Higher education can play a major role in helping British business to survive the economic downturn and to build for the future. Your universities and higher education colleges have a strong record in fostering innovation, enterprise and skills, and in helping to create wealth and job-generating opportunities. And they want to work with you to…

Awarding orders to vendors on the basis of serviceability as well as price, and the construction of a display easel for cassette tapes are discussed. (STS)

Lack of sufficient money is frequently a deterrent to the effective application of technology to education. Buying second hand equipment can help to alleviate this problem. (STS)

A guide to purchasing shoes best-suited to a particular form of exercise, such as hiking, walking, and running, is provided. An overview of how shoes are designed and how a person's foot type affects the kind of shoe he or she should purchase is given. (JL)

Discusses the importance of specifications in the purchasing of instructional hardware. (LR)

Includes specification purchase checklist, general guides for specifications, sample proof of performance specifications, and sample specifications for three pieces of equipment. (LR)

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)

Presents product characteristics, costs, and a personal evaluation of Radio Shack's three new personal computers: the TRS-80 Model III; the TRS-80 Color Computer; and the TRS-80 Pocket Computer. (SJL)

This case study of a used car purchase illuminates the concepts and principles that should guide purchase decisions. It suggests that consumers should be aware there is little correlation between price and quality; competent shopping yields better quality; and consumers must decide their preferred trade-off between price and quality. (SK)

Describes the pros and cons of three broad categories of hard flooring: terrazzo, architectural finishes, and resilient flooring. Includes a sidebar on floor maintenance. (EV)