured aid to all admitted, to consider scaling back tuition assistance for needy students. At the same time, some institutions are spending millions of dollars in merit scholarships to lure high-caliber undergraduates. (MSE)

It is argued that the problems facing Chinese higher education are caused by underfunding, high inflation, and low internal efficiency. Possible strategies for addressing the problems are discussed, including improving internal efficiency, developing systems of cost sharing and cost recovery, income generation by individual universities, and…

Analysis of patterns of federal and state spending on student aid, enrollment patterns, and policies that sometimes work at cross-purposes suggests that, although the machinery is in place for an equitable system, the American people must adjust their spending priorities to invest more seriously in the country's human resources. (MSE)

Describes vulnerability of student affairs and other academic support areas during economically difficult times. Explores four components of unified systems approach to student affairs financial management that can maintain efficiency and effectiveness: (1) long-range planning; (2) accountability; (3) evaluation; and (4) applied model of systems…

The effects of a new minister of education and increased government control on Australian higher education are discussed, focusing on the implications for policymaking, curriculum, the academic profession, the relationship of research and teaching, and the overall quality and equity of higher education. (MSE)

Redirection of resources is an effective means of replying to institutional decline and managing conditions for growth. Ohio Wesleyan University used admissions spending and emphasis to increase student revenue, build reserves, and achieve specific objectives. Successful gift solicitation and issuance of debt can provide funds for other goals.…

Suggests strategies to help middle managers in libraries cope with difficult financial times. Highlights include resource allocations; the importance of change to prevent a decline in quality and to demonstrate some degree of control; the need to control both financial and staff resources; and providing vision for the future. (LRW)

This case study describes a project to design a performance support system that incorporated an electronic performance tool, computer-based training, and paper-based deliverables that resulted in lower development costs and improved job performance. Highlights include audience analyses, cost analysis, creative resource allocation, and feedback…

Defines "equity" in terms of three concepts (horizontal equity, vertical equity, and fiscal neutrality), summarizes school finance litigation history, and presents alternative distribution formats to improve student achievement. Enhancing equity and efficiency requires reallocation of existing resources, incentives for improved performance, a more…

Increasingly, college and university development officers are using pay incentives to improve staff performance and motivation. Such efforts should include development of a statement of values, multiple evaluation measures, encouragement and reward for teamwork, realism and fairness, disciplined implementation of policy, investment of necessary…

Discusses expectations of public library reference service and the reality of what librarians can provide amid declining resources. Suggests reference librarians should define the gap between potential and reality in reference service, and inform the customers about how little money it would take to provide better service. Argues that librarians…

Examines the relationship between institutional spending patterns and performance funding standards at the 14 public community colleges in Tennessee. Analyses reveal a relationship between expenditure categories and performance standard scores, with higher scoring colleges spending a greater portion of funds on academic support and instruction…