This report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) identifies systemic weaknesses in the operations and programs of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The office provides accurate financial information to make informed decisions, manage for results, and ensure operation integrity. Vigorous fraud investigations are continuing. Audits reveal…

This book contain papers 13 papers on enhancing inter-firm networks, including by intervening in mergers and acquisitions and developing strategic alliances and partnerships. The following papers are included: "Introduction" (Anthony F. Buono); "Making Mergers and Acquisitions Work: A Guide to Consulting Interventions" (Mitchell Lee Marks);…

This document contains four issues of a quarterly annotated bibliography of documents and projects in progress from Australia's VOCED database that are available through Australia's National Vocational Education and Training Clearinghouse Information Network. Introductory materials include the following: national, state, territory, and polytechnic…

Canada-based community learning networks (CLNs) were examined to provide an operational definition of CLNs, design a framework for their review and analysis, and identify best practices in CLNs. Data were collected from three sources: interviews with 16 key stakeholders in CLNs, literature review, and case studies of five Canadian CLNs. The…

This document contains four symposium papers on cultural issues in organizations. "Emotion Management and Organizational Functions: A Study of Action in a Not-for-Profit Organization" (Jamie Callahan Fabian) uses Hochschild's emotion systems theory and Parsons' social systems theory to explain why members of an organization managed their…

The Even Start Family Literacy Program addresses the basic educational needs of parents and children from birth through age seven from low-income families. The program provides unified, multi-component services consisting of (1) interactive literacy activities between parents and their children; (2) training for parents to be the primary teachers…

Discusses how to meet elementary school student and staff needs for computer access with a hub of networked computers in the library media center. Topics include types of use, including word processing, desktop publishing, curriculum support, and multimedia presentations; scheduling; assigning staff responsibilities; and suggested allocation of…

Describes an undergraduate class activity where students write a letter of substance (thoughtful argument supported by facts) to someone they feel has a direct impact on the environment. Future assignments include replicating this process on e-mail. Includes a brief discussion of environmentally related Web sites. (MJP)

Reports a study that examined 16 educational reform networks that are used as alternative forms of teacher and school development. The results identified five shared organizational themes and five shared tensions. This paper describes educational reform networks, discusses essential elements, examines the themes and tensions, and suggests…

Current and developing issues in college and university computing are delineated, including next generation networks, achieving widespread integration of technology into teaching and learning, meeting high demand, the virtual university, information policy in a networked environment, replacement of administrative systems, information resources…

Maintains that spreading poverty in Europe has weakened social cohesion and now threatens the construction of the European Community. Initially centered on issues concerning the distribution of resources and goods, the discussion increasingly has focused on the breakdown of social relationships and the question of citizen's rights. (MJP)

Analyzes Latin American educational research phases--the artisan and industrial. During the artisan phase (1950s-early 1970s), university scholars conducted isolated projects with limited access to information. Research centers, government supports, and information networks characterize the industrial period (post-mid 1970s). Argues information…

Describes the processes involved in redesigning and renovating Power Middle School (Michigan) for current and future educational technology, particularly for the media center. Topics discussed include planning; time management; wiring infrastructure; voice and video networks; teacher and student multimedia production rooms; and communications…

Describes the findings of a 1991 survey of automation in Iranian academic libraries. Findings about libraries participating in the study, including subject area focus, library size, users, staffing, services, and budgets, are presented as a context for information about computer facilities. Copies of the survey in English and Arabic are appended.…

Discusses the potential for learning technologies to advance the restructuring of teaching and learning and presents recommendations for a comprehensive approach to incorporating technology, including developing state plans; ensuring sufficient funding; providing teachers and students equitable access; providing adequate training and support;…