Discusses the benefits of mounting commercial and local databases to provide online access and describes the approach taken by the University of Pennsylvania. The issues discussed include database, local data file, and software selection; agreements with online vendors; cost effectiveness; and actual use of the online files at the university. (CLB)

Modular construction of school buildings offers speed of construction, with 100 percent contractor responsibility for the completed structures. Under negotiated terms, modular projects can be purchased outright or through long-term leasing arrangements that provide ownership at the end of the lease period. (MLF)

Investments in instructional information technologies must be a part of and reflect the direction and values of the institution's academic program. The course-by-course method of justification provides a sound planning tool, complete with requisite budgetary and staffing projections. (MLW)

A survey of campus publications directors and designers in a variety of institutions concerning the transition to computerized publication design revealed some common problems regarding staff relations, training needs and considerations, retention of some traditional methods, and cost effectiveness. Suggestions for minimizing them are made. (MSE)

Some of the basic principles involved in successfully managing organizational change in higher education are described. Change factors include: human resources demands, cost containment pressure, global competitive economic society, increasing technological innovation, and increasing capital investment requirements. (MLW)

Explores the advantages and disadvantages to school districts of running a self-sustaining school lunch program or using an outside food services contractor. (MLF)

Examines the reality of program evaluations for family-school-community partnerships. Reports on a preliminary analysis of evaluations for 30 federally funded programs. Compares programs across four categories: planning, monitoring, impact assessment, and economic efficiency. Findings show that these program evaluations are not well done and that…

Survey responses of 400 school district personnel directors reveal the five most used personnel cost cutters and the percent of districts using them: (1) early retirement (47%); (2) fewer district administrators (45%); (3) fewer district support staff (39%); (4) reduced professional leave (37%); and (5) curtailment of overtime (37%). (MLF)

This article proposes that providing an 800-number for prospective students who want additional information may be a cost-effective means for colleges and universities to enhance student recruitment efforts. The use of service bureaus that provide this service is discussed, and administrative considerations are explored. (MSE)

Compares compact discs (CD-ROMs) and online services in terms of cost of information delivery; system advantages and disadvantages; future possibilities; and role in the National Information Infrastructure. Analysis reveals that CD-ROMs have the lowest information delivery cost and are endorsed by the marketplace as a cost-effective way to deliver…

An economic model for evaluating the cost performance of academic and administrative programs in higher education is described. Examples from its application at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis are used to illustrate how the model has been used to control costs and reengineer processes. (Author/MSE)

Examines the dividing line between a general service vocabulary (GSV) and a special purposes vocabulary (SPV) in English-as-a-Second-Language education, using frequency, test coverage, and range as criteria. Results found that GSV is more efficient for learning up to the 2,000-word level, above which SPV provides a better return for learning…

Discusses the higher education system in Nevada. Identifies characteristics of an ideal distance education delivery system, including cost effectiveness, accessibility to telecommunications lines and instructional materials, interactivity, flexibility, and user-friendliness. Also describes SMART, a personal computer-based audiographics system that…

Models the analytical decision-making process used by the Armed Forces Staff College in evaluating distance learning alternatives to its current Joint Planning Orientation Course. Highlights include program needs, customer needs, media capabilities, a comparative analysis for media selection, interoperability; cost-benefit factors, and a media…

Discusses changes and improvements in the integrated services digital network (ISDN) that have caused ISDN to reemerge as a viable, cost-effective technology for use in home and office workstations. Reviews changes in demand, standards, availability, ease of use, and cost, and displays a diagram of a typical ISDN terminal adapter setup. (JMV)