The project of modernization of regional education systems is now in its second year, but by no means all schools in Russia currently meet modern requirements. The division between strong and weak schools is still preserved. Quality control is frequently regarded as a formality and the effectiveness of how a specific educational institution is run…

This paper explores the validity of performance management regimes for quality assuring animal health regulation by comparing the results of tests for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) between male and female vets. In doing so it hopes to present some practical solutions to the regulation of animal disease and encourage further sociological study of the…

There has been much concern about standards in British higher education in the last few years, as the number and percentage of students graduating with good degrees has increased. In 1997, 53 per cent of graduating students were awarded 2:1 or 1st class degree; in 2008 the figure was 61 per cent. How then are standards maintained? There is, of…

This project investigated the use of external examiners by institutions accredited by the Open University Validation Services (OUVS) in England. The investigation involved visiting 18 accredited institutions and interviewing 10 external examiners. The study found widespread approval of the contribution made by external examiners. Reasons given for…

The individual and social uses of recent technological applications, such as information delivery and interactive home systems, are discussed. Also explored are problems related to the harnessing of these advances to individual information needs, and policy issues generated by the new technologies. Thirteen references are cited. (Author/SW)

A pilot study investigated and developed the potential contribution of self-assessment procedures in the regulation of British day nurseries. Inspection staff in four local authorities used day-care self-assessment materials adapted for inspection purposes. Results suggested that self-assessment incorporated with inspection and development work…

Presents a new model of effective school leadership based on recent empirical research (nonautobiographical case studies) on 12 British headteachers. Demonstrates how the multiperspective methodology contributed to a critique of existing leadership models and development of a grounded and value-led contingency model. (Contains 65 references.) (MLH)

Discusses the need to include studies of reliability and maintainability during the design of any system. Topic areas addressed include availability calculations, complex systems and standby redundancy, availability and malfunction levels, design techniques, fault trees, functional maintenance, and others. (DH)

The role of Great Britain's Council for National Academic Awards in relation to other government agencies concerned with the quality of public colleges is discussed, and the public sector's course review process is compared to that of the universities. (Author/MSE)

In Great Britain, apprenticeship is regarded as the traditional means of entry into skilled occupations. Covers some apprenticeship characteristics, arguments for and against apprenticeships, efforts made by Industrial Training Boards to improve the quality of apprentice training, and training criteria that must be met for government funding of…

Examines quality control mechanisms within West German dual system for training young workers: entry qualifications, quality/qualifications of trainers, methods for curriculum renewal, etc. Comments on weaknesses in the dual system and briefly discusses two British initiatives intended to improve the quality of the education and training of young…

This study discusses benchmarking the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning between two universities with different missions: one an Australian campus-based metropolitan university and the other a British distance-education provider. It argues that the differences notwithstanding, it is possible to…

The system of external course evaluation in the nonuniversity sector of British higher education, currently under review as institutions seek greater autonomy and the state seeks better quality and control, is described. Implications of proposed system changes' implications for interinstitutional relationships and the balance of power are…

These teacher's materials are intended to support trainers as they conduct a 1-day course on each of the following topics regarding the hotel and catering industry in Great Britain: the customer perspective, customer service standards, and quality control. The first section explains how to use the materials. The instructions for conducting each…