Change itself often threatens efficiency. This is ironic, given that organizational changes are frequently made because of a need for increased efficiency. Academic departments within a wide variety of institutions are wrestling with this irony on a daily basis. Expanding systems and staffing, and adoption of new computer systems, all intended to…

This volume features original studies and research syntheses on educational effectiveness and efficiency and serves to clarify what is known about effective public schools. It concerns educational conditions, policies, and practices with an eye toward student achievement, especially that of children living in poverty. Thirteen chapters include:…

Work sampling is a managerial accounting technique which provides information about the efficiency of an operation. This analysis determines what tasks are being performed durinq a period of time to ascertain if time and effort are being allocated efficiently. (SK)

Inventory by cash register is recommended as an efficient means of keeping orderly, departmentalized college store records. A series of procedures and suggestions are provided for accuracy and completeness of records. (MSE)

A school district saves time and costs with an integrated word and data processing system based on a computer that handles, on two mainframe computers, database inquiries and all district office word processing. (Author/MLF)

Presents a conceptual model based on a set of assumptions, focusing on factors that educators can influence, including the interactive effects of these factors on academic performance. Discusses the nine assumptions in detail. (JOW)

Describes how one university meets the challenge of preparing qualified dictators and transcribers through an up-to-date word processing curriculum. (LRA)

Argues that the use of microcomputers and prewritten computer programs can save teachers time and effort in calculating the readability levels of written materials. (FL)

A computer program that utilizes an optical scanning machine is used for ordering supplies in a Louisiana school system. The program provides savings in time and labor, more accurate data, and easy-to-use reports. (Author/MLF)

How to reduce energy use while improving the quality of your lighting. (Author)

Ways to add efficiency to negotiations between school district management and employee organizations. (Author/MLF)

Examines the connection between resource allocation and its anticipated results by emphasizing the multi-level nature of the educational system, the importance of nonpurchased resources, and the effect on learning of both the manner in which the classroom is structured and the mix of peers with whom students learn. (Author/IRT)

In exploring continued public support for standardized testing, the author finds that testing responds to the desire to make the most efficient use of human resources, to objectively measure ability regardless of social position, and to establish national standards that moderate the autonomy of local institutions. (Author/WD)

Empirically evaluates three measures of effectiveness of school district cash management: the rate of return method in common use and two new measures--efficiency rating and Net Present Value (NPV). The NPV approach allows examination of efficiency and provides a framework for evaluating other areas of educational policy. (Author/IRT)

Examines the use of influence diagrams to help understand political processes within organizations. This technique is illustrated through a case study of a new extended care facility connected to a hospital. (Author/IRT)