The state of the art of randomized social field experiments is discussed. Topics discussed include disciplines of primary actors involved in such research, scientific value of experimentation, the nation's capacity to conduct field experiments, and society's willingness to permit such experiments. (TJH)

Presents a systematic, cost and time effective approach to evaluating undergraduate Business Communication programs. Includes an evaluation planning schedule. (MM)

Changes made in 1981 to the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act were evaluated. Multiple quasi-experimental designs (interrupted time series, non-equivalent comparison groups, and simple pre-post designs) used to address evaluation questions illustrate the issues faced by evaluators in…

In Georgia 16 classes of second graders and 12 of fourth graders were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group was taught the Agriculture in the Classroom curriculum. Compared to controls' test scores, the experimental group effectively learned agriculture concepts regardless of whether they were in rural or urban areas, grouped randomly or by…

Describes the strategic planning process used in Wisconsin to keep marketing education programs viable. Includes information about the framework, the model, and needs assessment. Stresses the importance of evaluation and implementation. (JOW)

Provides case studies to look at how one measures return on investment (ROI) in training. Includes a framework for developing ROI and emphasizes the need for a variety of evaluation plans. (JOW)

In India, a survey of samples of 126 business owners with entrepreneurship training and 120 without found that trained owners broke even significantly sooner and had lower capital-outlet ratios. Another study of 2 groups of 30 found trained owners had significantly higher personal earnings, company profits, and numbers employed. (SK)

Explores the implications that continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs are likely to have for evaluation. CQI, often known as total quality management, offers a structured approach to the analysis of an organization's processes and improvement that should provide advantages to evaluators once they have gained experience with the approach.…

Outsourcing, a major corporate trend formerly used primarily for information services, is now used for marketing, distribution, maintenance, human resource management, and training. Corning outsourced its training by developing a partnership with CCFL, a nonprofit education and training organization that is a consortium of colleges. (JOW)

This evaluation matrix considers three aspects: (1) evaluation focus (purpose/rationale, context, audience); (2) evaluation design (questions, methods, data sources, analysis, reporting); and (3) management (personnel, timeline, costs). Application to six elements (participant, instructor, course, curriculum, program, project) is illustrated. (SK)

Presents a selected bibliography of scholarship in the assessment of writing. Offers 125 items that have appeared in major scholarly publications from 1979-91, organized in 7 categories: large-scale assessment; classroom writing assessment; theory; politics and issues; methods and procedures; program assessment; and networking resources. (SR)

Two quick methods for evaluating pilot tests of training programs are (1) group debriefing--directed group discussion with pilot participants; and (2) short surveys directly after specific modules are taught and at the end of the course. (SK)

States that counselors need to become more involved in program evaluation. Presents rationale for including training in program evaluation in counselor education programs. Contends that only by conducting program evaluations will counselor educators and supervisors become major players in public policy, planning, and social reform. (Author/NB)

The Program Effectiveness Rating System evaluates educational programs by ranking the following factors: resources, student demand, accessibility, student achievement, cost effectiveness, and employability of graduates. This approach provides greater accountability to all stakeholders and increases responsiveness to changing demands. (JOW)

The appropriate delivery of service to people with intellectual disabilities in Victoria (Australia) can be facilitated by General Service Plans (GSPs). This paper provides suggested content for such plans, a protocol for their evaluation, and an assessment of GSPs in Victoria constructed between 1987 and 1990. A large number of GSPs were found to…