Is Normal Distribution due to Karl Gauss? Euler,his Family of Gamma Functions,and Place in History of Statistics

While Gauss (1777–1855) has primacy in explicating properties of the normal distribution, it is Euler (1707–1783) who is predominant with respect to analytical formulation of this function. This case is discussed within the context of uniform rendering of computer algorithms for higher transcendental functions.     

The Incompatibility of Decentralized Bargaining and Equal Employment Opportunity in Australia

Profound changes have occurred in the industrial relations system in Australia since the mid-1980s as the system of centralized regulation has been replaced by collective bargaining at the level of the enterprise. This has corresponded with the considerable expansion of women's employment, mainly in part-time and temporary jobs. At the same time, recognition of the disadvantaged position of women in the work-force has resulted in the enactment of laws to promote equal employment opportunity. This article examines the ability of these laws to achieve equal employment opportunity policies alongside bargaining decentralization and a growing non-standard women's work-force.     

Students' Perceptions of a Scaffolded Approach to Learning Financial Planning: An Empirical Study

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis (GFC), one understandable area of scrutiny and pressure for reform is the educational background and professionalism of personal financial advisers. This Australian study reports on a three-year investigation into students' perceptions of ‘scaffolded’ instruction in financial planning. The scaffolded approach was used to assist learning in areas that previously had caused difficulty. The results indicate that students perceived the scaffolded tasks to be valuable learning experiences which increased their appreciation of the skills and knowledge required by financial advisers. Although students may bring different frames of reference to their learning, and the positiveness of perceived value of scaffolded instruction may vary between different demographic groupings, scaffolding techniques are shown to provide strong potential to assist university educators and their students in financial planning.     

Promoting alignment between innovation policy and inclusive development in South Africa

Innovation for inclusive development (IID) is widely promoted as a policy objective in the global South, but the challenge is that there is little design and implementation of context-appropriate instruments and incentives. One critical foundation is network alignment – that innovation policy should be aligned with the goals and strategies of government departments responsible for promoting inclusive development (Von Tunzelmann, N, 2007. Approaching network alignment. Draft Paper for the U-Know Consortium: Understanding the relationship between knowledge and competitiveness in the enlarging European Union). The paper contributes by using qualitative analysis software to analyse the nature of shared policy goals and instruments in South Africa, and assess how these can be aligned with each other and with the goals of IID. Three main spaces for policy intervention are identified, to promote IID in a way that goes beyond the aspirational and the rhetorical. Such analysis of formal policy does not take into account the political will, capabilities and resources for implementation, but it does provide a systematic evidence base to effect strategic change.     

Bridging skills demand and supply in South Africa: The role of public and private intermediaries

ABSTRACT

Demand-led skills development requires linkages and coordination between firms and education and training organisations, which are major challenges considering that each represents a ‘self-interested’ entity. The need for a ‘collaborative project’ involving government, firms, universities and colleges, and other bodies is thus increasingly recognised. However, the crucial role of intermediaries has been largely overlooked. The article addresses this gap by investigating the main roles of public and private intermediaries across three case studies: sugarcane growing and milling, automotive component manufacturing, and the Square Kilometre Array sectoral systems of innovation. The research highlights the need for a move towards systemic thinking, to bridge across public and private objectives. It shows that private intermediaries play a larger role than is recognised in policy; that public–private intermediaries play crucial roles in coordination; and the potential for public intermediaries to contribute more effectively to systemic functioning.     

Housing Loan Patterns Toward Minority Borrowers in Mississippi: Analysis of Some Micro Data Evidence of Redlining

We apply a cross-regional probit analysis to examine the existence or otherwise of the discriminatory practice of “redlining” in housing loan lending practices of banks in Mississippi. Data on loan denial rates across three Mississippi regions of Tri-County Metro-Jackson, Southern Mississippi Corridor, and the Northern district are studied to determine the pattern of bank lending activities regarding owner-occupied housing loan extensions to minority members of Mississippi's population. The purpose is to determine the degree to which the banks have or have not observed fair and equitable lending practices toward minority borrowers, relative to the members of the majority population. The results suggest that there is a consistently high denial rates against minorities. The results indicate strong evidence of redlining practices in housing loan decisions, which contribute to the growth of racial segregation in the state.

International Entertainment Incentives： Strategic Choices in a Global Market

Although business incentives in general have not been proven to be as economically sound as once expected, the United States and other countries still use them to attract the business of entertainment. Although there are some common elements, the overall approach to incentives varies-as does their effectiveness. The majority of the United States has opened their coffers to incentives, and many other countries have as well. This paper looks at the present standing of international entertainment incentives and opens the future of research in this growing area. The analysis shows that international incentives are not only designed to stimulate job development, but also advance the culture of a country or region. In context, this paper shows that these two goals are counter-productive and recommends that governments focus on industry creation and jobs.     

Enterprise zones: Incentives are not attracting minority firms

This study examines the effectiveness of the enterprise zone concept as a tool for economic development, particularly as it relates to increased minority business ownership and minority employment. Two research tests regarding the extent of minority firm participation and minority employment in the enterprise zones, as well as the incentives which were most likely to attract minority firms to the enterprise zones, are presented. The results suggested that enterprise zones contributed to business development and the creation of several new jobs. However, minority firms were not found to be participating in the program at meaningful levels. It is recommended that the enabling legislation be amended to address these issues.     

Technology education in the Caribbean — Needs and directions

Conclusion The distinguishing characteristic of Caribbean technology education must be its emphasis on the effective. Technological activity is heavily value-laden. It has given us almost infinite power to change our world and to change ourselves, ut it is our values that determine the direction of those changes. The danger lies not in the new powers that technology has given, but in the subordination of those new powers to old values like greed and exploitation. We have the scientific and technical knowledge to eliminate hunger and prevent the devastation of the environment but we have not done so. Caribbean technology education must develop the attitudes and values of Caribbean people so that they might use the capability it provides in ways that safeguard the good of the entire region.     

Will Deregulating the Labor Market in Australia Improve the Employment COnditions of Women?

This article traces the development of policies designed to reduce gender workforce inequality in Australia. In contrast to earlier centralized and collective approaches, current strategy is founded on individualism and direct workplace bargaining. The location of reform is now the enterprise, with direct bargaining replacing collective standards. Current policy developments have seen gender subsumed under market imperfections and family responsibilities. These policies will remove many of the safeguards of minimum pay and conditions for women workers, especially those who are most vulnerable. When combined with the growth of "nonstandard" jobs the picture is bleak for many workers, especially the low paid. The onus for corrective action now rests with individual employees and workplace managers, with trade unions being marginalized. The authors suggest that a continuation of the current policy will wind back the clock on the employment conditions of women workers in Australia.