Trends such as technological innovation, downsizing, self-managed teams, and continuous learning imply that in continuing education technical content must be considered in the context in which skills are used. Knowledge of learning processes and workplace socialization suggests that formal training and informal learning must be integrated to…

Surveys the politics and economics of networking and presents four general leadership strategies for making progress in the climate of change surrounding the developing National Information Infrastructure: (1) building the organizational information infrastructure; (2) emphasizing exploration and discovery; (3) cultivating relationships and…

Organizational change will be a major theme of the school reform movement. Despite restructuring efforts, schools are still operated on the factory system model. Using the social norms concept, this paper examines schools as informal organizations and advocates staff development as an essential key for changing informal relationships (roles)…

Changes in internal management of higher education institutions resulting from decentralization of Finland's higher education system are discussed. A project for improving managerial efficiency in one university is described, and its effect on patterns of leadership and communication in planning and resource allocation are assessed. (Author/MSE)

Discusses issues related to several models of knowledge transfer and utilization (KTU) from two points of view: that models contain nonspecific treatment characteristics that should be accounted for in their use; and that models provide quantitative and qualitative frameworks that may be ready for quantitative consideration. A nonspecific KTU…

Although the Total Quality Management (TQM) system offers an admirable goal and offers promise of organizational improvement, the process it recommends is not a panacea and may only forestall the conflict inevitably arising from decision making, individual accountability, and organizational change. The approach is being abandoned by some. (MSE)

At Indiana University, budget problems and the information explosion led to a project, financed by a computer company, integrating information technology (IT) into administrative functions. The administrative workstation project increased IT knowledge and use by key administrators, resulting in greater productivity and creativity, improved…

A major challenge facing state policymakers who are demanding a high level of accountability in education is to design an accountability mechanism to track educational reform. The structure and uses of eight exemplary approaches to accountability are examined, resulting in a set of design characteristics for state accountability mechanisms. (TJH)

A system for raising productivity in higher education institutions is proposed, based on two theories used to explain the tendency of unit costs to rise. Emphasis is on combining clear goals, accountability, and incentives with an experimental approach. An institutional research strategy for implementation is outlined. (MSE)

Reviews "Preparing School Administrators for Democratic Authority" by Richard A. Quantz et al. Proposes adding to the curriculum a critique of the underlying assumptions and structures that constitute the American social order. Describes some ways in which graduates can network and find support to maintain their critical perspective.…

Reviews developments in the database industry for 1993. Topics addressed include scientific and technical information; environmental issues; social sciences; legal information; business and marketing; news services; documentation; databases and document delivery; electronic bulletin boards and the Internet; and information industry organizational…

Summarizes and reflects on efforts to improve the relevance and functioning of the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). The AERA is addressing such issues as quality of papers, the role of special interest groups, the evaluation of meetings, and the process of change itself. (SLD)

Assesses literature regarding how to plan and implement information technology in the community college, as well as literature that deals with the implications of technology implementation. Suggests that community colleges consider hiring a full-time information specialist responsible for installing and maintaining software and hardware. Contains…

Discusses insights gained from observations of cross-functional computer-based team planning in a variety of enterprises. Observations involved over 2000 participants in 100 planning efforts over a period of six years. Efforts focused on the planning of new products or processes, development of strategic business plans, and consensus building…

When academic advisers are trained in the principles and practices of team-centered developmental advising, as at Valencia Community College (Florida), and interventions create the expectation for student success, advisers are better equipped to teach students to approach their education in purposeful ways. Technology that delivers accurate,…