This handbook introduces surveyors to the use of microcomputers in the property industry using 'real-life' example applications with clear explanations, it will provide the surveyor with the knowledge and expertise to design spreadsheets and database management systems for use in a variety of general practice tasks from valuation to estate agency.

The importance of property as an investment medium continues to grow. Investors in property or those involved with the provision of expert advice to investors have had to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their decision making. The aim of this book is to lay down the theoretical foundations of investment decision making, incorporating the techniques and procedures of modern management science, so that particular decisions regarding property investment can be made efficiently and rationally.

There is an ever-increasing need for more accurate assessment of the performance of property investments. This book covers property investment decisions from an quantitative perspective. All those involved with decision making, or with the provision of expert advice to investors in property, need to understand the theory and methodology currently used and accepted in the various alternative investment media, so that property investments decisions can be made efficiently and rationally. There are five sections in this book. Section A is devoted to the general aspects and setting of property investment decisions. Section B concentrates on various quantitative decision techniques: uncertainty and risk are, unfortunately, inescapable and an all prevailing aspect of investment. Modern statistics and decision theory provide procedures for the making of investment decisions under uncertainty. Section C concentrates on investment performance measurement: the measurement of portfolio performance and the interpretation of the results of the measurement. In Section D the information needs, information provision and management for effective decision making are examined. Section E consists of e

This handbook provides an introduction for students and practitioners to the applications of spreadsheets and database systems in estate management. An introduction to basic PC hardware, components and software types is included, together with the criteria needed in software selection. Two leading programs, dBASE IV, a database management system, and Lotus 1-2-3 (version 2.2 and 3.0) are used to form the focus for a variety of applications. Guidance on spreadsheet design and database design using these programs, is provided and the areas of application covered include property management, valuation, appraisal, portfolio analysis and forecasting. Other potential applications, such as geographic information systems are also considered, and a helpful list of relevant software programs and suppliers provided. This book should be of interest to undergraduates on estate management courses, valuation and property management and practising surveyors and developers.