Describes a computer network developed at the School of Engineering at Rice University which links users to a supporting mainframe and other major computing facilities, and creates an electronic studio for students. Topics discussed include network planning, design, and maintenance; software and courseware used; and implications for other academic…

Discusses the application of marketing principles to a software house specializing in products for the construction industry. Concludes that service management and marketing insights are important factors for the successful growth of a company or service department. (YP)

A study surveyed noise levels in an agricultural mechanics educational laboratory while students completed common arc welds. It found that the time a student spent in the welding booth posed no threat to hearing. Maximum noise measured was well below the 140 dB(A) impulse level set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (JOW)

A study of 236 undecided students and 263 pre-engineering majors examined differences in ego-identity development, the relationship between ego-identity status and career and major decidedness, and the relationship between advising needs and ego-identity status. Results show status and advising needs vary with individuals, not always directly…

While many institutions are actively and successfully recruiting women and minority students into the underrepresented fields of science, mathematics, and engineering, the faculty and financial resources to train adequate numbers of students must be found. Severe shortages already exist in some professions. (MSE)

Recent establishment of degree programs in quality and reliability at several leading American academic institutions provides evidence that quality is making ivory tower in-roads. One critical difference in the orientations of U.S. and Japanese firms is in the shouldering of responsibility for product/service quality and reliability. (MLW)

Describes composite materials and related industries. Discusses the few courses at the undergraduate level, the few schools offering the courses, alternatives to these courses, job opportunities, and future trends. (YP)

Discusses visual fatigue as a result of using video display units and reviews four typical methods of gathering self-report visual fatigue symptoms that appear within the human factors literature, including unstructured inquiries, forced-choice questionnaires, statements with Likert scales, and quasi-standardized health questionnaires. (33…

Describes an introductory course on data, statistics, and probability given to first-year electronic engineering students at the University of Hull (United Kingdom); it is taught via workshops using spreadsheets. The four components are data and graphs, random data and statistics, probability distributions, and probability and events. (AEF)

In response to declining enrollment and industry concerns about entry workers' skills and competencies, Drexel University (PA) has revamped its engineering curriculum to create a "technical liberal arts degree" that incorporates elements of other disciplines. Other institutions are experimenting with this and other approaches to…

Conducted a study to identify the factors that predict persistence and success in baccalaureate engineering programs. Reports that the variables that contributed significantly were freshman achievement test scores in algebra and chemistry, high school grade point average, degree of focus of science interests, motive for engineering choice, and…

In order to investigate interpersonal skills between librarians and engineering personnel, 140 surveys were distributed to engineering special librarians. Responses were used to evaluate interaction and potential communication barriers. Results indicated that library awareness problems and communication difficulties can be overcome through…

Examines production and cost structures of 28 Turkish universities to estimate their economies of scale and scope. Estimates multiproduct cost functions for teaching and research, examining social, health, and engineering sciences departments across 186 college faculties. Average incremental and marginal costs are highest for graduate instruction…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 48 outstanding children's science books. Entries are grouped under six headings. The appropriate age range is noted for each book. (BB)

A study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts) found a positive relationship between freshman (n=262) decidedness regarding academic major and both anticipated adjustment (prematriculation) and actual adjustment (postmatriculation), more academically than socially. Comparison with another study suggests the relationship is stronger in…