This article revisits Paas and Van Merrienboer's (1993) measure of instructional efficiency, which can be applied by educational researchers to compare the effects of different instructional conditions on learning. This measure relied on performance and mental effort on the test, and as such gave an indication of the quality of learning outcomes.…

This rejoinder to McCall (Volume 56, 217-218) discusses the differences in viewpoint with respect to the relationship between models and theory, the notion of "direct" tests of propositions, and the use of measures of explained variance to evaluate model performance. (Author/BE)

The first in a planned series on how to improve the productivity of public libraries, this overview identifies analytical techniques that can save time and energy. Four references are listed. (MES)

A review of applications of motion study in developmental disabilities identifies two eras of research focus in the 1990s: (1) studies establishing the effectiveness and efficiency of tasks designed with motion study principles and (2) studies examining the interaction between motion study-based task designs and other variables such as choice,…

Identifies sources of ambiguity in economics textbooks' discussion of the condition for efficient output mix. Points out that diverse statements without accompanying explanations create confusion among students. Argues that conflicting views concerning the concept of Pareto optimality as one source of ambiguity. Suggests clarifying additions to…

Empirical data from a farm-level survey of 1,548 small farmers in Guatemala show that there appears to be a threshold effect and that four or more years of education are needed to have a measurable impact on farm productivity. Appended are 13 references. (MLF)

Focuses on the methods being used to examine processes of innovation development that pertain to the selection of cases and concepts, observing change, coding and analyzing event data to identify process patterns, and developing theories to explain observed innovation processes. (42 references) (MLF)

The shift of focus from teachers to curriculum has left supervision as a field struggling to find its place within its own professional organization. This article searches for a proper definition of supervision, highlighting scientific, developmental, and democratic approaches and exploring problems of perspective and common ground. Includes 48…

The engineering technique of motion study was evaluated as a means to identify efficient movements and improve the productivity rates for three severely retarded adults performing a mailing task. After receiving training on the most efficient movements, subjects improved production rates and maintained the improved rates. (DB)

This paper examines a prolonged speech treatment model for stuttering, the Camperdown Program. Sixteen participants showed minimal or no stuttering in everyday speaking situations for up to 12 months after entering the program's maintenance phase, with speech rates in the normal range. Results were achieved in a mean of 20 hours of clinic…

Discusses linear demand functions and constant marginal costs related to a monopoly in a market economy. Illustrates the demand function by using a curve. Includes an appendix with two figures and accompanying mathematical formulae illustrating the concepts presented in the article. (CFR)

Mixed methods research has increased in popularity over the past 20 years. Literature reveals that exploratory qualitative analysis followed by confirmatory survey research is common and concurrent studies outnumber longitudinal design. Longitudinal studies using quantitative and qualitative methods in sequence for exploratory purposes are rare,…

A study based on data from Norway's four universities shows that administrative load for academics tends to decrease with increasing department size. However, large departments have relatively higher administrative costs than small ones, and in departments where administrative and office functions are poorly developed, academics spend more time on…

Increasingly, higher education institutions are using Total Quality Management (TQM) as a vehicle for delivering cost-effective programs and services. The TQM philosophy is that quality can be improved by ceaselessly improving the processes that support the institution's mission. TQM is applicable to institutional research and planning as well as…

The University of Montpelier I's 1969 statutes permitting maximum autonomy for the faculties of law and economics, medicine, and pharmacology resulted in a well-established division between the university's constituent parts and an unwillingness to pool resources to effect savings. (MSE)