After examining some elementary notions of action theory and cybernetics, this article analyzes the dynamics, clustering, and survival chances of vicious circles. It argues that the action perspective implies that many structural suboptimalities of organizations are caused by vicious circles. Eleven figures and 105 references are provided. (DCS)

In one common method of conflict management, the parties to the conflict are convened for a series of face-to-face discussions in the presence of an outside facilitator. This chapter presents two cases in which premeeting mailed questionnaires were used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. (BW)

A court decision rejecting the charge of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (A.I.A.W.) that the National Collegiate Athletics Association forced it out of operation by engaging in anticompetitive actions to induce members to leave the A.I.A.W. is discussed, including excerpts of the court's opinion. (MSE)

Examines how race, separatist ideology, and interracial contact affect career commitment within an integrated organization, the U.S. Army. Findings suggest that when individual behavioral preferences regarding race conflict with an institutional policy of integration, commitment is lessened. (Author/RM)

Describes the development of a standardized approach for identifying, defining, and measuring indicators of work performance and effectiveness and of the methods for expressing these indicators in financial terms. (Author/IRT)

Considers examples of some of the basic assumptions that underlie present educational administration structures in Great Britain. (Author/IRT)

This historical survey describes the contributions made to the field of physics by the National Bureau of Standards since its inception in 1901. Four broad areas are emphasized: nuclear physics, thermal physics (including cryogenics), spectroscopy and fundamental constants. (BT)

Develops a model for analyzing the centralized/decentralized nature of decision-making in American colleges and universities. (Author)

Focuses on action research as a strategy for the helping institution, as an organizationwide intervention in organization change efforts, and as a means of leadership development. (Author/IRT)

Current research and theory largely ignore the role of learning and feedback in the decision-making process. A theory of action based on single-loop learning is the most general current model of action. A double-loop model that provides feedback and more effective decision-making is proposed. (Author/IRT)

Head Start is a comprehensive federal preschool program, serving children prenatal through age 5 and their families with the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families. Noting that the program has typically garnered strong support from political liberals and moderates, this position paper of the…

This annual report of the Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association (GMDCA) details the accomplishments of the organization for 2000-2001. The report begins with a letter from the executive director focusing on the need to change our thinking about the care and education of young children, then describes components of quality child care and how the…

Despite the ongoing devolution of policymaking from the federal to the state and local level, there remains a belief that there is a single agenda for children. In summer 2001, the National Association of Child Advocates (NACA) surveyed its membership to determine if a national agenda for children exists. This paper identifies the key issues…

This document contains the proceedings of the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) 2000. It includes the advance program and registration materials for the NECC. Major themes of NECC 2000 include: connecting technology to teaching and learning; staying connected with professional development; moving beyond the crossroads; teachers as…