The Philadelphia School District has a five-step program of site-based-management prerequisites for schools: (1) absolute support from the top administration; (2) clear and fair allocation formulas on which each school's budget is to be based; (3) universal understanding of any restrictions, rules, or guidelines; (4) full explanation of budget…

After a college or university has received the large gift it has solicited, there are still a variety of follow-through tasks to attend to, including considering an appropriate sign of appreciation, notifying campus officials and encouraging them to send thank-you notes, creating a payment schedule, keeping the donor apprised of progress toward…

Discusses examples of classroom practice using a writing assignment generated from computer application articles published in the accounting literature. Notes that students are exposed to ideas and techniques actually used in practice and to practice evaluation and critical thinking skills and have the opportunity to write in response to the…

Contends that accounting constitutes a core area of all business courses and is considered to be a difficult course to teach and learn. Suggests a practical approach to teaching accounting, presents ideas for introducing the subject, outlines the main content areas, and offers possible teaching methods. (KO)

Characterizes finance and accounting as a central part of the business curriculum, yet one that eludes student interest. Indicates topics that need to be taught at the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level in Great Britain. Suggests general teaching strategies giving two specific teaching ideas that have been used by practicing…

Testing of a structural equation model with college mathematics experience as the focal variable in 745 students' final decisions concerning major or dropping out over 4 years of college yielded separate model estimates for 3 fields: scientific/technical, quantitative business, and business management majors. (Author/MSE)

Reports on the results of a 1985 survey of two-year community colleges that was conducted to determine the use of personal computers in accounting courses. Types of hardware and software used are discussed, planned purchases are indicated, courses using microcomputers are described, and future use is explored. (four references) (LRW)

Indicates the advantages under school-based management of transferring funds to the individual schools in a lump sum with minimal encumbrances, along with the freedom to transfer funds within the school budget. Transferring money to the schools, along with corresponding decision-making powers, enhances responsibility and accountability. (MLF)

Increasing use of credit on college campuses raises important policy questions and planning needs. Credit and debit card use varies, and most institutions are studying, experimenting, and inventing uses. Although use of credit improves cash flow, streamlines payments and services, and increases income, there are also costs to the institution. (MSE)

This article discusses proposed U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) that will apply to educational institutions that contract with or receive grants from the federal government. It focuses on the history of CAS, the impact of CAS on colleges and universities, and recommendations for the administration of CAS…

The first two stages of the financial audit required by federal Circular A-133, for nonprofit institutions receiving $100,000 or more in federal funding and cost-type contracts, as implemented by the University of Southern California, are described. Audit observations, issues emerging from the experience, and recommendations for other colleges and…

Investment of time and funds by New Zealand students was appraised in five specific tertiary education courses, namely Accountancy, Dentistry, Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy. The study used the Internal Rate of Return Method and data from the 1981 census on income and hours of work. Results indicated the courses were "profitable" even when…

Because law firms' legal bills frequently are complex, clients often have a difficult time examining them. Management accountants should read the retention letter between the law firm and the school district and assess the reasonableness of professional fees. Costs that require particular attention include travel time, photocopying, secretarial…

This article argues that the information fund accounts provide about a college's financial health is too limited and that global accounting provides more complete and accessible records of institutional performance, including total income and spending. The experience of Williams College (Massachusetts) is used as an example. (MSE)

An ongoing system of short-term budget controls that test actual performance against budget forecasts is essential for enrollment-dependent independent colleges. The budget control model presented here is a tool to inform the management continuously of changes in the all-important tuition revenue stream. (Author/MSE)