9. Asset Management & Capital Expenditure

Question 1

Key terms

Answer 1

Asset - Any item of stock of value lasting for more than a given period of time (usually more than one year)
Capital expenditure or investment-the funds spent On improving the assets

Question 2

Asset management

Answer 2

Maintaining the stock involves action in several ways:

1. Maintaining existing assets (should be regular inspections of the property)
2. Maintaining security (best maintained by ensuring good records, clear staff responsibility and regular checks to ensure that misuse does not occur. It is important for assets to be secured, and insured)
3. Disposal of assets
4. Replacement of assets (asset management is most effective if those items likely to need replacement are charted in an asset management plan)
5. New assets (should be identified and incorporated into strategic planning)

Question 3

Three elements used in analysis of assets

Answer 3

PRIMARY AIM is to secure the best possible physical conditions for effective T&L.

1. Condition- focus on the physical state of premises to ensure safe operation
2. Sufficiency - Focus on the quantity and organisation of places for students
3. Suitability – focus on the way in which the provision meets curriculum needs

Question 4

The process for the development of a school asset plan

Answer 4

1. Audit
2. Determine priorities
3. Feasibility studies
4. Implementation, review and evaluation (to ensure future assets plans are based on best practice)

Question 5

Investment depends on

Answer 5

• the cost of borrowing
• the length of time for which the funds are required
• potential value of the asset at the end of the investment period
• the anticipated benefits
• the risk associated with costs and benefits

Question 6

Davies 1997

Answer 6

care of school environment
buildings
working conditons

Key factor is school effectiveness

Question 7

Thomas and Martin 1996

Answer 7

Link the quality of the physical environment to learning outcomes.