Reports on the state of strategic planning for education and training in service industries, manufacturing, retailing, and entertainment organizations. A questionnaire surveyed 200 training managers in organizations of over 5,000 employees headquartered primarily in the Pacific Northwest and revealed that strategic planning is becoming a priority.…

Describes the stages of the change process when redesigning an education system: (1) initiating the process, (2) designing the new system, (3) planning the implementation, and (4) implementing the design. The common obstacles encountered during the change process (derived from a survey of 60 schools nationwide) are analyzed, and the status of each…

A nine-step method for defining and pursuing key performance indicators (KPIs), derived from a strategic planning process, is outlined, and its applications at the University of Northern Colorado and Illinois Benedictine College are described and tabulated. A chart summarizes current and projected KPIs for Illinois Benedictine College for each…

The Goals 2000 Act creates a framework for establishing high academic and skill standards. Offers ideas and suggestions for creating a community or school strategy to reach the National Education Goals. Lists key questions that require answers and ways that central office staff members can provide assistance to the local school site. (MLF)

Discusses chief factors that contributed to the rebirth of Chicago's central public library and its branch libraries: (1) a politically connected commissioner, (2) better funding, and (3) a central library. Highlights include a review of the library's administrative management styles, staff training techniques, past and current facilities,…

A New York State school district opted to use total quality management techniques to improve the district's performance and gain public support. After defining four key measures and establishing standards of excellence for each, the district concerned itself with the first measure, proposing an affordable tax rate increase. The proposed budget was…

Effective strategic planning for child care programs should involve a four-step process that focuses on scoping, or studying, desirable program outcomes; collecting data, including identifying a program's vision, mission, and needs; planning, which involves setting goals and measurable performance indicators, as well as determining program…

Discusses insights gained from observations of cross-functional computer-based team planning in a variety of enterprises. Observations involved over 2000 participants in 100 planning efforts over a period of six years. Efforts focused on the planning of new products or processes, development of strategic business plans, and consensus building…

Focuses on the practical aspects of outsourcing cataloging in academic libraries. Factors examined include reasons for outsourcing, materials that are outsourced, and advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing. Concludes that although outsourcing is not a prevailing trend in the academic libraries, it is a viable option if carefully planned and…

Encourages early-intervention practitioners to recognize the benefits of applying management concepts to the field of social work. A five-function model of management is presented that includes the concepts of planning, organizing, staffing, leadership, and control. Case studies illustrate relevance of the five-function model for improving…

Investigates the extent that principals' managerial behavior is related to their beliefs about control. Argues for a negative relation between extreme locus of control and perspectives used by individuals for strategic and long-term plans. "Extreme control" principals produce strategic plans with shorter perspectives. (Contains 56…

Inspired by tips from a Motorola Corporation executive, the superintendent of an Illinois district initiated strategic- planning and total-quality practices to improve student performance, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Teachers have also successfully implemented quality and continuous-improvement practices in their classrooms.…

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…

Suggests that professionals can use a human performance system to better balance their professional and personal lives. Illustrates the components of the human performance system, and describes nine steps for professional and personal self-management using a systems approach. Identifies attitudinal barriers to success. Includes a performance…

Presents interviews with five school administrators, representing a variety of school systems. Discusses their strategies for addressing concerns that all school systems share. Using a question and answer format, the article focuses on handicap accessibility, energy management, funding, security, and technology. (RJM)