Describes parallel computing and presents inexpensive ways to implement a virtual parallel computer with multiple Web servers. Highlights include performance measurement of parallel systems; models for using Java and intranet technology including single server, multiple clients and multiple servers, single client; and a comparison of CGI (common…

Alliances for academic home care offer a new approach to advance the knowledge base related to home care, to improve quality and cost effectiveness of home care services, to prepare the next generation of providers to manage and deliver care in a restructured practice paradigm, and to influence health and social policy. (JOW)

Suggests a framework for estimating the costs associated with shifting from the traditional method of financing and administering U.S. public schools to an educational voucher system. Uses certain framework components to compute "ballpark" estimates in five cost areas: accommodating additional students, record keeping, student…

Comparison of 35 nurses in a traditional continuing-education workshop with 28 using a self-instructional videotape-learning package showed that both groups improved scores. Initial costs for the self-instruction package were higher, but it could prove more economical in the long run, saving participants time and money. (SK)

A research review identified findings about the financial analysis method, forecasting of the financial benefits of human resource development (HRD), and recent financial analysis research: (1) HRD embedded in a performance improvement framework yielded high return on investment; and (2) HRD interventions focused on performance variables forecast…

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Tech Prep Consortium model for replicating tech prep programs includes these steps: fact finding, local industry analysis, curriculum development, detailed description, marketing strategies, implementation, and program evaluation. (SK)

Provides an overview of the recently developed state accountability system for public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island. Discusses accountability systems as technologies of social control and considers the costs, benefits, uncertainties, and necessary tensions associated with accountability systems. (Author/SLD)

Electronic learning can demonstrate its value to an organization in terms of raw numbers. Assessment and skill-gap analysis tools provide useful performance improvement evidence. (JOW)

Employs a contextual effects perspective to identify family, job, and workplace characteristics associated with the use of work-family benefits of 527 employees in 83 businesses. Determined that particular family problems predict female employee use of paid leave and mental health benefits. Summarizes that workplace size, sector, and culture are…

Fulton County (Georgia) is using construction management for all of its school construction jobs. This strategy allows the board to select a manager purely on the basis of merit and to have more control over subcontractor selection (including selection of more minority contractors) and management. (MLF)

Examines four methods of assessing the cost effectiveness of new technology in school districts. Evaluation methods include teacher self perception surveys and assessments of technology's affects on student learning. (GR)

Data envelopment analysis was used to estimate technical, allocative, scale, and cost efficiency in Queensland institutes of technical and further education in 1992 and 1996, before and after mergers that decreased them from 31 to 16. Substantial improvements occurred in all measures of efficiency. (SK)

Outlines the development of online programs at Empire State College since 1994, when the Center for Learning and Technology was established. Emphasizes the issues and challenges faced by the institution in seeking to provide high-quality, cost-effective distance education. (Author/SK)

Discusses how to use benchmarking as both a quantitative and qualitative tool when reviewing management development in light of changing business strategy and organizational design. Highlights include cost effectiveness, a benchmarking framework, and the impact on human resource development (HRD) functions. (Author/LRW)

Defines the criteria of economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and equity for making choices about resource allocation, locates them within a conceptual framework, and examines reasons for the increasing interest in them. Explains and illustrates the evaluation methods of cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-consequences analyses.…