David Dugdale

Growing an Electronic Library: Resources, Utility, Marketing and Politics

The development of the ResIDe Electronic Library at the University of the West of England, Bristol, is traced from its origins as an eLib funded research project. Different aspects of the system are analysed through their potential to increase economy, efficiency and effectiveness in library services. This analysis is related to the utility that it can provide to differing sponsors and the likelihood of their making supporting resources available. While economy and efficiency are relatively easy concepts to define and use, effectiveness can be both contested and multifaceted, varying in accordance with both subjective preference and interests represented. Competing views of effectiveness needed to be balanced whilst emphasising those aspects of the system that would appeal to senior UWE management in a time of the rising “audit society” in higher education.

Funding issues in a major strategic project: a case of investment appraisal

This paper describes and allows interaction with the issues involved in a major investment decision. In the summer of 1997, UKH faced major decisions concerning the purchase and funding of new plant and equipment. The authors were given excellent access to the company and were able to document key steps in the decision process. The issues are set out in a case study format which allows the reader to retrace the analyses carried out within UKH. A number of tasks are suggested which should test, develop and enhance a range of analytical, social and negotiation skills. The case can be handled in a variety of ways and most of the suggested tasks can be undertaken or omitted depending on the pedagogical objectives of the course/instructor.