Showing papers in "International Journal of Educational Management in 1992"

Institutional Theory and Examining Leadership in Schools

Abstract: Examines the implications of institutional theory in the study of instructional leadership within the school organization. Outlines the implementation of this theory with the school, at the boundary between the school and the environment and also the organization of the institutional environment to which schools respond. Claims that theory enhances the administration of the school by the adoption of structures embodying cultural rules, and that it helps teachers to precipitate work‐related activity.

Implementing TQM in Higher Education

Abstract: Examines the emerging paradigm of total quality management and summarizes its implications for higher education. Rather than prescribing a set of generic implementation steps, suggests that there are other, more significant, factors to be considered related to the timing of the initiative rather than where it should begin. Discusses four necessary issues: the removal of abstraction from the concept of quality in higher education; organization‐wide understanding of the customer; the importance of assessing the current quality level; and the need for strategic quality planning. Also cites classical organizational facets such as structure, culture, human resource management and leadership as being among the determinants of TQM success – concentration on these key matters attenuates the importance of the method of implementation. Argues that to disregard these harbingers of success is to risk long‐term damage to the organization and considerably reduce the likelihood of sustained and self‐generating organizat...

Integration of Children with Special Needs

Abstract: Examines issues related to the integration of children with special needs into regular classrooms. A clear definition of integration is crucial before it can be considered on a system, school, or individual basis, so that all stakeholders can operate within a common frame of reference. Details the Regular Educational Initiative in the United States and the Alberta movement towards a provincial integration policy which offer insight into the need for these matters: (1) clear principles and practices for identifying children′s special needs and determining the best teaching environments for meeting those individual needs; (2) systematic research on service delivery models, and educational change based on demonstrated programme effectiveness; (3) adequate preparation for all classroom teachers on individualizing student educational programmes; and (4) development of adequate school and community support systems for children with special needs and their families.

Assessing the Decision‐making Patterns of School Principals

Abstract: Presents selected findings from an ongoing investigation of relationships between changes in student test scores and specific actions taken by principals in regard to student learning. Uses a list of 20 open‐ended questions to elicit from school principals verbal descriptions of their behaviours associated with student test scores. Each of the 20 questions deals with a different behavioural step belonging to a rational decision‐making model and were addressed to two samples of elementary school principals of schools which experienced either a continuous improvement or a continuous decline in student test scores in reading, writing and mathematics over a three‐year period. Differences found between the two groups included those related to the principals′ perceptions of the need to improve student test scores, and those related to the nature of principals′ involvement in this area. Also discusses selected issues concerning the research design and methodology used in the study ‐ e.g. the cyclical nature of t...

Management Research Themes and Teaching in the Arab World

Abstract: In the last few decades the Arab states have come to play an important role in the world economy and international politics. We have witnessed an increasing interest in the social, political, and economic aspects of the Arab world. Despite such increasing interest, Arab scholars and business professors have not made significant progress in scholarly contribution and in teaching business management. Seeks to provide an analysis of the situation and suggests research topics in the areas of business and management applicable to development in the Arab world.

Assessing Instructional Leadership Effectiveness with “G” Theory

Abstract: Discusses current methodological problems with principal performance appraisal and evaluation methods which have received considerable attention in the literature. Suggests that administrative performance appraisals can be conducted using a measurement technique called generalizability theory (”G” theory). Introduces “G” theory as a method for improving the dependability of principal performance appraisals.

University Staffing Decisions to Hire or Promote

Abstract: Aims to extend internal labour market theory by identifying sub‐markets that influence administrative staffing decisions, and to test a theoretical model regarding the role of sub‐markets in explaining decisions to hire or promote. Hypothesizes that two latent dimensions (hierarchical and functional) of labour markets would explain these decisions. Analyses data from personnel records for position vacancies in a major university for three years 1982‐85 (n = 840), and confirms the fit of the theoretical model. Staffing decisions are directly influenced by characteristics associated with the sub‐markets of the position.

Leadership as Design in School Restructuring

Abstract: Examines leadership and school restructuring. Drawing upon postmodern/poststructural theory, argues that a new conception of educational leadership is required as reformers contemplate educational reconfiguration. Argues that the metaphorical notion of leadership as design is appropriate and valuable as reformers seek to consider plans to restructure schools. Traces the likely practical bearings of leadership as design upon the roles, rules, relationships, and results attached to present‐day school restructuring efforts.

Quality University Management Programmes

Abstract: Developing a quality programme is important because it is now a prerequisite for quality management and national competitiveness. However, the process of programme development and improvement is problematic. This is the case, in part, because programme developers are not educationists. Using an educational perspective, outlines a conceptual model that will aid management educators to reflect critically on programme quality issues during design or review phases.

Intercampus Collaboration: Reframing the Education of School Leaders

Abstract: Describes the newly established California State University, Fresno and University of California, Davis, joint doctoral programme in educational leadership which prepares students to conduct and interpret enquiries for which sound educational policy and practice are anchored. The unique features of this programme are: (1) an intercampus “graduate group” of faculty that offers group membership to qualified faculty from several campuses of the University of California and California State University, Fresno. Graduate groups follow the University of California tradition of faculty governance in matters of group membership, student admission and curriculum; (2) no other joint doctorates in the state of California are multi‐campus; (3) the planners of this doctoral programme recognized that admitted students would probably be full‐time employed, experienced leaders. This programme requires the employers of applicants to commit to release time as a condition of admission; and (4) all core courses are co‐written...

In‐service Training in Swaziland and Malawi: Application of a Process Model for Development Education

Abstract: Describes two international development education projects in the context of requirements for project success and in terms of a project design model developed by the authors. The first section assesses conditions for project initiation and sustainability for in‐service education projects in Swaziland and Malawi, Africa. An analysis of each project indicated that factors such as the significance of key individuals as the locus of intervention, objectively measurable outcomes, and logical sequencing of project events contributed to project success. In the last section, describes the parameters of the international developmental educational model (IDEM).

The Long March towards Technology: Administrative and Managerial Computing in LEAs and Schools in England and Wales

Abstract: Traces progress in introducing information technology to support administrative and managerial functions in local education authorities and their schools since 1983. Notes the move towards preparing information technology implementation strategies and the somewhat belated recognition of the need for information management of the system. Outlines some likely areas of future difficulty.

Action Research in Industrial Training in BSE Course

Abstract: Action research involves practitioners in attempting to improve their own teaching through cycles of planning, acting, observing and reflecting. This idea was adopted by a group of interested staff to evaluate the industrial training in the third year of the four‐year sandwich course, B.Eng. (Hons) in Building Services Engineering, at Hong Kong Polytechnic. As there are foreseen difficulties in locating suitable and adequate high quality industrial placements, research was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing arrangement. Assesses attitudes of BSE staff, students and industrial supervisors towards the training. Results of the survey indicated that objectives of the training were not wholly fulfilled. Suggestions are included to improve the management of the training system.

Discipline in Response to Unacceptable Performance: Barriers to Access in Academic Organizations

Abstract: It is generally accepted that irrespective of training, motivational programmes, and the development of positive work environments, not all personnel will perform at acceptable levels. In an effort to change behaviour, many organizations attempt to develop formal disciplinary procedures that include a number of possible disciplinary actions, with each disciplinary action identified as a reasonable response to defined levels of unsatisfactory performance. Unfortunately, few academic organizations have developed or implemented “appropriate‐response” disciplinary procedures or programmes. Without such reasoned disciplinary procedures, organizational responses to unacceptable performance may take on many of the characteristics of punishment rather than discipline. Explores the barriers to such disciplinary programmes in academic organizations.

Assessment‐based Licensing of School Principals

Abstract: Aims to present a framework for licensing school principals in the United States, specifically the state of Connecticut. Contains three elements that depart substantially from other initiatives to reform preparation and licensure. (1) Pre‐service preparation of principals will focus on the knowledge base for teaching and learning. As currently conceived, it is possible for a candidate to qualify for initial certification without taking formal coursework in educational administration. (2) Study of educational administration will occur during the beginning years of administrative service. (3) Licensure will be performance‐based. Candidates for initial certification will need to demonstrate their knowledge of teaching and learning and their ability to evaluate and supervise teaching. Prior to professional certification, principals will be required to show that they fostered a school culture that focused on teaching and learning and where all students achieved. Begins with discussion of the role of licensing ...

Public Relations Function Development: Politics, Problems and Prospects of Institutionalization in the Nigerian University

Abstract: Discusses the purpose and relevance of public relations (PR) for the university institution, inparticular outlining the underdevelopment of the PR function in most Nigerian universities. Reviews the PR function in one of Nigeria′s leading universities. Traces its evolution in order to expose the many considerations which influence its institutionalization. Shows that the development of a university PR function is inextricably linked to the historical, socio‐political and economic forces which shape the institution. Moreover certain inherent attributes of the university system may stand against the development of PR as a definite specialized function. Concludes with a number of policy recommendations to promote the institutionalization of PR in Nigerian universities in particular, and their African counterparts in general.

Flexible Working Hours: The Benefits for Staff in Education

Abstract: Reports on systems of time recording of employees′ working hours in the UK education system during the 1990s. Outlines the need for a new system by discussing new work patterns. Suggests that implementation of a new electronic system is more beneficial, making recording hours easier and providing more accurate information. Claims that it gives more control over the working day, making flextime easier and facilitating planning and the construction of management reports.

Training Educational Administrators in China: The Relevance of Some Western Concepts

Abstract: Proposes that the improvement of educational management practices at the operational level requires the adoption of an approach based on needs analysis, evaluation, and training. Assumes that educational managers are accountable to the public for their actions and performance and that they seek improvements in the quality of the educational services they provide and stresses the importance of understanding and attempting to measure the results of such services. This in turn requires an analysis of educational programme dynamics and the limitations upon managers in working to achieve increases in service quality. In constructing a training scheme aimed at management improvement, this aspect is referred to as a “needs analysis based on programme dynamics”. Identifies factors involved in the design of a training scheme for educational administrators, namely: needs analysis based on programme dynamics: key competences for administrators: training design: a HRD agenda: and an implementation plan. Discusses onl...

A Spinal Cord for College Management

Abstract: Examines some of the problems experienced by FE managements as college principals and governors assume greater powers. How are newly appointed management personnel best able to exercise their functions when many are faced with new surroundings and new responsibilities simultaneously? Internal reorganization of college structures is a commonly used approach but what problems can this in itself raise? Is there a danger that the line of decision making becomes confused? Examines the need for greater clarity in the lines of responsibility and accountability and looks at various potential pitfalls which may not be at first apparent.