Discusses a centralized data base of MARC II records which is operated by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and is available to any library in the state. The history, creation, operation, uses, advantages, disadvantages, cost and future plans of the data base are included, as well as flowcharts (both system and detail) and sample outputs.…

Analyzes the implications of distributed computing in institutions of higher education. Discusses (1) the extent to which the quality of computing might be enhanced by adopting a distributed computing approach, (2) variations in distributed systems design and the cost of adoption, and (3) administration of distributed systems. (Author/CMV)

Two types of organizational structure--centralized and pluralistic--found in 48 states' public assistance organizations can be partly accounted for by the administrative ideology that was dominant at the organization's formative stage. The effects of the structure on some internal components of the organization are long-lasting. (Author/IRT)

Discusses possible effects of increased state level of control of education in the United States using the Republic of Cyprus as an example. Notes more centralized form of educational governance may reduce the significance of each individual student and this must be weighed against anticipated benefits. (Author/ABL)

Uses examples from military strategic communications to demonstrate that organizational structures and the distribution of power within organizational structures adapt to changes in information handling capability. It is concluded that delegation and decentralization can be viewed as indicative of inadequate information handling and that improved…

According to a 1984 study of seven public school headteachers from Barbados, these administrators see their role of creating good interpersonal relationships as very important. The principals experienced feelings of powerlessness and ambiguity resulting from being controlled by centralized policies and rules. These policies caused some frustration…

Explores Florida teachers' failure to accept state-legislated learning models imposed on them. Although 86.7 percent of teachers surveyed identified "reaching" students as the major intrinsic reward in teaching, 74 percent claimed that legislated learning questioned their competency and limited the scope of their work and/or political…

Problems of adult education in Turkey, such as funding, research, teacher training, and coordination, are related to politics and to the high degree of centralized decision making. Decentralization with community participation could improve training for adult educators and delivery of adult education provision. (SK)

Focuses on decentralization as a governance strategy in education and dynamic interactions in the decentralization process. Reviews relevant research and presents some empirical data from Norway and British Columbia. Distinguishes four dynamic processes in decentralized centralism: initiation, content, levels, and simultaneity. (Contains 45…

This article critically reflects upon the "divides" among actors within two currently popular education policies in low-income countries: decentralisation and Universal Primary Education (UPE). Current literatures suggest that the existing decentralisation framework tends to overlook the "divides" among actors that often impede…

A study was done of the characteristics of institutional research in 51 academic health centers. Overall, slightly less than half of the centers had an identifiable institutional research unit. In general, the more autonomous the center from its parent campus, the more likely it was that it would have a separate institutional research unit. The…

Affiliating universities in India have administrative responsibility for their teaching departments, postgraduate (P.G.) centre, and affiliated colleges. Growth in the number of colleges has resulted in desire for decentralization. These authors propose that P.G. centres be given more autonomy and administrative responsibility for some of the…

To centralize food service within the entire Pittsburgh school district, a 90,000-square-foot food service preparation building contains cranes and monorails to move 500-pound capacity vats throughout the kitchen. (Author/MLF)