Higher level vocational education and training (VET) programmes are facing rapid change and intensifying challenges. What type of training is needed to meet the needs of changing economies? How should the programmes be funded? How should they be linked to academic and university programmes? How can employers and unions be engaged? The country…

A mixed-method program evaluation, concurrently using both qualitative interview data and quantitative questionnaire data, was conducted. It illustrated significant design and analysis issues related to integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, specifically between-method and cross-paradigm triangulation. (Author/GDC)

An analysis of the findings of a 1973 survey of research/information needs for promoting innovation in community colleges is presented. This survey was made of institutions which had previously expressed interest in information assistance. Analyses are made by topic area, region and topics by region. These tentative conclusions were reached: (1) a…

Two evaluation projects conducted for the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service are examined from a user-focused perspective: (1) a needs assessment of large scale commercial farmers for program development by the Office of Special Programs; and (2) a review of the extension programs in Nicollet County. Each incorporated the focus group method…

This paper, which is intended for individuals responsible for information management at British further education (FE) colleges, describes the attempts by a number of FE institutions to manage their information effectively and provides guidelines for FE institutions to follow when developing their own information management strategy. After a brief…

Although the formal extension work in Canada has been patterned after the United States Cooperative Extension Service to a considerable degree, there are some important differences between the extension education systems in the two countries. The public, private, and voluntary sectors all play significant roles in Canada's extension and technology…

The North Carolina State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NC SOICC) was established in June 1977 to implement an occupational information system in the state that would meet the planning and operational needs of programs assisted under the Vocational Education Act and the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). The…

This guide, which derives from planning work at Southeast Community College (Nebraska), is designed to improve the practice of vocational program planning at the postsecondary level. After an overview is provided in the first section, a compilation of seven separate categories is presented which deals with gathering needed information for…

This feasibility study was conducted to determine if the Michigan Occupational Data Analysis System (MODAS) can be implemented or modified in Illinois by studying the information needs of state agencies and local educational institutions. Agencies were asked how they might use the MODAS system for activities such as curriculum development and…

Experiences in systems-development for state information systems are summarized for eight pilot-test state agencies, as part of the State Level Information Base project. Attention is directed to the evaluation of information needs; hardware and software choices; survey administration; data organization, storage, and linkages; and staffing…

A study assessed North Carolina's Multi-Purpose Occupational Information System (MPOIS). Evaluated during the study were various dimensions of the MPOIS, including its content, efficiency, operations, training, and outcomes. In addition, the development of the system was examined in terms of how it addresses both the technical and non-technical…

Three papers focusing on various aspects of nontraditional postsecondary education, are presented in this volume. The first paper by Cross and Zusman explores the issue of nontraditional population needs and associated program responses. The second paper, by Bowen, Edelstein, and Medsker, focuses on the kinds of information that decisionmakers in…

Issues in distance education at the tertiary level in Australia are addressed in three papers. The need to provide mature students with information before course attendance is discussed by Edward R. Reid-Smith in "Why Educational Advisory Services for Mature Students?" During 1982-1984, new external students at Riverina College of…

These proceedings consist of the following presentations and discussion papers: "Extension Research Needs in Evalaution" (Michael Patton); "Needed Research in Program Development" (Roger Lawrence); "The Cooperative Extension Service: A National Assessment" (Paul Warner); "National Study of Extension's Research…

Experiences of pilot-test state agencies in developing an information system are summarized, as part of the State Level Information Base project. The background and functions of each of the eight pilot-test state agencies are described, along with the information systems approach, and planning responsibilities (comprehensive planning, budgeting,…