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Home > Newsroom > In the News > In the News 1999

Abt Associates in the News — 1999

Welcome to the Abt Associates' In the News Section. Many members of our staff are frequently quoted as expert sources for news articles. Below are summaries of selected articles in which our experts are cited. Many of these summaries list on-line access information: access is sometimes free, but sometimes a small fee is charged once the article is archived. For more information or for a hard-copy of the original article, contact Corporate Communications at 617-520-2982, or e-mail newsroom@abtassoc.com.

In the News, December 1999

In the News, November 1999

In the News, October 1999

In the News, September 1999

In the News, August 1999

In the News, July 1999

In the News, May 1999

In the News, April 1999

In the News, March 1999

In the News, February 1999

In the News, January 1999

Douglas McDonald, Senior Associate, discusses prison privatization and overcrowding. He says that the prison privatization business has grown from overcrowding situations and the firms benefit from crisis situations in corrections. Hard copy available.


Senior Analyst Bhavya Lal discusses the perceived gender discrimination in the field of engineering. An issue brief prepared for the National Science Foundation by Abt Associates found that women earn about 97 cents for every dollar earned by men in the profession. Hard copy (of the article) available. A copy of the brief is available online.


An issue brief prepared for the National Science Foundation by Abt Associates found that women earn about 97 cents for every dollar earned by men in the profession. This article discusses this perceived gender discrimination in the field of engineering. Hard copy (of the article) available. A copy of the brief is available online.


Abt Associates Senior Scientist Michael Gross discusses the safety of female condoms used during anal intercourse. "Men with any HIV-positive partners were two time more likely to have used female condoms than men whose partners were HIV-negative or of unknown HIV status," he says. These men are at higher risk of infection and reports of rectal bleeding associated with female condoms is an area of concern. Hard copy available.


Dr. Anthony Kinghorn, of Abt Associates Southern Africa Regional Office, discusses the economic effect on families of HIV/AIDS patients. Dr. Kinghorn conducted a study of HIV/AIDS projections among students and staff of Natal University. Some experts say that, in the next five to 10 years, the disease could make it difficult for people to send their children to the university. Hard copy available.


A 1998 Abt Associates study found that consumption of cigarettes dropped by 31 percent in six years to a rate that ranked Massachusetts as the third-lowest in the nation. This article discusses the state's antismoking campaign which is often held up as a national model. (for a fee) by searching for "Abt Associates."


Facility Manager Alfred Dussi accepted the Warren P. MacEachern Award for Outstanding Employers 1999 on behalf of Abt Associates. The company was honored for its continued involvement with the Work Force program, providing jobs to high school students. Hard copy of article is available.


Principal Consultant William Tice comments on the diminishing importance of the desktop computer. He says, as more people start working from remote locations, the more flexible pieces of equipment will become more attractive than the standard PC. Hard Copy available.


Senior Analyst Cheryl Keenan discusses "green permits." She says that Oregon is on the leading edge of a national wave that calls for implementing these incentives for businesses to exceed environmental safety standards. "Environmental problems are getting more complicated and new, innovative approaches are needed," according to Keenan. Hard copy is available.


Associate Deborah Morse discusses Abt Associates' involvement in the efforts to revitalize Quincy's Germantown neighborhood. Abt Associates is creating a master plan and grant application that could bring millions of federal dollars into the area. The Quincy Housing Authority and Abt Associates aim to re-engineer the community to fit the hopes and the needs of the people who live there. Hard copy available.


Abt Associates Vice President and Principal Associate Gayle Epp discusses the public housing trends in 1999. She comments on HOPE VI design and large scale public housing transformation. Hard copy available.


Managing Director of the Southern Africa Regional Office of Abt Associates, Teresa Clarke, discusses the growing interest in smart card technology across Africa. She says an e-purse card may be convenient for consumers in countries whose currencies have been severely devalued in recent years. Hard Copy Available.


Senior Analyst Bhavya Lal discusses the perceived gender discrimination in the field of engineering. An issue brief prepared for the National Science Foundation by Abt Associates found that women earn about 97 cents for every dollar earned by men in the profession. Hard copy (of the article) available.


Principal Consultant William Tice discusses the future of cellular phones. "In the forseeable future, telephones will remain primarily communications devices," he says. "The primary increase in functionality will likely be in the area of data communications. In other words, certain functions that currently require a computer will be integrated into the telephone itself." (free).


Research Associate Peter Finn discusses recidivism rates. He feels there is no clear solution to preventing recidivism, but despite the foreboding odds, a prisoner can return to society and lead a crime-free life. According to his research, prisons must address inmates' substance abuse and mental illness problems to prepare them to re-enter the free world. Hard copy available.


Theodore Hammett, Vice President, discusses infectious diseases in prisons. The nation's prisons and jails act as incubators for infectious diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, and syphilis, he says. An Abt Associates study found that as many as 1.4 million people released from prisons and jails in 1996 were infected with hepatitis C. Hard copy available.


Theodore Hammett, Vice President, discusses HIV prevention efforts in prisons. An Abt Associates study found AIDS to be five times more prevalent among United States prisoners than the general population. He feels that, "there are public health implications to be addressed. You have a population that by far is disproportionately infected with infectious disease. You have them for at least some period of time and the vast majority is going to return to the community. You have the opportunity to intervene." See the September In-the-News below for a direct link to the report. Hard copy available.


Senior Associate Doug McDonald discusses the private prison industry in terms of profitability, staffing, and quality. He feels the real questions regarding the private corrections business are not being asked. "I think the controversy is in some ways a sideshow to the main event, which is, are we being strategic in deciding to send as many people away for so long? Are other options more cost effective?" he states. Hard copy available.


"Ozone exposure linked to illness," by Daniel Cusick, Mobile Register,
October 8, 1999

According to an Abt Associates study, more than 260 Mobile County residents visited a hospital emergency room in 1997 complaining of respiratory ailments that may be linked to ground-level ozone. Alabama was one of 37 Eastern states included in the study, which was prepared by Abt Associates for the Clear the Air campaign. Hard copy available.


According to an Abt Associates study, an estimated 19,000 asthma attacks grip children and adults in Nashville each summer because of polluted summer air. Tennessee was one of 37 Eastern states included in the study, which was prepared by Abt Associates for the Clear the Air campaign. (free).


According to an Abt Associates study, smoggy, polluted air sends 8,400 Ohioans a year to hospital emergency rooms with breathing problems and triggers 350,000 asthma attacks. These estimates stem from computer modeling based on 1997 ozone levels in 37 states and 34 cities, including four in Ohio.


In a report prepared for the Clean Air Task Force, Abt Associates found that smog in Evansville causes an estimated 73 hospital admissions, 174 emergency room visits and 6,100 asthma attacks each year. Overall, the study estimated that smog from ground-level ozone in 37 Eastern states and the District of Columbia sends 53,000 people to the hospital, 159,000 to emergency rooms, and triggers 6.2 million asthma attacks each year. (for a fee) by searching for "Abt Associates."


Principal Consultant Bill Gammell discusses the reasons why HMOs have increased premium payments. "They have squeezed almost all of the things that are easy finds as far as cost reductions and basically hit a wall and ran out of ways to cut expenses," he says. (free).


President and CEO Wendell Knox is recognized as one of Greater Boston's 100 most influential business people of the 20th century. The editors selected individuals for their substantive, often pioneering, contributions to Greater Boston's economy. As President and CEO of Abt Associates, Knox is responsible for all research, marketing, and financial operations, as well as all strategic planning for one of the largest for-profit government and business consulting and research firms in the United States. Abt Associates Founder, Clark Abt, was also cited in the issue in recognition of his contributions to local business and academia over the past century. Hard copy available.


This cover story profiles Managing Vice President and COO of the Abt Associates' Business Research and Consulting Area, Susan Windham-Bannister. She discussed the challenges of expanding BRC's services to include consulting. "The ability to integrate highly granulated information explaining customer behavior with pragmatic solutions that help clients better align their organizations and strategic investments," she said, "has netted enhanced business performance for some of the nation's largest companies." Hard copy available.


Senior Analyst Bhavya Lal discusses the perceived gender discrimination in the field of engineering. An issue brief prepared for the National Science Foundation by Abt Associates found that women earn about 97 cents for every dollar earned by men in the profession. Hard copy (of the article) available.


Senior Analyst Bhavya Lal discusses the perceived gender discrimination in the field of engineering. An issue brief prepared for the National Science Foundation by Abt Associates found that women earn about 97 cents for every dollar earned by men in the profession. Hard copy (of the article) available.


"Death of the PC?" by Jeff Bounds, Dallas Business Journal, September 20, 1999

Principal Consultant William Tice comments on the diminishing importance of the desktop computer. He says, as more people start working from remote locations, the more flexible pieces of equipment will become more attractive than the standard PC.


Theodore Hammett, Vice President, discusses an Abt Associates study that found AIDS to be five times more prevalent among United States prisoners than the general population. He contends that prisons offer a unique but frequently missed opportunity to make a difference in HIV prevention both within and beyond prison walls. Hard copy available.


Managing Vice President, John Tilney comments on Abt Associates' work on the restoration of Luxor, an ancient city in Egypt. He describes the project as "one of the biggest historic preservation projects in the world at this point." Abt Associates is nearing the final stages of the three-year contract with the Egyptian government to create a master plan for future development in Luxor. Hard copy available.


Principal Consultant Sam Thayer discusses what he perceives as the best e-strategy for Goldman Sachs. He states that even without inching much toward retail, a portal-type approach would make sense for Goldman. "Institutional business these days is impacted by the e-commerce alternatives," he says. Hard copy available.


Lisa Zeytoonjian, Research Assistant in Abt Associates' Law and Public Policy Research Area, discusses her background, job responsibilities, and career goals. Her favorite thing about her job is getting paid to learn and the ultimate goal of the work she does is to make federal programs more effective. Learn more about career opportunities at Abt Associates.


Senior Privatization Advisor Ulrich Ernst discusses why he feels that privatization in Africa "has yet to live up to its promise because program management is often inadequate." He states that despite the fact that there are many impressive success stories, privatization still falls short. In this article he explains his reasoning. Hard copy available.


Vice President, Theodore Hammett presented findings from an Abt Associates study to the National HIV Prevention Conference. He discussed the prevalence of AIDS among recently released prisoners and prison inmates. He noted that these individuals may not be receiving the treatment they need. "Less than a third of correctional systems made appointments for inmates with HIV/AIDS being released to receive important medical, psychological, and other services in the community," he said. Hard copy available.


Theodore Hammett, Abt Associates Vice President, comments on the prevalence of AIDS and other infectious diseases among prison inmates. He also notes, "Persons released from correctional facilities in 1996 represented 17% of all people in the U.S. with AIDS that year." Hard copy available.


At the first-ever National HIV Prevention Conference, Abt Associates Vice President Theodore Hammett of the Clinical Research and Epidemiology Area presented the findings of a study on infectious disease in prison populations. He discovered that one-sixth of the nation's AIDS cases are recently released prisoners, making correctional facilities critical settings for prevention and treatment interventions for this disease. (for a fee) by searching for "Abt Associates."


Theodore Hammett, Vice President, discusses an Abt Associates study that found AIDS to be five times more prevalent among United States prisoners than the general population. He contends that the high prevalence of the disease among inmates reflects their widespread drug use before they were imprisoned. (for a fee) by searching for "Abt Associates."


According to an Abt Associates study of infectious diseases among prison inmates, prisoners and newly released inmates are more likely to have AIDS and other infectious diseases than the general population. "The vast majority of prisoners return to the community," according to Theodore Hammett, Vice President and lead author of the study, "Treatment will not only benefit prisoners, their families, and their sex partners, but public health." (for a fee) by searching for "Abt Associates.


This article discusses the attempt of Jackson County, Missouri officials to shift the focus of their anti-drug effort from adult addicts to child drug abusers. Abt Associates researchers offered recommendations based on the findings from their evaluation of the Community Backed Anti-Drug Tax (COMBAT). (free).


Senior Analyst Shawn Ward offers his outlook for the next 25 years in law enforcement technology. He feels that line level police officers will benefit the most as technology in the field advances. (for a fee) by searching the story archive.


This article explores the issue of environmental regulations. The author cites a report commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency and conducted by Abt Associates Inc. The report discusses the barriers to implementing innovative technologies and environmental compliance. (free).


William Tice, managing director of the information technology and telecommunications practice, comments on how AT&T will compete in the cable industry. Hard copy available.


Senior Associate Henry Goldberg discusses strategies for making a prospective payment system work in home care. He advises agencies to make sure their staff knows OASIS inside and out. Hard copy available.


"Overnight contact-lens use leads to damaging infection", WebMD,
CNN online edition, July 21, 1999

Eugene Poggio Vice President and Director of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, warns that overnight contact-lens wearers are more susceptible to corneal infection, despite advances in technology.


This Audio requires RealPlayer
Senior Analyst, David Fein, comments on the dramatic decline in welfare caseloads since Congress reformed the welfare system three years ago. Although reported cases dropped by as much as 80-percent in some states, it's not known exactly why those recipients got off assistance. Some went to work, but many were sanctioned — punished, in effect, by not following rules stipulating they look for work in order to continue receiving aid. Audio available at www.npr.org/ramfiles/me/19990716.me.06.ram.

Requires RealPlayer


Senior Associate for the Law & Public Policy Practice Doug McDonald comments on the practice of assigning community service as a form of punishment for minor crimes. Doug feels that most of the benefits flow directly from the value of the services provided. (for a fee) by searching for "Abt Associates."


Senior Associate Norm Hoffmann comments on the effectiveness of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. He feels there is a synergy between AA and treatment that isn't widely recognized, but is very important. Hard copy available.


President and CEO Wendell Knox is profiled in this article that highlights the obstacles many minorities face while climbing the corporate ladder. He offers details on the success of his career and shares lessons learned. (for a fee) by searching the archives for "Knox."


Senior Associate Norm Hoffmann offers his perspective on treatment for drug addiction as an alternative to criminal sentencing. He believes that with effective treatment for illegal drugs, criminal activity can be reduced. (for a fee) by searching the library for "Abt Associates."


Bill Tice, Managing Director of Abt Associates' telecommunications consulting practice, comments on the future of cellular phones. He discusses the question of whether consumers of the future will want one gadget that incorporates many functions. Hard copy available.


This article explores the issue of prison privatization. The author cites a 1998 survey commissioned by the Justice Department and conducted by Abt Associates Inc. The survey concluded that cost studies do not resolve the question of whether privately managed prisons are cheaper than publicly managed ones. (for a fee).


Senior Associate Henry Goldberg discusses how the Prospective Payment System will effect the home care industry. He points out that although a PPS is what HCFA, the industry, and the customers want, the system still faces many obstacles. Available (for $5) by calling (914) 337-7878.


Doug McDonald, Senior Associate for the Law & Public Policy Practice, explores the issue of drug treatment programs in the Delaware prison system. He supports the treatment of prisoners who will someday reenter the community. Hard copy available.


Norm Hoffmann, Senior Associate for the Law & Public Policy Practice, offers his perspective on drug court sentencing as an alternative to criminal sentencing. He believes drug courts provide structure and accountability that standard treatment centers cannot offer. (free).


Economist Dwayne Banks discusses the economics of death in this article about low-cost funerals. He talks about consumers need to spend a lot of money on the services for loved ones and offers alternatives to high priced funerals and cremations. (for a fee) by searching for "Abt Associates."


In this cover story, Bill Gammell, Principal Consultant for the healthcare consulting practice, discusses why HMOs are more willing to pay for alternative medicine than in the past. He feels that these procedures will create value for the HMO in the eyes of customers. (free).


Senior Analyst Shawn Ward discusses new technology for law enforcement officials. He contends that police departments are becoming more focused on strategic planning than ever before. (for a fee) by searching the story archive.


Gayle Epp, Principal Associate for the Housing and Community Revitalization Area, discusses the work Abt Associates is involved in that includes revitalizing public housing areas in Tennessee. She notes that the project is about more than fixing up the projects. The other objectives of the program are the integration of public housing, physically, socially, and economically. (free).


Associate Tom Rich discusses how Hartford citizens can use crime mapping devices to manipulate their own crime data. He offers his perspective on why different communities use the software in different ways. (free).


Doug McDonald, Senior Associate, offers his perspective on the racial disparity in drug sentencing. He feels that if the law treated the powder and crack forms of cocaine equally, the disparity would disappear. (for a fee) by searching for "Abt Associates."


Principal Consultant Bill Gammell discusses why many HMOs are willing to provide their customers with the opportunity to obtain objective third party reviews. He believes that HMOs are willing to participate in external review so that they can protect themselves from complaints that they are denying care to contain costs. Hard copy available.


In this Letter to the Editor, Jean Layzer, Principal Associate in the Education and Family Support Area, offers her opinion on early childhood education reforms. She feels that an integrated educational strategy would maximize the opportunities for all children. Hard copy available.


Senior Associate Doug McDonald comments on prison healthcare. He feels that the key to contracting healthcare in prisons is to monitor it carefully. Hard copy available.
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