Management by objectives (MBO), if properly applied to educational organizations, provides a rational means of achieving objectives with scarce resources. This article discusses the need for MBO, describes the process and some of its potential benefits and pitfalls. (Author/NHM)

The results of a survey of all the states on why their school systems adopted food service contracts. In addition, a report from Oregon listing the advantages and disadvantages of using the services of a food management company. (Author/MLF)

Describes a planning model based on the experience at the University of Wisconsin--Oshkosh whose basic context is a statement of institutional mission; within that mission, planning assumptions are developed for an eight-year period. Outlines the planning process for a one-year cycle. (MB)

The article reports research on the development and evaluation of a statewide special education management network in Michigan. (Author/DLS)

This article examines recent criticism of the current criminal justice system which characterizes it as a "nonsystem" because its three main components--law enforcement, courts, and correction--are often poorly managed and inefficient. (Author)

Crises administration makes planned, coherent administrative action difficult. To assist school administrators in solving a multitude of problems, the author advises that administrators adopt a systems approach that starts with needs assessment. (Author/DS)

The authors offer 10 guidelines intended to serve as a comprehensive and concise set of operational procedures contributing to an efficient school fiscal management system. (Author)

The process for completing four national questionnaires was analyzed following site visits and detailed documentation at each of six representative medical schools. A number of problems with the process were found that inhibited the provision of reliable data. Corrective action for institutions and sponsoring agencies are suggested. (Editor/LBH)

Recommends the use of microcomputers for computer-assisted indexing; describes five case studies; and provides a list of representative software programs including title, producer, compatible hardware, price, and a short description. (EM)

Describes the Training Effectiveness Algorithm, a systematic procedure for identifying the cause of reported training problems which was developed for use in the U.S. Navy. A two-step review by subject matter experts is explained, and applications of the algorithm to other organizations and training systems are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Describes the Biblio-Link and Pro-Cite software packages, which can be used together to create local databases with downloaded records, or to reorganize and repackage downloaded records for client reports. (CLB)

Reviews MICRO-ISIS, a mini-micro version of a widely used software package developed by UNESCO for managing bibliographic information, and describes the design and implementation of a monograph catalog as a sample application. The value of this software for smaller libraries in developing countries is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

Reviews Oregon State University Communication Media Center's experiences in designing, developing, and using a computerized scheduling system to help with the center's operation. Description includes purposes for developing the system, creation of the system using a commercial database management software package, and the five menus used in the…

Examines recent developments in field of systems theory that can improve library management practices by broadening perspective in which these problems may be approached. The concept of organizational life cycles is discussed and a paradigm for application of its principles is developed. An Rx decision chart is appended. (9 references) (EJS)

Discusses quality circles and King Arthur's Round Table as examples of participatory decision making. Explains how such an approach to management can serve everybody concerned. (FL)