In this review, the author focuses on the pragmatic consideration: How do artists do artistic research? Artistic research in the context of this review is about the connections and relationships among three primary domains: (1) the arts; (2) higher education; and (3) arts education. Broadly stated, all artists do research when they do art--whether…

To shed light on the decline in demand for the nonprofit arts, the authors describe what it means to cultivate demand for the arts, examine how well U.S. institutions are serving this function, and discuss whether it is in the public interest to make such cultivation a higher priority than it has been in the past. The authors propose that a strong…

This handbook explores Europe's nonprofit nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that have been working for change in South Africa and now are engaged, or planning to engage in the economic, social, and human resource development of a democratic South Africa. The purposes of the document are to: (1) illuminate for both donor agencies and groups…

Offers a summary view of the complex myriad of U.S. national, regional, and international standards bodies that are developing information technology standards. A classification of standards is suggested which breaks down the large spectrum of standards into functional areas of interoperability. (nine references) (LAE)

Describes the key features that distinguish standards development organizations (SDOs) and analyzes these features in light of recent work in political economy. It is concluded that many of the features that lead to a slower process may be interpreted as an efficient institutional response to problems posed by industry standardization. (24…

Proposes that the social contract analogy for organizations is superior to the analogy with organisms, which fails to provide a satisfactory picture of organizational reality, entails suspicious implications for organizational change, and impedes organizational inquiry. (Author/IRT)

This chapter discusses General Systems Theory as it applies to education, classrooms, innovations, and instructional design. The principles of equifinality, open and closed systems, the individual as the key system, hierarchical structures, optimization, stability, cooperation, and competition are discussed, and their relationship to instructional…

Educational organizations, this paper asserts, are best described using a neorationalist model, which analyzes organizations as social instruments, acknowledges structural conflict, and views individuals as active participants. The paper examines traditional and modern rationalist organization theories and contrasts these with systems theory; it…

Argues that, as scientists learn more about the chemistry and physiology of the human brain, it is incumbent upon educators and educational psychologists to begin to build models of brain function that reflect growing scientific knowledge. (FL)

Discusses the importance of establishing international standards and guidelines in the archival field and describes the work of international agencies in this respect. Fourteen references are included. (Author/RAA)

The author reviews the theories of S. Orton relating neurological factors to dyslexia. He further considers possible advantages of a predisposition to dyslexia, including the possession of talents. He answers four common critiques of Orton's biological approach to dyslexia, and suggests instead, the advantages of such an approach. (CL)

This historical review notes the interests and efforts of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf in the 19th century, which focused on balancing the risks and benefits of deaf self-determination. The group emphasized philanthropy and lobbying for the general good of deaf Pennsylvanians but remained silent on controversies over…

This paper reviews research on international nongovernmental organizations dealing with human rights (INGOs), and interprets this research in light of the overlap of the fields of organizational theory (including group theory) and human rights. The purpose is to contribute toward a useful exchange between social scientists who seek to explain…

Assessing an organization's effectiveness involves not only determining how successfully the organization achieves its stated objectives, but also ascertaining how thoroughly the needs of the individuals involved are met and how readily the organization can change to address the needs of both the organization and the individuals who compose it.…

This paper is a critical assessment of the theory and evidence on three general issues in comparative education. It assesses the factors affecting the origins and expansion of national educational systems; the factors influencing the organizational structure and ideologies of systems of mass schooling and higher education; and the effects of…