Proceedings of an international workshop on the value of computer-based engineering tools, held in Cambridge in April 1997

There is increasing adoption of computer-based tools to support the product development process. Tolls include computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacture, systems engineering and product data management systems. The fact that companies choose to invest in tools might be regarded as evidence that tools, in aggregate, are perceived to possess business value through their application to engineering activities. Yet the ways in which value accrues from tool technology are poorly understood.

This report records the proceedings of an international workshop during which some novel approaches to improving our understanding of this problem of tool valuation were presented and debated. The value of methods and processes were also discussed. The workshop brought together British, Dutch, German and Italian researchers. The presenters included speakers from industry and academia (the University of Cambridge, the University of Magdeburg and the Politechnico de Torino)

The work presented showed great variety. Research methods include case studies, questionnaires, statistical analysis, semi-structured interviews, deduction, inductive reasoning, the recording of anecdotes and analogies. The presentations drew on financial investment theory, the industrial experience of workshop participants, discussions with students developing tools, modern economic theories and speculation on the effects of company capabilities.

Photostat copy of Cambridge in New England December ..., undated

Long and narrow six-page photostat copy of a manuscript copy of Father Abbey's Will.

Photostat copy of Cambridge, December 1731. Some time since..., undated

Goodspeed 3, Ford 611.

Subseries J. Bill to the Town of Cambridge, 1789

This folder contains a bill from Samuel Shapleigh to the Town of Cambridge for keeping school from July 20 through October 20, 1789; it was submitted on November 2, 1789. Shapleigh requested reimbursement for his room, board, and furniture, in addition to his teaching.

A Coppe of the Plan of Cambridge New Meeting House which was excepted by the people, 1752

The floor plan details the proposed interior of the New Meeting House of the First Parish in Cambridge to be built near the College, in the present area of Lehman Hall. This land became Harvard property in 1833. The drawing includes space allotted for the pulpit, pews, and center aisle. The document is fragile.

[Salary of the minister of the first parish of Cambridge for 1792], undated

Small scrap of paper with a handwritten calculation of the January 1792 salary of an unidentified minister, presumably the minister of the first Parish of Cambridge based on lines for "Parsonage" and "Lexington farm fund."

No. 7 Answer from Committee of Cambridge to Memorial of President & Professors of H. College, Copy 1799 February

Four octavo-sized leaves containing a handwritten copy of a detailed response by the Committee of the Town of Cambridge (comprised of James Winthrop, William Winthrop, and Ebenezer Stedman) to the memorial of Harvard College officers to the Massachusetts General Court.

No. 12 Copy of Statement of Committee of Cambridge, [1799]

One folio-sized leaf containing a handwritten copy of a transcribed extract from the Charter of 1650 regarding property tax exemption, and followed with accounting figures related to rents and valuations of College properties. The verso has a handwritten paragraph on the unconstitutionality of the taxation practices towards the College.

Paid to Inhabitants of Cambridge For Supplies in the Hall, [1799 June]

One octavo-sized folded leaf containing a short handwritten list of payments made to Cambridge for supplies between 1796 and 1799.

No. 4 Petition of the Committee [sic] of the Town of Cambridge, 1799 January

Two folio-sized leaves containing a handwritten copy of a petition to the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the Committee of the Town of Cambridge (comprised by James Winthrop, William Winthrop, and Ebenezer Stedman). The petition includes eight points related to the tax exemptions of Harvard real estate and the personal property of College administrators and faculty, and requests further tax legislation to remove any ambiguity that prevents the College and associated individuals "from paying a just & equitable proportion of Town and Parish Charges."

Subseries J. Bill to the Town of Cambridge, 1789

This folder contains a bill from Samuel Shapleigh to the Town of Cambridge for keeping school from July 20 through October 20, 1789; it was submitted on November 2, 1789. Shapleigh requested reimbursement for his room, board, and furniture, in addition to his teaching.