College counseling centers can provide excellent training programs for graduate students. Given declining budgets and increased demands for services, counseling centers must examine the cost-effectiveness of training. Based on the experience of one center, the number of service hours provided by trainees is substantially greater than the number of…

Discussion of the management of information resources in organizations focuses on the use of portal technologies to update intranet capabilities. Considers application outsourcing decisions, reviews benefits (including reducing costs) as well as concerns, and describes application service providers (ASPs). (LRW)

Summarizes relatively simple and inexpensive methods for collecting data from agricultural field studies. Describes methods involving on-farm testing, crop yield measurement, quality evaluations, weed control effectiveness, plant nutrient status, and other measures. Contains 29 references illustrating how these methods were used to conduct…

Explains a process for identifying, locating, examining, and adapting instructional materials for training. Presents key considerations for evaluating, testing, and revising materials to ensure the attainment of learning objectives. (SK)

Discusses needs assessment and evaluation as strategic processes within the human performance technology framework and explains how practitioners can coordinate these two steps to save time and money in performance improvement interventions. Describes a performance improvement framework and how needs assessment and evaluation relate to the…

Training centers are now developing and marketing profitable external learning initiatives. Training programs are strengthening customer satisfaction, contributing to partnership development, enhancing research and development activities, and bolstering the bottom line. (JOW)

Looks at the pros and cons of measuring return on investment in training and describes four methods: (1) existing hard data; (2) estimates by trainees and managers; (3) action plans; and (4) cost-benefit analysis. Provides a cost-benefit analysis worksheet. (SK)

Empirically estimates a multiple-product fixed total cost function and output relationship for 295 U.S. private liberal-arts colleges. Statistical results suggest that there are economies of scale and scope in higher education. Research at such colleges is not cost-effective. (Contains 31 references.) (MLH)

Monolithic domes are less costly to build than traditional structures and can cost as much as 50 percent less to heat and cool. Districts across the country that have opted for monolithic-dome school facilities say their decision was a cost-effective alternative to conventional construction. (MLH)

Five case studies compared output-related funding (ORF) in Britain's Training for Work program with input-based funding used by the European Social Fund. The nature of incentives in ORF led to creaming and encouraged curtailed training for immediate employment. These perverse incentives make cost-effectiveness data misleading. (SK)

Explains how Cornell University is using lake water to cool 40 percent of the space in its central campus. Payback cost estimates and design and engineering issues are examined. (GR)

Presents a framework for evaluating distance education options with questions addressing seven concerns: community/learner needs, technology resources, learner support/follow-up, course development, technology choices, staff needs, and financial resources. The framework can help assess issues of cost effectiveness, educational purpose, and equity.…

The fundamental problem in leadership development is the huge disparity between what is being spent and the return on that investment. Remedies include clarifying desired outcomes, putting leadership development in an organizational context, beginning with results, linking competencies to results, transforming leadership development into a…

Provides a detailed description of diverse data collection tools based on the World Wide Web and enumerates their advantages, disadvantages, and logistical challenges. Web-based data collection can offer cost-effective, flexible, and timely solutions to many evaluation needs. (Author/SLD)

Explains the importance of knowing what condition the school's roof(s) is in and how to design a preventive maintenance program that is cost effective and will help extend the roof's lifecycle. Cost calculation techniques to value a roof maintenance program, maintenance documentation requirements, and roof surveying are discussed. (GR)