The traditional "test and measurement" approach to educational evaluation is contrasted with the "use of information for decision-making" developed in the industrial sector. Evaluation strategy should be determined by an analysis of the problem and the decisions to be made. (Author/LBH)

The development of institutional research is traced and changing patterns are explored. The organization and activities of the Association for Institutional Research are described, along with a consideration of the proper role of institutional research in the future of higher education. (Author/LBH)

The background and developments of a project on institutional self-evaluation carried out by the National Board of Universities and Colleges in Sweden are described. The purpose of the project is to foster institutional self-study and self-evaluation. Some critical issues in self-evaluation are listed. (Author/MLW)

A survey of 70 universities in 15 countries concerning the use of performance indicators is reported. The indicators being used are classified, their use in internal and external decision making is analyzed, and some of the most frequently used indicators are examined in detail for their construction and problems of use. (MSE)

Finland has developed a national computerized database containing information on the performance and costs of universities for use in internal and Ministry of Education decision making. National evaluation of different research fields is also part of the performance evaluation system. (MSE)

A discussion of performance indicators and their use in the United Kingdom examines the basic data from which performance indicators can be assembled, distinguishing input and process variables controllable by management from uncontrollable background variables. Problems in application of performance indicators and the potential for their future…

Ohio has begun statewide use of performance indicators in higher education to strengthen selected university programs, attract better faculty and students, leverage additional federal and private financial support, increase Ohio's visibility, and help higher education resolve state and broader social problems. (MSE)

The concept of "futurism" in higher education program planning, self-study and goal setting is taking on increasing significance. Two research techniques for "futures forecasting" are discussed: the Delphi and the Scenario. These techniques have been used successfully in institutional self-study and program evaluation.…

Risks inherent in using the value-added model to assess institutional effectiveness are discussed, including instructional bias favoring test content, overemphasis on test results, differential interpretations of results, and ethical issues related to the use of student records. (MSE)

West German use of performance indicators in higher education administration was studied in terms of differences between politically expressed intentions and actual application of the measures in institutional planning. Resource allocations was examined as one area of divergent developments. (MSE)

Performance indicators can be significant tools for the Dutch government to focus attention on institutional output, define shared goals more exactly, and improve accountability while allowing for increased institutional autonomy. (MSE)

A generalized procedure for interrelating possible research activities and decisions over the life of a course is proposed. The main levels at which research can contribute to the evaluation are discussed, and data are presented in relation to one particular program: the Social Science foundation course at the Open University. (Author/LBH)

Problems and failures in the use of performance indicators are examined, and it is concluded that problems of organization and reluctance to use the measures will not be solved by introduction of new indicators, but by construction of appropriate management and organizational structures. British and German experiences are discussed. (MSE)

Northeast Missouri State University's Value-Added Student Assessment grew from the idea that an institution should be able to determine the value added to a person as he or she proceeds through the educational system, as measured by student output performances. This provides accountability to the students, faculty, staff, and external…

The proceedings of the IMHE Special Topic Workshop in Institutional Performance Assessment, held in Paris, December 10-12, 1980, are summarized. The themes of the workshop (self-evaluation, government role, finance) are discussed and participants comments are outlined. (Author/MLW)