Abstract Racial segregation in the 50s was a problem in public schools. "Brown vs. Board of Education" was the beginning of the Supreme Court recognizing that all people are equal.
Abstract This paper outlines the Supreme Court judges that heard the "Brown vs. Board of Ed" case in the 1950s. It includes their backgrounds in terms of upbringing, past jobs, and views and how they were expected to vote in what turned out to be a unanimous decision.
From the Paper "Because of the distinctive backgrounds and dynamics that existed between the justices on the Supreme Court from 1952 to 1954, a unanimous decision declaring segregated public schools to be unconstitutional was issued in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. Although it has been argued that Brown failed to institute actual societal change, it still is considered to be a landmark decision from a legal perspective. However, its legal impact would not have been as enduring if the justices who decided the Brown case had been divided in their decision. Because of this, it is important to understand the factors that resulted in a unanimous decision. The two central factors to be considered are the unique life experiences of each justice and the desires of both Justice Frankfurter and Chief Justice Warren to deliver a united opinion to the American people."
Abstract This research paper focuses on a fundamental element of the corporate governance process, the board of directors. In particular, the research addresses the question whether boards of directors as the "apex" of the organization increase firm value.
This paper also outlines the research proposal which seeks to explore whether good board governance leads to higher common stock returns for Swiss companies. The research involves the construction of a survey-based "Board Index" using provisions based on a Code of Best Practice portfolios consisting of companies that conform with the code and others that do not conform to best practice are constructed and then stock-returns are compared.
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Literature Review - Part I
3.1 The Concept of Firm
3.2 The Agency Problem
3.3 Definition of Corporate Governance
3.4 Mechanisms of Corporate Governance
4. Literature Review - Part II
4.1 Board of Directors - Introduction
4.2 Models of Boards 4.2.1 One-tier vs Two-tier Board Model
4.2.2 The Case of Switzerland
4.3 CEO Duality
4.4 Outsider Directors / Board Independence
4.5 Board Size
4.6 Board Committees
4.7 Interlocking Directorates
4.8 Multiple Board Appointments
4.9 Frequency of Board Meeting
4.10 Board Diversity
5. Literature Review - Part III
6. Regulatory Development
6.1 Overview
6.2 The Case of Switzerland
6.3 Conclusion
7. Objectives of the Proposed Research
8. Research Design
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Data
8.3 Board Index
8.4 Board Impact on Firm Valuation
8.4.1 Performance Measure
8.4.2 Long-term Equity Return
8.5 Current Board Structure
8.6 Potential Research Problem
8.7 Ethical Issues of the Proposed Research
9. Expected Research Outcomes
From the Paper "Nevertheless, corporate boards are the focus of many attempts to improve corporate governance. Regulators and shareholder advocates in the US have called for smaller boards with greater outside representation among US corporations (The Business Roundtable 1997). This movement toward specific board guidelines, typically calling for greater independence, independence outside representation, and requirements that boards have audit committees that consist only of independent outside directors, is a characteristic of the Codes of Best Practice issued in many countries (Denis & McConell, 2003). In Switzerland, for example, the "Directive on Information Relating to Corporate Governance" and the "Swiss Code of Best Practice" have become a listing requirement on the Swiss Stock Exchange as of July 1, 2002. Yet despite the extensive research, there is no clear empirical evidence that shareholders benefit from these regulations.
The proposed research addresses a number of important issues relating to corporate governance, board of directors, firm value and the relationship between these in Switzerland. Foremost, among these research questions is: Do well-governed boards of directors, measured in regulator's terms, increase long-term equity returns?
A test can be carried out in order to evaluate the hypothesized relationship between board governance quality and firm valuation; a board-index may then be constructed based on a survey of all listed companies on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SWX) (Beiner, p. 3). Based on this index, portfolios can be built, consisting of companies with well-governed or poorly governed boards. In addition, following the portfolios, a comparison of their long-term equity returns may be done (Beiner, p. 3)."
Abstract This paper explains that many of the corporate requirements came about because the Amex, the NASDAQ and the NYSE wanted to ensure the high quality management of the Board of Director committees. The paper then discusses how board committees are structured, which ones are the most important or significant and which ones are the most likely to be needed based on the type of company. The paper examines several types of board committees, including the audit, compensation, nominating, and other committees. The paper also examines the functions of members of non-profit Board of Directors.
Table of Contents:
Legal/Statutory Basis and Terms of Self-Regulation of Board Committees in the USA
The Board Committees in the USA
Audit Committees in the USA
Compensation Committees in the USA
Nominating Committees in the USA
Other Board Committees in the USA
Advantages, Disadvantages, and Problems of Board Committees in the USA
From the Paper "The standards are designed to show not only that the particular exchange is high quality, but also that it is safe and can be trusted . There is some difficulty with this right now because of the various scandals that took place in accounting firms such as Enron, and many of the changes that are taking place has to do with just such problems. Currently, the corporate governance requirements are a mixture of good governance and competition."
This paper discusses the Federal Reserve Board, a primary part of the Federal Reserve System of the United States and its effect on the economy of the United States.
Abstract The paper explains that, in 1913, the Federal Reserve System, an integral part of the United States economy, was created by the Federal Reserve Act to deter the periods of financial panics, which were occurring in the United States. The author points out that managing the nation's monetary policy is the most important responsibility of the Board of Governors. The Board has three tools to conduct monetary policy: open market operations, reserve requirements, and the discount rate. The paper relates that the increase in the federal funds rate is the Federal Reserve's way of controlling inflation because, by raising the cost of borrowing money when there is too much money in circulation, the Federal Reserve's intention is to slow the economy down.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History
The Federal Reserve Board Responsibilities of the Federal Reserve Board The Fed and the United States Economy Today
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Federal Reserve Board was established as a federal government agency and is the governing element of the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve Board, or the "Board of Governors," is made up of seven members who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Once confirmed by the Senate, the length of a term for a Board member is four-teen years. No Board member may be reappointed to the board. Every four years a new Chairman and Vice Chairman are also appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate."
Abstract This paper introduces the topic of the Federal Reserve Board. It looks at how the Federal Reserve Board is an integral part of the Federal Reserve System of the United States and how it creates and maintains much of the monitorial policy of the nation. The board members are responsible for the monetary health and security of the country and, therefore, shoulder a huge responsibility to the country and to the people.
Outline
Introduction
The Early Fed
The Banking Act of 1935
The Fed's Power
Alan Greenspan's Influence
What's Ahead For the Fed
From the Paper "The Fed controls finances in the United States and abroad in a number of complex ways from interest rates to the global banking industry. In fact, its name stems from the fact that member banks must keep some of their deposits in "reserve" to ensure fiscal health, and this reserve is often held by the Federal Reserve Banks across the nation. Banks who do not keep enough reserves face stiff penalties from the System (Martin 159). This is just one area where the Fed exerts its vast powers over the nation's banks, and ultimately the nation's economic health and well being."
Abstract This paper analyzes the group dynamics of school boards through a general understanding of the group dynamics of a school board and a case study example of a particular school board. The writer states that this work is especially important given the current climate of public and institutional demands for sweeping change within the whole public school system.
From the Paper "It is clear through the evaluation of current local political issues in almost any community that the tasks facing school boards are varied and often extremely challenging. The tasks assigned the group include issues associated with curriculum, safety, infrastructure and last but certainly not least both long and short-term fiduciary concerns. (Hamilton & Reutter, 1958, p. 117) One example is noted in the 1994 Kirst analysis on school board reformation, "School boards play an executive role when they implement policy. Many school boards approve not only the budget, but also almost every expenditure and contract for services?.Many boards approve the appointments of principals, vice principals, categorical program administrators, and even teachers." (Kirst, 1994) This example represents an idea of just one of the seemingly all encompassing functions of the local school board."
This paper reviews James T. Patterson book, "Brown vs. Board of Education: A Civil Rights Milestone and its Troubled Legacy", about the aftermath and consequences of the Supreme Court ruling.
Abstract This paper discusses James T. Patterson's "Brown vs. Board of Education: A Civil Rights Milestone and its Troubled Legacy", which utilizes the work of commentators, critics, and academics to assess the educational changes since Brown vs. Board of Education declared that 'separate but equal' has no place in the schools of the United States. The author relates that Patterson includes the Civil Rights movement, the Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy assassinations, racial discord and the following enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the effects of Johnson's War on Poverty, and the impact of the current rise in conservative politics. The paper contends that Patterson presents his argument from the legal perspective, which seems to limit his position in a biased manner.
From the Paper "Patterson takes the point of view of "most Americans", which seems somewhat ingratiating and one sided. "Most Americans" believe that the Constitution stands for a basic set of liberties that are 'self evident' as well as in the best interests of its citizens. The Bill of Rights and other amendments were legislated as a means of guaranteeing the rights meant to be included within the Constitution by the framers. Time, history and social experiences have led to the need to have these documents interpreted and, therefore, questioning the validity of public opinion as indicated by "most Americans"."
Abstract This paper analyzes the responsibilities of the Federal Reserve Board, claiming that its most important responsibility is the stabilization of the economy by regulating financial markets. The paper contends that the frequent and usually well-planned hikes and cuts in fund rates are indicative of the Federal Reserve Board's power and influence on the American economy.
From the Paper "The Federal Reserve Board is the most powerful financial institution in the country and is actually the Central bank of United States. This institution is responsible for regulating financial system of the country by formulating monetary policies and by changing the fund rates. The Fed is not completely independent and works together with the administration and the Department of the Treasury. It is responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policies in the United States. Even though not independent Federal Reserve has the power to single-handedly introduce appropriate regulations and changes in order to control the financial markets. Federal Bank is commonly referred to as the Fed and it has lately been in the news quite consistently and persistently. The headline-making monetary measures have made the public take notice of the way monetary system works in the United States."
Abstract Is certification a means by which we can improve the education of our nation's youth? Or is it a bureaucratic nightmare that will not only stifle teachers' creativity, but also their ability to earn a living, thereby further jeopardizing our educational system? This paper researches the issue thoroughly, presenting all viewpoints associated with national board certification for teachers in America.
Table of Contents
Chapter One - Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Objective
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Chapter 2 - Review of Literature
The History of National Board Certification for Teachers in America
How Does Certification Work?
What is the Current Certification Political Mood in America?
Does Certification Truly Make One a Better Teacher?
Chapter 3 - Analysis
Chapter 4 - Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "America has many challenges to face in the 21st century: Currently, we're embroiled in a war against terror which seems to have a greater scope and grip internationally everyday; we're struggling with income disparities that are among the most egregious in our nation's history; violent crime in America is unique in the industrialized world; and AIDS, teenage pregnancy and other social problems have established that they are not just fleeting problems. But perhaps the greatest challenge facing America today is the state of our education system. Ambitious projects such as No Child Left Behind establish the fact that education is on the forefront of our goals, and may now have the attention of the current administration too."
Abstract Uncontrolled inflation can have a devastating effect on a nation's economy. The paper discusses how in the past, inflationary trends in one country would have an impact in another with which it conducted trade. In comparison, it looks at how today, an international marketplace and increasingly globalized economy mean that such inflationary trends in one country, particularly in economic powerhouses such as the United States, Japan or China, can have enormous implications for the rest of the countries in the world. It discusses how, to help moderate the impact of such inflationary trends on the American economy, the Federal Reserve Board, created by the Federal Reserve Act, has applied careful controls to the economy as the situation dictated. To determine how and when the Board has acted to moderate such inflationary trends, this paper provides a review of the relevant literature followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
Outline
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Federal Reserve and Inflation
Current and Future Trends
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Rather than establishing a central bank with branches controlled at every level by bankers, the Federal Reserve Act ("the Act") established a number of separate and semi-autonomous regional central banks that are operated by private bankers, and supervised and controlled by a central board in Washington, comprised of government officers and appointees (Broz 1997:193). The Act required member banks to hold reserves at the Fed (Toma 1999:101). Today, the Federal Reserve System is comprised of 12 Federal Reserve banks and a Board of Governors (About the Fed 2005). "
Abstract This paper discusses the relevance of the Massachusetts Board of Gas to the study of state utility regulatory history. The paper explains that nineteenth century Massachusetts very much served as an incubator for state regulatory expansion and that the formation of the Board marked the beginning of an important experimental period of regulation that likely impacted the design of future commissions in other states. Includes extensive bibliography for future research.
From the Paper "In history books and political sciences studies, the Massachusetts Board of Gas has been wrongly cast aside as an irrelevant chapter in the nation's development of the modern commission apparatus. On the contrary, evidence suggests that people learned from the Massachusetts board and may have even used the board's works as a basis for similar commissions across the nation. The fact that Commissioner Forrest Edson Barker, in his biography, was said to have been sought out as a speaker by several state legislatures, means that other people - from different states - were aware of the regulatory experimentation occurring in Massachusetts."
Abstract This brief review of literature explores the integral connections between mathematics and board games so that the subject matter at hand will be fully understood. Extrapolations are then made as to why these connections may not necessarily mean that there is a connection between enjoyment of board games and math class success.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Questionnaire
From the Paper "According to Heather Jenkins (2004), the mathematical omnipresence in the world is undeniable. However, many people completely overlook the fact that "math forms the basis of many forms of entertainment (and perhaps addictions)." (Jenkins 2004) The very field of probability was born of games of chance which have been played for a very long time, when a dice player became curious about betting outcomes and consulted with the mathematicians Pascal and Fermat. Mathematics is not just an "academic" occurrence. Since the game of dice was played before the field of probability was born, even though probability is the mathematical drive behind the game, it can be extrapolated that an understanding or enjoyment of the study of mathematics itself is not necessary in order to enjoy and excel at activities which are based on math."
Abstract This paper examines "Preparing for Power: America's Elite Boarding Schools", which was first published in 1985 and was marketed again two years later in a reprint edition published in 1987 by Basic Books. The paper shows that the authors, Peter Cookson and Caroline Persell, visited more than sixty American boarding schools as they conducted research and gathered institutional, student, and instructor data concerning the curricula, class composition and goals of these elite schools.
From the Paper "Preparing for Power: America's Elite Boarding Schools was first published in 1985 and was marketed again two years later in a reprint edition published in 1987 by Basic Books. The authors, Peter Cookson and Caroline Persell, visited more than sixty American boarding schools as they conducted research and gathered institutional, student, and instructor data concerning the curricula, class composition, and goals of these elite schools."
