Microcomputers can help in estimating educational construction costs by setting up a database of construction history and by answering "what if" questions. A specific source of information on construction estimating software is the weekly "Engineering News Record." (MLF)

Areas to consider in planning a microcomputer laboratory include program needs of students and staff, facilities, equipment, and finances. Suggestions are offered. (MLF)

As the cost of computing decreases, computer aids are becoming readily available for facility planning, construction, and operation; three important technologies are decision support systems, computer-aided design, and management information systems. This article discusses the applications and availability of these systems, hardware and software…

Explains how school planners can use microcomputers to create electronic spreadsheets that reduce the time required to calculate educational specifications. (MLF)

Planners of a new Arizona school used the district's existing computerized master scheduling program to identify instructional spaces needed. Total classroom needs by subject were translated into total square footage requirements. (MLF)

Reviews present and potential uses of computers in schools, explains how computers can be used in facility planning, and advises planners to provide telephone lines and electric power in ample quantity everywhere in buildings. (MLF)

Computer-aided design provides managers a means of visualizing and interrelating the components of a comprehensive facilities management system. Composites of any combination of transparent overlays can be viewed, stored, and viewed again for ongoing management. Classroom space planning and many other uses are cited. (MLF)

Emory University, Georgia, has a space and equipment database management system that maintains inventories and generates reports. (MLF)

Demonstrates how "School Planner," a menu-driven educational facility cost simulation program, is used for showing the changes in space and cost requirements, given varying assumptions about such factors as number of pupils, class size, number of classes per week, and proportion of space used for instruction. (MLF)

Describes how school districts can use microcomputers for financial modeling in order to conduct a logical and rational school closure analysis. (MLF)

Implementing a computer-aided facilities management program begins with establishing priorities, determining the computer capability available, and determining the necessary budget. A space planning and management model is presented with techniques for the collection and storage of the required data. (MLF)

An information system that shows the relationship between space utilization, capital investment, operating costs, and the physical environment is necessary for effective facility management. A Texas school district established a program to actively manage its facilities. (MLF)

Comprehensive facility management databases designed by the Facility Management Institute of Ann Arbor (Michigan) have three major sections or "files": the space inventory file, the property control file, and the building and grounds file. The first two are alpha-numeric in design, while the third is essentially a graphic file. The space inventory…