Nine characteristics thought desirable in the design of internal budgetary processes for state-funded institutions of higher education during a period of declining resources are presented. Characteristics are devised to deal with minimizing delay and conflict, and the politics of the budgetary process. (Author/MLW)

Under the leadership of a new president, Arkansas College engaged in a year-long evaluation and planning process. The "Small College Academic Management Project" (SCAMP), aimed at dispersing academic decision-making authority while maintaining the necessary decision-making accountability relationships, is described. (MLW)

The recent decline in test scores may be linked to declines in textbook purchasing. When knowledge and society are changing so rapidly, up-to-date instructional materials are crucial to the educational process. Re-using old texts because money is tight is false economy. (SJL)

Several ways for a comptuer services director to effectively manage the resources available for such services are discussed. Case histories from Miami-Dade Community College and other South Florida schools are included. (SF)

Although a substantial portion of hospital beds are in institutions that are in multiple hospital systems, the possible benefits to be gained through participation in such systems do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to either core teaching hospitals or their parent universities to persuade them to join or form a multiple system.…

Focuses on program evaluation of vocational education from four different starting points (context, input, process, and product evaluation) and the purposes to which each is directed. (Editor/TA)

Proposes a system to restore equity to public education while encouraging cultural pluralism. Advocates separating the decision-making responsibilities for finance, school design and operation, and school assignment of students. (Author/IRT)

Some states are using rewards and incentives to entice public colleges and universities to improve quality and meet long-term state goals. Performance funding generally represents a small portion of an institution's budget but appears to substantially affect institutional performance, lessen funding fluctuations, and promote funding stability.…

A new law lowered the 1992 earnings cap that made it difficult for college students to qualify for Pell Grants, the largest federal source of need-based student financial aid. The measure also raises the Pell Grant maximum award, increases the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, and makes other changes in the law. Details of l998 budget…

Argues that, with technology costs and revenue opportunities changing rapidly, colleges' future financial strategies concerning technology will have to be more agile and adaptable than ever. Presents financial models from 20 independent colleges and universities, and discusses how they have been used to define a financial strategy for technology…

In the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish the Universal Service program to provide financial support for communications services for all K-12 schools/libraries. A Washington telecommunications attorney discusses eligible services and the application process, and offers tips…

Describes components critical to effective leadership. Focuses on organizational patterns, such as comparison groups and restructuring; staffing patterns, including admissions and diversity; and budgeting, such as sources of budgets, student affairs, alternative funding sources, and privatizing and outsourcing. Claims that the effective…

Provides a taxonomy of cost containment actions for use in response to budget crises where revenues fall short of expenditures. Indicates four levels of actions: tactical temporary and tactical permanent, which have low to moderate impact on school operations; and strategic temporary and strategic permanent, which have moderate to high impact. (13…

Quadrant analysis, a widely-used research technique, is suggested as useful in college or university strategic planning. The technique uses consumer preference data and produces information suitable for a wide variety of curriculum and marketing decisions. Basic quadrant analysis design is described, and advanced variations are discussed, with…

Successful college and university investments hinge on an asset allocation strategy capable of meeting the institution's needs for income and growth in principal at the lowest possible risk. Periodic adjustments must be made when there is a shift in the institution's risk tolerance, modification in need for income distribution, and changes in…