The utilization of prevailing evaluation policy in the selection of performance measures

This study considers the problem of inferring a functional evaluation criterion from existing performance measure policies. The objective is to develop a rational basis by which to adaptively evaluate a current best set of performance measures from alternative sets. The analysis is based on a matrix approach for relating system characteristics to performance measures across a set of activities. A procedure for ranking measure combinations which are candidate implementation alternatives is devised using this matrix representation and cost information. An example illustrating the procedure is presented.     

Behavioral evaluation of a state program of deinstitutionalization of the developmentally disabled

The purpose of this study was to evaluate one phase of a statewide program of deinstitutionalizing developmentally disabled individuals. Forty adults who had spent a minimum of six months in community placements were evaluated with respect to changes in behavior associated with movement out of state institutions and into community settings such as group homes and day activity centers. Pre- and post-deinstitutionalization measures were taken with the Behavior Development Survey. Post-deinstitutionalization measures on Cataldo and Risley's Resident Activity Manifest were compared to the same measures obtained on 159 developmentally disabled individuals scheduled for deinstitutionalization. A consistent pattern of positive changes on both instruments favored deinstitutionalization, but changes could not be unequivocally attributed to movement out of the institutions per se.     

Pragmatic decisions in the evaluation of consumer satisfaction with mental health treatment

This article examines pragmatic choices which must be made in conducting consumer satisfaction assessment of mental health treatment. It is argued that choices involving sample, format, and procedure for examining satisfaction may influence the results of such research, and must be considered when creating or evaluating these efforts. These choices are examined in detail.     

Evaluating employee assistance programs. A review of methods, outcomes, and future directions

Renewed interest in assisting troubled employees has led to an upsurge in the development of employee assistance programs, coupled with demands for demonstrable effectiveness. This review examines the nature and scope of these programs, their administrative and methodological context, and the types and outcomes of evaluation studies conducted thus far. Proposals for improving future investigations through a number of different approaches and strategies are then made.     

On the limiting properties of social indicators

Characteristics of the population and economic measures that constitute traditional social indicators are compared with more recent “quality of life” measures to demonstrate that social indicators are always value statements at the policy level. The possibility of alternative perspectives is illustrated. It is suggested that an awareness of the assumptions implicit in any given indicator is as important as the data they provide.     

劳务输出与脱贫致富

长期以来 ,有关方面均把贫困地区脱贫致富寄望于劳务输出。短期看来 ,劳务输出确能在一定程度上缓解贫困压力 ,但长期而言 ,劳务输出并不能从根本上解决贫困地区的脱贫致富问题。这是由劳力输出的限度、制约条件、实际效果及贫困的根本原因决定的。贫困地区脱贫的根本出路在于 :立足并开发贫困地区 ,走政府推进型脱贫致富之路。为此 ,当务之急须认真解决好三个问题 :( 1 )制定并实施开发贫困地区的战略 ;( 2 )国家加大对贫困地区的投入 ;( 3)地方政府真抓实干领导脱贫     

市场经济条件下大学生就业指导的思考

市场经济条件下高校毕业生就业问题关系到高校的长期可持续发展,本文从高校毕业生就业指导的角度,分析了高校学生就业时存在的问题,提出改革现行就业指导模式,代之以良性的、立体化的就业指导模式。