A study by the National Association of College and University Business Officers surveyed member institutions (n=235) about the use and effectiveness of responsibility center management (RCM) on campus. Results indicate private colleges are more likely to use RCM. Major areas of concern include organizational structure, financial information for…

Discusses three important functions of the university (the creation, preservation, and transmission of knowledge) and how those functions are being usurped by new telecommunications and network technologies. Argues that universities must meet the technological challenge by reinventing themselves and offering vocational education, moral guidance,…

Examines the history of the North Central Association's Commission on Schools, highlighting seven common misconceptions and citing the historical record to correct them. Discusses the commission's origins, accreditation achievements, accreditation methodologies, relationship to government agencies, dues, and staff size. (MAB)

Strategic planning models seek order in a disorderly world. However, chaos science offers a language of concepts to discern deeper patterns in organizational life that appears out of control. Many of these concepts apply to higher education institutions. Interpretation of chaos theory principles suggests five tools for making high-leverage change…

Minnesota's large-scale restructuring of public higher education in July 1995 created a 45-institution system that has recently experienced further consolidation of 18 community and technical colleges into ten. Other changes include decentralization, downsizing, and changes in support services. Proposal of another merger has created concern that…

In contrast to the knowledge flows model (one-way from research to innovation), the triple-helix model has interlocking spheres of university, government, and industry with overlapping roles. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is an example of the emerging entrepreneurial university being transformed by the "second academic…

Trends shaping the workplace are increased skill requirements; more educated, diverse work force; continued corporate restructuring; change in size and composition of training departments; instructional technology advances; new training delivery methods; focus on performance improvement; integrated high-performance work systems; companies becoming…

Reports on trends related to charitable organizations noting their significance for nonprofit child care centers, based on a survey of nonprofit organizations around the world. Discusses the prevalence of nonprofits, sources of funding, shifting from government support to other sources of support while taking a greater role in replacing government…

Evaluates traditional organizational development approaches to crises in commitment and adaptability, and presents a new approach to organizational development based on organizational creativity. Discusses the need to encourage employees to master new thinking skills and create an infrastructure that ensures these skills will be used regularly.…

Experience in the corporate sector suggests that human resources practices that promote success in an environment of rapid change, complexity, and unpredictability support at least three values: flexibility; access to information by people at all levels; and risk-taking. While academic tenure is not necessarily inconsistent with these practices,…

In exchange for $8-12-million from the state, historically black Texas Southern University has agreed to maintain a schedule to fix financial problems threatening the institution and keep it from state control. Three-quarters of students receive aid. Lax financial accountability is a long-time problem. The university's historic role in educating…

Cordell Wynn, retiring president of Stillman College (Alabama) has substantially increased the budget, enrollment, endowment, and faculty and improved the campus infrastructure of the private, historically black college during his 16-year tenure. The administrator is known on campus for an open, responsive administrative style and availability to…

Argues that obstacles exist in the Public Library Association (PLA) planning process that can be resolved by developing relationships between materials in the collection and PLA roles. Proposes changes to help reduce conflict in the PLA planning process and discusses process obstacles, relationships as the key providing better service, and…

Argues that current changes in the educational climate require transformations in community college organization. Discusses operational, linear, and frame-breaking approaches to change, arguing that all are important in making the transformation to high-performing institutions, or institutions that can manage both incremental and revolutionary…

Presents six strategies by which student affairs professionals can develop management credibility and create understanding and direct support for the goals, functions, and operating approaches of their work. Emphasizes strategies for improving management within student affairs divisions to produce a better environment for working, budgeting, and…