Abstract This paper discusses the four core IT applications through an article on the subject, written by Mahmoud and Rice (1998). According to this paper, the authors take note of a number of applications in the connection between the administrative and the clinical area, suggest how important IT systems can be to improve the delivery of service to the patient, and then consider how widely such systems have been implemented today.
From the Paper "In healthcare institutions, there are four core IT applications: finance, clinical, outcome management, or human resources. In terms of the outcome management, a report by Mahmoud and Rice (1998) takes note of a number of applications in the connection between the administrative and the clinical area and suggest how important IT systems can be to improve the delivery of service to the patient. The authors note that IT can improve health care service delivery and that IT has a particular role in quality improvement. The authors want to conceptualize the way IT contributes to quality improvement and do so in terms of information usage, classifying information by healthcare institution processes and quality improvement stages. The diagnostic and treatment process is one of the two important processes the authors see at hospitals, and information is used in the process stage and in the outcome stage."
Abstract In this article, the writer first defines core-satellite management and then discusses the efficency of the core-satellite portfolio model. The writer looks at the increase in exchange traded funds (ETFs) that are mainly used in the core of the portfolio. Furthermore, the writer notes that the list of alternative investments constantly increases, creating new possibilities for satellites. The writer maintains that thanks to the research, some models are improved and some others created that facilitate the use of the core-satellite management, for example, new methods are developed to measure hedge fund return. The paper includes color graphs and charts.
Outline:
Introduction
The Core-Satellite Model
Why the Core-Satellite Management?
The Tracking Error
Other Advantages/Drawbacks
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Overview of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
What are ETFs?
What Kinds of ETFs Exist?
What are the Advantages of ETFs Versus Open-Ended Funds?
What are the Ways to Use ETFs?
Hedge Funds
Conclusion
From the Paper "The goal of the tracking error constraints is to limit the bad tracking error. However, tight tracking error constraints can lead to a suboptimal management of the portfolio.
"First, as most active managers still have dominant passive exposure to their benchmark, a great part of their fees reward a passively managed portfolio.
"Secondly, the active manager cannot use freely their skills. When an actively managed portfolio must follow a benchmark with tight tracking error constraints, it severely restricts the amount invested in active strategy. This means renouncing to opportunities of return enhancement and risk reduction. In case of economic downturn the opportunity cost is even higher because active absolute return strategies usually out-perform the market.
"With the core-satellite, on the contrary, because of the higher tracking error allowed to the satellites, the managers don't have to give up the potential of higher returns generated by selected active management strategies."
Abstract This paper summarizes the position made by Allan Bloom, author of "The Closing of the American Mind ", regarding the agenda of certain universities that construct a core curriculum. The paper points out that Bloom believes these core curricula, which focus on a certain canon of books and authors that have been quantified over time as ?great literature', are beneficial to young scholars. The paper also summarizes arguments made by proponents of multiculturalism in education, which contend that Bloom's position is xenophobic and narrow-minded. The paper then goes on to suggest a form of independent study that would meet the criteria suggested by proponents of a core curriculum, as well as the criteria suggested by proponents of a multicultural education.
From the Paper "Given the subjective nature of what is canonical and non-canonical, it is tempting to dispense with the need for a common core in education at all"why not leave it up to the student, to chose his or her own classes and course of study" Although some institutions have opted for this, even from a social and psychological point of view, some multicultural educators might suggest that this is the wrong approach. Don"t younger students need some guidance" After all, many of them are still attempting to find out what they are interested in. It is easy to simply be rid of a common core curriculum, or simply to include skills classes that teach writing or other exercises in methodology, without attempting to create the foundations for the education in any particular cannon?let the student create his or her own canon, or wait for society to reconstitute a more multicultural canon, one might say."
Abstract This is a paper on CORE, the Congress for Racial Equality. The paper discusses the development of this civil rights organization, its active role during the civil-rights era and subsequent decline. The paper looks at the effects of emerging black nationalist movement on CORE.
From the Paper "The Congress on Racial Equality, often referred to simply by its acronym, CORE, was one of the major national organizations that played a leading role in the Civil Rights revolution of the 50s. Founded in 1942, it seemed on the verge of collapse in the early 50s but succeeded in re-organizing itself and gaining new focus as the Civil Rights movement as a whole gained strength through the 50s"
Abstract The paper compares and contrasts Western Europe and the North American core (the United States and Canada) in terms of politics, population, culture, government and history. The paper looks at the common history and culture shared by the American Core and Western Europe. The paper also touches upon the issue of diversity.
From the Paper "Western Europe and the North American core i.e. the United States and Canada, are two regions of the world that share a great deal. Like Anglo-America, Western Europe ranks as among the most economically developed regions of the world. The level of development is comparable to Anglo-America in the region's core area which includes the western part of the Federal Republic of Germany, north eastern France, Switzerland, southern Scandinavia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg."
Tags: Western Europe, North America, cultural geography
Abstract The paper discusses whether Michael Turner's poem and novel the "Hard Core Logo" is a classic narrative. This documents a once-popular punk band, Hard Core Logo. The paper looks at the various ways that Turner portrays the life of the band to determine if this is an example of modern oral narrative.
From the Paper "The art of the oral narrative is often associated with musicians, poets, and the folk traditions that inspire them. Following the trials and tribulations of a popular music band would be an interesting for modern society to look back at itself. The poem and novel, Hard Core Logo, by Michael Turner, describes the life of a punk rock band using a mix of poetry, prose, and photographs. Many would use this as an example of a modern oral narrative, as its structure, cultural aspects and reflections on society have all the aspects of a modern folk tale, what has been termed an "oral narrative." The book is not only the.."
A research study that aims to develop and evaluate a curriculum model and a set of core competencies which provides effective tourism education and training of front-line tourism workers in Thailand.
Abstract The paper explains that The World Trade Organization (WTO) has forecast that Thailand can expect to receive 36 million tourists in the year 2020. The paper discusses how the tourism industry will be quite challenged by this projection. The paper reviews relevant literature that shows how the ability to interact with cultures other that one's own is critical for those employed in this industry. Literature also shows how core competencies must consist of skills that are transferable to their work in the tourism industry.
Outline:
Aim of Research
Research Objectives
Research Questions
Key Terms and Definitions
Introduction
Review of Literature
Tourism Education and Training
Core Competencies
Curriculum Model
Front-line Workers
Proposed Conceptual Framework
Research Methodology
From the Paper "In 1998 Thailand recorded visitor arrivals totalling 7.76 million which was an increase of 7.53 percent from 1997 and arrivals increased 11.14 percent over 1998 totals in 1999. Major realignment has taken place in Thailand's marketing plans where advertising budgets were cut and promotional offices abroad have been closed. New markets have been tapped as well as new forms of distribution which had as its' focus direct contact between the buyers and sellers in the tourism market. Stated is "...an increasing trend toward partnerships and pooling of resources as a means of maximizing the promotional dollar by integrating all the stakeholders from transportation and commerce in health and retail..." (Asia & The Pacific, 1999)"
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the book 'Sociology: The Core' and notes that it deals with many sociological issues that affect people today. The writer maintains that if people are going to live good lives and happy lives, in the rapidly changing global economy that is seen today, they must be able to understand many of the basic concepts of sociology, which is what this book provides for them. The writer concludes that the book is easy to read, complete, concise and significant in that it helps everyone that reads it to understand that change and growth are vital to the continuation of society today and in the future.
From the Paper "As society continues to change and grow, however, there are some aspects of it that stay the same. Rebellion, the attempt to find individuality among the masses, and the independence of the people as being separate from the whole of the group are some of the things that have remained static for decades. Durkheim, Comte, and Spencer all shared in common the view that sociology is an "instrumental science" and that is helps to provide knowledge about the relationship between cause and effect. This understanding of cause and effect can help people to adapt to and understand a social system that is external and coercive for individuals. What is meant by this is that people see things that happen in the society and they react to them. This causes other people to react, and so on. Eventually, everyone will have been affected by something that might really not have much significance for most people. Other people have been 'coerced' into taking a stand or forming an opinion when the issue at hand really does not have anything to do with them. One of the main purposes of this book is to understand this and explore the reasons as to why this is so."
Abstract This paper identifies four critical capabilities computer firms must perform at a minimal level of efficiency and efficacy. The paper examines why these capabilities are important and what impact the lack of ability to perform each function would have on an individual computer firm's solvency and ability to compete in the industry. The paper explores four firms and analyzes each firm's capability to implement and utilize the capabilities identified, listed in tabular format.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis of Core Competencies
Computer Firm Competencies
Synopsis
From the Paper "A core competency or capability may be defined as one that is critical to a firm's function or ability to service its internal and external customers. The table below outlines four critical competencies or capabilities computer firms must have to service the public efficiently. For purposes of this paper a computer firm is defined as one that provides technological, IT or computer related services and products to the public."
Tags: technology, strategies, competition, industry
Abstract The paper discusses an analysis of the consumer media relations strategy of the Whirlpool company. The paper relates that having strong media relations in our modern era is extremely important for the success of product based companies. The paper confirms that having good public relations ensures that the public consumer becomes well informed of Whirlpool appliances. The paper examines two strategies that could be used by Whirlpool appliances to generate publicity for their core products.
From the Paper "The first strategy that they should pursue is an open house media event. Open house events serve the purpose of exhibiting the products that Whirlpool Appliances are currently selling, it allows consumers to experiment with Whirlpool appliances and see the full range of product offerings. There are several reasons that this strategy is effective, it lures in customers who are originally interested in purchasing such merchandise with a free demonstration. In this way, they are exposed to our product offering in a non-pressure environment so that they understand the overall capabilities of our products. From a media relations perspective, an open house allows Whirlpool to generate free publicity through newspaper, media, and television channels. It in effect gives Whirlpool the ability to reconnect with media relationships and gain publicity for their entire organization. In order to execute on this event several steps needs to be articulated. An open house needs to first and foremost allow the media and the public to experiment and see showcased products from Whirlpool. To generate the most effective PR for such an event, Whirlpool should perform open houses when they are launching new products or showcasing a new line of updated products. Their goal is to gain as much public interest as possible, thus targeting consumers through a myriad of promotions is the best way. Media PR will only be positive if there are extensive products to review as well as a large public audience. Therefore it is the job of PR department for Whirlpool to gain a large audience at their open house. This strategy is very effective because it targets two public relations outlets at once. It focuses on customers who are interested in the product line and showcases new products, while at the same time reaching media outlets who will be able to grant free publicity to the organization as a whole."
Abstract The paper discusses the core knowledge argument that basic knowledge in several realms of cognition is innate and not environmentally learned. The paper argues that however convincing this argument might be, it is based on dubious logic and assumptions. The paper asserts it is much more reasonable, in light of the available evidence, to assume that environmental factors are important in shaping and determining cognitive development.
From the Paper "The field of developmental psychology is in a state of flux over the issue of cognition and its emergence in human beings. Studies into the acquisition of knowledge have increasingly driven a wedge between researchers who argue that environmental inputs and learning are key to cognition, while others make the case for the existence of core knowledge. The core knowledge theorists argue convincingly that basic first knowledge in several realms of cognition--such as spatial reasoning--is hard-wired into the human brain. The suggestion is that this knowledge is innate, not environmentally learned, and therefore transmitted genetically (Lecuyer, 2006; Spelke and Kinzler, 2007). These theorists rely predominantly on studies with infants to describe what they believe is innate, core knowledge that is universal in the human species."
Abstract This paper discusses the development of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) founded in 1942 by James Farmer to help aid the plight of the discriminated African-Americans. It examines how he was heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideas of non-violent protest and sought to model the fight for African-American civil rights on Gandhi's peaceful campaigns in India. It evaluates how the divergences in CORE's policies and its differences with other African-American groups did not help the smooth continuation of the Black Freedom Movement and how until the mid to late 1960s the Congress of Racial Equality worked closely with other organizations. Its intellectual stance and firm commitment to non-violence gave African-Americans the moral upper hand in their frequent confrontations with often violent ? and even at times murderous ? Whites. It analyzes how CORE and its brother organizations were able to articulate a coherent program regarding what needed to be done in the cause of Black Freedom but by giving into the violence of ignorant segregationists and letting the assassinations of Dr. King and others change the course of the movement, CORE and other civil rights groups produced the great divide between black and white that still exists today.
From the Paper "After this tragic beginning, the Freedom Rides continued. However, each successive journey through the Deep South underscored the deep divisions still seething beneath the surface of American society. In an attempt to avoid further problems over the civil rights question, President John F. Kennedy had taken only minimal steps toward ensuring the rights of African Americans. While he paid lip service to the concept ? appointing Black judges and the like ? he left the enforcement of civil rights legislation up to the local authorities. This "Federal Plan" was even more confusing and unworkable than it sounded. Not only was the decision on how, or even whether, to enforce Supreme Court decisions, and federal laws left up to the states and localities, but even on this level there was no clear agreement over policy. Officials in the same city, or even in the same department took opposite sides in the conflict."
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that in order to be fully aware of what type of panel is being addressed by this study, various types of panels must be examined and understood. The writer notes that there are various types of panels that are more significant to the discussion than others, and some types of panels also have more information written about them. The writer maintains that because of this, there are panels discussed that have more information about them than other panels, but every effort is made to ensure that each type of panel has enough information collected about it to ensure that the reader has a clear understanding of the type of panel and the important information that surrounds each one. Diagrams and figures are also provided where they are available to help with the understanding of the different types of panels that are discussed.
Outline:
Literature Review
Soft and Laminated Core Sandwich Panels
One Way Stiffened Core Panels
Two Way Stiffened Core Panels
Bibliography
From the Paper "One way stiffened core panels must also be addressed as a type of panel that is important to discuss within the confines of this particular review of the literature. These panels are significant for many different types of applications, as are all of the panels that are being discussed within this review of the literature. Two way stiffened core panels will also be addressed in the next section. The subsections below, however, will address the different types of one way stiffened core panels, including Z-core, C-core, Trussed Core, and Zig Zag Core panels.
While one way stiffened core panels are important to address, it is also necessary to ensure that the different types of these panels are examined, because they all work differently and are created differently (Gdoutos, Daniel, Wang & Abot, 2001). This indicates that, while they all may work well, some of them will work better for specific types of applications, and it is necessary to be aware of what types of applications are the best choices for each particular panel."
Abstract This paper explains that the computer security software, which is a sector within the systems software industry, is relatively robust even in this economic downturn. The author analyzes the computer security industry by reviewing the external environment and the strategic groups, by using a six-segment analysis and a Porter's five forces analysis and by an extensive firm analysis comparing Symantec versus McAfee. The paper concludes that McAfee has been better able to build new products and to operate more efficiently than Symantec and therefore will win in future. The author includes 20 exhibits, which are integrated into the paper. The paper uses endnotes instead of a bibliography.
Table of Contents:
Computer Security Industry
Industry Analysis - The External Environment
Six-segment Analysis
Porter's Five Forces Analysis
Strategic Groups
Firm analysis: Symantec vs. McAfee
Corporate-Level Strategy
Business-Level Strategy
Core Competences Analysis
Competitor Analysis: Symantec vs. McAfee
Strategy and Structure
Conclusion
Appendix
Exhibit 1: "Malware on the Rise"
Exhibit 2: Herfindahl Index for Security Software
Exhibit 3: Herfindahl Index for Security Suites in the U.S. Retail Market
Exhibit 4: Worldwide Security Software Revenue and Market Share Estimates (millions of U.S. Dollars)
Exhibit 5: Symantec's Financial Statements of Last 10 Years
Exhibit 6: McAfee, Inc. Financial Statements of Last 10 Years
Exhibit 7: Six Segment Analysis - Key Threats and Opportunities to Profits for the Computer Security Industry
Exhibit 8: Porter's Five Forces Analysis (Attractiveness of the Computer Security Industry)
Exhibit 9: Strategic Map of the Security Software Industry
Exhibit 10: History of Events at Symantec and McAfee
Exhibit 11: McAfee's and Symantec's Revenue, Net Income, and Net Profit Margins from 1998 - 2007
Exhibit 12: Locations of Symantec's (A - Cupertino, CA) and McAfee's (B - Santa Clara, CA) Headquarters, Eight Miles Apart from Each Other
Exhibit 13: Selection of Symantec's Offerings
Exhibit 14: Selection of McAfee's Product Offerings in the Home and Home Office and Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMB) Customer Segments
Exhibit 15: McAfee Products and Categories
Exhibit 16: Core Competence Analysis Using the VRI Framework for Symantec
Exhibit 17: Core Competence Analysis Using the VRI Framework for McAfee
Exhibit 18: Symantec's Organization (Author's Interpretation of Available Information)
Exhibit 19: McAfee's Organization
Exhibit 20: Relative Stock-Price Performance of SYMC and MFE, Compared with S&P 500 (December 8, 2003 to December 8, 2008)
From the Paper "In 2003, Microsoft made the tough strategic commitment of announcing the launch of a security suite. It took Microsoft three years when it finally launched its antivirus Live OneCare product in May 2006, a software suite that combined security features with PC utilities for $49.95 per year and designed to go heads on against Symantec and McAfee. This action by Microsoft was a strategic complement, as it caused McAfee to response in kind with the launch of Total Protection and Virus Scan Plus (both offered for $39.99), and Symantec with Norton 360 ($79.99) several months later."
Abstract Using the ideas in "Core-Pone Opinions" by Mark Twain about conformity and society, this paper argues that group conformity has lead to many instances of group violence in today's society. Although the author feels that much of the violence found in today's society is caused by too much conformity, they do acknowledge, that there can also be positive results from being part of a group, if you are just aware of its dynamics.
From the paper:
"With his writing of Core-pone Opinions, Mark Twain shows the susceptibility we all have to conformity, and the great influence the opinions of others have on our way of thinking. As Twain said, "It is our nature to conform; it is a force which not many can successfully resist". Everyone likes to think they are unique and independent, but the reality for most of us is that we simply follow the trends in the world around us and incorporate others? opinions into becoming our own."
