Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M. P. H.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005.

Institutional anomie theory (IAT) explains the variation in crime at the societal level by the combination of cultural features, and the institutional balance of power between Economy and non-economic institutions. IAT has had empirical support at the national level as well as within country variation to explain both street and white-collar crimes. This study sought to explore embezzlement trends within IAT framework via the economic, family, political and educational institutions in Japan (1985-2005), a country that emulates some elements of American capitalism yet has strong collective cultural norms that is known for exerting strong informal social control. By converting the original rate data into z-scores the trends were standardized on the same scale, so variations in economic and structural conditions over time on Japanese embezzlement were easier to observe. The implications for IAT were discussed.

The pillaging of companies by those who control them is becoming a common occurence in South Africa. The problem arises where those in control of a company are its sole shareholders and the property they are charged with stealing, though not legally belonging to them, is vested in an entity which itself belongs to them. One defence is that there can be no theft where the company consents to the appropriation of its funds. It is argued that a theft is committed only where all the criminal elements of the crime of theft are satisfied, notwithstanding the consent, or absence thereof, by the company. Case law indicates that a conviction depends on the : solvency or insolvency of the company; degree of control and victim of the appropriation. It is submitted that it is inappropriate to base a conviction on these criteria. All abuses of the corporate structure should be punished. / Mercantile Law / LL. M.

This thesis employs a qualitative content analysis of media sources to investigate the erosion of controls on elite actors under the Trump administration. Findings demonstrate the emergence of an aggressive new trend of deregulatory politics, involving the wholesale disarming of a wide range of regulatory bodies and regulators, removal of protective policies and safety nets for consumers, minority populations, and the environmental sphere. Concerningly, much of the rhetoric through which such actions are justified opposes rational modes of governance and further polarizes U.S. racial divides while undermining the media, courts and legal structures, and the scientific community as external regulators. This populist bent belies the extent to which neoliberal continuities are maintained and expanded. These aggressive changes foreshadow increasing opportunities for white-collar crime and elite deviance, as elite actors are left to self-regulate and navigate a fast-changing and nebulous regulatory landscape with lacking oversight and accountability. The implications of these findings are significant to the field of white-collar crime, suggesting a widening arena of opportunity for elite deviance and warranting a renewed challenge to crimes of the powerful. / Graduate

Criminological aspects of corruption Abstract This master thesis focuses on several selected criminological aspects of corruption, aiming to explore them from the criminological point of view. This master thesis, however, does not necessarily aim to provide practical solutions for control of corruption. The first part is focused on the criminology as a science, since it is the basis of this master thesis. The main topics of this part are the crimonology as a term, its subject and its brief history. Next, the attention is pointed towards definition of the term of corruption, given its disunited approaches to its definition, and compares the numerous takes on the definition from the literature and various institutions. The master thesis also brings forward various types and kinds of corruption, including petty corruption, grand corruption or state capture, as well as distinguishing between the types of corruption based on various factors. Given that the corruption may manifest in multiple forms or degrees of institutionalization, variants and syndromes of corruption according to Johnston are not omitted. Corruption is an important social phenomenon causing far-reaching consequences that may, however, not necessarily be easily seen, or they may even be overlooked. In order to understand this pathological...

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The efficient processing of defective or nonconforming hardware and paperwork is important to both defense contractors and the government. Management's concern of excessive costs in this area initiated an investigation into the actual activities, personnel, and computer systems involved in such processing. Applicable military specifications and an assortment of corporate and divisional procedures were reviewed to obtain baseline data. Additional information was sought through personal interviews and visits to the manufacturing areas. The activity flow was documented in block diagrams and time estimates and labor requirements were applied. The detailed labor estimates were input to a LOTUS123 spreadsheet and used to determine average labor cost per disposition type, i.e., rework, scrap, return-to-vendor, or repair. The spreadsheet facilitates quick cost analysis of proposed management changes to the procedure and system. The estimates were merged with actual distribution of dispositions in an expected cost probability network to identify high cost areas and potential savings. Suggested improvements are evaluated by using the expected cost network and the electronic spreadsheet. Library research on recent publications form industry and academe provide further information in an area rich with potential savings: the white collar worker and quality assurance.

The project involved the development and evaluation of a prototype individual performance measurement system. The system was designed to be used on research personnel in a technical consulting firm. Before the system was developed, literature in the field of performance appraisal and the company corporate mission was reviewed. The prototype instrument was then developed based on Behavioral Observation Scales and the Critical Incident Technique. The data necessary to form the prototype was gathered through the use of Nominal Group Technique sessions. The prototype was then evaluated by research personnel in a two month trial appraisal period. Results of this experiment showed that portions of the project were useful to be implemented in the company's current performance appraisal system A description of the prototype system research, development and evaluation is included. / Master of Science