An article condemning the use of student performance data for institutional accountability is criticized for its generalizations and for perpetuating a class war between faculty and administration. (MSE)

Student teams in a senior capstone course in marketing completed microcomputer simulation in which they developed six-month marketing plan for a new product. A procedure similar to Kelly's Role Repertory Test was applied to define the role that various information sources played in their decision-making process, a means of determining the amount…

Describes a study that empirically tested the citation behavior model of Moravcsik and Murugesan and examined the hypothesized relationships between three variables: reported citation type, reported utility level, and citation location. It is concluded that studies focusing on elements of information cited are needed to develop models reflecting…

Information use can be defined in many ways depending on a variety of organizational, personal, and presentational factors. The experience of evaluation researchers provides some guides for practice. (Author/MSE)

Organizational barriers to information use vary with types of decisions and the phases of information collection, analysis, and communication. Strategies suitable for one environment will not always work in others. (Author/MSE)

Institutional researchers can use cognitive psychology theory and research to improve their support of academic decision-makers and to improve how information is communicated and used. (Author/MSE)

Written reports still constitute the primary means of communicating institutional research findings. They may have a variety of formats, but should always rest on a well-documented research process. (Author/MSE)

New technologies have increased the speed with which research results can be disseminated and enable new forms of iterative problem solving, but must be used deliberately and with care. (Author/MSE)

There is a vast difference between factual information and a sense of understanding that comes from the organization of knowledge in a way in which it can be used in decision processes. Recognition of interdependencies and interrelatedness leads to understanding and utilization. (JD)

Only by accepting responsibility for ferreting out all the accurate relevant information on an issue can board members trust their decisions. Describes the categories of fundamental, unsolicited, and on-demand information and how best to deal with them. (MLF)

Findings are presented from a study designed to analyze qualitative differences in perceptual skills, measured in an educational context, between and among experienced, nominally experienced, and inexperienced teachers. Results suggest the groups differed in their ability to perceive and interpret classroom information. (IAH)

The author discusses using computer-based coaching to help employees apply their training on the job. He distinguishes between coaching and computer-based training and provides some examples. Some issues that training managers must consider before implementing computer-based coaching are presented. (CH)

Investigates the relationships between the parameters of the Simon-Yule model and the shapes of three bibliometric distributions: Lotka's Law of Scientific Productivity; Bradford's Law of Bibliometric Scattering; and Zipf's Law of Word Frequency. The results indicate that the probability of a new entry determines the characteristics of all three…

Policy analysis in higher education is distinct from but is informed by and can contribute to both institutional research and institutional planning. Policy analysis extends beyond data analysis, using many qualitative research methods and a degree of intuition, and focuses on specific issues, not systems as does planning. (MSE)

Institutional research in higher education is seen as comprised of three levels of intelligence/information: (1) technical and analytical; (2) understanding of student, faculty, financial, and facilities issues; and (3) contextual intelligence concerning the culture of higher education and the particular institution. Knowledge and skills required…