Discusses the development of soft skills such as management and sales or collaborative problem solving through the use of interactive distance education. Highlights include performance support, including interpersonal skills; long-term cognitive restructuring; and linking training to organizational goals. (Author/LRW)

Results of a national survey indicate that most programs for minority students are supported primarily by institutional funds. Most chief student affairs officers believe that these programs should be internally funded because of their high institutional priority. (Author/LSR)

Emphasizes the necessity for libraries to implement strategic planning for information technology. Topics discussed include assessing strengths and weaknesses; the allocation of resources; an OCLC report that surveyed member libraries to determine their planning activities; long-range planning; the need for flexibility; integrating planning with…

The definitions that college and university presidents offer when they are asked to interpret the meaning of leadership are consistent with leadership theories emphasizing social power, directive influence, and role behavior. Greater attention to the implications of alternative theories focusing on social exchange might help presidents be more…

Presents a conceptual overview of information resources management (IRM) by synthesizing concepts put forward during the 1980s and charts opportunities to move these concepts into practice. It is argued that the reorganization required by IRM is justified by better use of resources, better decision making, and an improved corporate structure. (21…

Presents a systematic approach for small colleges to plan effectively for the acquisition of information resources, i.e., computers and telecommunications, based on five recommendations: (1) assign task force to assess needs; (2) establish institutional goals; (3) identify the technology required to meet the goals; (4) determine financial…

Argues that enormous changes in the world economy, the production of goods and services, and demographics mandate a more flexible approach to educational inquiry. Criticizes the foundations and practice of organizational theory as being hierarchical and Eurocentric. Concludes with a series of suggested models utilizing a more qualitative approach.…

Describes the efforts of Mayland Community College (North Carolina) to make budget decisions based on desired student outcomes and the corresponding changes in testing and placement procedures. Reports gains for students entering after the changes. Suggests budget decisions are more effective once community colleges define student learning…

Proposes the unification of professional associations concerned with mathematics education in Great Britain into one federal Association of Mathematics Education (AME), using the American National Council of Teachers of Mathematics as an example. Discusses organizational issues raised and potential benefits of a united AME. (MDH)

Selected executive directors of local and national Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) service organizations were asked about their need and desire for a national organization. Replies of 12 local and 8 national directors confirmed the desire for such an organization and suggested various models for its organization. (SLD)

A study created and compared two composite college presidential leadership styles, based on analysis of the effects of new presidents. The impact of one type's leadership was primarily on satisfaction and morale, the other's on structural and physical features of the institution. Results suggest new presidents should integrate the two approaches.…

Reviews goals of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), formed in 1940s to promote solutions to common economic and social problems among democratic, free-market countries. Describes OECD seminars to assist Central and Eastern European countries with educational reform. Reviews efforts in Hungary and Czech and Slovack…

Examines cooperative efforts among nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in France to implement the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child. Describes collaborative efforts between NGO committees and government authorities, highlighting government experts' recommendations for changes in four areas of French law to conform to…

Describes the assumptions and goals of the Performance Effectiveness Management System (PEMS) of the University of Arizona Library and explains how to integrate performance measurement with a new system that focuses on teams and organizational outcomes. Phases of PEMS include: mission-critical services, programs, and activities; setting quality…

After reviewing suggestions offered in the other papers in this volume for addressing the research/practice gap in higher education, this final paper discusses how national organizations and professional associations can serve as change agents in building bridges between researchers and practitioners. (DB)