Recent research in the human ecological tradition has made increasing use of causal modeling in the search for understanding of aggregate-level social processes. This approach has great appeal because it helps make hypotheses explicit, provides a convenient way to structure the application of statistical controls, allows the representation of…

Illustrates how path analysis can be used to test implied or inherent causal models in language. (DD)

This paper is concerned with the pathways students take through their studies at university. A critique of current research demands a fresh approach to explaining student progression, in particular within Australian higher education. To date, theories of student progression commonly consider the fit of the person to the university environment…

PERT--Program Evaluation and Review Technique--is introduced in this programed text to enable the reader to work at his own pace to gain a mastery of the basic rules of PERT and their application. Some of the operations the reader will be able to perform upon completion of the program include: applying PERT techniques to projects of any type or…

It is demonstrated here that standardized regression coefficients greater than one can legitimately occur. Furthermore, the relationship between the occurrence of such coefficients and the extent of multicollinearity present among the set of predictor variables in an equation is examined. Comments on the interpretation of these coefficients are…

Discusses the development of critical path networks and their benefits when used in the training and manpower development field. (EB)

Reflective learning is difficult to assess because it is subjective and emerges from experience rather than planned activity. The distinction between deep and surface learning that is used to assess critical thinking may be usefully applied in a questioning approach to the assessment of reflective learning. (SK)

Planning approaches are in a dynamic relationship with organizational culture. This article uses a case study of academic planning at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona to draw a correspondence between types of organizational culture and planning approaches. The case study shows the differing conceptions of organizational culture held…

Project management covers a wide range of skills and is one of the best forms of staff development available for the development of skills by doing. This publication is for the use of staff involved in e-learning development projects. An introduction and overview includes discussion of e-learning projects in general and why they are undertaken;…

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors which help successful equity initiatives that had been seeded in technical and further education (TAFE) institutes through short-term funding to take root and spread. The report concludes that many equity programs remain stuck in the seeding stage and fail to thrive and grow. It suggests that…

THE PROGRAM EVALUATION AND REVIEW TECHNIQUE (PERT) USED IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT WAS DESCRIBED FOR THE EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY. THE MANAGEMENT PROCESS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WAS REVIEWED, AND THE NEED FOR NEW TECHNIQUES WAS IDENTIFIED. THE BASIC CONCEPTS, TECHNIQUES, AND METHODS OF PERT WERE COVERED UNDER (1)…

Discusses a need to develop and adopt a system of documentation that is an integral part of the instructional development process. (Author)

Explains the Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) and how it can be used by educational institutions. (MLF)

Path analytic techniques for assessing the validity of indicators in multitrait-multimethod matrices represent improvements on Campbell and Fiske's early procedures for testing for validity. The diagnosis of indicator ills by means of confirmatory factor analysis is especially useful. An empirical example of these techniques is presented.…