A model combining formative and longitudinal program evaluation was applied to two programs (economics/business administration and engineering) at Uppsala University (Sweden) in which students are brought together after two years in regional institutions. Useful features of the evaluation method are discussed and results of job market follow-up…

Trends in postsecondary business education in Poland are examined, drawing on results of recent surveys. Topics addressed include the design and evaluation of programs at different levels, influences of Western programs and pedagogy, demand for business education, and implications for further development of the system. (MSE)

A method for evaluating research using both quantitative and qualitative analysis is presented. It is proposed as useful for a variety of evaluation needs including large-scale projects, acquisition of expensive equipment, and nomination of scientists to important positions. It is seen as especially useful for evaluation in small entities. (MSE)

The use of performance evaluation and performance indicators in Finland is reviewed, and a study of Finnish researchers' perceptions and attitudes about them is discussed. Three conclusions emerged from the study: (1) departmental indicators should be developed; (2) publications are not a bad measure of performance; and (3) most scientists support…

A discussion of institutional and program evaluation in higher education focuses on the need for congruence between the purposes of the assessment and the procedures used to accomplish it. The factors relating to success in evaluation are examined, with special attention given to those that promote improvement. (Author/MSE)

Key findings from three evaluation reports of COMETT (the European Community program on cooperation between universities and industry for training in the field of technology) are presented. Texts are extracted from official evaluation reports. Focus is on program design and anticipated impact. (MSE)

Objectives and issues underlying the international comparison of higher education programs, for the purpose of improving educational mobility among countries, are examined. Several recent studies suggesting methods for qualitative measurement and comparison are discussed, and promising directions are noted. (MSE)

The proposed use of performance indicators for evaluating higher education institutions in a number of countries is critically analyzed, particularly regarding their use for institutional and program rankings and comparisons. A more developmental system retaining positive aspects of performance indicators and encouraging program improvement is…

The Training Agency of the British Employment Department is operating a program of grants to encourage curriculum change. The objectives are to change teaching and learning so that college students can develop skills and attitudes relevant to later working life, including: communications, ability to work in teams, effective use of resources,…

A project to develop and evaluate a leadership program for department heads and a series of leadership seminars for more senior administrators is described. The project included comparison of approaches to leadership training in this and other fields. (MSE)

Examines the results of Mexico's quality-oriented higher-education policies, in place since 1984 and designed to encourage improved faculty performance through economic incentives. The policies were enhanced further in the mid-1990s by establishing medium-term improvement strategies and using external evaluators and international experience to…

Protocols for evaluating programs in Quebec universities are described. The evolution of the system is reviewed, and policies and procedures for assessing both new and existing programs, both internally and externally, are outlined. (MSE)

An explanation of the periodic evaluation of Laval University (Canada) programs begins with an outline of the university's organizational structure and administrative bodies. The justification, objectives, and scope of the evaluation policy are then described, and some benefits and problems are discussed. (MSE)

First, the role of the association of universities in the Netherlands in external institutional evaluation is examined. Then, three basic tenets of program assessment are discussed: (1) university programs must be of academic quality; (2) program content must not be too compressed; and (3) programs should be challenging for students. (MSE)

Origins of Australia's university quality improvement program are outlined, and its design is examined. Issues discussed include implications of the program for individual institutions, its proposed method of redistributing research funds, and potential problems associated with performance appraisal. (MSE)