The 1990 Agricultural Development & Trade Act gives the Agency for International Development (AID) responsibility for managing agricultural commodity assistance to foreign countries provided under Title II & Title III. This report: evaluates the uses of commodities provided & local currencies generated by the sale of commodities; evaluates the impact of the assistance on enhancing food security; & assesses AID's management of the programs, particularly its ability to safeguard financial resources generated under the program. Charts & tables.

Federal financial aid for postsecondary education students involves both large expenditures and a complex distribution system. The accuracy of the needs-based award process and the system of accountability required of the 8,000 institutional participants are the focus of this book. It assesses the current measures of system quality and possible alternatives, such as a total quality management approach. The analysis covers steps to eliminate sources of errorâ€"by reducing the complexity of the application form, for example. The volume discusses the potential for a risk-based approach for verification of applicant-supplied information and for audit and program reviews of institutions. This examination of the interrelationships among the aid award and quality control activities will be of interest to anyone searching for a more efficient aid system. The book can also serve as a case study for other government agencies seeking to examine operations using modern quality management principles.