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 The paper examines how knowledge about public hazard is kept secret from the public through the use of secrecy agreements in the courts and how companies often know about deadly defects in their products, yet, they keep the information out of the public eye through secret settlements. This essay analyzes the concept of the secret settlement policy, where companies calculate what is called a cost-benefit-ratio. If the company believes it will be less expensive to settle a claim against it than to recall a product or clean up a hazardous area then the company decides to settle. It discusses the legal aspects of these settlements as well as there pros and cons though literature review and outlines the current laws.
From the Paper "There have been many pros and cons suggested as to why the legislature should or should not adopt these new secrecy bills (caoc.com). Opponents of this legislation state that there is no evidence that the current practice creates any significant problems in concealing information about dangerous products or conditions (caoc.com). Many feel that the new legislation is a threat to high tech firms because the new legislature forces companies to divulge trade secrets (caoc.com). They fear companies will no longer be able to protect trade secrets (caoc.com). However proponents for the new legislature argue that it is designed to restrict secret settlements, not to divulge trade secrets (caoc.com)."
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 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-benefitratio 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 The paper discusses Asset securitization as a significant source of value for prospective issuers. The paper explains that deriving the maximum value is a function of aligning the issuer's business goals and current financial objectives with the structure of the transaction and the use of securitization proceeds. The paper provides an overview of the benefits that may be derived from an asset securitization, the direct and indirect costs of such a transaction and a framework for looking at the cost/benefitratio of the transaction.
From the Paper "The concept of corporate financial management has dramatically changed in the past decade from a system of checks and balances to a juggling act. Corporate finance involves following a set of accounting and financial principles, however, some financial experts suggest that it is more of a gambling act. Intense competition between telecoms corporations has forced corporate finance managers to juggle more than one set of balance sheets, depending on whether the reporting is going to Revenue Canada or shareholders."
This paper defines the term accounting ratios and details why they are a significant tool applied by accountants when presenting accounting statements.
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the importance of accounting ratios in business. Accounting ratios illustrate the present as well as the prospective, so that shareholders can visualize how much gain a business attained, the total worth of the assets and the level of cash reserves available. This well-researched paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of accounting ratios. One significant drawback of the accounting ratio is that it depends too heavily on the conventional costs that lead to twists in quantifying performance. Ratios are required to be represented meticulously. They can entail the evidences to the performance of the company or financial environment. However, they are unable to demonstrate whether the performance is good or bad out their own. The writer details the manner in which the final figures of accounting ratios are achieved, while discussing the fact that these ratios necessitate some quantitative information for an informed analysis to be made. The writer contends and clearly explains why accounting ratios are completely dependent on the supplied data which may or may not be accurate.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "A markedly low accounts ratio may give rise to angry suppliers and remarkably high inventory turnover ratios may lead to supply shortages and angry customers. The one that is correct for one company may not be considered appropriate for another one. Besides, no two companies are found to be similar irrespective of the fact that they are competitors in the same industry or market. Application of ratios to evaluate one company with another provides misleading information. Businesses may be within the same industry but have distinguished financial and business risk. Ratios are completely dependent on the data that may or may not be accurate."
Discusses a costing system proposed for a computer hardware manufacturer who is also going to develop computer software to be sold along with the hardware.
Abstract This paper first recommends a costing system and then states how variances from budget would be identified. It further goes to state how the budgets for the cost centers should be set. Then it mentions some possible sources of funds for financing the project and, in conclusion, mentions how the financial ratios of the company will be affected.
Method of costing How variances can be identified
Method of budgeting
Sources of finance
Effect on ratios Comparison with system in operation
From the Paper "There are many methods of costing that could be applied to this scenario. The current system in place is absorption costing. This is a very traditional approach, in which it is assumed that the total overhead expenses of the company are related in some way to the number of labour hours or machine hours used. In this case, all the overheads are allocated on one basis. If labour hours are used, then it the total overhead amount is divided by the total labour hours expected, and then the amount of overhead is allocated to each product based on the total amount of labour hours it uses."
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 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 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)."
