A "target ratio" model for effectively coupling decentralized planning and centralized budgeting within a college of arts and sciences is illustrated. It provides departments with realistic expectations of the budgetary resources available over a multiple-year time span while allowing them maximum flexibility in planning for the use of…

The applicability of Britain's University Grants Committee funding structure to higher education institutions in the United States is examined. Implications of the British block grant system, which purposely limits decision-making inputs, are discussed. (LBH)

Budget decisions in large institutions should be decentralized. Decentralization can be accomplished by responsibility center budgeting, block budgeting, or combinations thereof. The system should be designed so that organization unit heads have maximum incentive to be efficient and to optimize decisions on an institutionwide basis where…

The status of current planning efforts at public institutions of higher education are identified, based on information derived from literature and a status survey. The components necessary for the most effective operation of an ideal centralized comprehensive planning unit are identified based on the Delphi study of selected experts. (JMD)

The San Mateo County (California) Community College District has developed an effective cooperative working relationship among the three colleges and the central office. The effect of updating the district's educational program master plan on institutional autonomy, coordination, and general renewal is examined. (LBH)

The creation of a state level planning office for the university system of Georgia is described. The stages addressed are: reorganization and adjustment; initial assessment and introspection; acquisition of staff and duties; researching the state-of-the-art of statewide planning; institutional involvments; and retrospection on progress to date.…

Research findings suggest that centralization varies with certain institutional characteristics and that the nature of the graduate faculty, availability of funding, and staffing patterns are correlated with the degree of centralization. The historical development of graduate education is described. (Author/MLW)

College scheduling system and operating procedure objectives influence efficient use of resources. Theoretical and practical considerations are outlined, including a step-by-step assessment of an institution's enrollment capacity and discussion of centralized or reassignable classrooms. (Author/MSE)