Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer in Taiwan, which consumes high medical expense among the total healthcare expenditure and becomes the significant burden to the finance of National Health Insurance (NHI). However, population-based statistics about the cost with the survival rate is rare. Objective: Through analyzing the data from the Bureau of National Health Insurance and hospital clinical files, we estimated the medical expenditure for treating HCC patients and the factors associated with treatment outcome. Methods: The National Health Insurance data from 1996 to 2002 with ICD-9 code 155 were used, which include age, gender, visiting time, and medical cost for inpatient or outpatient visits. The population-based data were analyzed to estimate 1-5 year survival probability and medical cost of HCC patients. In hospital-based data, 189 patients from 1991 to 2004 were recorded by clinical chart and 62 of them diagnosed during 2002 and 2004 were further selected to match the claim data. These informations were used for computing survival or recurrence probability, related factors, and medical cost. Results: For all incident cases in 1997, the average 5-year cumulated cost was NT$ 219,398, while the cumulated cost for those patients survived more than five years was NT$ 491,288. The survival probability was 30.8% for more than one year, 20.9% for more than two years, 15.2% for more than three years, 11.3% for more than four years, and 9.7% for more than five years in 1997 respectively. Female and those age >45-65 years old seemed to have better survival outcomes than male and those age ¡Ø45 years old or >65 years old , the averaged medical cost per treated case surviving more than five years were T$2,457,214 for male and NT$ 1,987,874 for female. Hospital clinical data indicated that TNM stages, therapy choice, liver cirrhosis, and ascites are risk factors for surviving. Although pre-TACE treatment has higher expenditure, its five-year survival probability is better than other treatments in this research. Conclusions: This paper presents medical cost with survival probability and its associated factors for HCC patients and further estimates the medical cost per life saved for treating HCC patients. Our findings can offer the policy-maker, provider, and patient to evaluate the intervention or prevention program in the future.

No description available.

During the evaluation of the seismic retrofitting option for risk reduction/mitigation measures to be applied over buildings, Benefit Cost Analysis is an often-used method. During this study of Benefit Cost Analysis, the condition that the earthquake can happen just after or sometime after retrofitting will be taken into consideration rather than some approaches that focus on the benefits and costs regarding the annual probability of the occurrence for possible earthquakes. The analysis will use conditional probability such that the earthquake will be assumed to occur at different periods of time (5, 10, 20 years etc.) after the mitigation measures are taken so that benefit-cost ratios and net social benefits can be observed over time using the results at these periods. Also during this study the indirect effects of earthquake such as business disruption, social disturbance will also be taken into consideration. As a final step, it is aimed to conclude with convincing financial results regarding the direct and indirect effects of the earthquake in terms of benefits and costs to encourage people and the public officials to reduce the potential vulnerability of the housing units people live by taking the necessary precautions against the earthquake.

La recherche se propose d’introduire en sciences de gestion le concept de cherté de la vie du point de vue des consommateurs. Pour ce faire, la recherche propose, dans un premier temps, de définir le concept de cherté de la vie tel qu’évalué par les consommateurs et d’en identifier son contenu. Dans un second temps, la recherche pose la question des antécédents de cette évaluation et de ses conséquences sur le comportement d’achat des consommateurs.La démarche empirique s’appuie sur une Mixed Methods Research. Il s’agit là d’une méthode de recherche qui implique de combiner à la fois les éléments d’une approche quantitative et d’une approche qualitative à des fins de compréhension et de corroboration. Dans cette optique, deux principales études empiriques ont été réalisées : (1) une étude exploratoire qualitative composée de plusieurs méthodes de collecte de données (entretiens semi directifs, netnographie, sondage en sortie de supermarché) et (2) une étude quantitative confirmatoire menée auprès de 700 résidents de l’île de La Réunion.L’étude qualitative permet (1) de déterminer les causes de cette cherté de la vie du point de vue des consommateurs, (2) de définir l’évaluation de la cherté de la vie et de structurer son contenu et (3) d’analyser les conséquences de cette évaluation sur le comportement d’achat des consommateurs. A la lumière de ces premiers résultats et de la revue de la littérature, une série d’hypothèses ainsi que le modèle de la recherche qui en découle sont alors formulés. Hypothèses et modèle testés lors de la phase quantitative.L’étude quantitative permet quant à elle (1) de valider un instrument de mesure de l’évaluation de la cherté de la vie, (2) de mettre en évidence l’influence de l’évaluation de la cherté de la vie sur les comportements d’achat des consommateurs, et (3) de souligner le rôle modérateur de la préoccupation du maintien du pouvoir d’achat (PPA). La recherche a comme principaux apports la conceptualisation de la cherté de la vie du point de vue des consommateurs et la mise en exergue des conséquences de cette évaluation sur les habitudes de consommation des individus. Les résultats permettent ainsi d’alimenter la réflexion sur la nécessité, pour les managers, de tenir compte de / The research proposes to introduce the concept of high cost-of-living from customers’ point of view into managementscience. In order to do this, the research first proposes to define the concept of high cost of from customers’ point of viewand to identify its content. Secondly, the research focuses on the antecedents of the concept and its consequences onconsumers' purchasing behavior.The empirical approach is based on a Mixed Methods Research. This is a research method that involves combining boththe elements of a quantitative and qualitative approach in order to understand the high cost-of-living from customers’point of view. Two main empirical studies have been carried out: (1) a qualitative exploratory study composed of severalmethods of data collection (semi-directive interviews, netnography, survey at the exit of a supermarket) and (2) aquantitative confirmatory study with a sample of 700 residents of Réunion Island.The qualitative study allows (1) to determine the causes of this high cost-of-living from customers’ point of view, (2) todefine the concept and to structure its content and (3) to analyze the consequences of this evaluation on consumerpurchasing behavior. From the results of the qualitative study and the literature review, a series of assumptions and themodel of research are formulated. The assumptions and the model are tested during the quantitative study.The quantitative study allows (1) to validate a measuring instrument of evaluation of the high cost-of-living, (2) todetermine the influence of this evaluation on consumer buying behavior, and (3) to emphasize the moderating role ofPPA.The main contributions of this research are the conceptualization of the high cost of living from customers’ point of viewand the description of the consequences of this evaluation on consumer.

This master’s thesis deals with the operating production cost in machining process and further optimalization. Individual costs items which are related to machining process are specified. Attention is paid to the time consumption of individual machining methods. The aim of the thesis is to find an optimal combination of cutting speed and durability in order to meet the minimum cost criteria and maximum productivity. The calculations are used for turning the outer cylindrical surface and the face surfaces at a constant cutting speed. The work is accompanied by tables and calculations in Microsoft Excel.

This Master‘s thesis is focused on cost analyses and cost management in FEI Company. Theoretical part describes basic and advanced cost model and their usage for efficient cost management. Practical part deals with analyses of calculation method for standard costing and life cycle costing. As a part of these analyses, some recommendations are provided to make cost calculations more accurate.

Abstract in English, Tsonga and Zulu / Mitlumbo ya mifambafambo ya le magondzweni i xin’wana xa miringeto (risks) yo biha ku tlula hinkwayo ya swifambo swa le gondzweni emisaveni hinkwayo, leswi yimelaka xiphiqo lexikulu xa swohanyaswin’we-ikhonomi ngopfu-ngopfu eka matiko lama ya ha hluvukaka tanihi Afrika-Dzonga. Ku va ku nyikiwa masungulo yo tiya ya xiikhonomi eka swiboho swa mbekiso ku tirhana na ntlhontlho lowu, i swa nkoka swinene ku hlela ndhurho wa mitlumbo leyi. Mipimanyeto leyi yi tirha tanihi nxopaxopo wa swinghenisiwa swa mbuyelo wa ndhurheriwo ku endlela ku kuma mphakelo wa switirhisiwa wo tirha kahle eka ku nghenelela eka ku tirhana na mitlhontlho leyi vangiwaka hi mitlumbano ya le magondzweni. Tiko ra Afrika-Dzonga a ri nga ri ku pfuxeteni ka mahungu ya mipimanyeto ya midurho ya mitlumbano ya le magondzweni nkarhi na nkarhi, naswona leyi a yi endliwa a yi tirhisa maendlelo lamo soriwa ngopfu yo languta nkoka wa vanhu (human capital). Hikwalaho, mipimanyeto leyi nga kona a yi nga ta va leyi tshembekaka eka ku kunguhata na ku pimaniseka na mipimanyeto ya matiko man’wana. Hi le ka ku landzelela vundzhaku lebyi laha dyondzo leyi yi nga tumbuluka na ku kombisa matirhiselo ya rimba ra ntirho wo katsa (hybrid) ku kambela ndhurho wa mitlumbo ya swifambo swa le magondzweni eAfrika-Dzonga. Rimba leri ri tirhisa endlelo ro kongomisa eka nkoka wa vanhu na ku pfumela ku hakela (willingness-to-pay), eka dyondzo yi ri yin’we. Mipimanyeto ya midurho ya nkoka wa vanhu ya laveka ku va yi pfuna eka ku kunguhata leswaku yi tlakusa swinenenene swihumesiwa swa rixaka, loko hala tlhelo mipimanyeto yo pfumela ku hakela yona yi ri yona yi fanelaka swinene eka ku pfuneta minghenelelo yo tlakusa nhlayiseko wa vanhu hi ku hunguta ku vaviseka na ku fa. Endlelo ro pfumela ku hakela ri tirhisa maendlelo ya swo ka swi nga ri swa makete (contingent valuation) na ya maendlelo yo langa (preference). Khwexinere yo valanga leyi a yi ri na maendlelo yo ka ya nga ri ya swa makete na swilangiwa leswi a swi boxiwile, yi tirhisiwile hi magoza mambirhi ku sampula vaanguri va 273 eka ntirho wa swo tleketla. Eka mhaka ya endlelo ro kongomisa eka nkoka wa vanhu, mipimanyeto ya ndhurho eka xiviko xa 2016 xa Cost of Crashes in South Africa yi hundzuluxiwile hi ku katsa inifulexini, ku tirhisiwa mpimo wa 2017 wa 5.3% ku kuma mipimanyeto ya ndhurho ya 2017. Dyondzo leyi yi paluxile leswaku endlelo ro kongomisa eka nkoka wa vanhu ri kayiveta ku vona ndhurho wa mitlumbo ya le magondzweni. Dyondzo leyi yi hoxa xandla eka ntsengo wa vutivi hi ku tirhisa endlelo ro languta nkoka wa vanhu na endlelo ro pfumela ku hakela eka dyondzo yi ri yin’we ku kombisa ntirhiseko wa endlelo leri ra nkatso (hybrid)/nhlanganiso eka xiyimo xa Afrika-Dzonga. Ndzavisiso wa nkarhi lowu taka wu fanele ku engeta dyondzo leyi hi sampulu leyi humaka eka swifundzakulu hinkwaswo swa nkaye swa Afrika-Dzonga, leswaku mipimanyeto ya ndhurho yi yimela vanhu va tiko hinkwaro. / Road traffic crashes are one of the worst risks of road mobility worldwide, representing a huge socio-economic problem particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. In order to provide a sound economic basis for investment decisions to address this challenge, it is critical to assess the cost of these crashes. These estimates serve cost-benefit analysis inputs to facilitate a more efficient resources allocation for interventions to address the challenge posed by road crashes. South Africa has not been updating crash cost estimates on a regular basis, and those that were conducted used the much criticised human capital approach. Therefore, the available estimates could not be relied upon for planning purposes and comparison with the estimates of other countries. It is against this background that this study developed and illustrated the application of a hybrid framework for assessing the cost of road traffic crashes in South Africa. The framework uses the human capital approach and the willingness-to-pay approach in one study. Human capital approach cost estimates are needed to inform planning to maximize the national output, while the willingness-to-pay estimates are more suitable when the main concern is to inform interventions to increase social welfare by reducing injuries and fatalities. The willingness-to-pay approach uses the contingent valuation and the stated preference methods. A survey questionnaire with contingent valuation and stated preference questions was administered in two phases to a sample of 273 respondents within the transport industry. For the human capital approach, the cost estimates in the 2016 Cost of Crashes in South Africa report were adjusted for inflation using the 2017 rate of 5.3% to obtain 2017 cost estimates. This study revealed that the human capital approach underestimates the cost of road crashes. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by using the human capital approach and the willingness-to-pay approach in one study to illustrate the applicability of this hybrid/ combination within the South African context. Future research needs to replicate this study on a sample drawn from all nine provinces of South Africa, so that the cost estimates are representative of the country’s population. / Ukuphazamiseka komgwaqo kungenye yezingozi ezimbi kakhulu zokuhamba komgwaqo emhlabeni jikelele, ezimele inkinga enkulu yenhlalo nezomnotho ikakhulukazi emazweni asathuthuka njengeNingizimu Afrika. Ukuze unikeze isisekelo sezomnotho esizwakalayo ezinqumeni zokutshala izimali ukubhekana nale nselele, kubalulekile ukuhlola izindleko zalezi zingozi. Lezi zilinganiso zisebenza njengeziphakamiso zokuhlaziywa kwezindleko zokuhlomula ukuze kube lula ukunikezwa kwezinsiza ezenzelwe ukuxazulula inselele ebangelwa ukuphazamiseka komgwaqo. INingizimu Afrika ayizange ibuyekeze ukulinganisa izindleko zezingozi njalo, futhi lezo ezenziwa zisebenzise indlela enkulu yokugxeka ukusebenzisa abantu. Ngakho-ke, izilinganiso ezitholakalayo azikwazanga ukuthenjelwa kuzona ngezinjongo zokuhlela nokuqhathaniswa nezilinganiso zamanye amazwe. Lokhu kuphikisana nalesi sigaba ukuthi lolu cwaningo lusungulwe futhi luboniswe ukusetshenziswa kohlaka oluxubile lokuhlola izindleko zokuphazamiseka komgwaqo eNingizimu Afrika. Uhlaka lusebenzisa indlela yokusebenzisa abantu kanye nendlela yokuzimisela-ukukhokha ocwaningweni olulodwa. Ukulinganiselwa kwezindleko zokusebenzisa abantu kuyadingeka ukuze kwaziswe ukuhlela ukwandisa umkhiqizo kazwelonke, kanti ukulinganiselwa kokuzimisela-ukukhokhela kukulungele kakhulu ukwazisa ukungenelela ukwandisa inhlalakahle yomphakathi ngokunciphisa ukulimala nokubulawa kwabantu. Indlela yokuzimisela-ukukhokha isebenzisa ukuhlaziywa kwesilinganiso kanye nezindlela okukhethwa ngazo. Imibuzo yokuhlola ngokuhlaziywa kwesilinganiso kanye nemibuzo ekhethwe ngayo yenziwa ngezigaba ezimbili embonakalisweni yabaphendulile abangama-273 embonini yezokuthutha. Ngokwendlela yokusebenzisa abantu, izindleko ezilinganiselwa ku-2016 Izindleko Zokushayisana eNingizimu Afrika kubikwa ukuthi zalungiselwa ukwenyuka kwamandla emali, kusetshenziswa isilinganiso sango-2017 esingu-5.3% ukuthola izindleko zango-2017. Lolu cwaningo luveze ukuthi indlela yokusebenzisa abantu ithatha kancane izindleko zokuphazamiseka komgwaqo. Ucwaningo lunomthelela emzimbeni wolwazi ngokusebenzisa indlela yokusebenzisa abantu kanye nendlela yokuzimisela-ukukhokha ocwaningweni olulodwa ukukhombisa ukufaneleka kwalesi sivumelwano / inhlanganisela ngaphakathi komongo waseNingizimu Afrika. Ucwaningo lwesikhathi esizayo ludinga ukuphindaphinda lolu cwaningo embonakalisweni othathwe kuzo zonke izifundazwe eziyisishiyagalolunye zaseNingizimu Afrika, ukuze ukulinganiswa kwezindleko kummele abantu bezwe / Business Management / D. Phil. (Management Studies)