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…

Argues that community colleges must be able to incorporate information about themselves and their clientele into delivery systems, operational strategies, and strategic planning. Underscores the importance of program evaluation in institutional planning and of needs assessments as a vital communications process between service area and college.…

Argues that the need for research on the community college is intensified by the ever-changing character of learner needs and community conditions. Addresses two criticisms of two-year college research: the same questions are researched repeatedly and the effort overtaxes institutions. Calls for a stronger research base on the two-year college.…

Considers leadership development and research as two ways of improving institutional decision making. Proposes an agenda for future development to strengthen the financial management of the nation's community, technical, and junior colleges. (AYC)

An effective environmental scan will improve the quality of community college planning and decision making by alerting institutional leaders to the challenges and opportunities in the environment. Scanning can be done in three ways: (1) establishing a scanning committee to gather and synthesize information to guide planning; (2) sponsoring a…

Focus group research, which involves the exploration of a carefully selected research question by a group of homogeneous subjects, is a qualitative research tool which seems to be a quick and easy means of staying abreast of the educational needs and expectations of community colleges. However, it is difficult to moderate focus groups and…

Presents a model of community college decision making based on institutional research illustrated using a case study of Pueblo Community College (Colorado). Describes three stages of an action plan including curriculum renewal, development of assessment and remediation services, and image improvement. Reviews results of research-based activities…

Designed for use by community college personnel, this handbook provides information necessary to conduct a study of the impact of a community college on the business volume and other economic aspects of the community. Section I explains models for assessing the following seven types of economic impact: (1) college-related local business volume;…

One of a series of papers resulting from a Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) project to improve evaluation and planning in community colleges, this report provides information and guidance for conducting large-group, strategic planning in a community college. The report begins with general comments on planning, focusing…

Offers examples of research efforts undertaken at Miami-Dade Community College to analyze the college preparatory program, considering early research using placement test scores, research using college-preparatory course enrollment data, and most recent research using a longitudinal database. Argues that the research process must proceed with…

Offers a historical overview of the changing emphases of institutional research in community colleges during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Identifies key areas for institutional research (e.g., access and quality, employer needs, technological advances, and changing conditions in the external environment). Advocates proactive planning through…

Presents an annotated bibliography of ERIC materials, covering problems, practices, and priorities in institutional research; the role of the institutional research office; and research guidelines and procedures. (DMM)

A 1983-84 marketing plan is presented for Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), which is designed to maximize the effective use of shrinking resources to meet the needs of the college's clientele. After introductory material discusses the problems and challenges facing NVCC and the role of marketing in understanding the environment in which…

An overview is provided of the responses made by Maryland's community colleges to growing concerns for accountability and the measurement of educational outcomes. First, the paper reviews the legislative initiatives and agency actions that characterized the state's movement toward a formalized, state-coordinated institutional assessment procedure.…

Describes the College of the Desert (California's) integrated facility that links the following three functions: (1) student assessment and computerized placement testing; (2) remedial instruction in study skills, writing, and math; and (3) research to assess learning gains. (DMM)