In college, money is a big issue for everyone from students to university administrators. It's great when students can save a few bucks with coupons or student discounts, but when Ball State University saves millions it's even better.
Ball State's School of Nursing saved $1 million by implementing existing technology in a smart and innovative way. As a whole, Ball State should learn from the money-saving techniques applied in specific departments and apply the lessons university-wide.
The School of Nursing planned on building six recording studios to help train students in patient simulations. Originally, University Teleplex presented a $1.2 million bid to build the studios. The nursing school only wanted to spend $200,000, however, so a new plan to use less costly but similar technology was formulated and implemented.
Any business student can tell you that multiple bids on a construction project means competition and lower prices. Multiple bids and plans can be found with hard work and intelligent decisions in the planning phase of projects. In the search for lower operating costs, the university should always choose more work and planning if it means accomplishing goals with lower prices.
Ideally, the university will save the most money by delegating as many resources and time to projects while they are still in the planning phase. In reality, however, university bureaucracies ensure nearly every project will be overly-complicated and difficult. Despite this, saving money trumps unnecessary politics every time.
Avoiding bureaucracy and politics in the planning phase is only the first step. As Ball State found out, the first plan to accomplish a goal isn't always the best. The nursing school situation shows that Ball State should be willing to actively search out alternative solutions to save money if plans fall through.
In the future, the university shouldn't let restrictive costs be the only impetus for finding better alternative plans. With a little foresight and innovation in new plans Ball State stands to save millions more.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
