Abstract The following discussion will focus on problems with cost-benefit analysis in the context of natural resource policy and development. In order to achieve this goal certain fundamental premises must be outlined and accepted. The cost/benefit approach to natural resources holds that natural resources-from clean water to sub-surface minerals-are commodities that ultimately have a value. It also asserts that economic theories and principles can, therefore, be applied to decisions relating to the disposition of natural resources. As a consequence of these first two premises it does not accept any moral arguments: Notably those that assert that conservation is morally superior to extraction or development as costs and benefits cannot be quantified in this paradigm.
Abstract This paper summarizes an article related to cost-benefit analysis in the field of information technology, and considers the use of information technology as a business research tool. It looks at the application of CBA to the workplace.
From the Paper "The question of whether the ends justify the means is more than an esoteric philosophical issue in business - the question has resulted in the development of cost-benefit analysis which determines whether the ends benefits ..."
Tags:cost-benefit analysis, information technology, article summary
Abstract This paper examines how costbenefit analysis refers to the method by which organizations assess the outcome of various actions or projects and how it has often been projected as a useful measurement tool that allows accurate measurement of possible benefits, which are then compared with the costs to be incurred. It looks at how the tool is widely used by the corporate sector for business research. It summarizes one article in connection with costbenefits analysis in business research and sees how it can be applied in an organization or in personal lives. Jennifer Giacin, BS, CSA, in her article, ?CostBenefit Analysis and Business Research?, discusses the increasing use of costbenefit analysis in the corporate sector, especially in the area of training programs, and also touches upon the merits and demerits of such actions.
From the Paper "Cost benefit analysis may sound like a scientific term that only few people can understand or implement, but the truth is that this method is regularly used by all of us in professional as well as personal lives. Whenever we are required to make a decision regarding something of importance, we weigh its possible pros and cons before taking the giant leap. Cost benefit analysis is part of human nature and thus consistently used by every rational person. In our personal lives, we encounter situations that require us to make some kind of investment whether emotional, financial or physical. But since these resources are important to us, we want to use them wisely and thus would assess the possible benefits of the action before making a decision."
Abstract The CostBenefit Analysis Theory involves weighing the cost to do or acquire something and benefit that it would return from the process. This paper shows that carrying out a costbenefit analysis is a technical exercise involving numerous choices and calculations. The more complicated the decision being addressed, the more care should be taken to identify and measure key variables and to analyze them appropriately. The paper looks at how the theory is applied to public policy decision making and the issues that are examined to determine benefits to different segments of the population.
From the Paper "At the same time that society has become increasingly complex we have entered a political era when the social benefits of governmental activities are increasingly questioned. As we have experienced an increase in the unintended outcomes and unexpected consequences resulting from public policy, there has been an increasing call from many quarters to subject all government programs to an examination by cost-benefit analysis, because cost-benefit analysis provides a means of comparing complex projects, even when benefits and costs occur during different time periods (Leonard, HB. & Zeckhauser, R.J1983)."
Abstract This is a cost-benefit analysis of installing an HRIS (human resources tracking system) in a small company to manage applicant tracking and EEO compliance policies. It focuses on the results of an interview done with an HR professional about the benefits of automating the Human Resource processes.
From the Paper Improved information technology is critical to the success of any company. Sue DeWalt makes an important point that any HR software must address three essential requirements ..."
Tags: Human resources information systems, HRIS, EEO, EEOC, employee tracking, costbenefit analysis, interview a senior hr manager
Abstract This paper discusses an article by Gary Roberts that is related to benefits and compensation called "An Examination of Employee BenefitsCost Control Strategies in New Jersey Local Governments". The paper explores how New Jersey local governments are reducing benefitcosts to their organizations largely through structural displacement strategies that reduce the number of overall employees as well as the number of overall full-time employees.
From the Paper "With the spread of globalization and increasing cost competitive strategies of companies in all industries, controlling the costs associated with operations is a concern for every organization from public to private, profit to non-profit. Usually, the very first method that organizations seek to control costs is with the largest expense associated with staying in business: employee related costs. These include performance, productivity, compensation, and benefit related expenses. In a recent article examining the cost controlling strategies of governmental bodies in New Jersey, Roberts takes a candid look at the nature of these cost control methods as they relate to compensation and benefits visa-vis the employees (2001). Roberts begins by framing the importance of this issue in understanding how these cost structures have expanded over time to become such a large drain on an organization's resources: "The percentage of compensation expenditures devoted to benefits grew from three percent in 1929 to ..."
Abstract This paper explains that, to use cost/benefit analysis, add up the value of the benefits of a course of action and subtract the associated costs.The author stresses there are times, such as sizing maintenance efforts or dissecting performance issues, when a cost/benefit analysis will not be informative or the right avenue to take for decision-making. The paper stresses that performance modifications may or may not have anything to do with functionality. Example.
From the Paper "In its simplest form, cost/benefit analysis is applied only with financial costs and financial benefits. For instance, a simple cost/benefit analysis of revamping equipment in a factory would measure the cost of the update and subtract this from the economic benefit of making the changes. However, in a more complex analysis, there are intangibles that must be included such as the personal impact on the individuals who had a slowdown during the revamp and, on the other hand, worker satisfaction with the new approach that increased efficiency and stressed ergonomic factors."
Abstract This paper considers the costs and benefits of hosting the Olympics, particularly as an effort to inform the efforts of Beijing in 2008. Through review of the literature, and case studies Seoul and Atlanta, the research shows that Beijing can benefit if they use the hosting to impact the national life of China (including standing in the world) and improve very specific parts of the economy.
Abstract This paper examines wellness programs in the workplace in the form of a literature review on this specific subject. The paper also focuses on the impact that wellness programs have upon healthcare costs. The paper explains that the objectives of this research are specifically in making a determination of the cost-effectiveness of workplace wellness programs and particularly as related to reduction in health care costs for the organization. The paper then looks at how the literature is replete with evidence in support of development and implementation of workplace wellness programs and asserts that the significance of this work lay within the additional knowledge that this research work will add to the existing knowledge base in this subject area. The paper also explains that methodology employed in this research work is one of a qualitative, comprehensive, and interpretive nature in that the researcher will review the available peer-reviewed and scholarly literature in this subject area that is found in journals, periodicals, and other academic material appropriate to support qualitative research findings.
Outline:
Introduction
Research Aims and Objectives
Significance of Research
Methodology:
I. Wellness Program and ROI
II. Reasons for some Programs Failure
III. Important Elements for Ensuring ROI and Success
IV. Screening process is 'Key'
V. Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
VI. Components of Wellness Programs Identified
VII. WELCOA: 'Seven Best Practices' Identified
VIII. Benefits Reaped by the Organization
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The reason stated by Holtyn for failure of many of the wellness programs is that they are not designed in a comprehensive manner and because the programs "lack standards of practice and evaluation" which limits the ability of the programs to "demonstrate their effectiveness and impact on employee health and well being." (Wellness Program Management Advisor, Health Resources Publishing, 2006) The first area assessed in the wellness programs are stated to be: '...worksite environment' and 'corporate environment'. According to Holtyn: "Working within those two [environment], you can have some pretty robust results in terms of risk reduction. A study of worksite environments includes an examination of onsite vending machines, cafeteria menus, smoking policies and other policy issues within a given company's organization..." (Wellness Program Management Advisor, Health Resources Publishing, 2006)."
Abstract This research paper examines and analyzes the economic costs and benefits of gun control in the United States. The positions of gun control advocates and the gun lobby are compared and conclusions reached accordingly.
Abstract The paper discusses the potential benefits of expanding into China's cell phone market and assesses China's internal and external environment. The paper looks at the effective forms of entry into the Chinese market and the requirements of international marketing. Finally, the paper evaluates the costs and benefits of entering into the foreign environment of China.
From the Paper "The market for cell phones in China is highly appealing, considered a booming market, commensurate with other countries that are expanding with the aid of cell phones. In China the appeal of cell phones is intensified as a result of the fact that government controlled land lines never were allowed to reach fruition in their communications capabilities. At present, the Chinese economy is booming, indicating that the Chinese have more disposable income to sustain private communication vehicles such as the cell phone, an extremely appealing indication of viability for private cell phone companies looking to expand."
This paper is a dissertation proposal to investigate public opinion and to gain statistical evidence related to the impact of cost containment on the delivery of quality health care.
Abstract This paper explains that medicine is thought to be a profession that has lost its way, a system in which economics is now the bottom line governing treatment decisions and not the traditional value of beneficence. The author states that the research methodology will be a self-administered questionnaire to 50 recipients of health care and 50 health care providers to gather feedback relating to the effects of cost containment and opinions regarding the current system of health care spending. The paper relates that the research also will contain a survey of the health care practices in five countries, including the United States, Japan, Canada, Germany, and Britain.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Defining the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis
Literature Review ? Health Care Cost Containment
Summary: Benefits of Cost Containment
Methodology and Procedure
Instrument
Data Collection
Subjects
Data Analysis
Assumptions
Limitations
Expectations
Appendix: Sample Survey Questionnaire
From the Paper "When done right, cost containment will actually improve the quality of health care. Scientific justification can be utilized to ensure that people needing treatments get them. Accessibility to quality care services for everyone will be broadened. Universal coverage will also ensure that insurance agencies don?t avoid providing insurance to individuals with higher needs or greater risks, and ensure that cost shifting and risk avoidance are minimized."
Tags: questionnaire, benefits, justification, accessibility, countries
Abstract This paper explains that HDTV marketing tactics, especially in the U. S., which aimed at promoting the benefits of better quality picture and sound, have largely failed because they have not adequately satisfied consumers' cost-benefit ratio analysis. The author recommends that, for marketing strategists to be successful, they will have to focus on educating consumers about the real benefits of HDTV, not as a break-through technology as the color television was, so that consumers can see an obvious benefit from purchasing a more expensive premium set. The paper stresses that HDTV proponents would have a much easier time selling consumers on HDTV if they were backed by major networks and broadcasting agents.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History HDTV
HDTV in the United States
HDTV Marketing
Challenges of Marketing HDTV in America
Failure of HDTV in America
Marketing HDTV UK / Europe
Conclusions
From the Paper "In modern society, HDTV is capable of enhancing the quality of picture on the television screen and the sound. HDTV exceeds traditional television by offering higher picture sharpness and a larger picture, more color options, a wider picture and ?multi-channel digital cd quality sound. This is vastly appealing or so it would seem in a world that is visually based, with modern technology making real to life images increasingly popular and desirable.
Abstract This project involves a report to a company's Board of Directors on the cost and value of offering domestic partner benefits. It addresses the economic implications as well as the practical and moral aspects of offering health coverage to same sex or opposite sex domestic partners.
From the Paper "Traditionally companies thought of a commitment to diversity as involving little more that strict compliance with regulations governing anti discrimination and legislation involving equal employment opportunities ..."
