This article urges leaders at institutions of higher education to analyze the decision to pursue a Total Quality Management improvement strategy in the same way as any other strategy--as a return on investment. Evidence of costs and benefits of TQM from industry and campus is summarized, and barriers to a "return on quality investment" mindset are…

Describes a study of the economic impact of Temple Junior College (TJC) on Temple, Texas, and the surrounding community. Indicates that TJC contributes substantially in the areas of business volume, individual income, and employment level. Considers the use of study results as a public relations tool allowing the administration to explain TJC's…

While conventional wisdom says that college and university endowment spending policies must retain the real economic value of their endowments over the long term, senior administrators and trustees should review endowment spending regularly and determine what excess dollars are available for investment in programs, infrastructure, and other high…

Examined association of adult attachment styles and Rusbult's investment model of relationships. Responses from 239 participants indicated those who are securely attached experience greater satisfaction, fewer costs, and greater commitment in their relationships than do other attachment groups. Other findings and implications for counseling were…

U.S. business has spent very little on educating workers and pay a far smaller proportion of local taxes than formerly. Corporations are increasingly finding skilled, less expensive workers abroad or through immigration. Global capital cannot create high-wage jobs in the United States without skilled workers and a first-class infrastructure. (SK)

The advantages and disadvantages of the Teachers Insurance Annuity Association (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) as investment vehicles for college faculty are examined, and guidelines for faculty to use in evaluating their investment options are offered. Some data on TIAA-CREF performance are included. (MSE)

Ethical issues raised by administrative decisions are examined in three specific situations faced by colleges: enrolling students with lower standardized test scores to raise income; shifting of endowment funds from uses specified by donors to other uses; and downsizing that may compromise the institution. (MSE)

Analysis of forces affecting reform in Papua New Guinea's higher education financing looks at reasons reform has not succeeded. Research on cost effectiveness of higher education expenditures is examined, policy implementation is discussed, and it is concluded that more emphasis should be placed on investment financing and student contributions.…

Presents results of a study to determine the effectiveness of the Stock Market Game in contributing to students' learning about financial markets. Suggests that the biggest advantage of the game it its ability to motivate students. Includes the test that was used by the study to determine how much the students had learned. (DK)

A more inclusive definition of wealth for higher education institutions that adds capitalized value of annual gifts, grants, and public appropriations to the traditional endowment-based measure is proposed. It is found that, when the definition of wealth includes these nonendowment sources, public higher education institutions dominate in…

The debate about the "cashability" of faculty pension benefits raises questions about intent, fairness, and who controls what. Boards must weigh whether to allow faculty and staff to withdraw or transfer pension funds such as TIAA-CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund). (Author/MSE)

Summarizes the GartnerGroup's views on issues in the information technology and telecommunications (IT&T) industry debate in Australia. Topics include attracting overseas investment to create a globally competitive industry; the government's role; perceived problems; the Internet and electronic commerce; and future issues, including…

This article is an excerpt from the chapter titled "Information Technology and Systems" in the sixth edition of "College and University Business Administration." Issues addressed include competition for skilled IT staff, life-cycling budgeting and replacement, measuring and valuing the IT investment, funding mechanisms, and standards and technical…

The University of Maryland Foundation is managing the endowments of three other Maryland state institutions and is negotiating to do so for two more. The foundation pools the endowment funds, decides on investment strategies, and hires companies to make the investments. The smaller colleges earn better returns, but some observers are concerned…

Although state laws governing school district investing are quite conservative, there have been some notable investment failures leading to the loss of public funds. School districts must beware three kinds of investment risks involving credit, market, and interest rates and consider safety, legality, liquidity, and cash-flow requirements. (MLH)