Investigates the extent to which draft reviews improved the technical accuracy of two computer documents. Finds that draft reviews encouraged reviewers to make suggestions about all aspects of a document, not only technical accuracy. Recommends that draft reviews be supplemented by numerous other quality control techniques such as user reviews and…

Describes how, by adapting software inspections to assess documentation and code, technical writers can collaborate with development personnel, editors, and customers to dramatically improve both the quality of documentation and the very process of inspecting that documentation. Notes that the five steps involved in the inspection process are:…

Discusses the inaccuracies and distortions found within the Portland Baseline Essays, one of the most widespread Afrocentric teacher resource materials in use. Specific distortions examined are that ancient Egypt was a Black nation and that the achievements of ancient Greece had African origins. (GLR)

Twelve articles on total quality management (TQM) cover the following: corporate transformation; systemic barriers to quality improvement; Japan's experience; avoiding costly mistakes; the experience of Land-Rover, Hewlett Packard, and Britain's Royal Mail; unleashing the potential of people; and a profile of a senior TQM practitioner. (SK)

A collaborative approach to program design, marketing, instruction, and evaluation can yield high quality interdisciplinary certificate programs. Evaluation issues include (1) quality of core knowledge; (2) input from beneficiaries; (3) appropriate methodology; (4) appropriate instructors; (5) measurement of learning gains; and (6) curriculum…

Discusses benchmarking, the continuous process of measuring one's products, services, and practices against those recognized as leaders in that field to identify areas for improvement. Examines ways in which benchmarking can benefit human resources functions. (JOW)

Nursing homes in Illinois Quality Incentive Program receive separate bonus payment per Medicaid day for achieving each of six quality standards. Of 809 participating homes (1985-88), over 90 percent of eligible facilities chose to participate annually. Success in achieving bonus payments in multiple standards increased over time, with 27 percent…

Discusses issues that must be addressed when archivists consider whether to join in cooperative preservation microfilming projects. Highlights include the pros and cons of microfilming, project planning needs, physical preparation, intellectual control (i.e., the order of the materials on the film), quality control inspection, cataloging,…

Describes a new form of academic quality assurance, the academic audit. Reviews use of academic audits abroad and experimental use of such audits in the United States. Identifies issues in academic audits, including focus of audits, auditor selection and training, institutional preparation for an audit, interaction between institutional policies…

Describes how keeping carpets in good condition depends not only on proper maintenance but also on careful carpet selection at the outset. Offers advice for restoring a carpet's new appearance through vacuuming and hot-water extraction and suggests ways to manage spots and stains. (RJM)

Reviews lessons learned from early experiments with academic audits in the United Kingdom, Sweden, New Zealand, and Hong Kong in areas such as: focus of audits, selection and training of audit teams, nature of audit self-studies, conduct of audit visits, audit reports, and audit follow-up and enhancement activities. Suggests guidelines for design…

Examines difficulties in developing clear charter school standards, capacity, and expertise, recognizing the charter school movement as the conflation of several sometimes contradictory ideas; discussing tensions between competing versions of charter schooling; considering four modifications that could render charter regulation more effective; and…

Examines the effect of assessment and accountability requirements on the English department at Eastern Kentucky University. Aims not to offer solutions but to help to define the problems faced by a particular department at a particular university in a particular context, with the assumption that other departments are facing similar problems. (TB)

The four articles in this special issue stress the importance of producing knowledge in educational administration that has high utility and high quality. Five summary principles are discussed, along with recommendations for improving research coordination and making research findings more accessible to policy makers and administrators. (MLH)

The American Camping Association 2001 National Conference at Walt Disney World draws parallels between the administration of camp programs and practices at Disney World. Seminars led by Disney managers focus on recruitment of college students, development of a corporate culture and philosophy, emphasis on environment, and quality service that…