Institutional researchers and planners are urged to adopt conceptual marketing tools to help them deal with situations where data are sparse and time is short. An easily used decision technique is described that can increase the likelihood of getting good answers to the question: How much information is enough? (Author/LBH)

Accurate knowledge of the institution's past policies and composition considered within a broader state, regional, or national historical context can be an advantage in coping with complex institutional concerns. Implications for researchers are discussed. (Author/LBH)

The traditional "test and measurement" approach to educational evaluation is contrasted with the "use of information for decision-making" developed in the industrial sector. Evaluation strategy should be determined by an analysis of the problem and the decisions to be made. (Author/LBH)

Focus group interviewing is a qualititative research technique in which a small number of respondents and a moderator have an unstructured discussion about selected subjects. As a market research technique, it could generate new insights and provide a deeper understanding of institutional image. (MSE)

Institutional planners responsible for setting enrollment objectives and levels must develop an understanding of college market structure, choose among alternative approaches to market assessment, and apply appropriate methods for measuring patterns of competition. (Author/MSE)

Trade-off analysis, a powerful and precise research technique, can help an institution determine the direction in which it must move to change its position within the competitive market space. (MSE)

Before beginning assessment programs, institutions should carefully examine the literature on assessment practice, including the experiences of other institutions. Sources on assessment and a list of representative assessment programs are presented. (MLW)

Any full-scale attempt to measure the impact of federal student finacial aid on student enrollment behavior must also account for indirect effects on institutional behavior. This study argues that the potential effects of aid on supply and on institutions is substantial. Includes two tables, seven notes, and eight references. (MLH)

The widespread use of comparative data can lead to problems on a campus unless the data are systematically incorporated in the institutional planning cycle. A model has been developed to alleviate a number of problems and increase the power of comparison as a management tool. (MSE)

A taxonomy of developmental planning considerations and corresponding areas in which institutional researchers and developmental professionals can collaborate to assess and improve fund-raising activities is presented. (MSE)

Discusses three major motivations for in-house library research--planning, problem solving, and staff development--in terms of the functions and responsibilities of library management. Ten stages in a research project are identified and management contribution to each is described. It is concluded that the role of management is critical.…

College and university information is poorly developed for the purpose of making strategic choices and management guidance. A strategic triangle, with critical success factors at each vertex, can help model appropriate information. (Author/MLW)

Examines the procedural characteristics through which public policies are formulated in the Republic of Korea and reviews the interaction patterns among the policymaking organizations of its government. (Author/JDH)

Critiques comparative empirical research on the effects of public policy. Provides a framework for the analysis of comparative research. (JDH)

Recounts how staff members at Lakeshore Technical Institute have been encouraged to enroll in higher education programs and undertake applied institutional research projects to assist in solving institutional problems. Provides examples of research projects conducted by staff members, including the investigation of a quality-circles model for…