The design and methods used in the training program for department heads at University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres are described and their roots in the institution's needs and context are discussed. (MSE)

A discussion of the emerging international need for training for department heads focuses on why such training is now a critical issue, what current management problems imply for training needs, the nature and variety of the training available, and some general avenues for future development. (MSE)

The University of Strathclyde's professional development for department administrators has evolved from a one-day to a two-day residential seminar with additional thematic seminars and workshops. Integrated case studies addressing priorities, management style, departmental reviews, and monitoring development will be implemented next, and a system…

Key findings from three evaluation reports of COMETT (the European Community program on cooperation between universities and industry for training in the field of technology) are presented. Texts are extracted from official evaluation reports. Focus is on program design and anticipated impact. (MSE)

The nature and organization of continuing education within the higher education systems of Canada, Finland, and the United Kingdom are examined and compared. Although there are considerable differences between the systems, there is also significant variation within them. Little stability is seen, and change is foreseen as pressures increase.…

It is argued that, in France, the role and status of continuing education in the university are unstable and are not accommodated well by the university system. Although the universities serve the greater community and public good, the focus of continuing education is individual advancement and the relationship remains problematic. (MSE)

A discussion of distance education outlines its development, identifies its characteristics, and analyzes three existing program types and the needs they serve. The Irish National Distance Education Centre, which uses a cooperative approach with several institutions, is presented in greater detail. (MSE)

Thirteen trends in university computer system development are identified, system user requirements are analyzed, critical system qualities are outlined, and three options for organizing a computer system are presented. The three systems include a centralized network, local network, and federation of local networks. (MSE)

A description of the campuswide computer system at Aston University (England) includes a profile of the institution, the information technology strategy adopted, a current local networking project, information technology development priorities for the near future, the role of the library and information service, and management and organizational…

A discussion of the University of Oslo's training programs for department heads describes their design, content, frequency, and methods. These administrators' roles are examined and the importance of higher level support of the programs is stressed. Reluctance to participate and special problems in applying content of the programs are discussed.…

Finland's traditionally closed system of higher education, in which continuing education has been segregated into special centers, must address the reality of reduced resources and consider incorporating continuing education into the university. Establishment of a separate vocational higher education institution could further diversify the system.…

Difficulties in the development of adult education programs in research-oriented, elite universities are discussed, focusing on the differences in traditional values and objectives of adult and university education. Organizational conditions at the University of Louvain (Belgium) that have proven conducive to a successful adult education program…

Trends in postsecondary business education in Poland are examined, drawing on results of recent surveys. Topics addressed include the design and evaluation of programs at different levels, influences of Western programs and pedagogy, demand for business education, and implications for further development of the system. (MSE)

The authors describe a course intended to produce graduates with a European perspective, fluent in English and Italian, and able to understand and practice the management functions required in high technology areas of the manufacturing industry. Each student will spend two years in England and two years in Italy. (Author/MLW)