Several Colorado and Kansas school systems are having their school buses rebuilt commercially, saving $5,000 to $17,000 per bus. In deciding whether to replace or rebuild buses, districts should consider age and mechanical condition, local climate, safety concerns, and regulatory requirements. (MLH)

Since 1983, when the David Douglas Public Schools (Portland, Oregon) converted 30 buses to propane fuel, the district has saved $75,000 in fuel and maintenance costs. Propane is priced consistently lower than gasoline and burns cleaner. Since propane engines do not require a carburetor, there are fewer maintenance problems. (MLH)

Effective training is essential to maintaining product quality and serving customers. Active participation by management and staff is also required. (JOW)

This brief discussion considers some of the techniques, especially graphic techniques, that are part of the "tool kit" for sensitivity analysis, using sensitivity analysis in a hospital's cost-benefit decision as an example. Sensitivity analysis is helpful in exploring the deterministic agency in decision making. (SLD)

Because of increasing incidence of burnout among midlevel managers, many companies are reducing workload schedules, an arrangement that would have been unthinkable 10 years ago. Surveys have made the case that flexible work arrangements increase employee happiness and, therefore, productivity. (JOW)

Suggests that choosing the right type of animation and designing it carefully can communicate messages effectively and economically. Discusses using animation for what it does well; using the right type of animation; and keeping animation costs low. (RS)

Presents a framework for analyzing key training resources during times of reduced funding. Recommends proactive approaches to assist public sector trainers with increasing efficiency during economic downturns. (SK)

To interlink major systems, some communication companies are proposing construction of communication towers on school grounds. Schools and municipal governments possess strategically located, unzoned properties. Districts planning to tap this financial oil well should draw up a lease agreement specifying property use, term, rent, access rights,…

Discusses and reviews CD-ROM bundles--i.e., hardware, software and CD-ROM kits--including their features, specifications, drawbacks, and prices. Recommends buying through mail order for the best selection and price. The pros and cons of bundling as a marketing strategy are discussed and a list of vendors is provided. (EA)

This study evaluated effects on 77 institutionalized patients with mental retardation of changing from anticonvulsant Depakote to the similar drug, Depakene. Results showed no changes in seizure control, less lethargy on Depakene, but some increase in diarrhea and some changes in psychiatric symptoms. Substantial cost savings were achieved by the…

The research used to bolster former U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett's contention that spending does not affect student achievement was a 1986 article by Eric Hanushek. A reanalysis of Hanushek's data contradicts Bennett's claim. Because of the attenuation problem, the spending-achievement correlation is even stronger than the…

Companies such as ARA Services provide lunch every day to more than 1 million students in over 280 school districts nationwide. An Illinois superintendent lists several reasons for school districts to consider "outsourcing" their food-service operations, including cost-saving opportunities, capacity for offering comprehensive services…

The impact of training in a tax specialty was measured at an accounting firm through a pretraining self-report, class observation, interviews, questionnaires, one-year monitoring of job performance, and calculation of return on investment. Results showed that training had a substantial positive financial impact. (SK)

Division of labor in hospitals has undergone task reunification, promoted as professional upgrading for nurses. However, this contradicts theories of professionalization and intensifies nurses' workload. At the same time, flattening of the nursing hierarchy increases their accountability. (Author/SK)

Desktop personal computers do not appear to have increased productivity, largely because employees are not being trained properly. An effective training plan includes high quality internal training staff, connection with business objectives, and focus on career development. (SK)