Using a spatial model, we compare different rules for aggregating preferences across confederated districts, under the assumption that voters have private information and face uncertainty about the distribution of preferences of other voters. Our model includes, as special cases, systems of local representation in national assemblies and parliaments and international legislatures with rep­ rese...

This paper brings into question whether information systems should be centralized or decentralized in order to provide greater support for different business processes. During the last century companies and organizations have used different approaches for centralization and decentralization; a simple answer to the question does not exist. This paper provides a survey of the evolution of central...

It has been discovered that in many organizations the information technology department is a separate entity, while in others each business unit incorporates their own information technology department. The former represents a centralized approach while the latter represents a decentralized approach. The centralized IT department suits some organizations better than others. However, it is becom...

Objective. We investigated the effects of the centralization of obstetricians and obstetric care facilities on the perinatal mortality rate in Japan. Methods. We used the Gini coefficient as an index to represent the centralization of obstetricians and obstetric care facilities. The Gini coefficients were calculated for the number of obstetricians and obstetric care facilities of 47 prefectures...

Background: Congenital radial club hand (RCH), as a rare congenital deformity of the upper extremity, is characterized by a wide spectrum of malformations including radial deviation. Centralization surgery is the standard treatment for severe cases that have been associated with a high rate of recurrence. This study reports the long-term results and recurrence rate of radial deviation following...

Over time various drivers affecting information technology architecture design have been proposed which favored more centralization or decentralization. The last major shift towards centralization started in the late 1990s and was motivated by standardization, integration, and cost issues. With the advent of ubiquitous computing, the next inflection point heading towards decentralization might ...