Mitchell Fleischer

The organizational and managerial consequences of computer technology

Abstract Computer technology is profoundly influencing the ability of managers to obtain, analyze and transmit information. What is the impact of that change on managers and on their organizations? In an initial effort to answer this question 22 managers who use office automation were interviewed. Important changes seem to occur in three areas: information used for decision making and associated beliefs concerning what kinds of problems can be solved, locus of decision making authority and managerial job characteristics. Content analysis of interviews and case examples are brought to support these conclusions. Suggestions for further research are presented.

The evaluator as program consultant

Abstract This paper presents a model for the role of the evaluator in which the evaluator acts as a Program Consultant who operates in three domains: Program Development, Planned Change, and Evaluation Technology. This permits the performance of evaluations that have greater validity and utility. The model is presented both from the theoretical perspective of linkage and from the context of the evaluation of a Case Management program operated by a Community Action Agency. Each of the domains is discussed with examples from the Case Management Evaluation. The paper concludes with a discussion of the contexts in which the model is best applied.

Evaluating the implementation of health policy: Pre-hospital care in Pennsylvania

A statewide study of ambulance services was conducted to inform executive and legislative decision making regarding Emergency Medical Services in Pennsylvania. The study focused on the training status of ambulance personnel, turnover, and coordination between state and local levels. The study found indications that adequate numbers of trained personnel were often not making ambulance trips. A variety of issues that might cause and solve this problem are discussed, as are the dissemination and utilization of the studys results.

The Tellado case study exercise: A metacritique

Abstract This paper provides an overview and critique of the papers in the Tellado Case Study Exercise. Two main themes are found in the critiques: the belief that Tellado lacked a clear audience for his evaluation and that he lacked an appropriate change orientation that would insure utilization. The sources of these criticisms are discussed from the perspective of evaluation as a linkage activity. The use of this perspective leads to the recognition that all parties to the case study may have focused on the wrong stakeholders in the utilization process. Thus, a major problem with utilization-focused and stakeholder based approaches to evaluation is revealed. Possible ways to avoid this problem are discussed. The paper concludes with a request for additional case studies to be contributed to the journal.