Economic, modeling, social work, education, administration, management, accounting
Abstract
Economic modeling provides academic administrators with a logical
framework for analyzing costs associated with the processes involved in the delivery
of social work education. The specific costs associated with activities such as teaching,
research, and service may be determined for a school of social work as a whole or
for specific responsibility centers (e.g., programs and services within the school).
Economic modeling utilizes modern spreadsheet software that can be configured in
relation to the idiosyncratic needs and budgeting strategies that exist in virtually all
colleges and universities. As a versatile planning tool, it enables managers to identify
specific “cost-drivers” that cause the occurrence of real costs in relation to designated
programmatic initiatives. In addition, economic modeling provides academic planners
and decision-makers a useful vehicle for considering the economic impact of
various projected (“what if”) scenarios.
