This paper seeks to compare the reflective writings of two cohorts of students (Year 4/5 and Year 8/9) participating in mathematical modelling challenges. Whilst the reflections of the younger cohort were results oriented, the older cohort's reflections spoke more to the affective domain, group processes, the use of technology and the acquisition…

The STRATOP algorithm was developed to help planners and proponents find and test effectively designed choice objects and communication strategies. Choice objects can range from complex social, scientific, military, or educational alternatives to simple economic alternatives between assortments of branded convenience goods. Two classes of measured…

There is no doubt that the most important activity In schools and universities is conducting classes and lectures to their students. Preparation of timetables is a major task confronted by the management every year. A lot of time is spent on this exercise, yet the end result would be far from satisfactory. In this paper, we draw attention to the…

A case study of the Suburban Library System (SLS) was conducted by applying an analytical library network model to data collected during March 1978. Models are developed for describing the intralibrary processing activities encountered at SLS and the other resource libraries in this case study. Alternative routing policies for referring requests…

Presents a mathematical metaphor for the birth and decline of historical eras. Identifies conditions necessary for transition from one era to the next. Argues that each era is characterized by sigmoidal growth that declines to saturation. Suggests that only synergetic, innovative people can open new areas and criteria to issue in a new era. (DK)

Argues that corporation trainers need to capitalize upon technological innovations to create more efficient and effective training programs, compares training alternatives, and provides models for determining costs for students, instructors, facilities, administration, and instructional development, as well as the total corporate training cost.…

Catastrophe theory, a mathematical technique for studying discontinuous processes such as sudden and dramatic changes in the behavior of a system as a consequence of small changes in controlling factors, is discussed. The "cusp catastrophe" is used to create a three-dimensional model. (Author/MLW)

Available from: C. Elton Hinshaw, Secretary, 1313 21st Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37212. (JG)

Expertise in the technical aspects of planning and a keen appreciation of the social factors involved are not, in themselves, sufficient for satisfactory educational planning. The plan will still not be feasible unless there is attention to a third group of factors called "practical issues", "organizational features", or…

The use of futures research to improve a college's ability to deal with changes brought about by social, economic, political, and technological developments is discussed, with attention to new planning strategies and forecasting methods. While traditional long-range planning tracks and forecasts the institution's internal development, strategic…