Learning Resources

Abstract: U.S. transportation data suggest that the number of vehicle miles traveled has far surpassed new capacity, resulting in increased traffic congestion in many communities throughout the country. This article reports on traffic congestion around a university campus located within a small town. The mix of trip purposes varies considerably in this context, with the majority of trips related to student movement to and from classes. The university itself becomes a major traffic generator, but in a complex way. This article describes how congestion in a university setting differs from that in a nonuniversity setting; what components drive this congestion; how best to reduce this congestion while adhering to overall university planning objectives; and how to set a foundation for traffic management strategies that provide environmental, social, and economic benefit to the university and, importantly, to the surrounding community. The information presented here applies beyond the campus setting to any community that contains nontraditional traffic generators and shows why context does matter when analyzing and managing traffic.

Abstract: A simple and readily understandable visual display of quantitative measures of academic efficiency and productivity is demonstrated in this article. This graphical construction facilitates annual comparisons of unit efficiency and productivity as well as an analysis of temporal changes in unit activity. By establishing a common framework upon which a data-driven conversation regarding unit activity is constructed, this method produces a single graphical representation of the activities of any academic unit. As such, this technique assists academic decision makers with goal setting, resource allocation and reallocation, and the program prioritization process.

Abstract: A strategic planning model for colleges and universities is presented which integrates competitive benchmarking and an adaptation of Hill’s manufacturing strategy model. Hill’s model is altered to focus on student-winners and is used to design programs of study and supporting services. Benchmarking is used as a key component of the planning process. This model is based on integrating program strategy with recruiting strategy to satisfy the needs of stakeholders including students, faculty and industry recruiters. A planning context is developed and a modeling example is presented. This paper responds to the need for improvements in traditional strategic planning in higher education to develop a more holistic and integrative approach.

Abstract: A review of “Assessing Educational Outcomes,” by Peter T. Ewell, (ed.), New Directions for Institutional Research Issue Number 47, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Inc., 1985.