The use of strategic planning in Australian higher education institutions is compared with that in manufacturing corporations, including the similarities and differences in approaches taken. In the context of recent questioning of the use of strategic planning in industry, the validity of its use in higher education is also discussed. (Author/MSE)

A survey of one Australian university's faculty found that research activity is highly variable and influenced by a number of factors including personal characteristics; differences in research style, methods, and strategies within and between disciplines; and funding. Individual autonomy in topic selection was important. (Author/MSE)

A survey of educational development practices that directors of educational development units in Australia found most effective in their institutions for the improvement of teaching is discussed. The University of Queensland staff development program is described. (Author/MLW)

Interviews with senior academic administrators in Australian research universities concerning the relationship of teaching and research components of academic work revealed a strong belief in a symbiotic relationship with important but subtle interconnections. A three-level (tangible, intangible, and global) nexus between the two components is…

A study compared China with the United States, Canada, Australia, and Austria on two aspects of college planning: planning capability consisting of human factors (commitment, participation, coordination) and technology; and planning capacity consisting of system openness and options, decision making, planning authority, and other administrative…

A survey investigated the Australian federal research grant process from the perspectives of unsuccessful 1991 applicants (n=222) from four universities. Findings include a number of limitations in the peer review process and information dissemination by the funding agency and raise questions about external evaluator selection. (Author/MSE)

Appointments to all universities in Australia are examined for the years 1961 to 1974, during which time nearly 40 percent of academic appointees came from overseas. The proportion was inversely related to university size, but unrelated to institutional age or total appointments. Implications of the flow patterns and directions for research are…

The application of a perceived climate measure on a sample of senior level Australian academics is reported. Six factors were identified: organizational conflict and ambiguity; two leadership components (facilitation/supportiveness and directiveness); work group cooperation in policy committees and immediate workgroups; and organizational and…

A study examined aspects of college faculty's satisfaction with their jobs across eight nations (Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Mexico, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States) and the implications for governance and administration. Results indicate that factors related to work environment (university atmosphere, morale, sense of community,…

The ways in which women tend to be disadvantaged in computing courses are examined. The apparent technology-centeredness of computing, the emphasis accorded mathematics as well as narrow problem solving skills and the undervaluing of broadly based problem solving and communication skills are discussed. (Author/MLW)

A study of attitudes toward institutional promotion policy and practices among 104 faculty at an Australian university revealed that staff perceive their institution as actively encouraging research, and especially publication, through rewards and incentives but paying only lip service to teaching, without adequate rewards or recognition. (MSE)

The attitudes towards the methods and purposes of tertiary education of faculty and students at a Filipino university are compared. Attitudes about the purposes of a college education, preferences for different modes of learning, and views on faculty and student roles in decision-making related to the instructional process are assessed.…

Examines gender-related nature of academic work, based on an international survey of college and university faculty. Describes commonalities for areas of discrimination among men and women faculty in Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Mexico, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States. Focuses on working conditions, professional activities…

Australian institutions are developing and using performance indicators (number of publications, research grants, and of Ph.D. graduates) to distribute resources. Some of these are disadvantaging the Humanities. This paper addresses differences in chemistry, engineering, English, and law as they are described by other researchers. (Author/MLW)

A survey of 172 Australian teacher educators investigated perceptions concerning the future research and teaching roles of teacher educators, status of teacher education in the universities, and relationships between teacher educators, schools, and government. Forecasts were generally pessimistic, especially concerning autonomy of teacher…