This comparative social analysis represents the results of the "West European Study of Health (WESH)." It is one of a few systematically comparative social science analyses of such national health systems as Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. Based on a total of 2500 cases the project analyses problems like health culture, social stratification in its impact on health, health life style and the motivations of people that shape health policies. This book meets both the expectation of descriptive information as well as comprehensive analysis by statistical means and on the background of practical as well as theoretical concerns. The policy implications of the results are eminent. The comparative design is of exemplary importance for health and social science. The book is of interest for public health, health professionals, health policymakers, psychologists, social scientists and political representatives from the community up to the European level. Aus dem Inhalt: Statement and Significance of the Problem: Theoretical, Historical Context and Comparative Methodology * Organization, Present problems and Efficiency of West European Health Care Systems * WESH - Method, Fieldwork, and Selected Indicators of the Study * A Descriptive Overview Concerning Results for Health Behavior in the 5-Nation-Study of WESH * Health Culture in Europe - an Exploration of National and Social Differences in Health-Related Values * Health and Social Stratification * Health Life-Style and Social Stratification * Public and Private Responsibility for Health: A Comparative Analysis towards Financing and the Right for Health Care * From Utilization to Evaluation * Euregional Health Culture: An Exploration

Bringing together an international group of researchers involved in military, business, and health modeling and simulation, Conceptual Modeling for Discrete-Event Simulation presents a comprehensive view of the current state of the art in the field. The book addresses a host of issues, including: What is a conceptual model? How is conceptual modeling performed in general and in specific modeling domains? What is the role of established approaches in conceptual modeling? Each of the book's six parts focuses on a different aspect of conceptual modeling for simulation. The first section discusses the purpose and requirements of a conceptual model. The next set of chapters provides frameworks and tools for conceptual modeling. The book then describes the use of soft systems methodology for model structuring as well as the application of software engineering methods and tools for model specification. After illustrating how conceptual modeling is adopted in the military and semiconductor manufacturing, the book concludes with a discussion on future research directions. This volume offers a broad, multifaceted account of the field by presenting diverse perspectives on what conceptual modeling entails. It also provides a basis upon which these perspectives can be compared.