Findings from a nationwide survey identified masters of public administration (MPA) program directors' perceptions of their programs' effectiveness and capacity to achieve 17 specific goals. Characteristics of effective and ineffective programs were also explored. Program structure did not have a major impact on effectiveness, but accreditation…

Describes two Malaysian organizations that the government has appointed to spearhead the dissemination of the QCC (quality control circles) concept and activities: The National Productivity Center and the National Institute of Public Administration. The author also examines the basic concepts of the QCC in Malaysia. (CT)

Two articles describe the establishment of national archives in Kenya and in Zanzibar. Kenya's history of mismanagement and destruction of documents by various governments and poor advice by foreign consultants is traced, and the value of Zanzibar's agricultural archives for national development and public administration is discussed. (CDD)

This article attempts to encapsulate the current concerns of those called upon to teach and learn public budgeting. It traces the changes that have been and are occurring and discusses their implications for the study of public budgeting. It examines the budgetary environment, traditional approaches, politicization, budget system objectives, and…

The purpose of this paper is to review the concepts of fiscal stress and decrementalism--a method of retrenchment management; to examine the consequences on public agencies and services; and to outline the challenges of human resource erosion for personnel managers and barriers to successful strategies. (SK)

Two topics often ignored by public administration textbooks--the pedagogical objectives for the problem-oriented case study and methods for analyzing case study materials--are explored. (RM)

Describes a frame game which focuses on problems of sex, status, and organizational development. "The Academic Game" is a specific model of a generic game that has differential consequences for men and women, and is easily adaptable to other organizational settings, including public administration and industry. Six references are listed.…

Summarizes "Financing and Managing State and Local Governments," by Richard W. Lindholm and Hartojo Wignjowijoto, which discusses public fiscal administration, land value taxes, and land use control. Availabilty: Office of Publication, 5 East 44th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017. (Author/RW)

New techniques always have economic and social consequences, and hence political and ideological implications, which pose problems for society. Computerization has been no exception to the rule, particularly since its applications impinge on every field and open up breathtaking prospects in every sector of society. (Author/BB)

Reviews recent Supreme Court decisions from 1998-2002, finding that they have expanded coverage of the Americans with Disabilities Act but also show ways to reduce employer liability. Makes recommendations for public sector hiring, accommodations, harassment policies, and discharge procedures. (SK)

Television's confrontational reporting practices make media training necessary for administrators and public officials. Participants can learn to control anxiety and appear more credible in interviews. Personnel and public relations coordinators can develop inhouse media experiences or choose among external vendors of media training. (Author/SK)

Definitions of and approaches to naturalistic evaluation are discussed. The qualitative aspects of the discipline are reviewed; and use of naturalistic evaluation in descriptions, illustrations, explications, hypothesis testing, and assessment of public spending are defined. A new paradigm for naturalistic evaluation is proposed. (TJH)

A study described characteristics of education for the professions and used these characteristics to assess the course syllabi for nearly 40 public personnel administration courses. Found that most of these courses lack the requirements for courses in professional education. Suggestions for instructors of public personnel administration were made.…

The dysfunctions associated with artificial workgroups require attention to the social context of work. Complex issues of safety and security related to information technology may necessitate a new classification of experts, information rangers, with policing and investigative authority. (SK)

A survey of the 50 state personnel directors found that (1) their attitudes and actions reflect a concern for social equity issues; (2) 21 were women and 6 African American; (3) they experience similar role conflicts and tensions as federal civil servants; and (4) state personnel systems are addressing equity issues and benefit flexibility. (SK)