States that while creating a mission statement is often an arduous task, it is one of the few documents that identifies not only what an institution is, but also why it exists. Asserts that a well-crafted mission statement can foster a unity of spirit and action for everyone within an institution as well as promote institutional development,…

Reasons for frustrations surrounding needs assessment in organizations are examined. Action strategies are paired with three of the root causes of obstacles to effective assessment: (1) flawed needs assessments; (2) no organizational support; and (3) inadequate expertise assigned to the effort. A sidebar presents four possible causes linked to…

The purpose of human resource development (HRD) should be to improve individual performance so that it contributes directly to organizational performance goals. Performance-focused HRD has no room for blind application of interventions or poorly conceived programs. (SK)

Responses from 122 of 411 business school deans/chairs indicated that 30 did not have business accreditation. Perceived accreditation costs, benefits, flexibility, and reputation varied by agency: American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (most prestigious), Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, or International…

Discusses a normative strategy toward pricing human services, which will allow providers to develop pricing strategies within the context of organizational missions, goals, and values. Pricing is an effective tool for distributing resources and improving efficiency, and can be used as a tool for encouraging desired patterns of service utilization.…

Outlines roles and trends in the European Community's (EC) information field by reviewing aims, research programs, and activities that have been undertaken to address the EC's 1994-1998 information service programs. Discusses past, current, and future roles of information focusing on strategies used to disseminate information and the utilization…

Content analysis of 288 advocacy ads in the "Washington Post" and 373 in the "New York Times" showed that (1) for-profit organizations place such ads more frequently, although nonprofit groups are increasing their use; (2) 3 organizations placed a quarter of all the ads; (3) economic and social welfare issues predominated; and (4) primary…

Reviews literature on strategic human resource development (HRD) focusing on the characteristics of such activities, conditions necessary for the promotion of HRD, and the benefits to an organization pursuing such activities. Empirical evidence is presented on HRD policy formation and planning processes in Irish high technology companies. (JOW)

Highlights some of the emphases and achievements of the League for Innovation in the Community College over the past 25 years. Describes league priorities at different times in its history, including college identity, instruction, leadership development, and instructional technology. (DMM)

A strategic vision is vital in meeting the challenges facing urban education. Schooling patterned on the industrial factory model cannot equip students to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Urban education must include the community in its decision making and provide multidimensional solutions to its challenges. (CJS)

Describes interorganizational information systems and the necessity for cooperation. Topics discussed include managerial considerations, including objectives, benefits, and resources; considerations in systems development, including telecommunications skills; considerations for users of information systems, including user needs; and considerations…

Explores ways to identify and meet the housing goals of college campuses. Stresses the participatory approach through open communication between stakeholders in order to resolve design issues before construction funds are spent. Provides an example of Lafayette College's (Pennsylvania) experience with this approach. (GR)

After operating an outsourced library onsite for six years, the computer company Sun Microsystems converted the eight outsourced workers into full-time, regular staff. The Sun library manager demonstrates the advantages of outsourcing: core competencies, cost savings, and value added. (AEF)

A survey of 44 Dutch human resource development (HRD) professionals, 357 trainees, 242 supervisors, and 124 workers indicated that involvement of these stakeholders in strategic alignment of HRD with company objectives and their opinions of the quality of the alignment process influence the perceived effectiveness of HRD. (SK)

Addresses the changing nature of Catholic schools, emphasizing, however, the core beliefs of Catholicism that have remained the same throughout. Focuses on the implementation by Catholic schools of three goals: enthusiasm, invitation, and witness of Catholicism. (YKH)