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)

A public utility company uses laser wands to read bar-coded labels on furniture and equipment. The system allows an 80 percent savings of the time required to create reports for inventory control. (MLF)

Rutgers' direct mail fund-raising campaign operated by volunteers and using computer and word-processing technology is outlined. Alumni were divided into subgroups and different techniques were used in the mail appeal, including personalized letters and reply cards. Suggestions for others undertaking such a campaign are noted. (MSE)

This survey of the administrative applications of microcomputers identifies word processing, database management, spreadsheet functions, and graphics as four areas in which microcomputer use will reduce repetition, improve cost efficiency, minimize paperwork, enhance filing and retrieval systems, and save time. This will allow administrators and…

This discussion of the administrative uses of computers from the perspective of the school administrator is concerned with both the types and sources of information involved in school administration, and specific uses of this information. The paper focuses on those administrative tasks that can be effectively computerized in defining the role of…

There are two basic approaches offered in current computerized transportation routing and scheduling programs: the mathematical programming approach and the intuitive optimization approach. Lists questions that an informed buyer should ask of the routing and scheduling company. (MLF)

Suggestions are provided for college development offices interested in linking an office word processing system with the institution's main computer system. These include researching needs, leasing versus purchasing, obtaining equipment, and making the most of the system obtained. (MSE)

Points out the advantages and disadvantages of the four ways to design and use a student information system: (1) manual files, (2) use of a computer located in the school building, (3) shared use of a larger computer, and (4) use of a commercial service bureau. (Author/MLF)

Advocates using microcomputers to reduce school administration paperwork through three categories of general application programs: word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and database management systems. Discusses each program category's purpose, software availability, and use in practice and presents in chart form information on specific…

The use of a database management system to assist in tracking the progress of master's degree candidates in a nursing administration program is outlined, including a summary of database concepts, a description of the system, and a discussion of its application in other clinical and academic nursing settings. (MSE)

This training guide is intended for use by personnel who administer Federal Direct Loan Programs at institutions of higher education. Chapter 1 describes the program, the school's role, school eligibility criteria, the Department of Education's role, the 7-step electronic data exchange (EDE) process, and quality assurance. Chapter 2 explains…

The history and features of Decision Support Systems (DSS) and use of the approach by academic administrators are discussed. The objective of DSS is to involve the manager/decision maker in the decision-analysis process while simultaneously relieving that person of the burden of developing and performing detailed analysis. DSS represents a…

The Reliability, Maintainability, and Cost Model (RMCM) described in this report is an interactive mathematical model with a built-in sensitivity analysis capability. It is a major component of the Life Cycle Cost Impact Model (LCCIM), which was developed as part of the DAIS advanced development program to be used to assess the potential impacts…

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

This training guide for a one-day workshop provides an introduction to the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program for administrative personnel at higher education institutions. The six sections of the guide, each corresponding to a workshop session, include activity sheets, questions for participants to answer, and space for notes. Following…