Gives examples of using SWOT to analyze potential internal Strengths and Weaknesses and external Opportunities and Threats. Shows how to use the SWOT process in educational program development. (SK)

Certain expectations that federal officials have about evaluation researchers are discussed. Included are: (1) presence of a clear understanding of what evaluation means; (2) procedure for carrying out an evaluation; and (3) understanding by the evaluator of how the research relates to the decision-making process. (Author/GK)

A 10-step process is outlined for college decision makers assessing the feasibility of self-operation, contract management, or some combination of these for management of a specific service or function. The role of the governing board in decision making and acceptance of ultimate responsibility for success is also discussed. (MSE)

Addresses the issue of participation in the development and management of programs for adult learners. The Vroom and Yetton model of leadership decision making, a contingency approach that utilizes a range of decision styles, is described through various case examples. (CT)

Although vocational educators seem to be agreed on the priorities for their profession, research has found that the quality of vocational programs overall is highly variable and that the access of disadvantaged students to good programs is not ensured. The literature suggests that the challenges posed by new technologies and new clients, and a…

Premature application of quantitative indicators formerly used for individual assessment and research to bureaucratic decision making can produce side effects that are dysfunctional in nature. In order to illustrate this phenomenon, the author reviews a general literature and utilizes examples form mental health care. (Author/BW)

Interviews with faculty on decisions to submit proposals for external funding suggest that activity at the current institution is related to previous experience, and more experience in graduate school may have a strong, positive effect on later activity. (Author/MSE)

Planning the activities for an instructional development unit and evaluating how well it has performed requires a set of standards against which the unit can be compared. This paper proposes a set of standards developed from a variety of references and personal experiences with instructional development units from across the country. Thirty-eight…

Functions of the continuing education office of a higher education institution are discussed. Continuing education offices usually offer not-for-credit courses, including personal enrichment and specialized professional courses. Summer sessions are the major activity of the office, and conferences may also be conducted by off-campus groups and…

Proposes a decision-making model for organizing and structuring academic and occupational programs and choosing the most efficient management style. Recommends a comprehensive community needs assessment, completion of the Environmental Assessment Scale (EAS), determination of educational philosophy, and selection of appropriate college structure.…

Guidelines are offered for colleges to use in making decisions about self-operation or contracting of campus services. Six primary factors and 10 phases in the decision process are outlined. A matrix incorporating those factors and phases, and specifically designed for decision-making concerning campus computing services is also presented. (MSE)

Issues of governance pervade the teacher education field due to the diverse agendas which influence the function of teacher education programs at the institutional level. The purpose of this article is to explore the philosophy and processes of governance. In order to clarify philosophical issues, the following questions are addressed: (1) Are…

Administrators in higher education frequently assume a type of rationality based on bureaucratic or political models of organizations, or some combination of the two. This assumption is questioned, and suggestions are made for models of decision making, resource allocation, and policy formation and implementation. (MSE)

Five ethical dilemmas in college and university advancement are outlined, and responses of professionals to each are cited. Dilemmas include renaming a building, originally named for a generous donor, in honor of another donor funding renovation; paying for copying of sensitive documents; use of designated donations; handling of a donation made in…

Discussion of public access microcomputer service areas in public libraries covers walk-in access, software/hardware circulation, online call-in services, and special programs. Principles for successful public access programs are also discussed, including hardware/software selection. Problems relating to equipment breakdown, diskette storage, and…