Research suggests four different metaphors of schools as organizations: (1) factory; (2) family; (3) jungle; and (4) cathedral. Each implies a leadership role and an ethical responsibility for board members. Integrating all four images might help provide a better map of the board's governance task and improve the board's ability to make wise…

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…

Describes technology-based systems that offer performance support, called online performance support systems (OPSS), that help increase productivity and efficiency. Changes in information-related, organization-related, and learning-related factors in corporations are considered; OPSS components are explained, including user-centered design; and…

Seven personality types, and corresponding work styles, are described and ways to foster their creativity in the context of the college/university advancement office are suggested. Managers are urged to lead staff members to develop talents, allow them to do so, and help them move to the next level of achievement. (MSE)

A group of 17 independent colleges and universities in Virginia combine their long distance telephone traffic and network services for an expected savings of $4.65 million over 3 years. The 12-institution consortium that negotiated the plan prioritized service and system criteria and solicited bids from long distance carriers. (MSE)

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

Describes a survey of state librarians that was conducted to collect data related to time management practices and the leadership styles of directors in state libraries. Delegation of authority and the ranking of time-wasters are examined, and results are analyzed and interpreted to provide recommendations for improved efficiency. (10 references)…

Discussion of the design of computer menus focuses on two experiments that examined task time across several orderings of menu lists. Findings are described that demonstrated that good physical layout in screen design is not sufficient without good conceptual layout. The size of menu lists for maximizing efficiency is considered. (Contains 17…

The issues universities must address in developing technology transfer policies and activities are examined, including definition of academic, financial, and economic objectives; identification of available resources; creation of a favorable institutional environment; appropriate arrangements for research administration and industry liaison; and…

Thirty-four suggestions for making college fund raising more effective are offered. The ideas focus on conserving what you have, getting and keeping extra income; finding creative donations; cutting travel and printing costs; bargaining with suppliers; using telephone, mail, and fax effectively; using creative staffing; and monitoring resource…

College and university professionals in publications and public relations recount how they have effectively coped with significant budgetary setbacks. Strategies include more careful and cost-conscious planning, staff reorganization, and reductions in printing and mailing costs. (MSE)

This study, which examined the number of minimal-word-pair exemplars necessary for 19 phonologically impaired children (ages 3-6) to meet a generalization criterion, found substantial variability across subjects, though generalization usually occurred following a small number of exemplars. No relationship was found between specific sounds and the…

Examines the conflict between efficiency and equity in public education finance. Considers district power equalization (DPE), a compromise approach that would require raising tax prices in wealthy districts and lowering them in poorer districts. Simulations for three states show that a "pure" DPE plan would reduce expenditure variances…

The financial strategies used by five dental schools to support postdoctoral general dentistry education include increasing patient care income by residents, increasing income by faculty and other providers, enhancing extramural patient income, using management economics and efficiency, and developing innovative ways of generating income. (MSE)

Cooperative buying is a process developed to enable colleges and universities in specific geographic areas to block-book dates for an artist or attraction, resulting in lower costs to schools and more logical routing for artists. A seven-step procedure, beginning before the campus activities convention and continuing through contract completion…