This article provides information, questions, and answers about current approaches to dropping the dropout rate of our students. For example, our current model of education is based on the mass production or assembly line model promoted by Henry Ford back in early years of the 1900s (1900-1920). This model served both factory production and…

In response to an exponential growth in enrolments the "Tutorial Support Management" (TSM) model has been adopted by Open Universities Australia (OUA) after a two-year project on the provision of online tutor support in first year, online undergraduate units. The essential focus of the TSM model was the development of a systemic approach…

Strategic planning is an important tool, but the sole dependence on it across departments and campuses has resulted in the underutilization of equally important methods of analysis. The evolution of higher and postsecondary education necessitates a systemic industry analysis, as the combination of new providers and delivery mechanisms and changing…

An analytical model for a cost-effectiveness approach to the journal disposition problem is presented. An example based on data from a real university special library situation is presented. (Author/PF)

The author briefly reviews literature dealing with the origins of the accountability movement, with models and programs for its implementation, and with the unresolved philosophical and methodological controversies surrounding accountability. (Author/IRT)

Problems of cost stall substantial implementation of computer-assisted instruction, (CAI) particularly for dispersed populations. This paper examines the problems inherent in providing CAI to scattered groups so that accurate estimates of the costs of different technologies (including satellites) which could deliver CAI to dispersed populations…

An evaluation methodology based on problem-solving techniques which can be effective and efficient in defining and analyzing problems which impair program performance is described. The model provides a potentially unique cost/benefit methodology for estimating the potential worth of improving program performance. (Author/RL)

To achieve the benefits of both efficiency and effectiveness requires that economists and educators at least be able to work together in developing and supporting educational strategies. (DM)

Operations research is defined as the application of scientific or quantitative methods to problems involving the operations of a system, which are directed toward obtaining optimal solutions. The goal, as applied to mental health systems, is the establishment of a "best" improvement path which can be implemented with minimum uncertainty. The…

This report provides a detailed description of an education program cost model designed to accept descriptions of the size and composition of resources used in a particular program and translate them into an estimate of program cost, for convenient comparison of alternatives. The model also translates ("crosswalks") the program budget…

Beginning January 1, 1969, Systems Research Group (SRG) undertook a project to develop operational cost simulation models of three of the colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario. These models, and the data needed to feed them, have been developed and are now operating. SRG describes their progress to date and identifies the remaining…

This report, a clear statement of how one district developed a planning system, offers both a theoretical and a practical approach to providing the superintendent, his staff, and the board of education with a comprehensive planning system instrument for making policy decisions and allocating resources. Also provided are guidelines for involving…

Focuses on alternative paradigms to experimental inquiry useful to instructional systems researchers, including quasi-experimentation, meta-analysis, case study and ethnography, systems-based evaluation, and technique and model development. Each is discussed in terms of how it generally applies in the field and how it has been employed by…

This study, based primarily on the experience of Seattle, Washington, deals with the application of the systems approach to educational planning. Section 1 defines and describes the concept of a system and the systems approach, and gives a general introduction to the use of systems analysis. Section 2 describes the development and use of the…