The development and implementation of a service value measurement model for a system of social service agencies is discussed. The system, the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland, is a voluntary association of sixteen human service agencies. Design and workings of the project team, analysis and structuring of the organizational system, and overall goals of the research are first presented. The measurement model itself is then delineated. Essentially, the model is a device for assembling and synthesizing information on system throughput, priorities, and indicators of “quality” of service. Finally, the information system that supports the model is examined and other issues relating to implementation are discussed.

Health planning organizations are faced with the problem of achieving maximum impact despite certain limitations. The attempt to utilize rationality, and the use of a linear programming methodology as a decision-making tool in relation to this problem are presented. Further issues and considerations for the application of this method are discussed.

No abstract