The nature and effects of Australian efforts to create and maintain quality higher education are examined, focusing on specific government initiatives and on international trends and influences. It is suggested that even the best quality assurance processes do not guarantee good results, and that quality is a complex phenomenon depending on an…

A systems approach that stresses functional relationships among persons and units and examines transactions and processes provides a useful foundation for understanding, assessing, and improving academic advising. Implications of this approach in college advising for fostering system quality and meeting the institution's mission are examined. (MSE)

Describes a new kind of electronic scholarly journal in which the standard submission-review-publication process is replaced by an approach based on judgments expressed by the readers, where each reader is potentially a peer reviewer. Shows how to compute, on the basis of expressed judgments, values of scores and steadiness of papers, authors, and…

Reviews the debate over using Total Quality Management (TQM) in the college classroom. Argues that TQM can be effective if it is properly used. Discusses five phases for easing TQM implementation, and argues that most teachers already use some or all of the five phases when they teach. (AJL)

Most Web site rating systems overemphasize technological "bells and whistles." The University of Georgia's information quality criteria address site access and usability; resource identification and documentation; author identification; authority of author; information structure and design; relevance and scope, validity, and accuracy and…

Presents practices from post-training performance evaluation for continuous quality improvement in developing countries. Highlights include performance specification and analysis of performance factors; guidelines for planning follow-up performance evaluations; human performance models and cross-cultural portability; and an example from Togo, West…

Discusses issues concerning metadata in Web pages based on experiences in a vocational education center library in Queensland (Australia). Highlights include Dublin Core elements; search engines; controlled vocabulary; performance measurement to assess usage patterns and provide quality control over the vocabulary; and considerations given the…

Discusses the importance of linking player and coach responsibilities to improve the quality of individual and team training, discussing four major factors that encapsulate the most important areas that athletes and coaches should address: adopting quality attitudes, utilizing quality preparation prior to training, incorporating quality execution…

Describes a roofing disaster and states the necessity for total uncompromising control of the entire roofing process: (1) select the best system; (2) design and write tight specifications; (3) ensure that the system is correctly installed; and (4) maintain the roof properly. (MLF)

Original research articles from three major pharmacy journals were reviewed to determine the quality of reporting research. Articles were evaluated for method of recruitment and/or randomization; statistical analysis; inclusion/exclusion criteria; subject blinding; objective assessment; treatment complications; loss to followup; number of…

Economic concerns dominate hospital planning and policy decisions as hospitals seek to become more productive, competitive, and profitable. Quality care and public service may conflict with the profit-motivated business model. Nurse administrators will have to be politically astute to promote the integration of a professional model of service.…

Discusses the nature of day care standards, the fundamental nature of licensing, the current unevenness in day care licensing, and the components of a sound licensing program. (Author/BB)

A survey of 1,000 adults nationwide revealed that 75% believe teachers are only partially trained or not adequately trained. A national certification program for experienced teachers in at least 30 specialties is being developed, and tougher accreditation standards are being applied to teacher preparation programs. (MLF)

Interviews with 32 presidents of diverse colleges and universities revealed three basic views of quality: meritocratic, social, and individualistic. It is proposed that these three views correspond to different dimensions of quality and that, to achieve quality in one dimension, institutions may have to make trade-offs in the others. (MSE)

Presents a firsthand account of the author's experiences with taking the actions necessary to achieve institutional accreditation. After listing the benefits of working through the process, the article explains the steps used to achieve accreditation. Accredited baccalaureate programs in recreation, park resources, and leisure services are listed.…