Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial Initiative Selling within Organizations: Towards a More Comprehensive Motivational Framework

We develop and test a motivational framework to explain the intensity with which individuals sell entrepreneurial initiatives within their organizations. Initiative selling efforts may be driven by several factors that hitherto have not been given full consideration: initiative characteristics, individuals' anticipation of rewards, and their level of dissatisfaction. On the basis of a survey in a mail service firm of 192 managers who proposed an entrepreneurial initiative, we find that individuals' reported intensity of their selling efforts with respect to that initiative is greater when they (1) believe that the organizational benefits of the initiative are high, (2) perceive that the initiative is consistent with current organizational practices (although this effect is weak), (3) believe that their immediate organizational environment provides extrinsic rewards for initiatives, and (4) are satisfied with the current organizational situation. These findings extend previous expectancy theory‐based explanations of initiative selling (by considering the roles of initiative characteristics and that of initiative valence for the proponent) and show the role of satisfaction as an important motivational driver for initiative selling.
Maximizing shareholder value: a new ideology for corporate governance

The decade-long boom in the US stock market and the more recent boom in the US economy have fostered widespread belief in the economic benefits of the maximization of shareholder value as a principle of corporate governance. In this paper, we provide an historical analysis of the rise of shareholder value as a principle of corporate governance in the United States, tracing the transformation of US corporate strategy from an orientation towards retention of corporate earnings and reinvestment in corporate growth through the 1970s to one of downsizing of corporate labour forces and distribution of corporate earnings to shareholders over the past two decades. We then consider the recent performance of the US economy, and raise questions about the relation between the maximization of shareholder value and the sustainability of economic prosperity.
A Panel Probit Analysis of Campaign Contributions and Roll-Call Votes

Despite numerous analyses of the relationship between campaign contributions and the roll-call voting behavior of members of Congress, we still lack definitive answers to longstanding questions about whether contributions affect votes. Part of the reason for this is that it is methodologically difficult to account for members' predispositions to vote in favor of PACs' interests. This article seeks to advance our understanding of the relationship between campaign contributions and voting behavior by using a method for panel data that overcomes the problem of accounting for voting predispositions. This method enables us to account for individual specific effects, such as the predisposition to vote for or against a particular piece of legislation, which are too costly or impossible to measure. Applying this method, I find that contributions do not have consistent effects that would indicate that PACs are significantly biasing congressional decision making in their favor. he influence of "special interests" in politics is a perennial concern of those who seek to reform the political system in the United States. One way that special interests are perceived to have an undue influence is through campaign contributions. Efforts to reform campaign finance laws have been motivated in part by the belief that campaign contributions have a pernicious effect on the behavior of politicians. A recent Gallup survey found that 53 percent of individuals thought that campaign contributions influenced the policies supported by elected officials "a great deal" and 76 percent and 81 percent favored placing limits on contributions from labor and business groups, respectively (Saad 1997). Researchers have devoted a substantial amount of effort and resources to systematic analysis of campaign finance in order to uncover the relationship between campaign contributions and political decision making. One of the key questions that researchers have asked is "Do campaign contributions by political action committees (PACs) influence the roll-call voting behavior of members of Congress? " Despite numerous published analyses of contributions and votes, this question remains unsettled because of the conflicting answers that these analyses have produced. ' Some studies have found no relationship between votes and contributions, while others have found the kind of relationship that reformers worry about. Part of the reason for these mixed results is that methodological problems have hampered attempts to assess accurately the degree to which PAC contributions affect voting. One of the most vexing problems is that it is difficult to untangle the effect of contributions from the effect of a member's predisposition to vote one way or another. That is, PACs contribute to members of Congress who are likely to vote the way the PACs favor even in the absence of contributions. A PAC donation to a friendly member might be misconstrued as
Factor analysis approach of decision making in Indian e-banking: a value adding consumer's perspective

Globalisation has been regarded as the standard process for success. Financial institutions are providing better service to have competitive advantage. Banking industry worldwide is offering various options, financial products and services to enhance customer satisfaction. Innovative ways for information technology are used to provide services. Undoubtedly e-banking (EB) is the technological wonders and is gaining popularity. EB is regarded as pulse of the nation. It is important for banks to encourage customers to use EB. Banks-trusted business service providers, have the opportunity to leverage their existing relationships to provide full range of high quality trusted internet business services to their customers. This paper investigates several factors affecting adoption of EB. The prominent among these factors are ease of use of EB followed by some reluctance of customers to change relationship and trust in banker, cost of computers, internet accessibility and security concerns. This study clearly reveals the segment, which are in demand for attention of managers and researchers of EB services.
Suburban Labor Markets, Urban Labor Markets, and Gender Inequality in Earnings

This study focuses on the role of labor market location in generating gender inequality in earnings. Specifically, the article examines whether suburban versus urban labor market conditions differentially affect gender-based earnings inequality. Tel Aviv metropolitan area labor force data support the thesis that women's tendency to settle for jobs in the vicinity of home is an exchange between economic opportunities and convenience, to avoid conflict with traditional roles. The cost of staying in the suburban labor market is greater for women than men, and suburban exceeds urban labor market gender-linked economic discrimination.
Corporate Structure, Liquidity, and Investment: Evidence from Japanese Industrial Groups

This paper presents evidence suggesting that information and incentive problems in the capital market affect investment. We come to this conclusion by examining two sets of Japanese firms. The first set has close financial ties to large Japanese banks that serve as their primary source of external finance and are likely to be well informed about the firm. The second set of firms has weaker links to a main bank and presumably faces greater problems raising capital. Investment is more sensitive to liquidity for the second set of firms than for the first set. The analysis also highlights the role of financial intermediaries in the investment process.
The association between the adoption of an environmental management system with organisational environmental performance

This paper examines the adoption and effectiveness of environmental management initiatives. Specifically, it examines the association between the adoption of an environmental management system (EMS), both ISO14001-certified and non-certified, and the use of nine specific environmental management initiatives with environmental performance. Data were collected by mail survey questionnaire from a stratified random sample of 899 senior financial officers in Australian manufacturing organisations. The findings indicate that while organisations with an EMS achieved higher environmental performance, ISO14001 certification did not affect environmental performance. In addition, four environmental management initiatives were positively associated with environmental performance: having a documented plan of action for complying with relevant regulations; communicating documented procedures to employees; training employees to implement environmental procedures; and conducting internal and external audits to monitor the impact of operations on the environment. The findings provide management with an insight into the emphasis they should place on environmental management initiatives to improve their environmental performance.
Validity of 3 Protocols for Verifying VO2max

The verification bout has emerged as a technique for confirming 'true' VO2 max; however, validity during a single visit is unknown. We evaluated 3 different GXT durations with severe intensity verification bouts. On 3 separate days, in counterbalanced order, 12 recreational-trained men completed short (9±1 min), middle (11±1 min), and long (13±2 min) duration GXTs followed by exhaustive, sine wave verification bouts during the same visit. Intensities for verification were set at speeds equivalent to 2-stages minus end-GXT speed. No differences (p<0.05) in VO2 max (mL/kg/min) were observed between short (49.1), middle (48.2), and long (48.8) protocols. In addition, no differences in verification bout duration occurred between protocols (3±1 min). Validity of VO2 max was strongest for the middle duration protocol (ICC α=0.97; typical error=1 mL/kg/min; CV=2%). A small, but significantly higher HR (max) (∼1-2 bpm) was observed for the long protocol. Maximum respiratory exchange ratios were inconsistent (ICC α ranged 0.58-0.68). Our findings indicate GXT-verification bout testing during a single visit is a valid means of measuring 'true' VO2 max. The 10 min target for GXT duration was the optimum.
A multicriteria participation-based methodology for selecting sustainable development indicators: an incentive tool for concerted decision making beyond the diagnosis framework

This paper describes the elaboration of an observation system based on a participative multicriteria valuation method in order to take into account the sustainability problem related to the Thau lagoon in the Mediterranean area of France. These methodologies enable the elaboration, selection and prioritisation of sustainable development indicators according to expectations and uses to be complied with. It is a question of associating the indicator 'supply' based on research works with the 'demand' issued by managers. Using this approach enables the two to be combined following indicator elaboration logics: a normative approach allowing a list of reference indicators to be defined by researchers; a participative approach in association with territory managers for selecting an indicator panel in this list. In this paper, the emphasis is put on the methodological aspects and the significance of this approach with respect to participation-based methods.
Thromboxane‐dependent platelet activation in vivo precedes arterial thrombosis in thrombocythaemia: a rationale for the use of low‐dose aspirin as an antithrombotic agent

The clinical course of patients with polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is frequently complicated by arterial thrombotic events. The pathogenesis is not clearly understood but attributed to abnormalities in platelet function. An increase in platelet thromboxane formation has been described in the majority of asymptomatic patients with thrombocythaemia, probably reflecting spontaneous platelet activation in vivo. In the present study we prospectively investigated whether an increase in platelet thromboxane formation actually precedes arterial microvascular thrombosis. In addition, we studied the effect of selective inhibition of platelet thromboxane formation on clinical outcome by reinstitution of low‐dose aspirin (50 mg/d). Six ET patients and one PV patient participated in this study. Within 10 d after withdrawal of aspirin, three patients developed arterial microvascular thrombosis of extremities (erythromelalgia), which was preceded by a 3–30‐fold increase in urinary thromboxane excretion as compared with patients who remained asymptomatic. The increased urinary thromboxane excretion and clinical signs could be inhibited by a platelet‐specific aspirin regimen of 50 mg/d without affecting vascular cyclooxygenase, indicating that platelets were the main source of the increased thromboxane generation. These data suggest that in symptomatic patients an enhanced formation of thromboxane by platelets, reflecting platelet activation in vivo, precedes the development of arterial microvascular thrombosis. These data provide a rationale for using low‐dose aspirin as an antithrombotic agent in thrombocythaemia.
Rational and Heuristic-Driven Trading Panics in an Experimental Asset Market

Market panics may result from traders’ equilibrium behavior or from non-rational sources. We study traders in a laboratory setting in which theory provides precise predictions as to when trading panics - dened as rushing to buy or sell prior to receiving full information - are rational and when they are not. Robust, rational panics occur in the data and result in extreme trade clustering and large informational losses. Panics that cannot be explained by equilibrium behavior also occur, exacerbating informational losses and resulting in trade clustering and short-term correlation in returns. These real-world phenomena are a result of almost half of traders relying on a simple trading heuristic that experience does not eliminate. Implications of the evidence for asset markets outside of the laboratory are discussed.
Illusion of Control as a Source of Poor Diversification: Experimental Evidence

This paper investigates factors that influence individual portfolio allocations, with particular focus on illusion of control. Participants in the experiment form their portfolios of two risky lotteries and one risk-free alternative with the target to reach a predetermined income. Subjects show illusion of control as they excessively invest in a lottery when they are in charge of the chance move. This finding is amplified when self-selection is possible and mitigated when a well-diversified default portfolio is offered. Presenting sequences of chance moves prior to investment does not affect diversification. In line with excessive extrapolation, the higher the number of observed positive prior outcomes, the more likely is a positive prediction and in turn a higher investment.
The Impact of MELD/PELD Revisions on the Mortality of Liver–Intestine Transplantation Candidates

Patients listed for liver–intestine transplantation suffer higher waiting list mortality than those listed for liver‐only, thus leading to policy revisions seeking to close the gap. We sought to determine the impact of key model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD)/pediatric end‐stage liver disease (PELD) policy modifications on the waiting list mortality of adult and pediatric liver–intestine candidates as compared to liver‐only candidates. Analysis of UNOS data separated into adult and pediatric categories and based on time periods of policy implementation revealed higher mortality in liver–intestine candidates over all time periods studied (p < 0.001 pediatric and adult). After implementation of a revision to augment their MELD scores based on a sliding scale, adult liver–intestine candidates with calculated MELD > 15 no longer suffered higher mortality although this change did not completely eliminate the mortality disparity for candidates with MELD < 15 (p < 0.01). The waiting list mortality of pediatric liver–intestine candidates dropped significantly after a revision that gave them 23 additional MELD/PELD points (p < 0.01) although the mortality disparity with pediatric liver‐only candidates was not eliminated. Following this revision, mortality in pediatric liver‐only and liver–intestine Status 1 candidates was similar, however more liver–intestine candidates were listed as Status 1B. This data demonstrates that a mortality disparity remains for liver–intestine candidates compared with candidates listed for liver‐only.
ELECTION REPORT - The French Elections of 2002: After the Earthquake, the Deluge

Initially there had seemed to be no room for surprises. After their five years of cohabitation the two heads of the executive, incumbent President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, were favourites by far. The outcome of the first electoral encounter with France’s 41 million voters seemed to be a foregone conclusion and it was expected that the second round would see the French deciding between these two, just as they had done seven years before, in a replay of the 1995 election. On the evening of 21 April, surprise at the results was soon replaced by shock: Lionel Jospin had been eliminated. More importantly, the defeat of the Prime Minister had opened the way to Jean-Marie Le Pen, candidate of the Front National; meanwhile, despite a poor showing of 19.88 per cent of votes cast it was Jacques Chirac who came in first. Jacques Chirac’s result was the worst ever obtained by a President seeking re-election. His results were similar to those he obtained in 1988 and 1995, but his electoral base was weak: only 13.75 per cent of registered voters, in other words, one voter in seven. His campaign had focused primarily on the issue of insecurity. Chirac was a good strategist who had learned much from François Mitterrand, and concentrated on the main concerns of the moment for the French people. For the first time in many
College Students' Credit Card Debt and the Role of Parental Involvement: Implications for Public Policy

Federal legislation has been proposed that would require parents/guardians to act as co-obligors on college students’ credit card applications. This study supports the assumptions underlying the proposed legislation, suggesting that students whose parents are involved in their acquisition of credit cards have significantly lower credit card balances than do students with no parental involvement.
E-Government, A Citizens' Perspective

Abstract New Zealand government strategy has focused on the ‘transforming’ power of e-government to provide ready access to government information and services through the World Wide Web. But an effective Web interface and good relationships between government and citizens through the Web depends on the understanding held by Web designers of the needs of specific groups of citizens, and the goals which they have in approaching a particular Web site. This paper reports on several focus groups held with different groups of citizens concerning their needs for and use of government information, their relationship with government, and their use of the Web to facilitate these purposes. Groups interviewed include business groups, the rural sector, beneficiaries, new immigrants, and Maori. Factors such as their needs for information and services, their relationship with government, and their access to the Internet are explored. Key issues related to the delivery of e-government such as the need for multiple channels to communicate with government, the need for promotion of the e-government portal, the ability to contact named individuals within government, ongoing problems with physical access, cultural issues, and issues concerning relevant content emerged from the study.
Home ownership beyond asset and security: Perceptions of housing related security and insecurity in eight European countries

This book is the conclusion of a body of research that started with a workshop held at the University of York in October 2000, and which resulted in the book Globalisation and home ownership. Experiences in eight member states of the European Union (Doling & Ford, 2003). The collated information lifted thinking beyond politics, linking developments on home ownership with developments in the financial and labour markets in the context of globalization. It led to the insight that to understand developments in different countries it is indispensable to work with an international research team that has awareness of historical roots and cultural idiosyncrasies.
Fine Structure in the Circumstellar Environment of a Young, Solar‐like Star: The Unique Eclipses of KH 15D

Results of an international campaign to photometrically monitor the unique pre–main‐sequence eclipsing object KH 15D are reported. An updated ephemeris for the eclipse is derived that incorporates a slightly revised period of 48.36 days. There is some evidence that the orbital period is actually twice that value, with two eclipses occurring per cycle. The extraordinary depth (∼3.5 mag) and duration (∼18 days) of the eclipse indicate that it is caused by circumstellar matter, presumably the inner portion of a disk. The eclipse has continued to lengthen with time, and the central brightness reversals are not as extreme as they once were. V−R and V−I colors indicate that the system is slightly bluer near minimum light. Ingress and egress are remarkably well modeled by the passage of a knife edge across a limb‐darkened star. Possible models for the system are briefly discussed.
Economics of Structural Change in Agriculture

The structure of the agrifood system has changed significantly over the past century. In production agriculture, the changing structure is often characterized by a drastic decrease in the number of farmers associated with a rapid increase in average size, more reliance on purchased inputs, and greater interdependence between the farm and nonfarm sector. The farm input industry has changed to meet the increased reliance of the remaining farms on purchased inputs such as fertilizers and machmery. The food processing sector has also evolved with the aid of new technologies such as food preservation to meet chang~ng consumer preferences. As in the farm sector, both non-production components of agriculture have been characterized by increasing levels of firm concentration and integration between the sectors. Consumer preferences and purchasing patterns have also changed sigtuficantly as the structures of households and of society have evolved. Although there is a consensus that the structure has changed, there is no agreement on the implications of the changes for the health and viability of the sector, the rural community, the environment, and society. For example, many farm organizations argue that the family farm is essential to s o c d well-being and the competitive production of adequate food supplies while others argue that there are efficiency gains associated with increases in farm size. Whatever the net effects of structural change are, they may be influenced by appropriate actions if the causes of the structural change are understood. Thls is particularly important if the net effects of structural change are not coincidental with the politicdsocial agenda of the country. The purpose of this paper is to review the economics of structural change in agriculture. The paper begins with alternative definitions of structural change and notes that the definition in agriculture has generally been narrowly focused on the number and size of farms. Models proposed to explain structural changes are then presented followed by a discussion of why we would be interested in knowing the forces behmd the changes. The paper concludes with an examination of why we are interested in how agriculture is structured and the associated implications for future research.