This discussion has outlined the role played by program costs in the three-stage policy process--policy formulation, policy implementation, and policy evaluation. It has described both the relevance and a framework for education policy evaluation. (Author/IRT)

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)

The food director of the Milwaukee Public Schools offers his advice: discover what kids want, and then give it to them; snack bars and vendors must not compete with school lunches; and you must have professionals running the food service. (Author/MLF)

How to make day care better for children and providers, considerations of cost effectiveness and government role in child care were discussed at this workshop sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission. (KR)

This study at an academic library used a simulation technique (1) to analyze the extent to which queues develop at a reference desk during peak periods, (2) to propose alternative staffing models to reduce queues, and (3) to examine the cost effectiveness of the alternatives. (Author/JAB)

Identifies real costs and benefits involved in becoming a university department chairperson. Concludes that, although rewards of salary and influence may be significant, costs of time lost to research and leisure pursuits are also great. (Author/DB)

This article suggests the use of geothermal energy for producing electricity, using as an example the development at Wairakei, New Zealand. Other geothermal areas are identified, and economic and environmental co sts of additional development are explored. (Author/AV)

Twelve training experts discuss their views on the efficacy of sales training in relation to organizational budget and sales success. (WL)

Erie County Community College (New York) has developed a zero-based program budgeting system to meet current fiscal problems and diminished resources. The system allocates resources on the basis of program effectiveness and market potential. (LH)

An industrial training cost-effectiveness model developed at Bowling Green State University and used in several practical situations is evaluated with definitions of terms, structured training program costs, training returns, and data collection and analysis procedures. The authors emphasize that money spent for structured training is an…

A technique for examining the financial attributes of one common form of interinstitutional cooperation--cross-registration--is proposed. Four approaches are identified dealing with tuition, cost of instruction, cost avoidance, and course enrichment, and methods for assessing course enrichment are detailed. (LBH)

Suggested guidelines for energy saving on campus include a 3-phase plan: (1) Quick Fix--effective management of what you already have; (2) Refitting--modification of existing systems and installation of simple controls; (3) Systems Convert--installation of computerized controls, waste-heat recovery, solid-waste recovery utilization and other…

A cost-effectiveness analysis evaluating manual and automated circulation systems is described. The methodology identifies all automation costs and real changes in effectiveness. (Author/KP)

Videotape equipment was used for two terms at the Lindens School for autistic children in England in order to determine whether purchase of such equipment would be cost effective. (GW)

Analyzes the liability insurance program for schools. High costs and limited number of insurers have dramatically affected school liability insurance coverage. (MD)