A generalized procedure for interrelating possible research activities and decisions over the life of a course is proposed. The main levels at which research can contribute to the evaluation are discussed, and data are presented in relation to one particular program: the Social Science foundation course at the Open University. (Author/LBH)

The situation of "collective aging" of the academic staff in universities and research institutes caused by the skew age distribution and the zero-growth budgets in nearly all European countries is discussed. Possible policies to palliate the negative effects are considered along with support for junior staff with temporary contracts or limited…

The Delphi technique's short history in higher education is reported together with a brief introduction to the origins and principal characteristics of the method. The extent of recent attention to Delphi and its recent use in higher education in the U.S. is discussed. (Author/LBH)

The European Centre for Higher Education (CEPES) in Bucharest is described, beginning with the role of higher education in national development and also considering regional cooperation, CEPES' functions, support to decision-makers, and ongoing and special activities related to information, documentation, and liaison. (Author/LBH)

The development of institutional research is traced and changing patterns are explored. The organization and activities of the Association for Institutional Research are described, along with a consideration of the proper role of institutional research in the future of higher education. (Author/LBH)

A research program at Trinity College in Ireland is reported that focused on the decision-making process, particularly the committee structure. Described are the role of individuals within committees, centralized versus decentralized decision-making, costs, sources of rigidity, and problems of the concentration of power. (Author/LBH)

Recent tendencies that are likely to endanger free and creative research in Austria are discussed. It is suggested that the danger to free, autonomous research may stem from negligence of the state to provide an adequate organizational framework for research. (Author/SF)

Organizational aspects and implementation of Switzerland's national research program that promote goal-oriented research in the service of the general public are described. The Federal Council of Switzerland decides on the topics to be researched and the National Fund is responsible for carrying out the programs. (Author/SF)

The role of industry in the planning and management of research is discussed. It is suggested that university research should be ahead of industry and industry should not try to influence academic programs in the basic sciences. (Author/SF)

Two questions are considered: "How do results of university research find their way into societal improvements?" and "What might enhance the flow and use of results of university research?" Perspectives of government sponsorship, institutional management, and institutional conservation are considered, as well as findings from studies of…

The transfer of technology from universities to industry is discussed. Increasingly universities are being considered as elements in industrial development. How universities should fulfill this role and forms of transfer mechanisms are examined, including university administrations, and nonprofit or commercial interface organizations. (Author/SF)

The management of higher education institutions is discussed in light of the exponential expansion of universities during the last century. It is suggested that universities embrace social relevance as a major goal. The proper social relevance of universities and its effects on their objectives and methods of management are discussed. (Author/SF)

Autonomy in Swedish universities is investigated. A new approach to the analysis of the concept of university autonomy and an outline of a theory on university autonomy are presented. Autonomy is viewed as a vital characteristic of higher education; its role in Swedish education throughout history is analyzed. (Author/SF)

The concept of collective autonomy is discussed as it refers to cooperation between universities. The need for a collective autonomy of universities, the aims and limits of such a concept, and means and opportunities for creating and fostering it are examined. (Author/SF)

The reorganization of the German universities between the end of the 1960s and the early 1970s into "Group Universities" is discussed. It is suggested that this new organizational system, modeled along the lines of a corporate state, has destroyed the communication system of the university and introduced discontinuity into the academic…