A discussion of the need to find an appropriate structure for decision making within the University, and the need for changes in the structure of higher and adult education generally. (Author)

The literature on decentralization of policy decisions is reviewed from economics, political science, and higher education. Decentralization in colleges and universities is found to mean a diffusion of authority, influence, and/or information sharing relating to policy decisions. A number of variables are discussed as they might influence the…

Observing that distance teaching so far conducted at Britain's Open University is based on an authoritarian model with teacher-developed multimedia programed courses, the author proposes a new approach to such correspondence-type courses in which a framework is provided for students to organize their own learning using their own methods. (JT)

Studies may not help to determine cost-effectiveness of distance or mediated education for several reasons: difficulty gathering data; many costs are not intrinsic to technology, but a result of decisions made; and difficulty in comparing costs of different mediated programs. Cost-effectiveness of technology can be determined by designing and…

A mail survey of nonaccepters of places in Britain's Open University showed the major reasons for declining were financial problems, time commitment, effects on family life, other family or personal changes, increased work responsibilities, moving, unemployment, and necessity of studying another field for work. (MSE)

This technical report attempts to (1) provide information on issues and factors involved in analyzing extended degree costs; (2) provide brief explanation of how cost-related tools have been used in allocation of resources in similar degree programs; (3) indicate the types of information that are needed in making cost analysis of the extended…

The Universidad Estatal a Distancia is used as an example to illustrate the methodology and utility of cost analysis in educational planning and decision making. By identifying cost-inducing variables in a system, it is possible to analyze expenditure against the level of activity associated with each variable. (Author/MLW)

The Open University of Great Britain is an open-enrollment, home-based institution in which the majority of the instruction is conducted via broadcasts and correspondence. There are over 50,000 students ernolled in nearly 100 courses which require the transmission of 1,000 television and 1,000 radio broadcasts each year. Recently, research has…

The Open University of Great Britain is an open-enrollment, home-based educational system in which the majority of the instruction is conducted via broadcasts and correspondence. One radio program, one television program, and the related readings from a course on decision-making in the British Education System were evaluated to see if they: 1)…

This case study describes the introduction and consideration of a state board staff proposal that the more traditional Minnesota State Universities adopt external degree programs. A model for making practices congruent with policy decisions is presented. The process of examining the external degree proposal, beginning with the state board actions…

Four experiential learning programs that are in the early stages of development are described. The report from the Consortium of the California State University and Colleges details the efforts of a traditional, decentralized system to introduce flexibility into the use of examinations for crediting prior learning. A description of a large,…