This paper presents three examples of nonparametric statistical tests that can aid certain decision-making processes in the community college by using basic student data to separate "scientific" decision-making from "opinion" decision-making. A brief example of each test in a decision-making situation is related to illustrate…

Factors leading to dissatisfaction with planning processes are identified, barriers to successful planning are described, and proposed solutions suggest a set of minimum characteristics applicable to all academic planning systems. Implementation of a program review system is discussed. (Author/LBH)

The Institutional Review Committee is an important social innovation promising the effective protection of the rights of elderly potential research subjects. However, unnecessary elaboration of informed consent procedures may risk excluding older persons from both primary and secondary benefits of the research process. (Author)

Recent evidence suggests that traditional cost analysis may not be the most appropriate way to justify educational budgets. This article suggests that using constructed cost models to develop operating budget requests can help ensure that the distinction between legitimate information needs and managerial autonomy is maintained. (LBH)

Discusses the need for institutional research in coping with reduced resources in community colleges. Outlines the experience of Northampton County Area Community College (Pennsylvania) in implementing a planning process and establishing goals. (MB)

Outlines four common functions of the institutional researcher at community colleges: conducting and coordinating institutional research, including descriptive, evaluative, operational, and policy research; assisting staff and community with research activities; collecting and disseminating research information; and participating in institutional…

An annotated bibliography of model needs assessment studies drawn from the files of the ERIC Clearinghouse for Junior Colleges. (RT)

A 3-dimensional model was developed to assess impact of institutional research studies. Elements are short, intermediate, and long-range time components; acceptance, non response, and rejection actions; and primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences. A variety of criterion measures and instruments have been identified to assist in model…

Using concepts suggested by Merton and Hagstrom, this study developed measures of "recognition" and "association" to assess student awareness of ambient research in their departments. Findings from a survey of 470 students show a high level of research awareness. (Author/LBH)

A program focusing on recruitment of new freshmen at the University of Colorado at Boulder illustrates some major planning considerations in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a marketing plan. (MSE)

Information sources useful to newcomers in academic marketing are suggested. Citations focus on market research techniques, marketing strategies, and approaches to enrollment management. (MSE)

Despite the difficulties involved in developing and using noncognitive measures, they constitute an essential component of a comprehensive outcomes assessment program. Six noncognitive methods are discussed: observable performance measures, self-report measures, consensus-rendering techniques, inventories, simulations, and secondary data…

A conceptual framework is proposed for describing and measuring assessment costs and linking these costs to their informational benefits. Direct resource components and incidental and opportunity costs of evaluation are discussed. (MLW)

The data collected in higher education research are not always quantitative or continuous. Statistical methods using the log-linear model provide the institutional researcher with a powerful set of tools for addressing research questions when data are categorical. (Author/MSE)

Regression analysis is one of the most frequently used statistical techniques in institutional research. Principles of least squares, model building, residual analysis, influence statistics, and multi-collinearity are described and illustrated. (Author/MSE)