This book analyzes educational management in the context of developing effective schools in South-Eastern European countries and situates the discussion within ongoing education debates in EU countries. The book revolves around the specific role and practices of school principals, who are positioned as a nexus of educational management in each school. Presenting innovative research in the field of educational management and effectiveness this volume will be invaluable for a range of education specialists. 

Nik¨a Alfirevi is Professor of Management and Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Split, Croatia. His research interests include public, non-profit and educational management and leadership.Josip Buru¨i is Head of School Effectiveness Research Unit at the Croatian Centre of Scientific Excellence in School Effectiveness and Management Research. He is also Professor in Psychology at the University of Zagreb and Zagreb School of Economics and Management, Croatia. Jurica Pavii is Professor of Marketing at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. His research interests include public and nonprofit marketing, management and social changes.Renata Relja is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Croatia. Her research interests include sociology of work and organization, ethnography and sociology of youth.

Chapter 1. School Effectiveness and Educational Management: Editorial; Nik¨a Alfirevi, Josip Buru¨i, Jurica Pavii, Renata Relja.- Chapter 2. School Effectiveness: An Overview of Conceptual, Methodological and Empirical Foundations; Josip Buru¨i, Toni Babarovi, ¦aki Veli Marija.- Chapter 3. School Principals, Environments and Stakeholders: the Blessings and Heresies of Market Organization; Jurica Pavii, Nik¨a Alfirevi, Goran Vla¨i, Zoran Krupka, Bo¸ena Krce Mioi.- Chapter 4. Schools, Local Communities and Communication: Above and Beyond the Stakeholders; Sanja Stani, Darko Hren, Ivanka Buzov.- Chapter 5. Managing the School: Principals as Managers; Dijana Vican, Nik¨a Alfirevi, Renata Relja.- Chapter 6. Principal's Educational Leadership; Dijana Vican, Renata Relja, Toni Popovi.- Chapter 7. School Governance Models and School Boards: Educational and Administrative Aspects; Ina Rei Ercegovac, Morana Koludrovi, Andreja Bubi.- Chapter 8. The Democratic Context of School Governance: External and Internal Stakeholders Perspectives; Marita Bri Kulji¨, Anita Luni.- Chapter 9. School Effectiveness and Educational Management: Toward a New Research and Public Policy Agenda; Nik¨a Alfirevi, Josip Buru¨i, Jurica Pavii, Renata Relja.