Argues that an adaptive-generative development framework, based on constructivist learning principles and knowledge of organizational dynamics, can be helpful in managing the introduction of academic change in higher education institutions. A strength of the model is its capacity to help decision makers identify concerns and engage academics in…

University of California, Berkeley students and faculty from the ethnic-studies program protested budget cuts and faculty losses. The resulting agreement includes creation of a new ethnic-studies research center, establishment of a multicultural student center, and creation of eight faculty positions, five of them tenure-track. Activists call it…

Over a decade ago New Jersey granted significant financial and operating autonomy to its state colleges. A look back to 1986, when the legislation was being implemented, identifies elements that enabled the successful transfer of responsibilities from the state to the campus. These included three categories of specific autonomies: cash management,…

School effectiveness and school effectiveness researchers have increasingly sought to establish synergy between their respective fields, but differing organizational change perspectives have produced an irresolvable methodological and theoretical divide. Incorporating the "power" concept provides a bridge between structural and cultural analysis…

Gives an overview of the decisions, activities, events, and issues that influenced the process of change at eight medical schools participating in a large-scale medical curriculum development project. Focus is on three stages of the change process: planning and creating the climate for change, making the change, and reinforcing the new model.…

Discusses the role of organizational communication in the process of curricular reform at eight medical schools participating in a large-scale medical curriculum development project, particularly during four stages of change: recognizing the need for change; planning; implementation; institutionalization. Communication strategies for promoting a…

This article argues that, if colleges and universities are to capitalize on opportunities presented by the growth of the learning industry, they must transform themselves from Industrial Age educational institutions into Information Age learning enterprises. Leadership strategies, planning challenges, vendor roles, and economic paradigms necessary…

Even before 1983, when the South African government relaxed the provisions of 1959 legislation imposing apartheid on tertiary education, a number of universities had begun to improve access for black South Africans. After 1983, the number of interventions multiplied rapidly, often with the support of American foundations. Case studies of six…

Discusses emerging organizational structures of academic libraries and identifies core competencies for academic reference librarians, including a flexible attitude and approach toward technology, a high tolerance for rapid technological change, creativity, curiosity, communication skills, public relations savvy, and the ability to relate…

Discusses the emergence of electronic text and examines the interrelationships between the evolving electronic environment and the library's collection, organizational structure, personnel, budget, and external relationships. A figure showing the convergence of complex science, management, and the electronic word is appended. (AEF)

A solution to the shortcomings of traditional corporate education and training includes interactive and/or multimedia tutorials and electronic performance support. The easiest way to deliver training at the point of need is by implementing a local area network. Organizational benefits include increased productivity, improved service and product…

Reviews research on organizational change and leader effectiveness, and argues that communication should be addressed formally in administrator and teacher preparation programs. An ongoing effort to develop a communication skills component of an administrator preparation program that incorporates problem-based learning is described. (SLD)

Staff developers are being called upon to operate in four dimensions as skilled school change facilitators (process leaders, skills trainers, resource consultants, and energy enhancers). For staff developers to adopt the role of school change facilitator, expertise in both change process and group process skills is crucial. (SM)

A study of restructuring in three urban elementary schools with ethnically diverse populations found that the schools did change, with new student grouping patterns, new ways of allocating time, increased teacher collaboration, and new ideas for professional development. Changing teacher practice was primarily a matter of learning rather than…

Summarizes the developments in service delivery at employer child care facilities including: (1) organizational leadership changes; (2) recent trends updates; (3) list of largest employer child care management organizations; (4) new services for existing clients; (5) effects of companies expanding globally; and (6) future trends. (SD)