Showing papers in "International Journal of Educational Management in 1993"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed the conception and theory of school-based management and map its characteristics of school functioning for facilitating the ongoing discussion and effort for school management reforms in local or international contexts.
Abstract: Aims to develop the conception and theory of school‐based management and map its characteristics of school functioning for facilitating the ongoing discussion and effort for school management reforms in local or international contexts. School‐based management employs theories of “equifinality” and “decentralization”, assumes that “school is a self‐managing system” and regards “initiative of human factor” and “improvement of internal process” as important. When compared with externally‐controlled schools, the characteristics of school‐based managing schools are very different in school functioning. They should have clear school mission and strong organizational culture. In these schools, managing strategies should encourage participation and give full play to members′ initiative; there should also be considerable autonomy of procuring and using resources to solve problems in time; the role of people concerned should be active and developmental; human relationship is open, co‐operative with mutual commitmen...
47 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the role of the principal in three models of group decision making is discussed, i.e., the Vroom-Yetton decision-making model, the Delphi Technique and the Nominal Group Technique.
Abstract: There is a long body of research in the area of group decision making which is expanding constantly due to the growing importance which is placed now on participating models in most organizations. Views the role of the principal in three models of group decision making. The models examined are the Vroom‐Yetton decision‐making model, the Delphi Technique and the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). Recent research on effective school strategies emphatically states that school personnel must be a part of decisions affecting schools and that leaders must be strong decision makers. Effective schools research suggests that the principal′s leadership and decision‐making style is the most important factor in a school′s performance. Shows how this style can be implemented in reality.
33 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined the relationship between five components of students' quality of learning experience (resources, content, learning flexibility, student faculty contact, and involvement) and four criteria of college outcomes (students' satisfaction with their college experience, perceived performance in college, commitment to their college and students' grades).
Abstract: Examines the relationships between five components of students′ quality of learning experience (resources, content, learning flexibility, student‐faculty contact, and involvement) and four criteria of college outcomes (students′ satisfaction with their college experience, perceived performance in college, commitment to their college and students′ grades). The major findings of this study indicate that students′ involvement and learning flexibility are the dominant predictors of all four students′ college outcomes, whereas resources and content are the weakest predictors. In addition, quality of learning experience indicators are effective predictors of students′ satisfaction with their college experience (R⊃2 = 0.27) and grades (R⊃2 = 0.20). Discusses the implications of these findings.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare the emphasis given to writing topics by business communication textbooks and business communication professors with the writing topics that accounting practitioners believe are most important to accountants.
Abstract: Empirically compares the emphasis given to writing topics by business communication textbooks and business communication professors with the writing topics that accounting practitioners believe are most important. Addresses the questions: (1) Is there an agreement between the perceptions of accounting executives concerning the importance of certain written communication topics and the space devoted to those topics in the business communication textbooks most commonly used by undergraduate accounting students? (2) Are business communication professors teaching accounting students the writing skills that accounting executives perceive to be the most important? Findings indicate that the business communication courses taken by accounting majors are not emphasizing the writing topics that accounting practitioners believe to be most vital to accountants. The implication is that these courses may not be teaching accounting students the practical writing skills they will need on the job.
17 citations
TL;DR: In an everincreasingly market-oriented world, higher education institutions need to have an institutional strategy concerned with the management of quality as discussed by the authors, and this should begin with the quality of teaching and learning provision.
Abstract: In an ever‐increasingly market‐oriented world, higher education institutions need to have an institutional strategy concerned with the management of quality. Perhaps this should begin with the quality of teaching and learning provision, but the focus has to be wider. Considers such a wider focus in discussing: Michael Porter′s “Five Forces Model of Competition” and his “Drivers of Cost Model”; quality assurance and quality control mechanisms; how a quality strategy can be used to gain competitive advantage. Concludes by offering a series of recommendations as an agenda for action.
14 citations
TL;DR: The pioneering development of a microcomputer‐based timetabler using expert system technology for a Hong Kong tertiary institution with a very dynamic academic environment is described.
Abstract: The timetabling of classes is a major education management activity, with the complexity of the process being highest for tertiary‐level institutions, especially where students and programme numbers as well as classroom requirements are growing. Describes the pioneering development of a microcomputer‐based timetabler using expert system technology for a Hong Kong tertiary institution with a very dynamic academic environment. The knowledge, strategies and heuristics of a small, centralized group of schedulers were modelled and subsequently represented in a readily‐available expert system shell which runs on a standard IBM‐type microcomputer. Discusses the broad feasibility of such expert‐level timetablers, and more generally the application of this knowledge‐based systems approach.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a decision-making approach giving the basic prerequisites, the processes, the actions and the basic characteristics for such a renewal at both a national and school level is presented.
Abstract: Starts off by looking into the changing context of education and its demands on schools. Argues that for schools to function better, a professional culture which offers choice, authority and responsibility through more decision‐making powers and a participative structure at school level needs to be encouraged. Presents, in the concluding section, a decision‐making approach giving the basic prerequisites, the processes, the actions and the basic characteristics for such a renewal at both a national and school level.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, formal education and its contributions to the development of human resources in organizations are examined. And the main thesis that formal education has contributed significantly in developing the skills of employees in areas such as motivation, leadership, job design, communication and labour law is presented.
Abstract: Examines formal education and its contributions to the development of human resources in organizations. Advances the main thesis that formal education has contributed significantly in developing the skills of employees in areas such as motivation, leadership, job design, communication and labour law. It would have been difficult to organize work in a systematic manner without formal education. Formal education therefore is the pillar on which the “wheel” of organizations is made to spin.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present different selection methods currently in use in the USA and describe in detail the assessment centre focusing on the University of Texas at Austin Assessment Center where the author has participated both as a student and, later, as an evaluator.
Abstract: There is a definite need to find out more about what factors are really important in predicting performance for future principals. Currently, the belief in the USA is that the 12 leadership indicators identified by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) constitute a good predictor for future levels of performance for newly hired administrators in education. The assessment centre is a growing trend currently used in different areas of the USA as a selection method for the new educational administrators. Therefore, the purpose here is to present different selection methods currently in use in the USA and to describe in detail the assessment centre focusing on the University of Texas at Austin Assessment Center where the author has participated both as a student and, later, as an evaluator.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a brief review and critique of the strategic planning efforts of a Midwestern City School District in Texas so that the reader can see firsthand what some public schools in the United States are currently undertaking.
Abstract: Explores the essence of strategic planning and the urgency for its implementation in the public school setting. Examines some critical elements for successful implementation of this relatively new field for education. Specific caveats are addressed that may lead to unsuccessful implementation. Also presents a brief review and critique of the strategic planning efforts of a Mid‐Western City School District in Texas so that the reader can see firsthand what some public schools in the United States are currently undertaking. Includes (in an Appendix) some of the parameters of the strategic plan that this school district wrote as a guide for itself.
8 citations
TL;DR: This article argued that university spin-off companies have particular characteristics and problems unique to them and provided they can assimilate and develop the various management skills and approaches needed, entrepreneurial success can result.
Abstract: Describes the reasons for increased academic commercialism and some anticipated problems. Argues that university spin‐off companies have particular characteristics and problems unique to them. However, provided they can assimilate and develop the various management skills and approaches needed, entrepreneurial success can result.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the results obtained from the peer group with that of the lecturer in charge of the unit in question, and found that there was a good correlation between the groups and the lecturer, and the additional learning experience proved beneficial to the students' development as effective managers.
Abstract: Peer assessment is an approach which many lecturers have considered in order to reduce the time taken for student assessment, but often they are reluctant to indulge in such practice for fear of a lack of validity in the results. Examines this approach with three groups of students enrolled in a Graduate Management Course, and compares the results obtained from the peer group with that of the lecturer in charge of the unit in question. It was found that there was a good correlation between the groups and the lecturer, and the additional learning experience proved beneficial to the students′ development as effective managers.
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of management in a computing firm in Sydney, Australia is presented, focusing on communication, the methodology of work, characteristics of the organizational setting, organization structure, selection and motivation of staff, goals of managers and management styles.
Abstract: Schools and school systems around the world are being challenged to emulate management practices used in business organizations. Reports on a case study of management in a computing firm in Sydney, Australia. Attention focuses on communication, the methodology of work, characteristics of the organizational setting, organization structure, selection and motivation of staff, goals of managers and management styles. The findings provide a basis for discussing the relevance of business management practices for education. Managers in education and private enterprise may have much to gain from one another. However, each sector also has distinctive attributes which make transfer of some practices inappropriate. Concludes by considering the benefits for educational managers of observing business executives in action.
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of a survey of undergraduates at Lancaster University showed that student poverty, while not common, can be extreme, and identified a number of characteristics which affect students' proneness to poverty.
Abstract: Discusses results of a survey of undergraduates at Lancaster University, showing that student poverty, while not common, can be extreme. Identifies a number of characteristics which affect students′ proneness to poverty.
TL;DR: In this paper, the fundamental task of a business program is to foster student acquisition of managerial acumen in a classroom setting, which is not a simple undertaking and the current dissatisfaction with business programs involves many complex issues.
Abstract: The fundamental task of a business programme is to foster student acquisition of managerial acumen in a classroom setting. This is not a simple undertaking and the current dissatisfaction with business programmes involves many complex issues. Looks at two of the underlying difficulties and discusses three partial solutions to improving our effectiveness as educators.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the environment for management education in the former USSR, a topic hitherto receiving limited treatment in Western management literature, highlighting certain stumblingblocks in the further development of management education, which involves ever greater participation by Western partners: the problem of communicating management concepts into Russian/post-Soviet terms of reference and Western management educators' limited appreciation of the psychology of Russians.
Abstract: Describes the environment for management education in the former USSR, a topic hitherto receiving limited treatment in Western management literature. Having placed Soviet management education in the general context of glasnost and perestroika, attention focuses on key developments since the creation of the USSR′s first business school in July 1988 to launch the re‐education of up to 14 million technocrats and officials. A short discussion of the curriculum and orientation of one Moscow‐based management centre follows. Highlights certain stumbling‐blocks in the further development of management education, which involves ever greater participation by Western partners: the problem of communicating management concepts into Russian/post‐Soviet terms of reference and Western management educators′ limited appreciation of the psychology of Russians.
TL;DR: In all forms of workplaces, especially in the English-speaking world, administrators have been exhorted to introduce what are perceived to be the "best practices" operating in the more successful economies.
Abstract: In all forms of workplaces, especially in the English‐speaking world, administrators have been exhorted to introduce what are perceived to be the “best practices” operating in the more successful economies. The education “industry” in Australia appears to be no different in this regard from other industries, and the “best practices” appear to originate from Japan. Japanese management practices are promulgated as having abandoned the old methods of scientific management, offering new ways of managing workplaces in general, and schools in particular. Seeks to examine this proposition critically through an examination of two proposals which have been advanced as bringing “best practices” into the administration of schools. The two areas which have been given currency recently are the introduction of salary packages for teachers and the formation of work in schools. Concludes that these seeming innovations may not differ markedly from the principles advocated earlier this century by the proponents of scientif...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduced some of the major principles underlying the operation of financial responsibility centres in education and discussed some pitfalls of profit centre operation, and discussed what should be devolved, to whom, how and to what type of unit.
Abstract: Many educational organizations (universities, FE colleges, etc.) are introducing financial devolution to operating units. Follows up an earlier article by the same authors which introduced some of the major principles underlying the operation of financial responsibility centres in education. Explores what should be devolved, to whom, how and to what type of unit. Discusses some pitfalls of profit centre operation.
TL;DR: The Individualized Learning Modules (ILM) as discussed by the authors is a format which has potential to respond to the different needs of individuals, and it may be effective in ensuring that teachers achieve professional development in a climate which fosters mutual respect, collaboration, productivity and satisfaction.
Abstract: Describes a format which has potential to respond to the different needs of individuals, the Individualized Learning Modules – its characteristics, components, and process – following a rationale for a differentiated approach to in‐service education, and a brief analysis of andragogy, the study of adults as learners. Highlights some additional benefits of this format. It may be effective in ensuring that teachers achieve professional development in a climate which fosters mutual respect, collaboration, productivity and satisfaction.
TL;DR: In this paper, it is proposed that per pupil per hour is a unit on which programmes can be analysed and tracked across terms or years to give trend data, which can provide better information on which educational decisions can be based.
Abstract: Based on the proposition that “per pupil per hour” is a viable unit for analysing both costs and benefits of education. It is proposed that “per pupil per hour” is a unit on which programmes can be analysed and tracked across terms or years to give trend data. Such trend data can provide better information on which educational decisions can be based. “Benefits” are defined as percentages of students who achieved an expected level of accomplishment set by principals prior to the start of the study. Whatever the basis of expected success, it is proposed that standards set at the school level in harmony with the real situation can provide the most relevant data for programme analysis. Results from this case study reveal that on a “per pupil per hour” basis, education is perhaps the best bargain that the public gets.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compare and contrast educational reform efforts in terms of reform goals, philosophies, procedures, outcome criteria and personnel practices for each country and provide an assessment of the success of the reform effort.
Abstract: Attempts to reform educational policies and practices have been increasing in recent decades. Since the early 1980s, both the United States and the Soviet Union have engaged in significant efforts to improve and/or restructure their educational systems. Analyses and contrasts these efforts in terms of the reform goals, philosophies, procedures, outcome criteria and personnel practices for each country. An assessment of the success of the reform effort is provided.
TL;DR: The case of the University of Malta raises wider issues concerning the interrelation of politics and higher education, and questions the efficacy, some would argue, of seeking to make institutions of higher learning fully responsive to the immediate environment in which they operate.
Abstract: In recent decades the University of Malta has undergone a process of restructuring, aimed at bringing the institution more firmly in line with prevailing social and economic circumstances. The changes have elicited widespread commentary, with opinions divided as to the consequences of government involvement in the university′s affairs. The case of the University of Malta raises wider issues concerning the interrelation of politics and higher education, and questions the efficacy, some would argue, of seeking to make institutions of higher learning fully responsive to the immediate environment in which they operate.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the perceptions and future intentions of headteachers regarding the purchase of education services using survey results compiled by Humberside Local Education Authority (LEA).
Abstract: Investigates, using survey results compiled by Humberside Local Education Authority (LEA), the perceptions and future intentions of headteachers regarding the purchase of education services Presents the results in quantitative and qualitative formats Indicates that headteachers have an expectation that the LEA will respond to the findings of the questionnaire
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss how the study of education administration has been characterized by attempts to develop a theory which describes, explains and predicts administrative behaviour within the school context, and assess the contribution of the theory movement and Kuhnian concepts; the movement of research towards finding a phenomological alternative to explain administrative behaviour; and the development of interpretive approaches which look towards subjects such as the humanities for a possible solution.
Abstract: An extract from a book manuscript highlighting the specific challenge which Greenfield posed to established thinking. Discusses how the study of education administration has been characterized by attempts to develop a theory which describes, explains and predicts administrative behaviour within the school context. Assesses the contribution of the “theory movement” and Kuhnian concepts; the movement of research towards finding a phenomological alternative to explain administrative behaviour; and the development of interpretive approaches which look towards subjects such as the humanities for a possible solution. In the light of this background discusses in depth the contribution made by T.B. Greenfield to the debate and considers the viability of an interpretive alternative.
TL;DR: In this article, a self-managed independent learning package and a structured weekend course were used to develop and enhance the knowledge of research methods and supervisory skills in the lecturing staff of the Department of Library and Information Studies.
Abstract: The increase in work‐based Master′s level research projects has led to a demand for the training and support of research supervisors. At Manchester Polytechnic (now the Manchester Metropolitan University) a training initiative was developed by the authors. A self‐managed independent learning package and a structured weekend course were used to develop and enhance the knowledge of research methods and supervisory skills in the lecturing staff of the Department of Library and Information Studies. Describes the way the initiative was set up, the variety of teaching and learning methods used and the outcomes from the away‐weekend. A mentoring system for research supervisors was developed and the role of higher level research in the department was enhanced. This training initiative should now be used to support research project supervisors outside academic institutions as well as within the UK′s universities.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors found that most post-primary schools need between one and three instructors in each pre-vocational subject and suggested strategies for effective utilization of tradesmen for workshop lessons, including the building and equipment of workshops, constant supply of electricity, supervision of the instructors and students by school heads and organization of competitions among students.
Abstract: Some of the problems that have confronted the implementation of the National Policy on Education in Nigeria include the lack of teachers for the pre‐vocational courses and equipped workshops for practicals, among others. Aims to find out how established tradesmen could be used effectively to teach workshop practicals. Principals of secondary schools and technical colleges provided the data which were used to answer the two formulated research questions. The result of the data analysis showed that most post‐primary schools need between one and three instructors in each pre‐vocational subject. Suggested strategies for effective utilization of tradesmen for workshop lessons, including the building and equipment of workshops, constant supply of electricity, supervision of the instructors and students by school heads and organization of competitions among students. Proposes that a system by which instructors could be acquainted with the processes of continuous assessment be built into their teaching assignment.
TL;DR: This article described the perceptions of administrators of post-secondary institutions in Alberta with respect to various aspects of the resource-environment of their institutions and recommended a clear funding direction with multi-year budget plan and internal restructuring to prepare for an increasingly competitive environment.
Abstract: Describes the perceptions of administrators of post‐secondary institutions in Alberta with respect to various aspects of the resource‐environment of their institutions. While administrators of post‐secondary institutions in Alberta are divided on the issue of government funding ideology, the vast majority of them agreed that the attitude of the government to funding was changing. Other problems of concern to these administrators include the lack of public awareness of the true situation in their institutions, the growing competition among post‐secondary institutions, and the unpredictable funding direction from the government. Recommends a clear funding direction with multi‐year budget plan and internal restructuring to prepare for an increasingly competitive environment.
TL;DR: In this article, the challenges being faced in the field of personnel management as hundreds of local technical colleges, colleges of FE and sixth form colleges up and down the country prepare for incorporation and independence from their previous local authority control.
Abstract: Looks at the challenges being faced in the field of personnel management as hundreds of local technical colleges, colleges of FE and sixth form colleges up and down the country prepare for incorporation and independence from their previous local authority control.
TL;DR: The authors describe three different dimensions of conflict, emotional vs intellectual, relationship vs task, and compromise vs win, followed by strategies specifically for mediation of each dimension, including active listening and persuasion tactics.
Abstract: In educational institutions, conflict is inevitable. Conflict resolution is needed when incompatible activities occur. Diametrically opposed views of conflict assume either that conflict is usually destructive or that conflict can be a basis for creative outcomes. The first view arises from societal notions of correct behaviour. The second is useful for classroom managers who take the role of mediator for the disputants. Describes three different dimensions of conflict followed by strategies specifically for mediation of each dimension. Active listening and persuasion tactics are applicable to all three dimensions, which are emotional vs intellectual, relationship vs task, and compromise vs win.