The author reviews current literature related to cost-benefit analysis of employee training programs. After the necessary concepts are defined, methodologies for measuring costs and benefits, and problems related to this process are discussed. Concluding comments focus on the need for practical applications of cost-benefit research. (Author/CH)

Proposes a cost/benefit model coupled with a decision tree for determining normal forms, which are used in information systems development processes to group data into well-refined structures. The three primary variables that impact the benefits and costs of normalization (reduced anomalies, storage requirements, and transaction response times)…

Presents theoretical integration of recent contributions to psychological intervention literature as they relate to consultation. Describes synthesis under rubric of Functional Outcome Analysis. Describes methods of assessing intervention costs and benefits and their distribution. Describes quantification of intervention efficiency and potential…

Responds to previous article (Noell and Gresham, this issue) on Functional Outcome Analysis (FOA) as important construct for evaluation of consultation and prereferral interventions. Notes that, practically speaking, one must wonder if information gleaned from FOA is worth costs. Addresses perceived scientific and practical merits of FOA. (NB)

Responds to previous article (Noell and Gresham, this issue) on Functional Outcome Analysis (FOA) as important construct for evaluation of consultation and prereferral interventions. Sees core question being utility of most prominent alternative service delivery model for school psychologists, that of prereferral interventions/problem-solving…

Notes that, very early in program planning, budgets are estimated for major program components, including evaluation. Proposes heuristic for establishing reasonable evaluation estimates in initial planning. Describes logical sources of information from which to construct such a heuristic. Recommends that, for typical programs and projects, initial…

Offers three clinical guidelines designed to deliver quality chemical dependency care that is cost effective: use least restrictive level of care most likely to initiate abstinence; assess likelihood of treatment failure at level of care chosen and risks to client if treatment fails; and identify treatment failure quickly and move client to more…

Cost-benefit analysis of 59 case studies of Australian employers indicates that companies incur considerable net costs (wages and staff time) in training apprentices. These costs decline over the term of the apprenticeship. Vast variation in costs is due to individual company characteristics. (SK)

Describes the use of sample surveys to estimate the amount of time spent volunteering. States that it is necessary to estimate the number of hours involved and to establish an appropriate value per hour. (SK)

This commentary on a study comparing use of the brand-name drug Depakene with generic valproic acid to control seizures in people with mental retardation notes the importance of distinguishing between Depakene and Depakote, which is an enteric-coated formulation for which there is no generic form currently available. (DB)

Discusses one architect's success in college campus forest management through use of a pragmatic and cost-effective maintenance strategy. (GR)

Presents data on the rising prison population in the United States and the cost effectiveness of maintaining them. Suggests that the incarceration of drug-only offenders makes no economic sense and that there are less costly alternatives. (JOW)

Provides money-saving ideas for effective training methods. Suggests the importance of a needs assessment, minimizing the amount of time employees spend in training, keeping employees out of the classroom by giving them job aids, using self-study courses, and making on-the-job training more useful. (JOW)

Analyzes cost effectiveness of the Pathways to Teaching Careers, a program that supports an alternative route to university-based teacher certification primarily for noncertified teachers, paraprofessionals, and Peace Corps volunteers. (PKP)

Examines the use of debit cards for parking meters at the University of Maryland. Installation planning, budgeting, and cost benefits are discussed. (GR)