Explains that due to the complexity of today's custodial work, extensive education and training is required. This includes basic commercial/industrial cleaning techniques; hygiene procedures; asbestos awareness; management, scheduling, and budgeting; chemical usage; and calculating operations efficiency. Details the in-depth custodial training of…

Discusses the advantages of metal building and roofing systems, especially the use of steel. Considers such factors as installation ease and design flexibility, reliability and durability, and cost-effectiveness. (PKP)

Reviews several studies examining long-term academic, economic, and social benefits of investment in early childhood education. Includes the High/Scope Perry Preschool Project, the Chicago Child-Parent Center Program, the Abecedarian Project, and Head Start. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Studies cost-effectiveness of school-reform efforts between 1985 and 1998. Concludes that the enormous amount of public funds expended on school reform during this period resulted in very small increases in student achievement as measured by test scores in reading, mathematics, writing, science, and social studies. (Contains 13 references.) (PKP)

The 11 North Carolina group homes serving persons with autism are described. Discussed are such aspects as cost effectiveness, staff selection and training, level of structure and programing, composition of the client group, adherence to a central philosophy, and the role of administration. (Author/DB)

Discusses the dependent care programs offered by Honeywell and IBM. Indicates that the programs reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and save money. (JOW)

An ex ante benefit-cost analysis was conducted of applied tree improvement programs in the North Central Region from 1986 through the year 2030. Results for 24 tree species indicate that ex ante evaluation of the programs is difficult, but the intuition of professionals has built-in efficiency considerations. (TJH)

Several Colorado and Kansas school systems are having their school buses rebuilt commercially, saving $5,000 to $17,000 per bus. In deciding whether to replace or rebuild buses, districts should consider age and mechanical condition, local climate, safety concerns, and regulatory requirements. (MLH)

Since 1983, when the David Douglas Public Schools (Portland, Oregon) converted 30 buses to propane fuel, the district has saved $75,000 in fuel and maintenance costs. Propane is priced consistently lower than gasoline and burns cleaner. Since propane engines do not require a carburetor, there are fewer maintenance problems. (MLH)

Effective training is essential to maintaining product quality and serving customers. Active participation by management and staff is also required. (JOW)

This brief discussion considers some of the techniques, especially graphic techniques, that are part of the "tool kit" for sensitivity analysis, using sensitivity analysis in a hospital's cost-benefit decision as an example. Sensitivity analysis is helpful in exploring the deterministic agency in decision making. (SLD)

Because of increasing incidence of burnout among midlevel managers, many companies are reducing workload schedules, an arrangement that would have been unthinkable 10 years ago. Surveys have made the case that flexible work arrangements increase employee happiness and, therefore, productivity. (JOW)

Suggests that choosing the right type of animation and designing it carefully can communicate messages effectively and economically. Discusses using animation for what it does well; using the right type of animation; and keeping animation costs low. (RS)

Presents a framework for analyzing key training resources during times of reduced funding. Recommends proactive approaches to assist public sector trainers with increasing efficiency during economic downturns. (SK)

To interlink major systems, some communication companies are proposing construction of communication towers on school grounds. Schools and municipal governments possess strategically located, unzoned properties. Districts planning to tap this financial oil well should draw up a lease agreement specifying property use, term, rent, access rights,…