This final chapter provides observations about institutional research in community colleges derived from the preceding chapters and the issue editors' own experiences. Taken as a whole, the chapters in this issue, as well as the editors' experiences, suggest several observations about institutional research in community colleges. These include the…

Enrollment in for-profit colleges, while still a relatively small share of the higher-education market, has grown more than tenfold over the past decade. For-profit education companies are now in high demand among venture capitalists and investment bankers, and the industry is one of the rare ones that is faring well in this economy. But while…

In this chapter, the author contemplates the future of accreditation in the changing landscape of higher education in the United States. He presents a set of proposals for how accreditation can regain the confidence of college leaders and public policymakers. He begins with the assumption that changes in accreditation--some significant in their…

This paper explores the relationship between the political economy and the production of scientific knowledge and technological innovation. Specific attention is devoted to the political control of research and development. Concludes that the research and development enterprise creates management problems at the project, organizational, and…

To properly evaluate the financial contributions of each revenue source, institutional researchers must use key economic concepts in their work. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

In this article, the president of the National Association of Industrial and Technical Teacher Educators (NAITTE) responds to Charles Gagel's 2006 article recapping and comparing the 1993 and 2004 surveys of NAITTE membership. As they contemplate both of these surveys, she urges members to ask themselves a few questions: What are the…

The evolving profession of institutional research as it exists in 1985, historical antecedents, and ideas about possible futures are presented in two addresses, a panel discussion, and an awards program from the Association for Institutional Research's annual forum. In "Promoting Excellence: Pursuing the Challenge of Quality," Burton R.…

Information use can be defined in many ways depending on a variety of organizational, personal, and presentational factors. The experience of evaluation researchers provides some guides for practice. (Author/MSE)

A distinct lack of clarity regarding the identity of university-based continuing education seems commonplace. Continuing educators have tended to focus on the institutional structure of continuing education, linking its identity to its degree of centralization, size of budget, and whether it houses its own faculty members. This paper suggests…

Describes two ways to conduct research on the distinctive features of an institution: by establishing a college committee or by hiring an outside consultant. Considers the steps involved and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. (DMM)

Provides an overview of the process by which community college practitioners can research their institution's distinctive elements and features. Explains the use of information on institutional distinctiveness in program development, marketing, and college planning. (DMM)

Scholars and researchers, in studying colleges and universities, should appreciate the advantages of broader perspectives and better insights in the interpretations and explanations of institutions telling their own fascinating stories. Each institution can be studied from different perspectives and each can contribute new insights into the world…

The role of student affairs staff in small colleges is considered in eight chapters. Topics of discussion include: conditions facing small colleges, the small college ecology, the role of the student affairs division in providing leadership for institutional planning and research, examples of innovative programming that maximize scarce resources…

Diplomacy and political sophistication are as important as sound data and thorough review in the faculty layoff process. Distinguishing characteristics of institutions and departments affected by retrenchment and reasons for retrenchment are discussed, along with institutional research policies needed regarding release of data. (Author/LB)

Benchmarking, associated with quality management philosophy currently common in higher education institutions, identifies processes considered to be the standard to emulate. A benchmark student administrative services area represents the best related processes brought together in one institution. A benchmark institution is described. It is argued…