E-learning can have economic advantages for corporate training, and evaluations show learner satisfaction. However, research shows mixed results for learning outcomes and translation of training to work performance, and more systematic studies are needed to demonstrate return on investment. This research must be grounded in solid theoretical…

Describes a methodology used by the Texas A&M University system to monitor the efficiency with which resources are employed. This participatory method of institutional choice can be used to plan for financial setbacks. (EV)

The best way to purchase food-service equipment for a new or renovated school is to assemble a team, assess the school's needs, see what is available, follow state and federal procurement guidelines, install the equipment, and train employees to use it safely. A sidebar outlines procurement tips. (MLH)

A study of funding models for continuing education in France, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland shows that cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is generally implicit and not articulated in technical terms. Course providers' value systems or ideologies militate against simplistic use of CBA. (SK)

Defines a virtual team as a group of people who are working on the same business issue but are located at different geographic sites and rely mainly on some form of technology to facilitate the work discussion. Discusses benefits of virtual teams, including reduced travel costs and organizational efficiency; defining roles; selecting technology…

Discusses the trend in using intelligent-building technologies to achieve operating efficiencies and cost savings. Explains what an intelligent building is, defines some of the terms, and discusses how the user-friendly aspects of these systems are helping schools convert to them. (GR)

Explains how to convince school administration of the importance of roof-maintenance programs as a way of extending roof life and saving money, even in the presence of roof warranties. Discusses techniques for evaluating the cost benefits of roof maintenance and the importance of creating a roof historical file. (GR)

Case studies of 60 employers assessed the impact of Australia's efforts to develop a more encompassing system of employment-based vocational education and training. Employers were positive about competency-based assessment and training flexibility. The net cost of employing trainees did not change but the cost of apprentices increased. (JOW)

Excerpt from a new book by the Educational Research Service titled "What We Know About Helping Middle and High School Readers: Teaching and Learning Strategies Across the Curriculum." Discusses appropriate professional development for teachers. (Contains 15 references.) (PKP)

Grade retention is a common practice used when students fail to meet required benchmarks. Therefore, it is important that we understand the relative benefits and costs associated with students repeating a grade. In this article we analyze the costs and benefits of grade retention. In our examination of retention, we obtain our calculations of the…

A new national study provides some of the strongest evidence to date to support what many educators and parents of young children already believe, children learn more in full-day kindergarten programs than they do in half-day programs. The findings are based on federal data from a nationally representative sample of 8,000 children in public…

The 2003 UK's government White Paper on the future of higher education (DfES 2003) included the broad statement that 'all students are entitled to be taught well, and to be given the support they need to learn effectively.' But quality teaching--in the sense of quality in the classroom or online--is not the whole story, according to the author,…

Case study examines the human costs of the reconstitution of six low-performing schools. Analyzes task costs, social costs, and psychological costs. Draws empirical and theoretical implications for research on the human costs of educational reform. (Contains 46 references.) (PKP)

Purpose: Online content has largely replaced traditional print-based resources as the primary tool for literature searching throughout much of the academic and research community. This paper presents the results of a small-scale study, commissioned by the JISC in 2004, to assess the potential efficiency gains that may be achieved through the use…

Every school reform initiative promises to improve some aspect of schooling and, ultimately, the academic performance of the target schools and their students. The reform's cost often determines not only whether the particular initiative is implemented but also how the reform is implemented. Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of a programmatic or…