In this paper, we describe a course project in which teams of undergraduate students propose and execute an end-to-end analytics project to solve a real-world problem. The project challenges students to implement machine learning, optimization, simulation, or a combination of these three techniques on real-world data that they collect. A…

The Benchmarking Alumni Relations in Community Colleges white paper features key data on alumni relations programs at community colleges across the United States. The paper compares results from 2015 and 2012 across such areas as the structure, operations and budget for alumni relations, alumni data collection and management, alumni communications…

Virginia's SHARP logger program is a Cooperative Extension program currently providing training to over 1,500 loggers, foresters, and others. We conducted a mail survey of SHARP loggers to characterize program participants, assess programming needs, and evaluate program effectiveness. Results indicate a diverse group of participants in terms of…

This study focused on determining the applicability of a mathematical modeling technique (goal programing) to state-level vocational education planning, using Missouri as a test case. Results indicate that such models may help the vocational planner solve problems that cannot be solved by more conventional methods. (SK)

A document retrieval study conducted before and again after the building of a more centralized library at Syracuse University is used as an example of the kind of data gathering which can lead to improved decision making and evaluation of library services by library administrators. The study is discussed in detail to facilitate replication and to…

A study was conducted to develop a comprehensive program costing model for vocational education. This model produced a comparison between the cost of operating a given vocational program and the average aggregate cost of operating all basic education programs. The model is applicable for both the secondary and postsecondary level programs and can…

This study focused on two objectives. The first objective was to identify and classify the characteristics of conceptual design trade studies that have high potential impact on human resource requirements of Air Force weapon systems. The approach used was a case history review and analysis of 129 F-15 aircraft design trade studies. The analysis…

The status of State management information systems (MISs) is documented in this study, in which interviews were conducted with MIS directors and senior administrators from agencies in the 47 participating States. Constraints to improving these systems are also described and recommendations are provided to the U.S. Office of Education (USOE) to…

The Delphi process provides a technique for scientific inquiry within the context of group interactions by generating information and seeking a consensus through a series of interactive probes. In a study of the effects of power on the allocation of resources in the organizational setting of public elementary schools, the Delphi technique was used…