Budgets and Financial Management in Higher Education

by Margaret J. Barr

This book will help new administrators (department chairs, directors, deans) understand and become more proficient in their financial management role within the institution. Highly accessible, practitioners will be able to put the book's guidance to immediate use in their work. It is also grounded in the latest knowledge base and filled with examples from across all types of institutions, so that it makes an ideal text for a courses in graduate programs in higher education leadership and administration. Specifically, the   •     provides an understanding of the basics of budgeting and fiscal management in higher education •      defines the elements of a budget, the budget cycle, and the steps for creating a budget •      suggests ways of avoiding common pitfalls and problems of managing budgets •      contains effective strategies for dealing with loss of resources •      includes end-of-chapter reflection questions and an expanded glossary of terms 

Written in plain language this volume provides practical approaches to many complex problems in fiscal management. This new edition of the book contains new information in every chapter reflecting both the most recent developments in higher education and feedback from readers of the earlier edition.  The information on the current higher education financial environment has been updated, and the case studies have been revised.  Readers will be introduced to Bowen's theory of resources and expenses as an important way to understand budgetary decision making in colleges and universities.  Special attention is paid to the use of restricted funds, the budget implications of faculty appointments and the challenges  caused by personnel policies for staff. In addition,  greater attention is given to development and implementation of repair and replacement programs in auxiliary enterprises.  The challenges that arise when budget problems are postponed are also discussed. The volume contains a number of suggestions for practitioners with new budgeting and fiscal responsibilities. 

Genres: Professional Development, Reference, Education, Nonfiction, School, Grad School, Read For School

240 pages, Hardcover

First published December 7, 2010

Reviews

[Alex French · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay as a big glossary of terms and general concepts, but I didn't see much depth or insight.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text did a great job of establishing the basics of budget management. I think the best part was how the book was sectioned off on each of the topics making it easy to go back and review aspects as needed.
The book gave me a greater appreciation for what a budget manager goes through and my role in supporting that individual.

[Rachel D’Onofrio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro book to budgeting in higher ed; easy to read and comprehend.

[Beflow06 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for beginners just stepping into the world of budgets and finances in Higher Education.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thorough text, and it probably serves better as a reference than as a book to be read straight through. I would have preferred some more examples for the principles expressed.

[Rachel]

Unlike most books I quit reading, I didn't dislike this book...just ran out of ILL renewals. Will try to re-request it and finish it some other time.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good primer for those of us who don't know a line item from a pop-tart. Slightly more accessible than the Goldstein book on the same subject.

[CJ Venable · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the budgeting process, different kinds of budgets, and considerations for both budget shortfalls and windfalls.

[Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was okay. Some chapters better than other. There has to be more up to date information of Budget and Financial Mngt in Higher Education.

[Bre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well... It was just general knowledge about budget and finance in higher ed. Appropriate title, and glad it's over.

[Kris InTheCardigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful to a new Department or unit director

[Annette]

This was strictly a work related read.