Evaluation of the British Graduate Enterprise Programme, which assisted first-time owners with business startup, found that fewer new businesses would be started without training, training costs were matched or bettered by profits by the third year of business, and training funds spent by government attracted twice as much in bank or private…

Examines departmental production and cost structures of a homogeneous sample of 18 research universities to estimate relative economies of scale and scope. Examines three departmental clusters (social, physical, and engineering sciences), using a four-output quadratic cost function. Average incremental and marginal costs are highest for research…

This article presents a family of organizational performance measures that enable decision makers at institutions of higher education to weigh the returns on investment in Total Quality Management. The enrollment management process is used to illustrate the use of six performance measures. The importance of a thorough knowledge of organizational…

Borg, Mason, and Shapiro in "The Economic Consequences of State Lotteries" (Praeger, 1991) argue that the Florida lottery creates an implicit tax that is inequitable and inefficient. These conclusions are unconvincing. Are lotteries really responsible for 35% reductions in pupil spending in lottery states? Additional work by Borg and…

Responding to critique of "The Economic Consequences of State Lotteries" (Praeger, 1991), coauthor praises reviewers' analysis and deplores their harsh criticism. Income coefficient used is justifiable, since, in Florida, number of children attending state-funded schools is positively associated with income. Would have received even…

Responding to a critique of the book "The Economic Consequences of State Lotteries" (Praeger, 1991), a coauthor thanks reviewers for an in-depth analysis and comments on their remarks about the book's efficiency section. Reviewers misread the original authors' observations concerning elasticity of demand, inefficient diversions of…

A well-run college or university will seek to accumulate and maintain an appropriate cash reserve or liquidity position. A rigorous analytic process for estimating the size and cost of a liquidity position, based on judgments about the institution's operating risks and opportunities, is outlined. (MSE)

Describes CD-Recordable (Compact Disk-Recordable) as an economical information storage medium. Business and government applications are discussed, including prototyping, archiving and back-up, sales, marketing, accounting, and customer support and service. Future possibilities are also considered. (LRW)

Using university cost data and student data from 176 members of university economics classes, this study finds that substantial monetary savings are realized by offering large classes, although their students have a 38% decreased probability of enrolling in future economics classes. Money savings may translate into enrollment losses. (SLD)

In a cost-effective way to assess training benefits, replies to open-ended questions are analyzed for patterns, and common themes are grouped hierarchically. Trainees perceived benefits in terms of improved professional skills; their managers stressed personal and attitudinal changes in trainees. (SK)

Various assessment methods were tested for recognition of prior learning in rural industry: challenge tests, on the job, portfolios, interviews, and case studies. Regardless of method, the process was time consuming, labor intensive, and costly. Successful use will depend on finding ways to improve cost effectiveness. (SK)

The University of Texas-Houston Health Sciences Center uses a linkage model and a nursing center model for faculty practice. In addition to high quality educational opportunities and patient care, the models are based on sound financial and business principles and respond to the changing needs of the nursing school and clients. (JOW)

Discusses economic issues that affect the portability of educational software. Topics discussed include economic reasons for portability, including cost effectiveness; the nature and behavior of educational computer software markets; the role of producers, buyers, and consumers; potential effects of government policies; computer piracy; and…

Installation of a new metal halide lighting system at an old athletic high school stadium serving the Red Lion School District in Pennsylvania made night games possible. Community members raised funds for the installation. Because of increased attendance, the district made a $10,000 profit. Provides facts and figures on the stadium lighting. (MLF)

Explains how to use electronic mail (e-mail) through INTERNET to deliver the results of online searching on DIALOG. Topics discussed include options for delivering search results, including delivery time and charges; limitations of direct e-mail delivery; where results can be sent; and costs, including savings in staff time. (two references) (LRW)