Here is a sequence of posts, regarding a knotty question faced by all schools: posted in May a query to fellow IT directors in Qatar: Wondering about other organizations' policies regarding sales (or gift) of computers to departing staff. 1. Absolutely not; 2. In special cases, with management permission; or 3. Sure. If so, at what price: A. Zero: part of employment agreement; B. Depends on age of contract; C. Depends on age of machine; D. Token amount, like $200; E. Half of original purchase price; or F. Full replacement value? My response today: Update/follow-up: we got a management decision on this: yes, departing staff can purchase their equipment, with management permission. Price is set using finance department depreciation rules -- currently only 15%/year, so it is NOT a good deal, but somebody may feel sentimental attachment. We offered purchase in this case because said staff member had spilled coffee on his computer a few weeks before depart...
Thoughts on education, technology, and culture, during an international career.