Developing a rational scanning process that reaches a balance between what is needed and what is possible within the limitations of an institution's resources is discussed. The different kinds of scanning, which kind to use at each stage of the process, and why are described. (MLW)

Editor-in-chief James L. Morrison talks with David Macquart, co-founder of the Global Nomads Group (GNG), a group dedicated to improving children's cultural understanding by bringing the world into the classroom using videoconferencing technology. GNG moderates video conferences between K-12 classes in different countries, organizes virtual…

This study seeks to determine whether variance in teaching effectiveness of faculty at a traditionally black college, as assessed by students, can be attributed to particular attitudes, experiences, and teaching behaviors of the faculty. A theoretical model derived from symbolic interaction theory is tested by path analysis. Data to test the model…

Scanning the external environment will become more essential to colleges in the coming decade. Developing an environmental scanning system can identify important emerging issues that may constitute either threats or opportunities. The organizational features of a mature scanning process are described. (MLW)

These proceedings report on a seminar held to determine the needs and wants served by the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) in regard to products and services provided by AIR to institutions and individuals. A vulnerability/opportunity audit was conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. Participants listed…

This proceedings report describes exercises used in a workshop on environmental scanning, designed to assist institutional research officers to develop competency in establishing and maintaining an external analysis capability on their campuses. The workshop offered an opportunity for participants to experience several techniques used in…

A method for college planning using alternative futures scenarios is explained, and a case study is used to illustrate its use in institutional research. The alternative futures approach addresses the uncertainty associated with strategic decision making. It differs from the traditional long-range planning models based on a single set of…

This handbook for institutional researchers focuses on describing methods and techniques for conducting and merging external and internal analyses in order to produce an expanded vision of alternative future environments. Such vision is needed for the formulation of strategic long-range plans. Section 1 begins with a discussion of how an internal…

Cumulative grade-point averages (GPAs) of all two- and four-year public and private college transfers who graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill during the academic year 1974-75 were compared with those of native students after controlling for academic aptitude through a multivariate analysis of covariance procedure. No…

Policy-impact analysis is introduced as a model to aid higher education in dealing with the significant problems in the decade of the 1980s. The model provides a framework within which a variety of futures research techniques are tied to policy development, implementation, and evaluation. The utility of the model is that it structures…