Written policies and administrative procedures in the school business office are necessary so transition and change will go smoothly. Provides a sample from the policy department of the Illinois Association of School Boards. (MLF)

This review and analysis of research on the economics of information performed by economists, accounting researchers, and management scientists focuses on their approaches to describing and measuring the value of information. The discussion includes comparisons of research approaches based on cost effectiveness and on the value of information. (77…

Implementation of new college and university accounting standards for financial statements do not change the need for institutional accountability and, therefore, for fund accounting. The new standards will, however, change the level and appearance of external reporting. (MSE)

It is argued that recent changes in accounting standards only change the way in which institutions of higher education report finances, not necessarily the way transactions are accounted for. While fund accounting may no longer be an appropriate term for the accounting approach used, it represents appropriate concepts of stewardship and…

Accounting students (n=127) were randomly assigned one of two exams: one with multiple-choice items in an order corresponding to the sequence of class coverage of the topics, the other in random order. No differences appeared in test scores or time of completion. (SK)

There is good reason for college fund raisers and business officers to collaborate on common financial interests. Communication is a key element of such cooperation. Other needs include agreement on accounting and reporting of institutional finances, agreement on stewardship of gifts (particularly with restrictions or endowments), and common…

A factor analysis was conducted of scores on the revised Learning Style Inventory of D. A. Kolb from 718 accounting students from 2 large state universities. Results support two bipolar learning dimensions different from those theorized and only one separate learning ability. Caution in interpreting scores is advised. (SLD)

States that the usefulness of expert systems has caused them to become more popular in the work environment. Discusses how to incorporate material on expert system concepts into introductory courses in accounting and statistics at the undergraduate level and in quantitative analysis at the graduate level. (Author)

Offers guidelines for school board members in building a school budget. Includes a sample budget timetable, basic financial facts about the school district that boards should have at hand, and how to monitor the budget after it is approved. (MLF)

Ideas from current economic theory are applied to the nation's attitudes toward higher education. Ideas about asymmetric market information, trust markets, nonprofit firms, and maximization on campus are discussed. Public relations problems concerning accounting, deficits, and interest arbitrage are identified. The need for increased efficiency…

Planning for and implementing the Financial Accounting and Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards for nonpension retirement benefits gives colleges and universities an opportunity to assess and revise their retiree health benefit plans. However, assessment of the current plan, objectives of changes, projected impact, and…

Four recent and proposed changes in national school accounting standards have significant policy implications for colleges and universities. These changes address (1) standards regarding postemployment benefits other than pensions, (2) depreciation, (3) financial report format, and (4) contributions and pledges made to the school. Governing boards…

Argues that the experiential case method is an effective teaching medium in business courses, providing realistic business situations for students' analyses. Describes how to integrate experiential case analysis with business communication. (SR)

Describes types of software including system software, application software, spreadsheets, accounting software, graphics packages, desktop publishing software, database, desktop and personal information management software, project and records management software, groupware, and shareware. (JOW)

Wisconsin's Waukesha County Technical College has been cited by the Government Finance Officers Association for prematurely recognizing property tax revenues. The outcome of the dispute will also affect other Wisconsin Technical Colleges and school districts in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois. (MLF)