Suchergebnisse

Examines the current status of Internet tax both in the USA and Europe to ascertain, if, indeed, leveling the playing field is required or if milking the cash cow is in order. It also examines legislation and court rulings from the USA and Europe and examines some of the possibilities for the future.

How does an information system manager know who is liable if the system fails? The courts have had difficulty fitting this bifurcated world of goods and services. We, as information specialists, can appreciate that software can be supplied in a variety of forms, some more tangible than others. Programmers might write software for mass distribution, tailor an existing established package, or design from scratch a custom system. Although the majority of courts have yet to face this issue in the precise context of tort liability, most believe the characterization of goods or service is properly determined by the supplier's degree of involvement with the customer. Examines a number of important issues related to the question of computer information system failures and who may be liable for damages because of the failure. Concludes with a reminder that computer information system failure is not limited to economic loss alone.

One of the many concerns in the information area in the early 1980s was how the implementation of technology would change the way we work. In the 1990s the feeling is will we work! This paper examines the current dilemma that technology has presented to the knowledge worker. The players in this scenario are the knowledge workers, unions, both public and private, and outsourcing. It is said that to try to restrict the flow of work in the name of saving jobs in the USA is futile. The author believes that perhaps this is an area that requires further study. In this discussion the author concludes that the fate of the knowledge worker is not in the hands of Divine Providence, but in the political arena.

Inequality and freedom mean different things to different people; whether inequality should encapsulate ethical concepts such as the desirability of a particular system of rewards or simply mean differences in income appears to be the subject of much debate. The World Bank conceptualises inequality as the dispersion of a distribution, whether that is income, consumption or some other welfare indicator or attribute of a population. When Lawrence Reed introduced his seven principles of sound public policy at a presentation at the Economic Club of Detroit, one item that stood out was his principle which stated that "free people are not equal and equal people are not free". He was not addressing the foundation of equality in society but about income and material wealth a person may earn in the marketplace, essentially he was addressing "economic equality". Hofstede touches on a number of postulates when he speaks of inequality within a society and how it is visible in the existence of different social classes: upper, the middle, and lower. According to Hofstede, classes differ in their access to and their opportunities to benefit from the advantages of society. He cites education and the benefits derived by advanced education. The World Bank has concluded that inequality in intelligence is part of the human condition and inescapably contributes to a substantial degree of income inequality that greater equality of opportunity cannot circumvent. This article examines a number of concepts which dispel formal equality theory and the belief that equality is achieved if the law treat likes alike is faulted.

The period commencing with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour (December 7, 1941) and ending with the completion of World War II had a great impact on women's employment and sets the stage for the expression of woman power and its tremendous impact on women's future horizon. It indeed widened the present and future horizons of women.

Looks briefly at the legal framework before considering the changing demographics across the world. Looks at campaigns to help the older worker. Considers the issue of mandatory retirement together with the complexities of age bias and way to prove that this exists. Cites some recent case law and concludes that it will only improve as the demographic moves in favour of the older worker.

Outlines barriers which face those with disabilities. Presents the US Federal Government's view under the recent legislation and introduces the work of the Access Board. Examines Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and its probable impact on the public and private sector and also considers the exceptions the act allows. Provides a representative sample of comments from private industry organizations.

Explains the problems disabled women have with the obstacles they must overcome to "cliff jump". Focuses on the research literature, pointing out that much of this has been oppressive. Argues that the research reinforces on those with disabilities that the differences they face are the results of their individual limitations or inadequacies rather than the limitations of society. Covers areas such as attitude, education, health care, abuse, information and empowerment.