bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protecting Internal Audit Workpapers From Discovery
Authors: Colbert Janet L.
Published: February 2016

Access to internal audit workpapers is increasingly being requested or demanded by parties external to the entity. To protect workpapers from discovery, internal auditors may take proactive measures. Such measures include developing comprehensive job descriptions, having workpaper policies and a corporate charter, and conducting investigations under the direction of an attorney. Despite proactive measures, sensitive information may still be petitioned. To shield confidential information, internal auditors may invoke the attorney-client privilege, the work-product privilege, or other, less well-known doctrines.
Consumer Reliance On Intrinsic And Extrinsic Cues In Product Evaluations: A Conjoint Approach
Authors: Lee Moonkyu , Lou Yung-Chien
Published: February 2016

Based on conjoint analysis technique, this study investigates how consumers utilize intrinsic and extrinsic cues in determining the quality of a product. The focus is on the effects of consumer individual difference variables on the relative importance of such product cues. The results show that product familiarity, enduring involvement, and price-reliance schema have a significant influence on consumer utilization of extrinsic cues. The implication of the results are discussed.
Human Capital Investment Effects On Firm Returns
Authors: Bouillon Marvin L. , Doran B. Michael , Orazem Peter F.
Published: February 2016

This paper demonstrates that two measures of firm investment in specific human capital are significantly and positively correlated with long-term rates of return on investment. The final sample of 260 firms is a subset of the 805 firms included in the June 1984 edition of Forbes survey of executive compensation. We utilize two proxies for firm return-net income and cash flow. The return measures are scaled by both book value of total assets and market value of common stock yielding four alternative specifications of the rate of return measure. The firm investment in specific human capital measures are generally found to be significant explanatory variables in the regressions that have returns scaled by book value of assets. These measures of investment are insignificant when market value of common stock outstanding is used to scale the return measures. We interpret these findings to imply that a public or regulatory policy needs to be established to require firms to include at least some basic rudimentary information regarding their human capital investment, such as turnover rates and training cots, in their annual reports.
The Use Of Regression Analysis As Evidence In Litigating Tax-Related Issues
Authors: Billings B. Anthony , Crumbley D. Larry
Published: February 2016

Despite numerous published academic articles concerning the application of regression analysis as an accounting tool, its applicability as a tool in litigating tax matters has been largely ignored. This research documents the extent to which regression analysis has been used to adjudicate tax issues and points out conditions under which regression-based conclusions are considered legitimate evidence. A number of court decisions regarding federal income tax, state income tax and property taxes are reviewed to illustrate the extent to which regression analysis has been applied, its effectiveness, and implications for future adjudication of tax issues. Evidence from the reviewed court decisions indicates that regression analysis may be successfully used to uncover relevant facts, estimates or projections. However, the credibility of such evidence will depend on the observance of the underlying regression analysis assumptions and on the experts understanding of the phenomenon under study. The use of regression analysis to conduct legal analysis (for example, predicting the outcome of litigation) is of little utility in the courtroom.
Selection Of Forum For Litigated Tax Issues
Authors: Billings B. Anthony , Green Brian Patrick , Volz William H.
Published: February 2016

The adjudication of federal income tax disputes between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and taxpayers takes place in one of three mutually-exclusive trial courts. The courts have several features in common but they differ with respect to a number of important requirements (aspects). This study models taxpayers choice of litigation forum as a function of requirements and constraints of the courts within the purview of the Elimination By Aspects Model (EBAM). The choice of forum is regressed on the contested deficiency using dichotomous and multinomial logit models. For increasing amounts of tax deficiency, the U.S. Tax Court appears to be the court of choice compared to the U.S. Claims Court. However, the magnitude of the contested deficiency does not meaningfully discriminate between the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S district court. A possible explanation is that both courts afford approximately equal probabilities of winning/losing and that taxpayers choose based on that understanding. The results have implications regarding the prepayment requirement in the U.S. Claims Court and U.S. district courts.
Revisiting The Use Of Financial Incentives As An Instrument Of Regional Economic Development Policy: The Case Of Greece
Authors: Artikis George P. , Merikas Andreas , Vozikis George S.
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the degree of relevance and effectiveness of government location policy to the locational criteria used by manufacturing firms in Greece, by identifying and describing the relevant and important factors for establishing an industrial location in Greece; assessing each location factors relative importance; and finally, comparing and contrasting the importance of financial incentives relative to other location factors.
Predicting Sales Manager Control: A Comparison Of Control-System And Leadership Approaches
Authors: DelVecchio Susan K.
Published: February 2016

How much latitude should the field sales manager allow his or her subordinates? Two schools of thought have addressed this question. This study tests proposals from these two approaches. The control-system approach contends the field sales managers behavior should be consistent with other sales organization controls. The findings here do not support these contentions but do provide some support the leadership approach. The sales managers in this study varied their control behaviors depending upon the quality of their working relationship with their subordinate or upon the perceived effort levels of the salesperson.
Head And Heart Orientation: A Measure Of Marketers Predisposition For Ethical Conduct
Authors: Kochunny C. M. , Rogers Hudson P. , Ogbuehi Alphonso O.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the penchant marketing professionals have for ethical decision making. An earlier study of marketing students is used for comparison. Akin to the results from the student study, this study demonstrates a marked bias amongst subjects for valuing qualities of the head. Heart related qualities are considered less important as instrumental values to achieve organizational objectives. The paper theorizes that proper balance between the two is a precursor to ethical decision making. Discussion of the results of this study and the earlier student study is expanded to highlight the need for instruction of ethics in marketing practice.
U.S. Dollar Asymmetry And Exchange Rate Volatility
Authors: Laopodis Nikiforos T.
Published: February 2016

he paper explores the stochastic behavior of six exchange rates three EMS and three non-EMS during the U.S. dollar appreciation (before 1985) and depreciation (after 1985) using Exponential GARCH-M model. The results showed that high volatility in all rates was present before 1985, increased dramatically thereafter, and decreased later for the non-EMS rates. In general, U.S. dollar depreciations increased the volatility more than appreciations did for the French franc, the Italian lira, and the German mark.
The Changing Investment Environment And Strategies In Post-1997 Hong Kong: Responses To The Transfer Of Sovereignty
Authors: Ng Linda Fung-Yee , Tuan Chyau
Published: February 2016

The sovereignty transfer of Hong Kong to China in 1997 has inevitably affected perceptions of entrepreneurs and local business executives/managers toward the investment climate and investment strategies. Business Views remain quite optimistic through the year 2000. But, a modest amount of risk premium has been incorporated in computing the expected rate of return and in designing the firms investment strategies. In the year 2000, increasing concerns were shown towards government bureaucracy and political climate in Hong Kong.
Differences In Planning-Phase Analytical Procedures Between Municipal and Commercial Clients: Initial Evidence
Authors: Johnson Laurence E. , Johnson Eric N.
Published: February 2016

Differences between municipalities and businesses suggest possible differences in the application of analytical procedures in audits of each entity type. Data obtained from one-hundred sixty-sis practicing auditors supported the expectations that (1) ratio analysis is significantly less likely to be applied and (2) budget-actual comparisons are significantly more likely to be applied in planning municipal audits vis-vis commercial audits. Other differences in analytical procedures likely to be applied in the planning phase were noted between public- and private-sector audits.
An Investigation Of The Effect Of Reporting Changes Proposed By The AICPA On Lending Decisions
Authors: Nichols Linda M.
Published: February 2016

In 1994, a Special Committee of the AICPA proposed to expand and reorganize financial statements. The main differences between the proposed model and current GAAP include increased segment information, a separation of core and non-core activities, and inclusion of more forward-looking information. This study examines the effect of the proposed changes on lending decisions made by bankers. The results indicate that the separation of financial statement data into core and no-core activities provides relevant information in making lending decisions. Combining core activity separation with expanded segment information further increases the decision usefulness of the statements.
Geographic Information Systems Technology For Business Applications
Authors: Fung D. S. , Remsen A. P.
Published: February 2016

Geographic information systems (GIS) technology offers the users the ability to query and access information, map spatial data, and perform predictive modeling, for targeting potential markets in a wide variety of industries and businesses. However, investment in the technology is expensive and requires considerable planning. This article presents an overview of the technology in the context of its potential for business applications and serves as a guide to businesses intending to invest in the technology.
U. S. Corporate Reaction To GATT: An Analysis Of Managements Public Disclosures
Authors: Haverty John L. , Ghani Waqar I.
Published: February 2016

The authors performed a computerized search of recent public financial disclosures in Management Discussion and Analyses and Presidents Letters to Shareholders concerning the reaction of multinational firms to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The intent of the search was to explore 1) the extent of TAGG disclosures made by multinational firms, 2) the tenor of these disclosures (i.e., favorable, neutral or unfavorable), 3) the location of the GATT disclosure (i.e. the Management Discussion and Analysis or the Presidents Letter, and 4) the nature of the corporate response to GATT indicated by the disclosure. A total of 76 disclosures were examined and the majority were overwhelmingly favorable toward GATDD. These responses cited the general positive effect on their firm of increased world trade. Approximately ten percent of the firms with a favorable response to GATT discussed some specific strategic reaction such as a restructuring or increased international manufacturing. Favorable reactions to GATT were more likely to be found in the Presidents Letter, and negative or neutral reactions to GATT were more likely to be found in the Management Discussion and Analysis, perhaps due to the increased legal scrutiny given to the Management Discussion and Analysis. Negative and neutral GATT disclosures were mainly from the textile and agricultural sectors of the economy, and cited the negative effect of increased and/or unfair competition from imports.
Potential Design Flaws In ABC Systems And Suggested Safeguards
Authors: Yahya-Zadeh Massood
Published: February 2016

ABC systems have received extensive attention in the last decade. The ABC literature has convincingly demonstrated that traditional cost systems systematically distort product costs. It is less widely recognized, however, that ABC systems can also distort costs if improperly designed. One notable cause of distortions in ABC systems is the assumption of constant average costs of all activities. This assumption and the design choices concerning the aggregation and the allocation procedures create great potentials for product and service cost distortions. The present article examines this problem and provides some solutions to enhance the accuracy and power of ABC systems. It will be argued that: (1.) Activity and product costs are not neutral to the process of cost aggregation and allocations; (2.) Many activity costs follow step or other nonlinear patterns. The ABC system designer should examine all activities for these patterns; (3.) Where activities are not proportional to cost drivers, pooling should be avoided; (4.) As product volume and product mix change, unit activity costs and other initial system parameters may change and render the ABC system less reliable. Frequent updating of the system is crucial under these conditions; and (5.) Frequent revisions and updating of the ABC system is equally crucial for companies that operate under rapid technological changes.
The Income Tax Accounting Controversy: A Matter Of Perspective
Authors: Rue Joseph C. , Volkan Ara G.
Published: February 2016

The study examines SFAS No. 96 and SFAS No. 109 in the context of the unit problem. The unit problem involves the selection of the appropriate perspective for applying measurement and recognition conventions to the phenomenon of interest. From an individual event perspective, the FASBs conclusions regarding liability recognition are inconsistent with their definition of a liability found in State of Finance Accounting Concepts No. 6. In addition, the use of inconsistent perspectives by the SFAS No. 96 and SFAS No. 109 create disagreements with the Boards positions. The simultaneous use of both the individual and aggregate perspectives as the basis of the Boards decisions is the source of these disagreements. The study argues that the income tax accounting issue should be viewed from an aggregate perspective and concludes that the flow through method of accounting for income taxes should be adopted.
Accounting Chair Professorships In 1997
Authors: Tang Roger Y. W. , Griffith Dawn
Published: February 2016

The paper profiles the accounting chair professorships in the United States in 1997. Currently, there are 380 accounting chairholders and professorships at 166 institutions. Data and statistics were obtained from Hasselbacks Accounting Faculty Directory between 1980 and 1997. The number of chair professorships in accounting increased significantly during the 1980s and the first half of the 1990s. However, the rate of increase was reduced after 1995. Most of the 380 chairholders in 1997 were full professors holding CPA certificates. Their most popular teaching/research interests were financial accounting, managerial/cost accounting, auditing and taxation. Most of the chair professors received their last degrees in the 1970s. Texas (Austin) and Illinois produced the largest numbers of graduates with chair professorships, but Carnegie Mellon has the highest percentage of graduates serving as chairholders in 1997.
Towards Relevancy In Financial Reporting: Mark-To-Market Accounting
Authors: Shim Eunsup "Daniel" , Larkin Joseph M.
Published: February 2016

The objectives of this paper are to: discuss the relevancy vs. reliability of current financial reporting practices, survey the literature that describes the impact of mark-to-market accounting, and critically examine current CAAP financial statements by comparing them to market value financial statements. With theoretical discussions and a case study, this paper shows that the mark-to-market accounting could present better about the economic reality of transactions, and therefore, tends to provide more useful and relevant information than does historical cost financial reporting. This study suggests that if the object of financial reporting is to provide useful information to the users, existing GAPP financial reporting requirements need to be substantially changed in the direction of market value financial reporting.
Exchange Rate Flexibility And Monetary Policy
Authors: Milani Hamid
Published: February 2016

It has been argued that floating rates protect economies from monetary shocks originated abroad and provide great autonomy and independence. Those who have tried to use the money demand function to explain insulating properties have excluded exchange rate flexibility variable in their models. This paper estimates a money demand function that includes exchange rate flexibility as another determinant of the demand for money for the major industrialized countries.
Money Market Rate Variability And The Velocity Of Money: Some International Evidence
Authors: Payne James E. , Ewing Bradley T.
Published: February 2016

This paper re-examines the Friedman hypothesis that uncertainty about the future course of money supply growth influences velocity by focusing on the relationship between interest rate variability and the income velocity of money in nine industrialized countries. As an indicator of the stance of monetary policy, we use the money market rate. Cointegration and error-correction modeling techniques are used to test the hypothesis that the variability of the money market rate impacts velocity. Eight of the nine countries studied exhibit a statistical relationship between the variability of the money market rate and the income velocity of money.
A Multi-Criteria Model For Optimizing University Tuition Structures
Authors: McClatchey Christine A.
Published: February 2016

The revision of tuition rates is an annual event at academic institutions. The existence of multiple and often conflicting goals, however, make the process extremely difficult. In light of rising educational costs and reduced federal and state support, the tuition structure must ensure adequate financial resources for the university. Increases in tuition rates, however, may negatively impact student enrollment and reduce the availability of higher education. The purpose of this article is to present a multi-criteria model for the tuition setting processing at the university level. A goal programming approach is used to ensure the tuition structure is consistent with a variety of broad policy constraints typically faced by administrators.
Input-Output Analysis Of The Effect Of Education And Research ON The Korean Economic Structure
Authors: Kim Heon-Goo , Lee Namchul
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of economic policy such as subsidy or tax reduction by the government on education and research activities. The data to be utilized are the input-output tables reported by the Bank of Korea for 1980 and 1990. Using an input-output table, we found a growing effect of education cost reduction on economic development. Unlike the traditional analysis by Leontief, input substitution is possible in the model we have used in this paper. As a result, we could predict the economys response to cost variation. A surfeit of fervent passion on education among Koreans has been criticized as the source of a negative effect on the economy. However, the structural capability to accept these highly education human resources must have grown for the past ten years. From the evidence of this trend, we can deduce a positive effect of education and research on the economy in the future.
Taking Sides: Clashing Views On Controversial Economic Issues-Book Review
Authors: Petersen Janis
Published: February 2016

Book Review: Taking Sides: Clashing Views On Controversial Economic Issues, by Thomas R. Swartz And Frank Bonello
Economic Integration In The Americas: 1975-1992
Authors: Garman George , Petersen Janis , Gilliard Debora
Published: February 2016

Latin American countries renewed their interest in regional trading blocs during the 1980s. According to Salgado, this renewed interest took the form of two phases: 1984-87, and from 1986 on. This paper uses a gravity equation to examine Latin American and Caribbean trade flows to ascertain the effectiveness of the Central American Common Market, Andean Pack and Latin American Integration Association, and to identify the factors affecting Latin American integration. Geographic distances are adjusted for the level of infrastructure development in an attempt to better proxy economic distance. A Chow Test is used to test for Salgados two phases.
Implications of CEO Structural And Ownership Powers, Board Ownership And Composition On The Markets Reaction To Antitakeover Charter Amendments
Authors: Malekzedeh Ali R. , McWilliams Victoria B. , Sen Nilanjan
Published: February 2016

This study analyzes how the CEOs structural and ownership powers, along with the board of directors ownership and composition influence the markets reaction to antitakeover charter amendments. We find conditional support for both the agency and stewardship theories, each being relevant depending on governance mechanisms. The market evaluates the potential effect of the amendments on the balance of power between the CEO and the board of directors, and whether there are any countervailing forces to assure shareholders rights are being protected.
ierarchical Difference In Auditors Perceptions Of Lowballing: A Study Of Current Attitudes
Authors: Neidermeyer Presha E. , Tuten Tracy L. , Neidermeyer Adolph A.
Published: February 2016

Auditors are in the business of providing to their clients the value of their attestation services for financial reporting. Auditors (and other accountants) have a strict Code of Professional Conduct which is enforced by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). According to this Code of Professional Conduct (AICPA 1988), the AICPA sets forth the requirement that all auditors comply with generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) in all audit engagements. These rules are a necessary part of the audit process helping to ensure a quality result for the stakeholders of the organization. Lowballing, the practice of bidding under or at cost for an audit in order to attract new clients, may violate the independence in appearance clause of the Code of Professional Conduct. Researchers and regulatory authorities appear to differ on their treatment of this issue. Differences in option (AICPA 1978 compared to DeAngelo 1981) appear to center around the interpretation of independence in the Code of Professional Conduct. This study evaluates current attitudes towards lowballing for all levels of professional auditors within four public accounting firms and specifically addresses the question of whether lowballing is a violation of the impendence in appearance section of the Code. The study also questions auditors as to their beliefs about the Code of Professional Conducts potential for change to accommodate the practice of lowballing.
SEC Accounting And Auditing Enforcement Actions In The Banking Industry
Authors: Green Brian , Calderon Thomas G.
Published: February 2016

This paper provides insight into several descriptive issues that help clarify the nature of management fraud in the banking and financial services industry. The SECs Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases (AAER) Nos. 1 to 400, published between 1984 and 1992, were surveyed to identify a sample of banks and other related entities that were the subject of SEC enforcement action for fraudulent financial reporting. Those cases are analyzed and results are reported in this study. Detailed cases are also presented to illustrate the nature of financial statement fraud relating to valuation problems in investment accounts, misstatement of loan reserves, and non-disclosure of material financial information. Implications for research, practice, and teaching and presented.
Teamwork And Productivity Improvements In Mixed-Model Assembly Lines
Authors: Fuxman Leonora
Published: February 2016

Motivated by the practices of Japanese and European automotive manufacturers who use teams in car assembly processes, this paper develops two models of teamwork for assembly line workers. The implications of teamwork arrangements on productivity of the assembly line are studied. The findings support the conventional wisdom that teamwork improves productivity. However there are situations when teamwork leads to a decline in productivity. The performance of the two team models were tested using the real assembly line data obtained from an automobile manufacturer. The approach developed in this paper provides computational means of revaluating the implications on productivity of different team structures, team sizes and position of teams in the line.
Nonlinearities And Volatility Patterns In Corporate Earnings
Authors: Laopodis Nikiforos T.
Published: February 2016

This paper explores the stochastic properties of the quarterly earnings per share series for industrials, railroads and utilities since 1935. Evidence of stochastic dependency suggests modeling them as a conditionally heteroskedastic process. Changes in earnings tentatively reject the random walk hypothesis since future returns can be predicted from past information. The conditional variance is found to be sensitive to market advances and positively correlated with the conditional mean since the risk premium is statistically significant. Finally, volatility persistence appears to be high in all series.
Whistleblowing And External Auditors
Authors: Label Wayne A. , Miethe Terance D.
Published: February 2016

New federal legislation now makes it mandatory for auditors to disclose observed mis-conduct to outside agencies. This article examines this legislation and presents data from a national sample of 353 auditors to explore the level of support for these new regulations. The vast majority of auditors are found to oppose the legislation, but there are also major differences in opinion for different groups of auditors. The implications of these survey results are then discussed.
A Multivariate Investigation Of Transaction Cost Analysis Dimensions: Do Contract Types Differ?
Authors: Adler Terry R. , Scherer Robert F.
Published: February 2016

Our study explored the effects of contract type on transaction cost analysis dimensions for research and development projects. Hypotheses from transaction cost analysis theory were tested using archival data from completed contracts used to govern the procurement of defense products. Our results indicate that the type of contract used in an economic exchange is associated with differences in asset specificity, uncertainty, and contract incompleteness. Two underlying dimensions were evident at the multivariate level that indicate how individual transaction cost indicators combine as a set based on the degree of contract impediments and human asset specificity. Results are also discussed in the context of contract type differences on each transaction cost analysis indicator.
Multi-period Survey Forecasts Of Business Investment: Is There Room For Improvement?
Authors: Baghestani Hamid , Jung Woo
Published: February 2016

The ASA-NBER multiperiod survey forecasts of business investment are compared with univariate forecasts to assess predictive information content. In general, the survey forecasts fail to be unbiased, and, none fully exploit the information in the past history of business investment. Interestingly, however, they contain predictive information on other relevant (quantitative or qualitative) variables. Combined forecasts of survey and univariate models score significant improvements over either, suggesting their potential usefulness in policy-making.
Embedded Options Impact On Interest Rate Risk And Capital Adequacy
Authors: Brooks Robert , Gup Benton E.
Published: February 2016

In this article we consider cases in which a bank finances some option-embedded assets with option embedded liabilities and with equity. We show that risk-based capital guidelines that do not account for these interest sensitive options can be very misleading with regard to the actual interest rate exposure. In extreme cases, any change in interest rates can result in a deterioration in the value of such unhedged positions even though there may be no risk-exposure as measured by traditional means.
A Lexicon For Organizational Change: Examining The Use Of Language In Popular, Practitioner, And Scholar Periodicals
Authors: Cady Steven H. , Hardalupas Liisa
Published: February 2016

This study presents an examination of the ambiguity surrounding the language of organizational change. The purpose is to unearth patterns in how language is used to describe major organizational change. A sample of 15 journals that spanned 15 years (2,168 issues) were examined from three categories. The results provided 14 different relevant terms for organizational change. The most emphasized term is organizational transformation. The article also conducts a within domain examination that sheds light on the gap between practice and research. Labels and definitions are proposed. Directions and prescriptions for the future are also discussed.
Insider Trading Around Stock Split Announcements
Authors: Ma Yulong , Sun Huey-Lian , Yur-Austin Jasmine
Published: February 2016

This research examines the trading behavior and motives of corporate insiders around announcements of firms' stock splits. Our empirical analyses document significant increases in insider sales prior to the announcement. Further, pre-announcement insider sales are found to be positively related to pre-announcement-period abnormal returns. These findings suggest that insider trading before stock split announcements is motivated mainly by portfolio diversification needs rather than by the information content of the announcements.
Employee Choice Of Voice: A New Workplace Dynamic
Authors: Miles Sandra Jeanquart , Muuka Gerry Nkombo
Published: February 2016

Employee voicean emerging strand of contemporary organizational communicationis quickly becoming one of the most important workplace phenomena of our time thanks, in large part, to increases and improvements in the depth and breadth of technology. Technological breakthroughs have inspired new ways for employees to voice their satisfaction and dissatisfaction in the employment place in ways that were not possible only a decade ago. Social media such as Facebook, Myspace and LinkedIn as well other chat-rooms and blogs can now reach vast national and international audiences with messages that may or may not be organizationally desirable or sanctioned. The article traces the emergence of employee voice mechanisms and types, especially as the latter relates to these technology-inspired social media. The articles central contribution is to be found on many levels including, but not limited to: helping the reader to understand how an employees choice for a voice mechanism is no longer the exclusive preserve of the organization they work for; reviewing the contextual organizational parameters that determine how and what a propensity of employees are likely to choose as their voice mechanisms; and recommending a strategy for developing and managing employee voice to enhance and sustain an organizations competitive advantage.
Resource Consumption Accounting Where Does It Fit?
Authors: Perkins David , Stovall O. Scott
Published: February 2016

With the increasing sophistication of recent costing innovations, such as resource consumption accounting, the selection of a costing system can be a daunting decision as one seeks to choose the appropriate costing methodology for a given (1) decision context, (2) production environment, and/or (3) information system available to a firm. Taking a big picture perspective, this article illustrates the distinguishing features of RCA, ABC, and TOC as compared to the traditional costing approach (as a benchmark) and attempts to offer some basic guidance as to when each system may be appropriate. This comparative presentation of RCA is designed to provide time-pressured management accounting practitioners a frame of reference for considering RCA (or one of the other methodologies) prior to a more in-depth investigation. Managers may also use this comparison to support organizational efforts to train staff with varying levels of management accounting background on the similarities and dissimilarities between the various product costing alternatives. Finally, we believe this presentation can benefit teachers of cost accounting who are interested in exposing their students to the conceptual differences between RCA and the other costing methodologies.
Implementation Of Maqasid Shariah In Islamic House Financing: A Study Of The Rights And Responsibilities Of Contracting Parties In Bai Bithaman Ajil And Musharakah Mutanaqisah
Authors: Azli Rafidah Mohd , Othman Rohana , Sahri Mardiyyah , Aris Nooraslinda Abdul , Arshad Roshayani , Yaakob Abdul Razak
Published: February 2016

The Maqasid-oriented approach in Islam demonstrates the Muslims commitment to uphold the authenticity of Islam as a religion and a complete way of life (ad-din). Maqasid Shariah is a transparent tool to outline and clarify the effective extent of the rights and responsibilities of the Mukallaf (servant of Allah) towards each other. Ignorance on Maqasid Shariah in Islamic business transactions, particularly for Islamic house financing led to misinterpretation, disruption, chaos, and trivial conflicts among the contracting parties. This paper discusses the implementation of Bai Bithaman Ajil (BBA) and Musharakah Mutanaqisah (MM) Home Financing instruments as practiced in Malaysia using the method of Imam al Shatibi. This paper concluded that a sound understanding of the knowledge, goals, and objectives of the Shariah at every level of a contract involving parties to a sale and purchase in Islamic Home Financing would enable improvement in practice through ijtihad (collective decision or general consensus). The Maqasid Shariah (the objective of Islamic Jurispudence) is adequate to provide the appropriate vehicle and procedure for the fulfillment of rights and responsibilities of contracting parties, thereby eliminating all sorts of financial criminology in trading and business (Kamali, 2002).
Attributions Made By Students In Learning Groups
Authors: Geisler Jerry L.
Published: February 2016

Student groups are widely used for major projects in the business capstone course. Increasingly, students are expressing difficulties with such groups primarily involving arrangements for meet-ings outside of class and group relationships. This preliminary research explored social loafing and the attributions made by students about its causes. It was widespread, but just talking about social loafing improved the group’s reaction to it. Satisfaction with the group experience was not adversely affected by the presence of social loafing in groups.
Historical Exchange Rate Risk Premiums In Currency Futures Markets
Authors: Inci Ahmet Can
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the historical predictive power of future spot spread in estimating currency changes.  Currency futures and spot rates over the last two decades are examined.   Results show that as forecast horizon of currency depreciation increases, the slope coefficients become less positive, first losing their significance, and eventually for 1-month regressions, becoming negative for the British pound, Swiss franc and Japanese yen (significantly negative for the yen) indicating risk premiums differ with forecast horizon.  On the other hand, expectations hypothesis is validated when the forecast horizon is 1 day.  These results hold for each decade separately, as well as the total sample.  Comparison of early (1980s) and recent (1990s) periods reveals expectations hypothesis is validated in the recent period.  This indicates the trend towards a more efficient market.  This should not be very surprising with the introduction of round the clock electronic trading medium and reduction of transaction fees in futures markets.  This also implies that the absolute value of the risk premium has decreased over the last two decades.  The extreme case of forward premium puzzle in one-month forecasts diminishes in the 1990s.  The results are robust to partitioning the sample period into four sub samples and separating the data based on maturity of futures contracts.
United States Economy & The Stock Market
Authors: Arora Harjit K. , Buza Michael P.
Published: February 2016

Is this a new economy?  Inflation and interest rates are low.  Compared to previous recessions, unemployment rates are also low but productivity is growing at a healthy pace.  For the first time since the 1920s stock markets have been falling during the first few months of an economic recovery.  The U.S. stockholders wealth has been reduced by approximately $8.0 trillion between March 24, 2000 and October 9, 2002.  Information technology and telecommunication sectors have lost more than 50 percent of their market value.  The U.S. consumer has so far shrugged off the bursting of technology bubble.  However, the real estate sector is forming a bubble in some areas now.  Of late, the enthusiastic American consumer has shown signs of fatigue in the face of corporate scandals, higher trade deficits and resurfacing of federal deficits.  This essay finds that the current bear market is similar to the 1929-1934 bear market in many respects.  An important difference between the current market and 1929-1934 period is the participation rate and the presence of defined contribution as well as defined benefit plans.
Management Awareness And Strategies For The Contemporary African Manager Of Organizations
Authors: Ade-Turton Dayo
Published: February 2016

This paper addresses a topical issue:  management awareness and strategies for the contemporary African manager.  The overall aim of the work is to provide a framework for improved management practices for the manager and the intervener in both private and public sectors.  This framework is not limited to the African manager but has a wider application for other managers of organizations.  In pursuant of this objective, relevant key management concepts are explored and discussed bearing in mind that the subject of management is a dynamic and universal phenomenon.  Emphasis is placed on the features of the endowed person and the potentials of the human being as the manager and as the most effective contributor to organizational life.

 

The identified concepts and their properties are interwoven.  Other highlights are:  (i) the universality in the applications or practices of management; (ii) the peculiarity in the applications and practices of management in different environments or social settings; (iii) management practices, problems and prospects in the African settings (See Table I).  Cases cited and examples drawn are meant inter alia to strengthen the objectives of the study.
Globalization And Convergence-Divergence Debate: Strategic Perspectives For Emerging Markets
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Wang Jifu
Published: February 2016

Globalization calls for a strategic business model that supports creation and sustaining of competitive advantage internationally.  Here, we highlight the significance of a transvergence perspective, which is a transformative reinterpretation and application of the indigenous cultural perspective.  Two case studies of Chinese enterprises highlight the perspective.
Identifying The Salient Dimensions Of Student Cheating And Their Key Determinants In A Private University
Authors: Brown Bob S. , Choong Peggy
Published: February 2016

Extensive research has been conducted over the years about the academic dishonesty or cheating among university students. Most of these studies usually involve surveys of students to determine the extent of their participation in unethical practices, reasons for their participation in these practices and how each unethical academic behavior is related to some student characteristics. While that approach offers good insights it fails to uncover the underlying salient dimensions or commonalties among these behaviors and motivations.

 

This paper reports the results of a survey of business students concerning their academic honesty. Student self-reports on participation and reasons for participating in unethical practices are factor analyzed to uncover three salient dimensions of cheating and four compelling motivations for student cheating. Key determinants of the various forms of cheating are identified and policy implications are discussed.
The Temporal Causality Between Investment And Growth In Developing Economies
Authors: Mehanna Rock-Antoine
Published: February 2016

This paper addresses the ongoing debate regarding the temporal causality between economic growth and investment. It examines the link between long-term economic growth and investment in 80 developing economies for the average period 1982-97 by employing the New Growth model in a Simultaneous Equation approach.  Findings reveal a strong positive one-way relationship between investment and subsequent growth.  This result supports the argument that investment is instrumental and precedes growth rather than the reverse.  Unlike the mainstream view regarding the “direct” trade--growth nexus, results show that trade openness becomes insignificant once investment enters the model.  Additionally, trade openness is found to positively and significantly affecting investment, and hence fostering growth via the investment variable.  Finally, risk is negatively associated with investment indicating that perhaps investors are less attracted to risky markets in developing economies. 
Major Sources Of Challenges Facing The CPA Profession And Suggested Recommendations
Authors: Hassan Morsheda , Luehlfing Michael , Wilkie Macil
Published: February 2016

This paper explores major sources of current changes facing the CPA profession today and tomorrow. This paper also discusses major sources of challenges facing traditional CPA services and new assurances services. In addition, the paper offers recommendations that will enhance the competitiveness of the CPA profession in future markets.
Electronic Cash In E-Commerce: Comparative Analysis Of Views Of Hispanic And African-American Business Owners
Authors: Morrison James L. , Oladunjoye G. Titi , Kwak Young S. , Czarkowski Michael
Published: February 2016

Based on a survey of 1000 Hispanic and 1000 African-American business owners on the impacts e-commerce and e-cash are expected to have upon business practices, there were significant discrepancies between perceptions of these two groups regarding their ability to track and retain customers and to authenticate the source of e-cash payments.  In addition, while both groups of owners agreed that e-cash will likely replace traditional currency used in commercial transactions between consumers and business, they both are uncertain as to what degree central banks of countries should regulate and how much freedom the private sector should have for developing new forms of e-cash.  Hispanic business owners generally are more receptive to e-commerce viewing it as not making marketing strategies more difficult while African-American owners generally perceive enhanced issues to be resolved.
Internationalizing A Business School Program: A Descriptive Study Of A Strategic Implementation Process Of Internationalization
Authors: Cort Kathryn T. , Das Jayoti , Synn Wonhi J.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study is to explain the process that a small private business school with limited resources and no prior experience took to internationalize its business school program. The extent of this globalization project was not limited to just revising, initiating, and enhancing its course offerings for accounting, business administration and economics major but it also included a plan to provide additional Study Abroad opportunities for its business students, to develop collaborative partnerships with the Spanish foreign language faculty, and to increase educational programs to the outside business communities. All of these will be briefly explained because this globalization process would be incomplete without their inclusion; however, the focus of this particular study will concentrate on the internationalization of the business school curriculum.
Costing Distance Ed: Experience-Based Practices
Authors: Schornack Gary R. , Beck Charles E.
Published: February 2016

To respond creatively to the many new opportunities of distance education, the educational community can benefit from a comprehensive view of the distance learning system.   The Process Model for Program Analysis outlines a five-step process to examine all aspects of the system:  Input, Purpose, Method, Implementation, and Feedback.  Inputs include physical and faculty resources, while assumptions include educational philosophy and culture.  Purpose includes specific objectives and the intended audiences for the program.  Method includes the medium used to convey ideas and the process used to put them together including expenditures.  Implementation combines purpose, method, and estimated costs to conduct the actual program.  Feedback includes follow-up with students and the community, cost-benefit analysis, and adaptation based on the research findings.
The Effect Of Education On The Well-Being Of Korean Women, 1980-2001
Authors: Lee Namchul
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the relationship between education and the well-being of Korean women during the period 1980-2001.  The past 19 years has seen dramatic changes in the well-being of women and in their economic status.  A broad range of indicators are considered to capture changes in women's well-being, notably education, labor force participation, wages, employment, unemployment, and occupational distributions.  This paper compares well-being experiences between male and female workers, focusing on labor market indicators.  This study uses extremely rich nation-wide aggregate statistics for performing decompositions to explain the trends of Korean women’s well-being and economic development.  Our main finding is that from 1980 to 2001 the well-being of Korean women increased quite markedly.
The Effect Of Marital Status On The Standard Of Living Of Young Men And Women
Authors: Seeborg Michael C.
Published: February 2016

The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data base is used to explore the effects of changes in marital status on the standard of living of a sample of young adults. OLS regression analysis indicates that changes in marital status have very different effects on young women and young men.  Women receive large increases in their income-to-needs ratios when they marry, and they incur large declines in their income-to-needs ratios after experiencing a divorce or separation.  Men, on the other hand, do not experience significant changes in their income-to-needs ratios when their marital status changes.
The Growing Importance Of Operating Employees And Keys To Developing Effective Training Options
Authors: McMahon Dave , Carr Jon C. , LeMay Stephen A. , Periatt Jeff
Published: February 2016

This study provides a description of the changing role of transportation operating employees, their competencies, job requirements, and training needs.  Four key findings for developing effective training options are discussed.  The data come from 43 logistics organizations in 20 states using the Common Metric Questionnaire, formal and informal interviews, and a descriptive newsletter.