Discusses CD-ROM as a cost-effective method of adding a multimedia hardware platform to office personal computers. Topics covered include hardware requirements; CD-ROM capacity; mixed-mode CD-ROMs containing audio, graphics, and text; audio-only CD-ROMs; and development costs. Examples of mixed-mode and audio-only titles are described, and…

Examines definitions and goals of the field of performance technology. Topics discussed include a model for visualizing performance technology; needs assessment; front-end analysis; the design and development of relevant and cost-effective training/educational interventions; testing; implementation; evaluation; and job aids. (LRW)

Traditional assumptions about the balance of teaching and research in the college faculty workload, as well as administrative structures and academic support services, are no longer affordable. They must be redesigned to be more cost effective if higher education is to meet the rising demand. (MSE)

Discusses repurposing content for computer-assisted instruction. Topics addressed include cost reduction; cost effectiveness; instructional quality and consistency; design issues; database design, including organizing information for repurposing and the use of courseware; and examples derived from multimedia and hypermedia applications. (LRW)

A basic input-output model of educational production is proposed for interpreting economic analyses of pharmaceutical education. Application of the model illustrates how results of an economic evaluation can be misleading or irrelevant and how inappropriate use of economic evaluations can be avoided. (Author/MSE)

Criticism of the cost of continuing professional education programs in social work ignores two important factors: (1) such programs provide an important public service that add demand above and beyond their own enrollments; and (2) while short-term profit is limited, the long-term investment is in educational quality. (Author/MSE)

The analysis of educational outcomes and evaluation of their efficiency depend on three elements of organizational behavior analysis: costly information, decentralized advantages in defraying information costs, and incentives. This paper suggests several research directions for educational economists to apply these tools to analyze educational…

The Electronic Data Transfer (EDT) network for Connecticut local school districts encompasses nine major databases and provides dozens of online data reports to network users. At a low cost and high degree of success, EDT has improved the data collection and reconciliation process at the state and local levels and generated a capacity for…

Addresses the need for reference librarians to reassess their service priorities and service delivery methods to operate efficiently and compete effectively with commercial information services. Highlights include inappropriate use of librarians' time; inefficient service delivery methods; cost effectiveness; and a consultation model of service…

Discusses some of the causes of critical attitudes toward drill and practice forms of computer-assisted language learning (CALL); considers the consequences of this attitude toward CALL; and suggests criteria for the continued development and use of efficient drill and practice forms in CALL, including user needs and low cost. (Contains 13…

An evaluation of the Student Transition Education and Employment Program found that it reduces recidivism rates for previously incarcerated youth and is cost effective. Program objectives were to deliver a more effective after-care service, enable youth to obtain a high school diploma, and allow participants to give something back to the…

Retraining of employed technical professionals as an alternative to termination is being used by a small but growing number of firms. Case studies of involuntary and voluntary retraining generated guidelines for cost-effective programs: management support, candidate screening, career counseling, and realistic job previews. (SK)

In Britain, the pressure to develop financially efficient further education systems and satisfy formula funding criteria has required that policy be informed and validated via quantitative methodologies that gather, code, and analyze numerical data. This trend must be counterbalanced by qualitative research methodologies (case study and…

Analysis of forces affecting reform in Papua New Guinea's higher education financing looks at reasons reform has not succeeded. Research on cost effectiveness of higher education expenditures is examined, policy implementation is discussed, and it is concluded that more emphasis should be placed on investment financing and student contributions.…

Describes the use of microcomputer-based voice mail, or automated answering, in libraries. The technology utilized by the systems is described, costs are discussed, features for outgoing and incoming messages are explained, branching capabilities are described, and two vendors who can supply microcomputer-based voice mail units are listed. (LRW)