The relationship between "stability" and "change" is a central paradox of administration that pervades all forms of organizing. Evaluation is not unfamiliar with paradoxical objectives and roles, which can result in tensions for evaluators and stakeholders. In this article, paradoxes between stability and change in the…

In the past decade, public sector organizations around the world have worked to simplify administrative processes as a way to improve user experience and compliance. Academic evidence on administrative burden supports this approach and there is a strong body of research showing that learning costs, compliance costs, and psychological costs help to…

Background: In contrast to the top-down government-designated school choice programmes in many countries, e.g. in the UK and USA in particular, school choice in the Chinese context is a bottom-up movement initiated by parents and is characterised by the payment of a substantial "choice fee" to the preferred school, and by competition by…

This study was conducted to isolate the determinants of improved fish production technologies in Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected from a sample population of 250 fish farmers from ten randomly selected Local Government Areas of Delta State. The data were elicited from respondents with the use of structured interview schedule while…

Childcare policies introduced in England in the last 10 years have created economic tensions within the sector. Having set the scene, this article presents an exploration of the different ways in which childcare providers approach operating their childcare businesses. Drawing on a case study of one Local Authority in England, the article presents…

During the past 20 years, afterschool programs have become an increasingly vital part of most American communities. Today, some 6.5 million children across the nation participate in these programs. Another 15 million children would participate if a program were available to them, according to their parents. These numbers tell at least two…

Discusses the implications of federal legislation and local government encroachment on cable systems, and advocates that cable television be given the editorial and journalistic discretion given to newspapers. (RBF)

Daytona Beach Community College (Florida) has created a health plan partnership with the local school district and county government, resulting in more favorable medical rates and lower insurance premiums. The system emphasizes preventive care, financial and benefit incentives to use preferred providers, and an extensive and comprehensive provider…

Discusses the money saving practice of small communities contracting with neighboring communities for special government services like firefighting. Using fire protection as an example, provides practical information for negotiating a fair price. Stresses establishing a bargaining range within which negotiations can take place--setting upper and…

Shows that primary education spending growth in Norway resulted from cost factors determined at the national level, together with lack of adjustment to rising costs in local governments. Policies to control school spending must address the central government's bargaining strength to hold back on teacher wages and employment and local governments'…

Catching up with deferred maintenance and improvements at colleges and universities has become a serious problem of time and money, and new federal state, and local safety regulations are increasing costs. Some contend administrators have failed to provide leadership at their own institutions. (MSE)

Based on "Library Journal's" 1997 Public Library Budget Report, this article discusses the state of public libraries in terms of Internet-related costs, budgets, local, state and federal funding, and fundraising. Presents--in six tables segmented by population served--the financial situations of 84 randomly surveyed public libraries.…