Examination of cost and job placement data for 428 of 2,958 courses taught in California Regional Occupational Centers and Programs showed few differences among 8 course areas, suggesting that centers invest differing amounts in areas to achieve equivalent placement. Cost-benefit analysis may be of limited usefulness when context cannot be…

Discussion of the use of local and wide area networks on college campuses highlights the design and implementation of a wide area network within the division of student affairs at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Practical applications are described, and cost and benefit factors are discussed. (17 references) (LRW)

The experiences of a number of institutions using a variety of approaches show that distance education by television can be both instructionally effective and cost effective. Careful attention to five steps in course development (planning, preparation, rehearsal, presentation, and review) can help colleges save time and avoid pitfalls. (MSE)

Most training is evaluated at the level of trainee reaction and some at the level of learning but very little at the level of behavior and results. Three methods for identifying evaluation criteria for these levels are cost-benefit analysis, impact analysis, and total quality management. (SK)

Discusses the need for training curriculum to be integrated with business objectives to provide the right employees with the right skills at the right time. Line management requirements are described; training and development requirements are examined; the training and development organization is described; and keys to success are considered. (LRW)

Examines the relationship between users' expertise, task complexity of information system use, and artificial intelligence to provide the basis for a conceptual framework for considering the role that artificial intelligence might play in information systems. Cognitive and conceptual models are discussed, and cost effectiveness is considered. (27…

Discusses online searching with the new 9600 baud rate and describes test searches on the BRS, Data-Star, LEXIS, and Dow Jones databases through three packet-switching networks: US Sprint, MEADNET, and TYMNET. Hardware and software are described, data communications equipment standards are discussed, and the impact of higher baud rates on pricing…

Discusses the similarities of information handling by corporate records managers and librarians, and proposes combining their functions and physical locations into a central information center that would result in more efficient service at less cost. Records management is explained and advantages of a merger are described. (28 references) (LRW)

An efficient search procedure is presented for determining the optimal number of observations of facets in a design that maximize generalizability when resource constraints are imposed. The procedure is illustrated for three-facet and four-facet designs, with extensions for other configurations. (Author/SLD)

The cafeteria plan for health insurance benefits employers by reducing the overall escalation of health costs. Employees benefit by tailoring their benefit packages to their needs to including the option to decline coverage because of spouse employment. (MLF)

The greatest deterrent to drugs and gangs is a full, high-quality student activity program. Cocurricular activities offer peer counseling groups, nurturing clubs, relationship building, and enormous support for youngsters at minimal cost. Potential dropouts can be engaged by car clubs, job opportunities, and computer use programs. Eliminating…

Examines interlibrary loan (ILL) charges for photocopied material at two academic libraries, the University of Arizona and the University of Nevada, Reno. Statistics were reported for separate academic units to determine which were the most active users and which were charged the most, and recommendations are made for dealing with ILL charges.…

Describes two ways of organizing distance education: using telecommunications to duplicate traditional classroom teaching; and reorganizing educational resources with a total systems perspective, including sources of knowledge, structures of knowledge, and media of communication. An example from higher education is discussed, students'…

Discusses instructional design; examines various analyses which should be made as part of instructional development, including needs analysis, front-end analysis, job analysis, task analysis, training analysis, and learning analysis; and describes steps in a learning analysis that is less labor-intensive and time-consuming. A learning analysis…

Effectiveness of a new 72-hour delivery system (USXPRESS) for pharmaceuticals purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from VA depots was evaluated by comparing 33 test sites with 11 matched sites using a pretest posttest quasiexperimental design. The USXPRESS system reduced inventory, decreased space needs, and satisfied service…