Describes how, as is the case with the desks they purchase, schools should choose other furnishings such as computer workstations by balancing aesthetics, architects' recommendations, staff preferences, durability, flexibility, and cost. (EV)

Describes school purchasing process, examples of illegal or wasteful purchasing activities, a concise ethical guide to school purchasing excerpted from the Texas Agency's Financial Accountability System Resource Guide, and suggestions from experts on how schools can ensure legal and ethical purchasing practices. (PKP)

Describes the advantages and disadvantages of group purchasing. Forty-seven states have laws allowing group purchasing. Includes examples of group purchasing arrangements in Washington, California, New Mexico, and Kentucky. (PKP)

Offers advice on furnishing a technology classroom, asserting that the overriding selection criteria must be quality. This is defined as furniture that functions smoothly and looks attractive with regular maintenance for up to two decades. Addresses eye appeal, versatility versus performance, and durability. A sidebar also discusses ergonomics and…

Recent events in the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) public schools show how purchasing practices can get out of hand--especially in the high-stakes educational technology market. Before a temporary freeze on purchasing, teachers and principals were under siege by vendors bypassing the district's central purchasing program. A new policy governing…

When a group of concerned citizens placed the sole bid on the auctioned campus of a closing college, the school rejected it as inadequate despite uncertainty about further prospective buyers. (MSE)

A study investigated the relationship between selected consumer and marketplace characteristics and consumers' prepurchase allocation of search time among information sources (product test reports; dealer sales representatives; advertisements; family and friends). The household production model proved useful; written educational materials appeared…

Provides ordering information for preschool chairs. Compares plastic and wooden preschool chairs. Chair preferences of various center directors are described. (RJC)

This explanation of how the basic economic model of pricing applies to the CD-ROM industry considers the supply and demand sides of the market and compares three distinct pricing strategies: (1) pricing to maximize profits; (2) average cost pricing; and (3) marginal cost pricing. (EAM)

Analysis reveals that from 1974 to 1995, a large portion of Canadian families had higher purchasing power than their U.S. counterparts. In both countries, individual earnings polarization fell over the past decade. (Author)

Provides decision-making tips when selecting facilities management software for colleges and universities. It advises to get a program that fits a prepared plan, pay attention to user friendliness, negotiate for changes and modifications in the vendor contract, test run the program before buying it, and determine a vendor's service level…

Discusses the issues to consider when selecting floor-care chemicals, including the floor-finish systems for hard-surface floors and the care of carpeted floors. Provides thoughts on cleaning chemical usage and environmental awareness. (GR)

Reports on an online survey of consumer attitudes toward online storefronts marketing barbecue sauce, cheese, olive oil, potato chips, and other specialty food products. The relationship between consumer attitudes toward Web sites and the likelihood of purchase, as well as demographic factors related to online food and drink buying, are described.…

School districts are constantly seeking alternative purchasing methods to ease paperwork, lost time, storage problems, and overstocking. A study showed that in large districts, fast-track electronic requisition and online purchasing were most commonly used alternative electronic purchasing methods. Most common nonelectronic methods were direct and…

Discusses buying building products from vendors and how to make the job more productive and beneficial for the facilities manager. Examines building/vendor relationships, establishing product knowledge, and using effective communication. (GR)