The terms on which funds are allocated to Britain's Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) offer little financial incentive to support high-cost, high-quality training. As it stands, TECs' performance ratings improve only if they support the cheapest, easiest, and quickest means that match government output measures. (SK)

Surveys costs of education in China, focusing on three areas: national expenditures on education; unit cost of education; and educational cost functions. Relates the analysis of education costs to four enduring policy issues: resource mobilization, inequality, inequity, and inefficiency. Compared with other Asian countries, China's public…

This article urges leaders at institutions of higher education to analyze the decision to pursue a Total Quality Management improvement strategy in the same way as any other strategy--as a return on investment. Evidence of costs and benefits of TQM from industry and campus is summarized, and barriers to a "return on quality investment" mindset are…

Suggests that investing more presales dollars in timely, accurate, and complete documentation may significantly reduce the total cost of customer support. Shows how judiciously increasing investment costs significantly reduced the avoidable costs of supporting customers of a computer software documentation product, and reduced the total costs to a…

Reviews advantages and disadvantages of four extension delivery methods: partnerships, master volunteer programs, information centers, and regional programs. Concluded that the key is matching individual, community, and emerging needs with the right method. (SK)

Describes five principles for cost-effective clinical practice: efficient use of self, efficient use of equipment and supplies, delegation of work, critical path method, and organization of the environment. (SK)

Discusses child poverty, the causes of high poverty rates among children, and proposals and programs aimed at reforming Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Proposes another approach to providing cash benefits to children in the form of a children's allowance or refundable tax credit similar to programs in other industrialized nations.…

A methodology was developed for conducting a benefit-cost analysis of an innovative supported employment intervention for the psychiatrically disabled. Results indicated that the program, which targeted 19 participants, approached cost efficiency of almost .90 of benefits to costs. The value of the methodology for program evaluation is discussed.…

This article discusses fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) including causes, common characteristics, secondary characteristics, prevention, and treatment. Economic implications are noted which suggest that treatment costs are 100 times the cost of prevention programs. (DB)

Describes the Corporate Educational NETwork developed at IBM that uses interactive television for training. Reasons for a new training method are discussed, including lowering costs; technical details are explained, including the use of a communications satellite; course offerings are described; and results of evaluations are discussed. (LRW)

In California, the regional partnership structure is being used to support implementation of recommendations for middle level school reform. The partnership's loose structure allows flexibility in financial contribution and opportunities to solicit paying partners from the local community. A support network or forum allows individuals and schools…

A national survey of 213 research universities found 2 models of research program administration predominate: an officer for graduate studies and another for research, and a single officer handling both responsibilities. The former is more common at the most research-oriented institutions. Choice of model depends on program similarities,…

Wellness is a lifelong process that must be updated constantly to maintain a high quality of life. Only the individual determines the path to total wellness. Restructuring lifestyle (eating habits, physical activity, attitudes) and understanding what it takes to be healthy take time. Evidence indicates that corporate wellness initiatives are…

Presents the vision and accomplishments of Jan Jensen, of Jefferson County Public Schools, Colorado, who was selected as the first "National Library Media Specialist of the Year" by 3M and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Her suggestions for integrating technology into the curriculum and for winning…

Examines the nature and role of departmental libraries in large university systems and the organizational structure which best enhances their value to the university. Argues that, although often viewed as outsiders or as expendable, departmental libraries serve users well and are in tune with the trend toward decentralization in this age of…