SYSTEMS ANALYSIS IS DEFINED AS AN APPROACH TO PROBLEMS OF DECISION-MAKING WHICH PROCEEDS BY ASCERTAINING OBJECTIVES, DETERMINING CONSTRAINTS, ELABORATING ALTERNATIVES, AND ESTIMATING THE COSTS, BENEFITS, AND RISKS OF FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES. THE SYSTEMS ANALYSIS DESCRIBED HERE IS BEING CONDUCTED IN SUPPORT OF PLANNING FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES…

To improve educational research, this article suggests using an industrial model to analyze the educational system. Questions arising from such a model--involving inputs, outputs, prices, technology, consumer characteristics, and intra-industry structure--are related to existing educational research and to needed future research. (Author/RW)

How some of the past literature creates the impression of an inevitable method-paradigm linkage and of a forced choice between qualitative and quantitative paradigms is shown. Difficulties of making method choices are considered. It is suggested that purposefully developed strengths of different methods should not be ignored. (Author/GK)

Without a conscious effort to achieve optimum resource allocation, there is a real danger that educational resources may be wasted. This document uses input-output analysis to develop a model for rational decision-making in secondary education. (LLR)

This paper on infant behavior offers a program to positively change decelerating mental development curves in infants. It attempts to (1) suggest a theoretical model, (2) present a developmental matrix derived from observation using the model, and (3) note specific instrumentation for infant observation and an experimental-stimulating responsive…

Some salient concepts derived from the information sciences and currently used in theories of human memory are critically reviewed. The application of automata theory is proposed as a new approach in this field. The approach is illustrated by applying it to verbal memory. (Author)

Develops an information transfer model which relates information products to the user's innovation decision-making process and highlights the linkage between specific products and user needs at each decision point. Specific applications to environmental technology are discussed. Three figures, five tables, and a reference list accompany the text.…

This article presents a model for the analysis of cost efficiency within the framework of data envelopment analysis models. It calculates the cost excess, separating a unit of production from its optimal or frontier levels, and, at the same time, breaks these excesses down into three explanatory factors: (a) technical inefficiency, which depends…

Previous work assessing the effectiveness of computers in education has gone no further than acknowledging a network of interconnected variables (comprising a system) which contribute to computer impact and describing its component parts. An impact systems model developed by Glasman and Bibiaminov (1981) has been adapted to facilitate measurement…

The Planning, Monitoring, and Implementation Model (PMI) was developed to provide a model for systematic evaluation of educational programs to determine their effectiveness in achieving goals and objectives. This paper demonstrates the applicability of the PMI model at the project level. Fresh Start Minischool at Ballou High School (District of…

This document presents a pilot training program which developed, diffused, and evaluated the application of a selected group of research and development (R&D) techniques for planning and initiating change in the public schools. The training model resulted from suggestions of an interdisciplinary development team at the University of Kansas. The…

Describes a modular approach to help select the most effective instruments for particular applications. In the approach, an instrument is considered to be a system composed of modules, each module performing a particular function. General input/output functions of various modules, how they modify signals, and module sensitivity are discussed. (JM)

This essay suggests an analytical framework for estimating manpower requirements by skill categories for the purpose of educational planning. (Editor)

Critiques of conventional models for evaluating the utility of organizational human resource policies. Questions the implicit assumption that utilities are invariant across changing labor market conditions, and concludes that omission of these considerations overstates the likely utility of the programs being evaluated. (TE)