The program budget is seen as usually measuring the cost of resources used in a program, but it is suggested that it should be extended to measure and evaluate program quality. Types of budgets, building a budget, politics of budgeting, and budgeting for quality are discussed. (Author/MLW)

This article begins by reviewing major educational dissemination programs and studies. A proposed vocational education research and development dissemination program based on the dissemination principles gleaned from these experiences is then described. (CT)

The zero-based budgeting approach is designed to achieve the greatest benefit with the fewest undesirable consequences. Seven basic steps make up the zero-based decision-making process: (1) identifying program goals, (2) classifying goals, (3) identifying resources, (4) reviewing consequences, (5) developing decision packages, (6) implementing a…

Adherence to program planning principles does not guarantee participation. Attention must be paid to characteristics that make a program responsive: target audience, promotion and marketing, competition, and logistics. (SK)

Contains suggestions for designing a program for developing small scale enterprise managers or promotion staff: define the problem, identify the weaknesses, identify the best method of assistance, hire suitable consultants, identify the best source of financial support, and ensure that the program is effectively implemented and evaluated. (CT)

This report contains recommendations of a Wisconsin Task Assignment Steering Committee created to explore solutions to some significant problems facing adult chronic "revolving-detox-door" alcohol abusers (CRA's), persons with repeated admissions for detoxification services; and to examine the system that serves and funds them. This…

Four human resource managers present their recommendations for establishing training/human resource development departments. They discuss the following elements: chief executive office support, the role of formal needs analysis, the role of operating managers, market research, and having a sense of teamwork. (CT)

Interest in the Planning, Programming, Budgeting System (PPBS) has waned over the last five years for several reasons. Early rhetoric about PPBS obscured its true character and promised more than it could deliver. Initially, few had the competencies needed to implement it. It is often wrongly believed to be solely a budgeting system. Finally,…

The Chapter 1 program of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act would be made more efficient and effective by implementing the following recommendations: (1) improve the targeting of funds; (2) let good educational practice rather than accounting practice shape Chapter 1 programs; (3) establish systems of output accountability for…

The concept of traditional planning, programming, and budgeting systems (PPBS) is defined and compared with imperative planning, a term used to refer to whatever procedures higher education officials use to integrate program planning and budgeting. The University of Wisconsin system is described as an example of emerging budgetary practice in…

A shrinkage of one-half or more in available federal funds designated for human services is expected to occur in the next five years. Despite this outlook, federal funds are available for increases in human services, provided that such services are organized into related systems of services and are planned and managed as such. This essay on…