Some of a group of 143 consumers were given a choice between higher-priced, higher-quality items and items with lower price and quality but higher value index (benefit/cost tradeoff); others were given price and quality information only. Consumers were more likely to choose lower-priced, higher-value options when the index information was…

Discusses the advantages of modular wiring, a prefabricated wiring system that replaces branch circuits in buildings. Advantages include on-site and day-to-day labor savings, and future technology cost advantages. Includes questions to ask manufacturers. (EV)

Discusses how librarians are expressing concern over "bundled" collections of electronic journals from Elsevier Science, saying that the terms of the agreements are unreasonable. (EV)

Advises colleges to keep in mind several qualities when purchasing furniture for student centers: durability, cleanability, repairability, flexibility, storability, credibility, sustainability, comfort, affordability, and "wowability." (EV)

Discusses how joint buying through consortial arrangements has had a dramatic impact on the purchasing power of higher education institutions, with cooperative agreements leading to significant savings for the member institutions. (EV)

Describes what leading manufacturers are saying about the future of residence hall furniture design, explaining that fabrics, frames, colors, materials, and other factors are combining to give college officials numerous choices. (EV)

Discusses the requirements of a typical bidding statute and explores the ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court's "City of Richmond v. Crosan Company" decision for minority business (MBE) set-aside programs. School districts with MBE set-aside plans should determine whether these plans are constitutionally sufficient before beginning a…

Describes electrical power problems that affect computer users, including spikes, sags, outages, noise, frequency variations, and static electricity. Ways in which these problems may be diagnosed and cured are discussed. Sidebars consider transformers; power distribution units; surge currents/linear and non-linear loads; and sizing the power…

Before buying classroom computers, you should read professional and trade journals to become aware of applications. Then talk to other teachers, compile a wish list, and develop a long-term plan. Includes applications for technology education and suggestions for hardware purchases. (JOW)

Relates the history of credit cards, their evolution to current forms, and innovations (debit cards, token cards, smart cards). Considers their sociocultural impact. Provides a design brief, including objectives, resources, evaluation criteria, outcomes, and a quiz. (SK)

Data from 310 Korean college students (77.5 percent), when compared to a U.S. sample, revealed that (1) overall consumer decision-making styles are similar; (2) Brand Conscious and Perfectionist styles were in the top 3 in both groups; and (3) construct validity of most scales of the Consumer Style Index was confirmed. (SK)

Demonstrates the importance of standards for the competitiveness of U.S. companies and for international trade. The value of standards in research and development, marketing, design, purchasing, manufacturing, installation, and service is explained. Examples of specific standards and their application to the computer industry are included. (10…

Introduces the computer projection panel, highlights the advantages and disadvantages of using it in the classroom, and suggests an integrative strategy for purchasing projection equipment. (Author)

Provides guidance on ways to extend carpet life in educational facilities by paying attention to the details of carpeting installation. Issues to consider include choosing carpeting to meet specific usage requirements, are fiber protectorants used, is the installation properly done by qualified installers, and is moisture testing done prior to…

Provides contact information for more than 1300 companies that produce products and services directed specifically for the college and university market. Over 250 product and service categories are listed along with a directory of associations for information on project design, construction, and management issues; and indexes of advertisers and…