Today's leaders face a world dramatically different from that of the previous generation. Thus, they cannot rely on experience from the past, but need to anticipate future needs and circumstances and to develop more flexible organizations to achieve the transformation from an industrial to a communication era. (WD)

Argues that quality assurance (QA) initiatives in Australian higher education can be used for a politics of transformation in the interests of women. Examines QA audit processes and one regional university's response to QA initiatives, through which its culture and management style were significantly transformed from an informal, pastoral model to…

A study investigated the quality of services in four student enrollment services administrative sub-units (recruiting, admissions, records and registration, financial aid) at a public comprehensive university, using student and staff evaluations and program evaluations. Specific changes needed to improve service delivery are identified and…

Analyzes findings from a 3-year study of 10 racially mixed schools that decided to reduce ability grouping. Discovers that decentralized decision making and local control inhibit systemic reform because the micropolitics of autonomous schools will act as an obstructionist influence. (MJP)

Examines pressures that educational restructuring efforts place on traditional structures and on expectations of universities and schools, noting temporal aspects of John Goodlad s concept of organizational arrangements. Applies concepts to restructuring teacher education at the University of Wyoming. Views temporal organizational disruptions as…

A British national study of the university research enterprise in 1995-96 assessed the impact of a 1992 change in higher education policy to restructure the entire higher education system. The study investigated impact at the system, institution, unit, and individual levels, in the areas of research policy and strategy, structures, and processes.…

Asserts that increasing inter-agency conflict is detrimental to needs of children and families. Presents example of one agency (Educational Psychology Service), suggesting that its pressures are common to all agencies and that recent policies conspire to enhance the power of systems rather than of children and families. Discusses effective…

Engineering education will be profoundly affected by changes in the U.S. corporate culture, career aspirations of entering college students, research funding sources, and the globalization of engineering design. The engineering school's dean must interpret these strong social pressures for change in curriculum content and operations and serve as…

The president of Stanford University (California) discusses strategies for making the transition from today's institution to the vision he has of the university in two decades. Issues addressed include improving faculty commitment to teaching, streamlining administrative decision making, encouraging convergence of teaching and research, regaining…

Technological innovations in factories and offices are examined in terms of 10 core issues: "high flex" workplace; control of work; organizational change; impact on skill; unemployment; educational needs and retraining; changing occupational structures; safety and health; interaction of work, leisure, and family; and quality of working life. The…

Discussion of changes in higher education as a result of advances in information technology focuses on the relationship between academic libraries and computing centers. Highlights include collaborative relationships; virtual information organizations; libraries as knowledge management centers; support for curriculum development; teaching…

The self-study process at St. Edward's University (Texas) is described. Features examined include its five focal areas (technology, knowledge explosion, experiential learning, multiculturalism, and values), involvement of both the campus and external communities in the self-study, and the vision of a redesigned university that resulted from the…

Argues that an appropriate reform agenda for urban school districts would require reform characterized by the design of client-centered, authentic respectful organizations that build from the needs and interests of students, rather than the convenience of employers or conventions of traditional schooling. (SLD)

Discusses organizational changes in educational institutions needed to attract minority students to the health professions and retain them, focusing on the University of Massachusetts Medical Center program and its initiatives for high school and college students. The program is increasing enrollment and retention of minorities at the medical…

School reform efforts require teaching teamwork and goal setting to school personnel. Describes a number of strategies for managing organizational change with examples at specific schools. Lists Coalition of Essential Schools materials. (MLF)