This research aims to explore the links between school development and the demands of local communities in present-day Central and Eastern European (CEE) societies, which before the sociopolitical turn of 1989/1990 were strictly centralized and monopolized by the communist parties and the governments. As an outcome of the Helsinki Process (since…

The nature of research in the field of intellectual disability is discussed, categories of basic research from published articles are analyzed, and issues are identified. Strongly recommended is the establishment of a national foundation in Australia to identify research priorities and coordinate research efforts. (DB)

Discusses results of recent research and highlights directions for applied research. Emphasizes partnerships to encourage research and practice communities to seek ways to work together. (JOW)

Describes a series of innovative research and development centers established at Boise State University to link the institution's academic work to critical issues in the region. Discusses the strategies guiding their development. (EV)

Explores the fundamentals of browsing as a basis for the creation of an intelligent computer system to assist with the online retrieval of information, and describes a prototype system. The discussion covers various browsing retrieval strategies used and user reactions to the prototype. (Seven references) (Author/CLB)

Overview of research techniques involved in gathering information on current products that can provide input into new product development highlights consumer purchase and use patterns. Comparison of mail questionnaires, telephone surveys, focus group sessions, and in-person interviews notes type of data, timing, relative costs, and advantages and…

Characteristics and concerns of faculty development programs are briefly outlined to suggest reasons for the dearth of research in this area of program evaluation. The lack of representative and accurate outcome measures is seen as the central reason behind the lack of research. (TJH)

To assess the current state of practices and expectations regarding information seeking and collaboration in the newly merged research labs of Hewlett Packard and Compaq Computer, a survey research project was conducted over the Summer of 2002. This paper presents partial findings from this larger study, focusing on the information seeking…

Reviews technological developments of the last 18 years pertaining to the vocational education research responsibilities of networking and dissemination. Asserts that researchers should know about and evaluate emerging technologies in accessing, sharing, manipulating, and disseminating information for possible application to improve research…

In this second of three excerpts from seminars on collaborative knowledge generation, a historian and a biologist explore the special circumstances for the fields of science. Historical trends in collaborative work in the sciences and how these changes affect policy formation are discussed, and synergistic collaboration and possible gender bias…

Examines an emerging shared metaphor, the business pattern, in the context of the encapsulation of wisdom. Discusses the logical evolution into "business patterns" and offers a more fully-realized template to illustrate the intent and to provide a framework for future development. Provides a prototypical example of a documented business pattern…

Proposes a set of elements that can be taken to constitute the social context of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digital information. This "digital information environment" can be useful in guiding research into the structure of the social context and its influences on ways in which people in different social and…

Researchers from the University of Washington, Microsoft Research, Boeing, and Risoe National Laboratory in Denmark have embarked on a project to explore the manifestations of Collaborative Information Retrieval (CIR) in work settings and to propose technological innovations and organizational changes that can support, facilitate, and improve CIR.…

Discusses the functions of educational research. Examines differences between decision-oriented research and conclusion-oriented research. Urges researchers to improve the quality of their writing. (FMW)

Twelve strategies for redirecting university research efforts to respond to present-day needs are outlined, as discussed in a conference session of European university administrators. (MSE)