GENERALIZED STOCHASTIC GRADIENT LEARNING*

We study the properties of the generalized stochastic gradient (GSG) learning in forward‐looking models. GSG algorithms are a natural and convenient way to model learning when agents allow for parameter drift or robustness to parameter uncertainty in their beliefs. The conditions for convergence of GSG learning to a rational expectations equilibrium are distinct from but related to the well‐known stability conditions for least squares learning.     

Complex home care: part III--economic impact on family caregiver quality of life and patients' clinical outcomes

Family caregivers perform a significant role in the care of patients with chronic illnesses and prescribed life-long complex home care treatments. Both quantitative and qualitative data from this study suggest the mental health burdens and financial costs of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) caregiving are extensive. In this study, the variability in HPN out-of-pocket expenses and the uncertainty of incurring such extensive costs created additional financial worries within already stressed families. Based on these data, interventions to improve caregivers' sleepiness, depression, and physical health could be hypothesized to improve both patients' and caregivers' quality of life and reduce the frequency of patients' catheter-related infections. These specific nursing interventions also could improve caregiver health and subsequently reduce the costs of caregivers' health care.     

Behavioral Ethics: A Critique and a Proposal

The interaction between static and dynamic facets in organizational ambidexterity produces “change” energy for the organization. The purpose of the research therefore is to examine the predicting role of organizational ambidexterity for entrepreneurial orientation and idiosyncratic deals (i-deals). The moderating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the effect of organizational ambidexterity on entrepreneurial orientation was also investigated. The cross-sectional data for SEM-based analysis were garnered from 427 supervisor-subordinate dyads from software companies in Vietnam business setting. The research findings confirmed the positive relationship between organizational ambidexterity and entrepreneurial orientation, which was moderated by CSR. Entrepreneurial orientation was also found as a strong predictor of i-deals.     

Diversity,knowledge clusters,and job placement: Graduate economics teaching of core microeconomics

The authors present an empirical analysis of what is taught in core micro-economics at a set of top U.S. doctoral economics programs. Their aim is to evaluate the diversity across programs and assess whether there are distinct “schools of thought” in graduate economics education. Their empirical findings reveal substantial, in fact, surprising diversity in what is taught. Application of a clustering algorithm results in programs clustering into two main “schools of thought.” The authors also specify an econometric model of job placement. Their job placement results indicate that candidates are more likely to be hired at schools in the same cluster as their home program, even after controlling for other factors. The results inform debates about graduate education and the relevance of a “common core” curriculum.     

Acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is thickened, velvety, hyperpigmented skin associated with a variety of endocrine disorders, malignancies and medications.     

Manufacture for donation: driving bottom‐line performance through contributions to run strategy optimisation

Manufacturers have idle/open capacity as an inherent part of the manfacturing process. The focus of the paper is to analyse if, as capacity becomes available, it is more financially advantageous to use this capacity to make product for donation, or other nonprofit discount markets, than to leave the production line idle. The conclusion will highlight the opportunity for raising corporate efficiency through incorporating manufacture for donation as a component in run strategy optimisation. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications     

Strong proposals make easy going on solicitation road

"Just get out a proposal," is a command that is heard all too frequently from the officers of an institution, notes this author. The result is a slap-dash replica of what should have been a carefully constructed piece. With advise on the do's and don'ts of proposal writing, the author explains how any fund raiser can reach what at first seemed an unobtainable goal.     

Police management, office automation and organizational change

Police forces, in common with much of the UK system of public administration, continue to come under pressure to engage in managerial and administrative modernisation. This article looks at the role office automation systems play in these processes and at the case for organizational change to accompany the adoption of these systems.