Estimating Costs of Services and Resource Allocations Using Self Reports of Time Proportions [microform] / Warren B. Newman and Robert A. Jones.

A method using estimates of individual time allocations was developed to produce a profile of departmental functioning as a whole. Previous research suggested that staff estimates were a reasonably accurate and economical method for obtaining estimates of time. Each staff member estimated the percen...

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Online Access: Request ERIC Document
Main Author: Newman, Warren B.
Other Authors: Jones, Robert A.
Format: Microfilm Book
Language:English
Published: [S.l.] : Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse, 1976.
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Summary:A method using estimates of individual time allocations was developed to produce a profile of departmental functioning as a whole. Previous research suggested that staff estimates were a reasonably accurate and economical method for obtaining estimates of time. Each staff member estimated the percentage of his or her time spent on different tasks during the 1975-76 fiscal year, using a set of generic categories of services of the division. Administrators' estimates of each staff member's activities were compared for differences in perceptions. Most differences could be attributed to either differences in the interpretation of categories or in styles of estimation. Profiles of services were prepared, reporting the percentage of total staff time and in terms of dollar costs, using estimates weighted with actual amounts attributable to individuals. The method provided information on the actual allocation of time and budgeted funds for individuals and for the division. Plans for improving the data collection and the reliability of the estimates are discussed. (Author/JG)
Item Description:ERIC Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the California Educational Research Association (55th, Burlingame, California, November 18-19, 1976).
ERIC Document Number: ED139083.
Physical Description:19 p.
Reproduction Note:Microfiche.
Action Note:committed to retain