Companies have developed a dizzying array of new software tools designed to do everything from assessing and monitoring students' progress to supporting a blended-learning environment to supplying entire curricula, complete with online activities and homework assignments. Educators seem to have developed a taste for these new digital tools,…

Educational technology products offer potentially effective means of supporting teaching and learning in K-12 classrooms. But for any given instructional need, there are likely to be numerous product options available for purchasing. What can school districts do to help ensure that good selections are made? In a recent, comprehensive study of…

Procurement in the corporate world is increasingly complex, multi-faceted and interdisciplinary. This paper explores existing knowledge specifications relating to procurement management competencies and proposes a new procurement management competency framework (PMCF) and a competency-based postgraduate programme for postgraduate students in…

Points to factors to be considered by a camera purchaser in examining a variety of camera features, including shutter, battery, take-up spool, timer, and lens. (GT)

Examines options for buying microcomputers (the manufacturer or his/her representative, computer stores, general retail stores, mail order, system integrators, traditional vendors, second-hand). Three major factors are considered: support before sale; price/cost; and support after sale. Advantages and disadvantages of each option and…

Before purchasing word processing equipment, school business officials should develop a study team to assess current and future needs. Communication with personnel involved is essential for the acceptance of both the study and the word processing equipment. (Author/MLF)

This guide explains the purpose of running shoes and provides tips for purchasing them. A brief explanation of the difference between training shoes and racing shoes is followed by a list of characteristics of running shoes that should be considered when buying them. These characteristics include heel fit, heel elevation and width, the inner and…

Recommends a planning process for purchase of a bookmobile which includes the following stages: (1) determination of the criteria for selection; (2) review of the alternatives to arrive at a statement of specifications; (3) requests for bids; and (4) a scheme for evaluating bids. A directory of 12 manufacturers is included. (2 references) (MES)

Suggestions for schools considering the purchase of word processing equipment are presented. Procedures for selecting equipment include getting information on prices, servicing, warranties, training, speed of printing, and quality of output. Choices to make include brand vs. service, price vs. service, and variety vs. limitations of brands. (CT)

Describes letters of credit and their usefulness in financing computer systems acquisition. Relevant legal policies and the different types and applications of letters of credit are discussed. (1 reference) (MES)

Speed, fill rate, and discount are reasons why it is often preferable for libraries to order directly from publishers rather than through a distributor. Nevertheless, some publishers have decided not to accept orders from libraries and schools. This has had a deleterious effect on libraries and library collections. (MES)

Safety, durability, and maintenance costs should be considered when purchasing playground equipment. Other factors that affect equipment choice are the ages of the children using the playground, whether the playground will double as a public park, and whether the equipment is expandable. (MLF)

Describes an eight-step bid-analysis procedure that includes comparing bids with specifications, listing options offered by the bidders, assigning costs to each option, and comparing the bids without desired options. Presents a sample bid-analysis chart. (RW)

Offers guidelines and a checklist to use when buying a computer. (WD)

Provides information on the advantages and disadvantages of different photographic lenses, including normal, wide angle, telephoto, zoom, macro, and mirror lenses. (TJ)