Because diesel engines are more economical and longer-lasting than gasoline engines, school districts are rapidly increasing their use of diesel buses. Dependence on diesel power, however, entails vulnerability to cost increases due to the unreliability of crude oil supplies and contributes to air pollution. (MCG)

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)

By focusing school schedules on teacher-directed instruction in reading and mathematics and developing a parallel-block master schedule, more efficient use can be made of classroom time without large expenditures of money or time for staff development. (DCS)

Analyzes four instructional methods used to teach biology to disadvantaged high school students in terms of learning efficiency (net gain mean/total time mean). Concludes that individualized methods are more efficient than group methods. (MLH)

Strong instructions induced more interaction, resulting in better recall under intentional than under incidental instructions. Intentional instructions had greater impact on less efficient tasks and less effect on more efficient tasks. Maximum recall and efficiency occurred with simple instructions to read the passage. (Author/MV)

Applies output budgeting techniques to the "production" of graduates at a British University. The cost per student graduated in 18 different disciplines is first divided among (1) capital and maintenance costs, (2) teaching costs, and (3) administrative and general expenditures. The potential cost savings from more efficient utilization…

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a mathematical model for measuring decision-making units' efficiency, was applied to resource allocation information in the division of occupational and technical programs at San Antonio (Texas) College. Input-output data were used to analyze existing programs' efficiency and proposed program modifications. (RW)

After an analysis of the dimensions that they believe indicate quality, the authors suggest actions that principals can take to pursue excellence in their schools. (JW)

Small colleges can make a virtue of the need to use administrative staff flexibly and to train young staff. Senior administrators must assume a variety of tasks, and young administrators can develop their skills while covering key functions. (MSE)

Energy costs at colleges and universities often equal the entire operating budget of 10 years ago; therefore energy conservation must be given top priority. A variety of nontechnical and inexpensive measures are available to reduce costs considerably, including suggestions on course scheduling, space assignments, and equipment arrangement. (MSE)

Two authors discuss the allocation of classroom instructional and noninstructional time and suggest ways that an elementary teacher can increase students' engaged time and his/her own productivity as a teacher. (Author/SJL)

Proposes two procedures for cost studies of processing of archival and manuscript collections, and describes the results of such studies at the University of Illinois. A description of processing efficiency measurements and of the application of study findings to program operations is also included. (Author/RAA)

Reviews theoretical and empirical information on organizational retrenchment and educational administrators' responses to the current decline in education. Argues that administrators must (1) adopt a more open and political administrative orientation to benefit from necessary retrenchments, (2) spur innovation, and (3) improve organizational…

Management considerations are discussed for the use of computer output microfilm (COM) in offices relying heavily on computer-produced documents. University of Illinois experiences are reviewed with regard to these issues: who uses COM, savings made, what makes COM seem unattractive, easing into a new system, and new technology. (MSE)

Academic pharmacy is seen as in transition. The merging of colleges of pharmacy with various allied health programs to form a new governance structure--the college of pharmacy and allied health professions--is described Institutional savings are achieved through shared administration, staff, equipment, space, other resources, and occasionally…