Abstract This paper summarizes an article related to cost-benefitanalysis 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-benefitanalysis, information technology, article summary
Abstract The following discussion will focus on problems with cost-benefitanalysis 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 examines how costbenefitanalysis 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 costbenefitsanalysis in business research and sees how it can be applied in an organization or in personal lives. Jennifer Giacin, BS, CSA, in her article, ?CostBenefitAnalysis and Business Research?, discusses the increasing use of costbenefitanalysis 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 CostBenefitAnalysis 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 costbenefitanalysis 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-benefitanalysis 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, costbenefitanalysis, interview a senior hr manager
Abstract This paper explains that, to use cost/benefitanalysis, 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/benefitanalysis 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 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."
Abstract This paper explains that reciprocal altruism is a feature of socialization based on a system of reward and punishment. The author points out that reciprocal altruism appears to be an adaptive human behavior because it occurs in situations far beyond kinship and even in situations that do not result in an immediate reward for the altruistic act. The paper relates that altruism can be evaluated in terms of a cost-benefitanalysis in that the altruistic act is a risk with potential or actual costs, which are weighted against the benefits of the altruistic act both for the recipient and the actor.
From the Paper "Reciprocal altruism can be conveniently framed in terms of game theory and the "Prisoner's Dilemma". The "Prisoner's Dilemma" accounts for the obvious complexity involved in the evolution and development of cooperative behavior in human societies. Participants base their decisions to cooperate on selfish motives, a "tit for tat system". However, participants know that cooperation may result in benefits greater than the costs involved. An investment metaphor also works: individuals invest in altruism to the extent they can bank on receiving returns."
Abstract This paper defines nosocomial pneumonia as the development of a fever, leukocytosis, purulent sputum, and new or changes to lung infiltrates on chest x-ray within 72 hours of hospitalization. The paper explains that post-operative nosocomial pneumonia is very preventable but that frequent complications can be costly and life-threatening. The paper addresses areas of improvement for the prevention of nonsocomial pneumonia, such as research, which has shown that careful pre-operative screening can identify patients who are especially at risk for developing post-surgical pneumonia. The paper also describes evidence, which shows that use of an incentive spirometer, early ambulation after surgery as well as the use of coughing & deep breathing exercises is associated with positive post-surgical health outcomes. Tables that illustrate the data are included with the paper.
Table of Contents:
Area in Need of Improvement
Evidence-Based Plan
- Table 1. Odds Ratios of Common Post-operative Pulmonary Complications
Implementation Plan for this Process Improvement
- Table 2. Pneumonia Risk Identification
- Table 3. How to Score Patients Using the Pneumonia Risk Identification Protocol
Business Case to Support Evidenced-Based Plan
- Table 4. Cost of Current Practices
- Table 5. Cost of Implementing PRIP
- Table 6. Cost-BenefitAnalysis Conclusion
From the Paper "Currently Medicare has identified eight conditions that will no longer be reimbursed if a patient develops them during an inpatient stay. Those conditions are object left in patient during surgery, air embolism, blood incompatibility, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, pressure ulcer, vascular-catheter associated infection, mediastinitis after coronary-artery bypass grafting, and fall from bed [4]. Rosenthal wrote in October of 2007 that these eight conditions were identified after meeting several criteria including that the condition "could reasonably have been prevented through the application of evidence-based guidelines". Currently post-surgical pneumonia is not one the eight identified conditions, but as the number of Medicare participants increases and funds are strained, this preventable and costly condition could easily become next on Medicare's list of non-reimbursable conditions."
Tags: nursing, incentive spirometer use, surgical Pneumonia, business case analysis, preventative health
This paper outlines the three most important changes to the U.S. regulatory system in the past two centuries and provides a detailed analysis for each basis of reasoning.
Abstract The past two centuries have been witness to many profound changes in the way Americans live their lives. The existence of a legislative body ensures that these changes to everyday life are properly regulated in society and that a basic tenet of American life, a free market, ultimately prevails. The writer explains that changes must be made to this regulatory system often to keep up with ever-changing times. Throughout the past two centuries, three changes in regulatory policy have had a significant influence on the system and society. It examines these three changes, which are the antitrust legislation of the early 20th century, the deregulation period from 1976-1996, and the advent of cost-benefitanalysis in the late 20th century. These issues often are the response to a problem in society and are analyzed and supported with examples from each time period in this essay.
From the Paper "The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and the ensuing Clayton Act of 1914 were ultimately a reaction to the growth of monopolies at an alarming rate, most notably the railroad and oil industries. According to Eisner, "railroad regulation and antitrust policies became two central components of the Progressive Era's market regime." (Eisner 2000, 47). As the railroad began to revolutionize intrastate travel by offering a cheap and effective way of transporting goods, rail companies realized the enormous profit implications and rapidly consolidated their companies until there remained only a few large companies responsible for rail travel all over the United States. This led to rail owners agreeing on set prices throughout the nation, since there was no competition to spur lower prices. This disadvantaged many, including small businesses that had come to rely on the railroad for transportation of their goods to market. Oil companies took a similar path, with John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust rising to be the dominant oil company. American citizens became growingly discontent with these two industries, claiming that these two monopolies breached individual rights and made competition impossible. The progression of these two industries led to the passing of the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1890, which "committed the American government to opposing monopolies." ( Hirsch, Kett, and Trefil 2002). It outlawed any act by businesses to restrain trade or commerce. The act was largely ineffective in its early inception, due to unfavorable Supreme Court rulings. President Theodore Roosevelt's "trust-busting" campaigns saw the first successful use of the Sherman Act, with the Supreme Court affirming the government's dissolution of Northern Securities Company."
Abstract The paper focuses on the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia company's issue of increased employee turnover. The paper analyzes three strategy options from the standpoints of the attractiveness to stakeholders, stakeholder participation, risk assessment, costbenefitanalysis, consistency with organizational values, effects on market position and share and costs and investments. The paper selects the most suitable strategy of investing in human resources by increasing employee wages and offering employees training programs and other personalized incentives. The paper discusses the mission, vision and objectives of the company and reveals what writing about strategic planning and implementation on such a large company taught this writer.
Outline:
Management Strategy
Mission, Vision and Objectives
Learning Experience
From the Paper "In order to resolve the problem posed by the increased rate of the employee turnover, MSO should place increased emphasis on the company's internal structure. In this order of ideas, a stronger, more skilled and more committed Human Resource Department should be established. The HR department should have easy access to all workers at all organizational levels and should constantly collaborate with all operational managers. Furthermore, delegates from the personnel department should continuously mingle with the workers in order to identify and better address their concerns."
Abstract The subject of hermaphrodite will be discussed within the realm of mammal, fish, and plant life. By understanding how living organisms have male and female traits within one entity, we can learn the costs and benefits for such creatures within the biological functions in the world.
Abstract This paper reports that the Ford Motor company quickly developed and manufactured the Ford Pinto automobile and knew that the gas tank on the Pinto was defective and could potentially cause fires when accidents occurred. The author points out that the company acted in a manner that was unethical when it allowed the continued manufacturing of the Pinto and did not recall Pinto cars already on the road even after there were several deaths, which occurred as a result of these problems. The paper stresses that the company acted unethically in its decision to use a cost/benefitanalysis involving human life.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Ford Pinto
Conclusion
From the Paper "In addition to the aforementioned case, Ford was also the subject of a criminal case after the death of three teenagers. In this case, the company was prosecuted for reckless homicide and criminal recklessness. The author explains that in this case the company was being held liable for its refusal to recall the vehicles even thought they were aware that the placement of the fuel tank could result in serious accidents and had already resulted in several fatalities. In the opinion of the prosecutor the company was responsible for criminal recklessness and reckless homicide.'
