In this paper we describe some of the complexities involved in the construction of a sample of "ordinary" schools. We outline the policy context in England that produces pressures to resist "ordinariness". The paper then explores two theoretical tools, fabrication and rhetoric, that are deployed in an analysis of some key…

The Internet is becoming the primary way that businesses communicate and receive information. Corporate Web addresses and home pages have become a valuable tool for leaving a solid mark on potential clients, consumers, and competition. To determine how differences in Web pages design reflect corporate image, a study examined Web pages from two…

Examines the role of culture as a key variable in public relations research and practice. Finds (1) American practitioners continue to practice one-way models of public relations; and (2) public relations practitioners who have collectivistic values tend to practice two-way models of public relations. Discusses implications for theory and…

The "U.S. News and World Report" rankings of colleges do not affect institutions equally; the schools impacted most are those that have the most to lose because they benefit from, even rely on, the rankings for prestige and visibility. The magazine relies on the rankings for substantial sales revenues, and has garnered considerable power…

Examination of popular publications that rate and rank collegiate undergraduate education reveals several methodological concerns. The challenges for consumers and researchers are to know what shortcomings exist in these ratings, what impact the shortcomings have on the rankings, and what methodological changes might improve the evaluations.…

Based on the literature describing the boundary spanning role, a study focused on boundary spanning activities related to the public relations professional. Two major models, the adaptive and the selective, were examined in terms of key assumptions--economic rewards and competition. These models were further examined in terms of the larger…

Examines the image production and management of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Eastern and Western blocs during and immediately after the reactor accident in April 1986. (JK)

Response of colleges and universities to surveys from publishers of college guides and popular newsstand magazines is discussed, and considerations in developing a standard survey response are explored. These include the advantages and limitations of standardized information formats, how much of the information reaches prospective students, how…

Four major publishers of college guidebooks respond to the concerns of colleges and universities about the guides, the information they contain, and the demand for the information. Specific issues addressed include development of a standardized survey response, data integrity and validity, specialized information needs, publisher-institution…

A new model for college fact books is proposed, to create a new generation of institutional research reports that offer more comparative and unit- or topic-specific information, with illustrations, that would be useful for current decision-making needs. (MSE)

Concerns about published comparisons of colleges and universities are organized into a framework to guide further research. A systematic method for addressing specific issues about the guides is presented, and the environment in which the guides are used is examined. Research needed to assure that the guides make a valued contribution and are fair…

Debate grows over the validity and reliability of college and university rankings, which judge rather than describe institutions, as the public's willingness to accept them increases. While many institutional characteristics can be measured, measurement methods need improvement. One solution is to publish the peer studies that the institutions…

The limited research available and the observations and experiences of college admissions officers suggest that college guidebooks and ratings have a small to negligible impact on the college choices of most students. However, many families buy the guides, and their publication is likely to continue. It is important that institutions provide…

The effectiveness of Australia's Adult Learners' Week campaign was evaluated before the event in August, 2001, and 2002, and after the event in September, 2001 and 2002. Each of these stages in the evaluation involved a random telephone survey of approximately 1,000 Australian residents over the age of 18 years. In addition, focus groups were…

A total of 29 representatives of government departments, financial organizations, career guidance organizations, and researchers and career and financial guidance, practitioners from across the United Kingdom discussed the similarities and differences between the fields of career guidance and financial guidance, and explored whether closer links…