The paradigm and model presented in this paper, influenced by the Havelock's "linkage" model and Chin's "changing" model, aim to assist educators in determing directions of change using a selection of managerial and behavioral techniques, and to regulate the rate of change using management information and control systems. The generic paradigm…

A problem in the building industry is the lack of coordination of research efforts and the time lag between the completion of research and the incorporation of the results in practice. A partial solution is attempted in this survey of current and past research dealing with innovation and other problems in the building industry and related…

Presents a classification scheme for generations of online catalogs; discusses current online technologies and identifies deficiencies; and discusses enhancements that will take online catalogs into the next generation. Such enhancements will include increased access to information through user-system dialogue, automatic search aids, subject…

Reviews the work environments surrounding integrated office systems, and synthesizes the known effects of automated office technologies with regard to their impact on information networks, work flow/processes, and organizational structure and power. (CLB)

The seven seminar papers in this issue discuss the role of information science in various public and private organizations; the development and current status of information science as a professional field; and the use of advanced information technologies and information systems. Session chairmen's remarks and four question sessions are included.…

Six papers dealing with decision support and knowledge based systems are presented. Five of the papers are concerned in some way with the use of artificial intelligence techniques in individual or group decision support. The sixth paper presents empirical results from the use of a group decision support system. (CLB)

The introduction of microcomputers into schools appears not to have inevitable effects, though some options for action may appear more or less favorable than before. The potential consequences of introducing microcomputers will be affected by the relative influences of key personnel and the individual school's decision-making style. (PGD)

Decentralization and an increased emphasis on community and parent participation represent significant education reform trends over the past decade. These reforms take place in the context of increased emphasis within Education for All (EFA) on improving education quality and outcomes and on strengthening accountability for results. They require…

The globalization of information has led to increased optimism about the increasing role of global civil society. However, the underdeveloped have been left out of this information explosion. Through development, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) seek to empower the poor so that they have the resources and abilities to join the rest of the…

This hearing focused on: (1) what data States collect to monitor the care and supervision of children in foster care and children for whom adoption subsidies are paid; (2) how that data is used today; and (3) what additional data or applications of these data might better ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. Testimony was…

This 2001-2005 strategic plan for Texas Public Community Colleges assesses external as well as internal factors relevant to the role of community colleges in the state. Plan highlights include: (1) between 1995 and 2005, the Texas population is projected to increase by 31%, an annual growth of nearly 2%; (2) the Hispanic population is expected to…

This paper offers a theory-based course development methodology for the creation of an information systems (IS) course to address the needs of top executives. A survey of institutions offering the Executive MBA (Masters of Business Administration) degree was conducted that focused on: (1) the extent to which the IS course is included in MBA…

Changes in the United Kingdom higher education system have resulted in a lack of formative (i.e., student feedback) assessment: increased student numbers and reduced funding resulting in bigger classes with less tutor contact, as well as a more diverse set of student entrants with a wider set of skills resulting in a greater need for formative…

This paper examines how discourse analysis can be used as a methodology for understanding the mental models that influence how people navigate the Internet. Discourse analysis provides a methodology with which to articulate the relationships between language, social context, and the cognitive processes that underlie discourse perception and…

Survey feedback can be applied as an organization development (OD) technique in public school systems. The technique, if suited to goals of an OD effort, can result in multiple positive outcomes. In addition to improvements characteristic of OD, the results of survey feedback can be utilized in making strategic decisions. (Author/MH)