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The article offers information on the popularity of microcomputer technology in business schools in the U.S. In the 1980s, a major change in the way schools of business structure curricula, instruct, do research, and think has taken place. This change, perhaps more revolutionary than evolutionary, centers about the microcomputer. The questions facing business schools concern several key aspects of microcomputerization: managing the computer resource, curriculum changes, and interactions with industry. Microcomputer labs on campus have grown dramatically, with an 83 percent increase in the average number of installed micros between 1984 and 1986. Another increase of 49 percent is forecast by 1988. The demand for quality software has also grown, with spreadsheet, data-base, and word-processing packages found in over 98 percent of all microlabs. The use of statistical, MS, and project management software is still growing. Managing the new labs has raised major issues in software protection, equipment replacement, and maintenance and control.

This article presents the results of an extensive study of the current use of computer program in MS curricula. Reporting the findings for 109 business schools, the authors rank the availability use, and importance of 14 commonly used "canned" MS programs. We conclude that faculty interest in a package of MS computer programs analagous to SPSS is very high. However, current use of most program, especially in larger business schools and doctoral programs, is not widespread. The study provides an overview of the state of the art in today's computer linkage with Management Science, and the computer hardware currently in use in US business schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important concern to any educator in the Decision Sciences field is the improvement of the teaching of his courses. One factor influencing the effectiveness of the learning process is the textbook chosen and its ability to convey to the student the principles of the subject. The purpose of this paper is to present a survey of the readability of Operations Research and Operations Management books currently widely used at universities throughout the country. The Flesch Reading Ease Score is employed to rank tests based on their authors' writing style. It is suggested that the readability index be considered as one factor in the textbook selection process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]