bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expatriation experiences of Chinese immigrants in New Zealand: factors contributing to adjustment of older immigrants
Authors: Selvarajah Christopher
Published: June 2007

This seminal research investigates the adaptation experiences of elderly dependent Chinese immigrants who have come to New Zealand under the Family Reunion Category between 1994 and 1998. The study involved a group‐administered questionnaire to measure the various aspects of the adaptation experiences of 105 elderly dependent Chinese from China aged 50 years and over. The data set was subjected to ANOVA, Kruskal‐Wallis and Factor Analysis to analyse and establish relationships between variables. The results confirmed that there were five main factors that influence the living conditions of the elderly dependent Chinese immigrants in New Zealand. These were, in order of severity, communication in the English language, medical care, transportation, cost of living and interestingly relationships with other family members. The study also confirmed that age, length of time in New Zealand, and the need to stay in New Zealand permanently influenced the adaptability of the elderly Chinese immigrants in New Zealand.
Generation X and the boomers: organizational myths and literary realities
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Serena Maria , Shapiro Barbara T.
Published: June 2007

An extensive literature search was conducted to better understand and to dispel the current stereotypes in the workplace regarding Generation X and Baby Boomers. For the purpose of the article Generation X consisted of those born between 1961 and 1981, while Baby Boomers consisted of those born between 1943 and 1960. The purpose of this article was to use an exhaustive review of eclectic/multidisciplinary literature to address six commonly held myths presented by Paul and Townsend (1993). Furthermore, it was intended to examine empirical research gathered by a literature review of the stereotypes in the workplace, to better understand the profiles and factors that motivate the Baby Boomers and Generation X, in conjunction with the
following independent variables: age, productivity, motivation, training, and mentoring and job satisfaction. Selected hypotheses were tested suggesting Generation Xers are more productive, more motivated, easily trainable and exhibit higher job satisfaction levels as compared to Baby Boomers. Results were convergent and divergent in several cases worth noting. It is important for organizations to recognize the limitations that stereotypes create in the workplace. As was demonstrated by the varied research, Baby Boomers and Generation Xers are not dissimilar as employees; they possess more similarities than differences. Organizations need to engineer/design an environment of respect for both groups to create synergies
between them to build and maintain a productive workforce.
Would you like chips with that?: consumer perspectives of RFID
Authors: Juban Rusty L. , Wyld David C.
Published: June 2007

Addresses consumer perspectives of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). States that some consumers put up barriers against new technology, while others welcome innovations. Idengtifies that market leaders can pretty much use this technology as they wish, meaning boom time for consumer product firms and pain for privacy advocates.
A broad study of the strategic group – performance relation: the movement of Spanish savings and loans across strategic groups
Authors: Valle Santos Alvarez M
Published: June 2007

Argues that researchers need to recognize the importance of the temporal factor in research on strategic groups, paying more attention to interdependencies between a firm’s strategy and its surrounding environment.
Choice of debt in dual offerings
Authors: Yaman Devrim
Published: June 2007

In this study we analyze the determinants of the type and structure of debt included in dual offerings of debt and equity. Our sample consists of 54 dual offerings of convertible bond and common stock (CBCS) and 258 dual offerings of straight bond and common stock (SBCS). We find that firms with high asset substitution problems are more likely to issue CBCS offerings instead of SBCS offerings. These firms are also more likely to include convertible bonds with a high probability of conversion in the issue. The probability of CBCS offerings is higher for firms with low information asymmetry and during high interest rate periods. We also find that the announcement returns of CBCS offerings are lower than the returns of SBCS offerings.
Speculative excesses in inital pricing of IPOS in the secondary market
Authors: Beneda Nancy
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the pricing of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the secondary market on the first day of aftermarket trading. The focus of this study is on shifts in average returns over time, and does not necessarily address the cross‐sectional implications of a risk/return relation. The focus of the study is to examine the reasonableness of first day trading prices of IPOs. Initial returns of IPOs, issued during the period, January 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000, reached as much as 800 per cent, and the average initial return for the study sample was of 76 per cent. An important question is whether the high initial returns, observed during this time period, are appropriate for the level of risk associated with these new issues. Related to this question is the pricing of these securities by investment bankers (i.e. the offer price) and the pricing of the securities in aftermarket trading (i.e the secondary market). The results of this study indicate the presence of speculative excesses in the initial pricing of IPOs in aftermarket trading during 1999 and part of 2000. Further there is no indication that IPOs are excessively underpriced by investment bankers during the study period, January 1, 1997 through June 30, 2000. The results of this study may be useful to investors in making decisions about purchasing new public securities in the secondary market.
The challenges of navigating a topic to a prospective researcher: the case of knowledge management research
Authors: Jasimuddin Sajjad M. , Connell Con , Klein Jonathan H.
Published: June 2007

Exploring a researchable topic and narrowing it down sufficiently to make it workable is a first task in any scientific research. This is particularly difficult when the researcher is a novice, because s(he) is unlikely to be properly aware of what the essential issues and the research question(s) in the field are. This article addresses the question of how to navigate a research topic for an academic project. The article is potentially of interest to novice researchers and researchers new to a field. Illustrating its argument by means of an example in the area of knowledge management, the article proposes a set of guidelines for narrowing down a research topic to workable size. A number of recommendations are made; by utilizing these recommendations to construct a navigation map, it is hoped that a researcher can use fully formulate research question(s). It can be argued that drawing such a navigation map is an art in which prospective researchers need to be trained.
Further support of the reliability and construct validity of the horizontal and vertical, individualism and collectivism Framework
Authors: White Christopher J.
Published: June 2007

The search for an acceptable model to explain cultural differences in value orientations has led the present author to the constructs of individualism and collectivism (I‐C). These two constructs have attracted the attention of scholars from a variety of disciplines since the 1800s, and I‐C has been used to explain cultural differences in family dynamics, conflict resolution, communication, leadership and resource allocation.
Dividend innovations and volatility of stock returns
Authors: Tsoukalas Dimitrios
Published: June 2007

This article focuses on dividend innovations as a determinant of predict ability and volatility of returns in three major stock markets, the U.S., U.K., and Japan. All results are based on vector autoregressive (VAR) and auto regressive conditional heteroscedastic (ARCH) approaches, with monthly sampled data. We find that in all three markets dividend‐price ratios and/or dividend growth rates predict returns. Moreover, there is persistence in the variance of stock returns attributed to the innovations related to the same variables.
Sustainable retailing and consumerism
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David , Comfort Daphne , Eastwood Ian
Published: June 2007

In concluding their review of the environmental and social performance of some 86 worldwide retailers Storebrand Investments (2003) argued that “Shopping is increasingly becoming a leisure activity – done not out of necessity but out of luxury. The long term effects of encouraging consumerism, which is in direct conflict with the definition of being sustainable, is a real conflict to tackle as a retailer” and they encouraged retailers to address this important challenge. In many ways consumerism has become an increasingly defining characteristic of modern, nay post modern, societies (Stearns, 1997) while at the same time sustainability has moved higher and higher up political agendas around the world. This short article looks to explore some of the tensions between consumerism and sustainable retailing. It begins by providing a basic outline of sustainable development and consumerism and of the role of retailing in linking production and consumption and it then examines some of the ways in which UK based retailers are looking to address sustainability agendas.
Stock attractiveness after inclusion in stock index: empirical evidence from KSE 100 index
Authors: Ameer Rashid
Published: June 2007

This paper explores attractiveness of stocks on Karachi Stock Exchange using event study methodology. The main findings of this paper are KSE 100 has included small share capital base manufacturing companies during 2000‐2002. There is no significant difference in pre tax profitability of companies included (excluded) except for their capital structures. The results from event study seem to suggest that KSE100 stocks would be more attractive to passive investors. The passive investors tracking moderate beta stocks on KSE100 index are better off until beta of the stocks climbs up.
Are tax‐deferred investments invariably superior?
Authors: Srivastava Suresh C. , Essayyad Musa
Published: June 2007

Financial institutions that are marketing tax‐sheltered plans claim that the implied rates of return of tax‐sheltered strategies are superior to those rates of return realized from taxable plans. The purpose of our paper is to investigate that claim. To accomplish our purpose, we have developed a model to determine, under different assumptions of various tax rates, the incremental benefits and the implied rates of returns of tax‐deferred investments over the
taxable investments. When the model is applied, the results show that tax‐deferred investments are not always superior. Consequently, investors may not have a choice but to select portfolios at the lower end of the efficient frontier.
Bank relations, cash holdings, and firm value: evidence from Japan
Authors: Luo Qi , Hachiya Toyohiko
Published: June 2007

This paper tests two views of bank’s role for Japanese firms. The views are confronted with the empirical evidence, allowing them to compete to explain firm’s cash holding decisions and the implication of cash holdings on firm value. We find that firms with closer bank relations hold less cash, but some of them are over‐borrowing. Our results show that banks do not monitor their client firms and are unlikely to push the managers of the firms to take efficient actions on maximizing firm value. We discover that cash holdings cause more severe agency conflicts for the firms who have the closer relations with the banks.
Vice Chancellors for the 21st Century? A Study of Contemporary Recruitment and Selection Practices in Australian Universities
Authors: O’Meara Bernard , Petzall Stanley
Published: June 2007

This article is based on recent Ph.D research. The practices for appointing Vice Chancellors (VC’s) in Australian Universities were examined, together with the changing role of the VC and new demographic patterns in VC backgrounds. A number of other issues were also examined, including the training and preparation of VC’s, mentoring and the changing skill base required to be effective in the role. In addition, the paradox was investigated of appointing academics from the ranks of individuals with non‐business backgrounds, to run large enterprises which are being compelled to adopt an increasingly business‐oriented focus.
Dispelling the Myths of Online Education: Learning via the Information Superhighway
Authors: liam Drago Wil , Peltier James W. , Hay Amanda , Hodgkinson Myra
Published: June 2007

There continues to be a perception that online education is inferior to traditional education. In the U.S. online learning is more developed than in the U.K. This paper provides insights into a U.S. provision and takes a close look at what are per ceived as weak nesses of on line learn ing and ar gues that these are not necessarily inherent weaknesses of this form of educational delivery. Then, results of two major studies, undertaken in the U.S. are provided comparing the effectiveness of online education to traditional education as perceived by current MBA students and past graduates. Results of these studies suggest that students of MBA modules and MBA graduates perceive the quality and effectiveness of online education to be similar to, if not higher than, the quality and effectiveness of traditional modules and programmes.
Creating New Corporate Memories to Reinvent IBM
Authors: Chacko George K.
Published: June 2007

The dominating role of corporate memory/corporate culture in instituting/impeding dramatic changes is highlighted in the first‐person narrative of Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. of his tenure as IBM CEO (1993‐2002). Gerstner, who had never worked in the computer business, was brought in to rescue IBM which had lost $16 billion in three years, and half its share value in eight years in which 175,000 employees lost their jobs. “I came to see in my time at IBM that culture is not just one aspect of the game‐it is the game... [When the original environment institutionalized in the corporate culture] shifts, it becomes an enormous impediment to the institution’s ability to adapt.” To overcome the impediment, Gerstner had to employ Draconian Measures to replace/rebuild the institutional memory: [1] organizationally by ripping power out of the entrenched bureaucracy, and giving it to 12 newly‐constituted customer‐centered industries, [2] operationally by tying Pay and Promotion to IBM stock performance (instead of individual units), [3] motivationally by rewarding individuals on their accomplishment of their plans to implement the Gerstner triad: “Win, Execute, Team,” and [4]
strategically by making big bets on unproven technologies of CMOS and Net work‐centered e‐business. Our Memory Management Disequilibria Dimensions (MD)2 Pro ‐ to colanalyzes the Gerstner narrative accurately.
Managing and Regulating Red Light Districts in British Cities
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David , ter Shears Pe
Published: June 2007

Red light districts have long been a traditional feature of many British cities, but the last two to three years has witnessed growing interest in and policy debate concerning the ways in which the state seeks to regulate the oldest profession. This short article offers a brief introduction to prostitution, focuses particularly on street prostitution and red light districts, and examines the arguments for and against the introduction of formally delimited ‘tolerance
zones’ for prostitution. The article draws its illustrative material from the recent policy debates in Scotland and specifically from three Scottish cities, namely Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Replacing/rebuilding individual/institutional memories to create a wireless world
Authors: Chacko George K.
Published: June 2007

Wireless communication, comprising telecommunication industry products and services which move voice, video, data, and graphics at the speed of the electron, is the back bone of the Internet. We have today a wireless world which two Chief ‘Ntrepreneur Officers (CNOs)‐American Sam Ginn (AirTouch) and Britisher Chris Gent (Vodafone)‐created by their Memory Management during the 16 years between Olympics in Los Angeles (1984) and Olympics in Sydney (2000).
Layout strategies for retail operations: A case study
Authors: Aghazadeh Seyed‐Mahmoud
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to research retail layout of a local super market. The five concepts of retail layout were used to determine if the super market was achieving an effective layout. To accomplish this study, we applied previous studies, conducted interviews, and made use of the store for our own research. After discovering that the local supermarket needed some improvements, recommendations were made to improve the supermarket from the customers’ point of view. The other objective of our study was to determine if the supermarket utilised floor space to maximise profitability per square
foot. Our findings helped to verify whether the supermarket implemented an appropriate layout.
Corporate social responsibility as a means of marketing to and communicating with customers within stores: A case study of UK food retailers
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David
Published: June 2007

In making the case for Corporate Social Responsibility the UK Government has argued that more transparency in the ways that companies address and manage environmental, economic and social issues can help improve relationships with employees, customers, and other stake holders (Department of Trade and Industry, 2004). The UK’s large food retailers are increasingly keen to report their commitment to CSR (Jones, et al., 2005) and while such reports can be accessed by various stake holders (Snider, et al., 2003) they are generally directed at share holders, investors, consumer pressure groups and policy makers rather than individual customers. This article offers a preliminary examination of the extent to which the UK’s major food retailers currently use CSR as a means of marketing to, and communicating with, customers whilst they are within their stores.
Proper solution of circularity in the interactions of corporate financing and investment decisions: A reply to
the financing present value approach
Authors: Vélez‐Pareja Ignacio , Tham Joseph
Published: June 2007

It is a well known problem the interactions between the market value of cash flows and the discount rate (usually the weighted average cost of capital, WACC) to calculate that value. This is mentioned in almost all text books in corporate finance. However, the solution adopted by most authors is to assume a constant leverage D%, and hence assume that the leverage gives raise to an optimal capital structure and the discount rate is constant. On the other hand, most authors use the definition of the Ke, the cost of leveraged equity for perpetuities even if the planning horizon is finite.
Among these authors we find the work of Wood and Leitch W&L 2004. In this article we wish to analyse the claim made by W&L 2004 in the sense to have found an iterative solution to the problem of circularity that results in a “near” matching with the Adjusted Present Value APV, proposed by Myers, 1974. They use as the basic principle the fact that there is a “near” constant relation between Ke the cost of equity and Kd the cost of debt. They consider as well that the cost of debt Kd is not constant and changes proportionately with the leverage D%. We propose a very simple and precise approach to solve the above mentioned circularity problem.
Defining employee dishonesty
Authors: Wang Ying , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The major forms of employee dishonesty include: top management fraud, worker’s compensation fraud, and employee’s lying and theft. This article will focus on discussing these different types of dishonest behaviours, their underlying dynamics, possible solutions and preventive measures. Moreover, some typical cases in the United States like World Com fraud, workers’ compensation fraud, and some lying and stealing behaviours will be discussed. Finally, this article may help understand the importance for top management to be an ethical role model, and the importance of creating an honest and satisfactory working environment.
Issues and concerns facing American companies in the Middle East
Authors: Saleh Saif , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

This article tries to examine concerns and opportunities that American companies may face in the Middle East. American companies and managers should have a better understanding of this part of the world to be more effective and successful in their operations. This article starts first by describing the demographics, geography, and political composition of the Middle East, and then goes on to address the issues and challenges, for example, unions and security issues that American companies conducting business in the region might face. After discussing the challenges, this article explains the opportunities available, such as; privatisation. Finally, the conclusion is that the Middle East could offer American companies an opportunity to expand their operations, however, for any company to succeed in the region it should have a deep understanding of the culture, politics, and people.
The duties of a Chief Executive Officer
Authors: Wibowo Grace , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

This article deals with what a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) actually does in the company. The purpose is to describe CEOs, illustrate the CEOs’ duties, and provide a conclusion. This article was made by gathering information from books and articles about CEOs and their duties. The scope of this article is demonstrated in three sections. First, this article gives a description about CEOs in terms of definition and who can be classified as CEOs, nature of the work in terms of a CEOs’ responsibilities, working conditions in terms of at the office, at work, and the job’s consequences categories, employment, qualifications and advancement, job outlook, and earnings in terms of a CEOs’ annual earnings and compensation. Second, this article explains the duties of CEOs. There are four duties a CEO has: setting strategy and vision, building culture, building good teamwork, and allocating capital. This article also provides the measurement for CEOs’ duties so the CEO can measure his or her performance on each duty in order to do his or her job better in the future. Finally, the conclusion is made based on the explanation in the previous major subjects: the description and the duties of a CEO.
Can a good company achieve greatness?
Authors: Barbe Brian , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

There have been several books written on how the great companies became great. Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, adds a new twist when he attempts to find out if a company can go from being just good to great, and if so, how. Collins compared eleven companies that were able to make the leap from good to great to those that could not and found six distinguishing characteristics that set them apart: Level 5 leaders, first who...then what, confronting the brutal facts, the Hedgehog Concept, creating a culture of discipline, and finally using technology as an accelerator. ECCU is a good company that is striving to become great. While the results need to be tested over time ECCU is an example of a company who has consciously applied the techniques and seen the expected success. Many of the good to great principles can be applied to ones personal life as well as to corporate life.
Management of operations in the snack industry
Authors: Pineda Fernando , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

This article examines the components of management operations in the snack industry. The snack industry generates about $21 billion annually in retail sales in the United States. Management operations in this industry entail several areas. The management areas observed are: creating a variety of products, marketing a product, managing the production process, incorporating advanced technology, and operating in accordance to both HACCP guidelines and company guidelines. Some of the topics focus on one portion of the snack industry, potato chips, in order to provide a more detailed account of certain themes. The research provides a thorough understanding of the snack industry, the changes and demands it faces and the way managers put all the pieces together to make it work.
Managing telemarketing departments effectively
Authors: Licata Warren J. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

An Arthur Anderson study for the National Association on Wholesalers reveals that two‐thirds of all sales representatives will be telemarketers by the year 2000. This will create over eight million new telemarketing jobs
through the year 2000 (Bencin, 1989). According to the report, the telemarketing industry will be characterised by great growth, a shortage of qualified people, more university‐level direct‐marketing education
programmes, and higher management salaries.
Effective human resource management in the steel industry
Authors: Andresen Katherine , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Iron preceded steel in the history of the metal industry. It was used for over three thousand years, and when the British settled in North America, the first iron works was set up at James town, Virginia, in 1621. By the time of the
American Revolution, the colonies were producing one‐seventh of the world’s supply of pig iron at thirty thousand tons. Steel is made by alloying iron with carbon to produce a hard, strong metal. It was expensive to manufacture and the United States imported most of its steel until after the Civil War. The steam age provided much growth to the iron industry in the 1800s, with enormous demand for iron rails. Pennsylvania, with its large deposits of anthracite coal, was the nation’s leading state in the iron industry. Aided by the great iron ore deposits in the Great Lakes area and cheap water transportation, the production of iron and steel drove the Industrial Revolution, and the Mid west became the centre of American heavy industry. Developments in steel processing during the mid 1800s lowered the cost of steel production
and allowed the use of steel for rail roads, construction, and other industrial uses. By 1883, approximately twenty years after the Civil War, the United States produced nearly 115,000 tons of steel and the Iron Age disappeared.
The American steel industry continued to grow rapidly and by 1910 it produced more than 24 million tons, which was the greatest of any country. One of the high lights of the steel industry was the establishment of United States Steel Corporation in 1901 led by J. Pierpont Morgan and Elbert H. Gary. The corporation was valued at $1.4 billion and controlled more than 60 percent of the US market. The strength of America’s steel industry continued after
World War II and peaked in 1969 at 141,262,000 tons. At this time, competition from steel plants abroad with lower labour costs and newer mills started edging in on the US market. By 1975, US steel production declined to 89 million tons, but rebounded slightly in the late 1980s (Gordon). The American steel industry would not be central to the economy as it had for the previous 100 years.
How to manage independent contractors effectively
Authors: Gunawan Henry , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Whether a worker is an employee of a business or an independent contractor with that business is an issue that can have many significant problems. Generally, an employee is someone who works for an employer. An employee is controlled by the employer and has little discretion in the timing and performance of his tasks. According to Wilson, on the other hand, “independent contractors contract to do work and have the ability to perform the work without being subject to the control of the employer as long as they meet the expected results required by the contract (Wilson, 1999).”
In short, independent contractors are independent business people who are hired to perform specific tasks. They are just like any other vendor, except they perform services rather than provide tangible goods and basically are in the business for themselves. Thus, they are not the hiring firm’s employees. They are not eligible for unemployment, disability, or workers compensation benefits (California Chamber of Commerce, 1991). There is no certain and consistent definition to distinguish an employee and an independent contractor. However, there are a number of rules that govern whether someone is an employee or an independent contractor; and each of the rules has its own characteristic in determining the issue.
The evolution of R&D management
Authors: Wang Jincao , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

R&D has been studied for a long time within different contexts, economies, and environmental demands throughout the years. The transition from early days’ booming markets and economic growth in the 1950s to today’s highly
competitive and global market place is reflected in the way R&D has been managed. Early success stories such as the industrial research laboratories Bell Labs, Xerox Park and Lockheed Martin Skunkworks have been replaced by companies like the more market‐focused 3M, the rapid introductions of new product ranges from Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Sony, and R&D collaborations like Ericsson’s network of companies around the “Bluetooth” technology and standard. The perspective on R&D processes has been different throughout the years, since the structure and prerequisites of the economy have changed and so has the presumption of best practice. One attempt at describing the last 50 years of evolution within the R&D field is introduced below according to many researchers.
Behavioural interviewing
Authors: Bowers Deborah , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The average cost of a company’s workforce is 36 percent of revenue (Mercer/CFO study). It is by far the largest investment any company makes, and yet it is the asset that executives can be most disorganised about. Human resources are more important than ever since companies can no longer rely on tangible assets as being the major source of competitive advantage. Technologies can be copies, capital can flow easily even during economic downturns, and economies of scale and scope are less critical as small competitors are easily taking on big ones. The last source of competitive advantage is human capital which is why it is so important to have a good hiring system in place.
How can music be used in business?
Authors: Coloma Darrell , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

In general, music has an effect on emotion. Information compiled by Bruner states generalities of emotional expressions that are associated with different components of music. For example, a faster tempo creates feelings of happiness or animation, whereas a slower tempo evokes tranquil and sentimental feelings. Songs in higher keys and/or major mode are generally considered happier than songs in lower and/or minor keys. Consonant harmonies are described as playful and happy, with dissonant harmonies see more ominous and sad. This is a generally accepted use of music, which has been implemented in working and retail environments, and in advertisements. However, does emotion actually affect behaviour and is there any evidence? One experiment showed a short video of a TV drama and played different musical moods along with it. Results indicated that the different moods produced different interpretations of same video stimulus (Vinovich, 1975). Bruner concludes that human beings non‐randomly assign emotional meaning to music, experience non‐random affective reactions to music, and thus, when used in a marketing‐related context, music is capable of evoking non‐random affective and behavioural responses in consumers.
How can the lessons from literature be used in business?
Authors: Bui Aimee , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The worlds of literature and business are as different as they get. While literature often revels in the artistic and abstract aspects, business focuses on the more practical and realistic facets of life. Literature talks ideas, business
speaks money. Writers express themselves with words, business men prove themselves through numbers. Former US President Calvin Coolidge once exclaimed, “The business of America is business. Not Art!” (West brook,
1980:1). However, this difference is, at most, on the surface. Literature and business intertwine on more perspectives than one might think. For example, there are traces of corporate capitalism in Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle in which workers are portrayed as “slaves to the economic system” (Watts, 1982:77). Or Joseph Heller’s Something Happened depicts the harsh rules of business by which any one who is not contributing efficiently to the success of a company will be discarded, also known as corporate Darwinism (Horner, 1992:27). Or in Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, with a humourous tone, medieval England is modernised with various economic measures, such as new currency, stock exchange in the court, and full‐time employment for the knights, and hence saved from financial ruins (West brook, 1980:49). In other words, literature has been drawing inspirations from the financial market. Therefore, it might not be surprising if there are major themes in literature than can be applied to the corporate world. In fact, managers at all levels can learn valuable lessons for the many areas of
business from literature.
New developments concerning business information systems
Authors: Kadiyala Ranjana , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

In today’s competitive world, information systems provide competitive advantage to a business. Whether a business follows cost leadership strategy or differentiation strategy, information systems have a strategic impact by reducing production costs and identifying the potential market segments. Communication is a key element in operating a business successfully. Information systems go a long way in simplifying things for a business by effective management of information.
Managing for excellence in the real estate industry
Authors: Chan Wilson , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

The real estate industry is very broad and diverse in terms of jobs and functions within the industry. Appraisers, loan officers, escrow officers, title associates, real estate lawyers and accountants, agents, and brokers represents
some of the diverse work environments in the real estate industry. To limit the variance in diversity and to focus more effectively on the subject of this article, a real estate broker and or a real es tate branch man ager will be used to illustrate the importance of effective management in a real estate office.
How to use humour for stress management
Authors: Lee Yi‐Ping , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Stress is a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical and psychological health. Stress is intangible. However, it comes with
some symptoms such as weight gain or loss, easiness to anger, sleeplessness, frequency headaches, strained relationships, fatigue, and low productivity (Hanes, 2002).
Rebels without applause: time, politics and irony in action research
Authors: Badham Richard , Garrety Karin , Zanko Michael
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to raise for discussion and reflection some of the key dynamics of action research projects‐in‐practice. It focuses in particular on how action researchers broker academic and client interests, and how this brokering shifts over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on participant observation, drawing on the reflective and processual accounts of action researchers involved in a collaborative academic–industry–government project.

Findings

The paper argues that the scope of action research projects to effectively address the needs of both audiences is compromised by managerialism in universities and organizations. However, the emergent and chaotic nature of action research provides opportunities for researchers to overcome some of these limitations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a model and case analysis to support critical reflection amongst action researchers.

Practical implications

If the argument of the paper is accepted, then action researchers are required to pay greater attention to the dangers of managerialism in universities, and explore how such dangers can be overcome.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in its self‐critical sociological reflexivity. Its value depends on whether or not this is found to be valuable by action researchers.
The effects of previous episodes in business‐to‐business interaction
Authors: Biggemann Sergio , Buttle Francis
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse the effects that previous episodes have on business‐to‐business relationships and how these episodes can influence the parties’ responses to a particular act. This investigation uses a network approach to investigate this relational situation.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study was used based on dozens of semi‐structured interviews to explore this phenomenon. Qualitative information was gathered. In addition to interviews, review of documents and observation were also completed.

Findings

It was found that varied outcomes occurred in the relationships and are a consequence of the contexts brought to bear on the dealers’ interpretations of the act of introducing a new agreement. New dealer relationships were strengthened, while established dealer relationships may have been weakened.

Practical implications

A long‐term relationship, built through exchanging acts over time, conditions the counterpart's response to the focal company's act. This research shows that this can happen even in cases in which the relationship could be reasonably classified as Customer partnership. The dealers’ reactions suggest that different network positions were occupied by the two different types of dealers, established and new. Even though their roles in the supply chain could be deemed as identical, it appears as if the parties’ obligations and rights were different.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the importance of good business relationships.
Impact of shared beliefs on “perceived usefulness” and “ease of use” in the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system
Authors: Ramayah T. , Lo May‐Chiun
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This article seeks to examine the impact of shared beliefs concerning the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) among executives and engineers in the northern region of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents comprise managers in the departments of production control, production, materials, engineering and information technology, and executives within the organization, who are cognizant of the ERP implementation. A questionnaire was sent to managers in 113 manufacturing organizations. A total of 69 responses was received, all of which were used in the analysis.

Findings

The findings support the notion that systems or technologies, which are perceived to be easy to use and understand, will be viewed as more useful from the end‐user's perspective. In addition, perceived ease of use (PEU) was found to mediate partially the effects of shared beliefs concerning the usefulness of the ERP system.

Practical implications

This study provides evidence that the level of managerial support, in terms of shared beliefs about the benefits of ERP, is critical in increasing the level of PEU and perceived usefulness.

Originality/value

There is a gap in the literature concerning what influences these two salient beliefs. Thus, this paper examines the impact of shared beliefs on the perceived usefulness and ease of use of an ERP system in a developing country.
Advertising agency scene in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Erdem Orham , Tuncalp Secil
Published: June 2007

Looks at advertising agencies in Saudi Arabia and describes their strengths and the facilities they can offer. Focuses on five major advertising agencies – Tihama for Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing; United Outdoor Advertising Company Ltd.; Raed Marketing and Advertising; Narwah Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing; and Transworld Publicity Limited – and mentions five others. Explores the history of advertising in Saudi Arabia; it’s a relatively new industry built on the crude oil boom of 1973, when the Saudis embarked on an intensive economic development programme.
Neo‐confucianism: the bane of foreign firms in China
Authors: Yu Wong Yim , Maher Thomas E. , Evans Neil A. , Nicholson Joel D.
Published: June 2007

Explores Chinese culture and the problems foreign firms and governments encounter when dealing with China. Emphasizes Confucianism’s dominant cultural tradition in China and attempts to explain it to improve foreign firms’ chances of success. Describes Confucianism as a way of living, incorporating the principles of humanism and the notion of filial piety. Mentions the five cardinal relations, harmony and Neo‐Confucianism’s “Principle of universal truth, order, law, production and reproduction”. Assesses the implications of social inequality, social ritual, familism, guan xi (connections), face, and sun yung (mutual trust) for foreign firms. Concludes that foreign firms wishing to do business with China need to understand the labyrinth of Confucianism.
Managing for excellence in Malaysia
Authors: Rosner Scott R. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks at planning, use of resources, labour relations, management style, and the concept of change in Malaysia, comparing management techniques with those employed in the USA. Concludes that there are some similarities and some differences in the two countries’ management techniques and philosophies, but points out that Malaysians are actively trying to upgrade their management skills by seeking help from Japan and the USA.
Nonverbal communication and business success
Authors: Poon Teng Fatt James
Published: June 2007

Attempts to link nonverbal communication and business success by advocating that salespeople in particular should be aware of nonverbal communication and what it means. Claims that verbal and nonverbal communication, taken together, provide more complete information and states that women are innately more knowledgeable than men when it comes to understanding nonverbal communication. Covers and explains metalanguage, paralanguage, body motion or kinesic behaviour, emblems, illustrators, affect displays, regulators, adaptors, physical characteristics, touching behaviour, proxemics, artifacts, and environmental factors. Outlines the opportunity for feedback, covering reinforcement behaviour, response‐matching, accommodation, and identifying indicators of deception. Asserts that understanding of nonverbal communication is vital in cross‐national negotiations and can lead to business success in selling or persuasive roles such as advertising.
An overview of trends in employee benefits programmes
Authors: Marsh Bob , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Investigates employee benefits on offer in the USA. Acknowledges that several benefits (such as social security payments) are required by law but focuses on voluntary or discretionary benefits, which may or may not be taxable, such as child care. Explores the purpose of these benefits, particularly from the employ’s point of view, as a tool for offering incentives and increasing motivation. Provides a brief overview of the history of benefits in the USA, the benefits on offer, the cost of benefit packages to employers, and tax consequences. Notes that the traditional benefit package was based on a male worker with a non‐working spouse and two children, which has not kept pace with demographics. Describes a typical household today as a two‐income family with children, with increased life expectancy and more elderly people. Concedes that benefit packages are beginning to change, particularly in relation to elder care and child care. Terms pick and mix benefits packages as cafeteria‐style benefit plans and outlines their advantages and disadvantages. Warns that more and more benefits are likely to be taxable.
How to pay the bank CEO
Authors: Sigler Kevin J. , Cornwell Thomas
Published: June 2007

Explores a US bank CEO’s ideal compensation package as a way of attracting and retaining talented individuals. States that there must be a competitive base salary but that total compensation should include car, housing, retirement and health benefits., and stock options. Notes that the federal tax package has placed a limit on eligible compensation and mentions supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPS) as a way of compensating for this. Links pay with bank performance; the CEO’s cash bonuses are tied to the bank’s performance to ensure that the CEO acts in the best interests of the bank and its shareholders. Observes fluctuations in total compensation packages due to tenure, returns on average assets, bank revenues and net incomes or profits of the bank.
How negotiators work in teams
Authors: Bright D. , Parkin W.
Published: June 2007

Investigates the theory and practice of negotiation through studying British managers in a role playing situation; observations then formed the basis of this questionnaire survey, which was sent to 300 UK managers, and follow‐up interviews were carried out with 30 managers. Refers to earlier research conducted by the same authors and explains how this research builds on their previous findings. Explains the methodology of this study. Reports on the use of teams in negotiating behaviour, the size of the teams, team preparation and formation, team roles, team management, acquiring information, understanding agreements, demonstrating a united front, establishing facts, attempting to split the opposition, exaggerating divisions in an opposing team, tactics, and the use of adjournments. Concludes that smaller teams, consisting of people used to working together, are perceived to be more effective. Highlights the areas where teams new to negotiations or working together should focus their attention. Suggests areas for further research.
Evaluating advertising agency performance: actions to enhance the client/agency relationship
Authors: Lace Jonathan M.
Published: June 2007

States that very little useful information exists on how clients rate advertising agencies. Sets out to rectify this by conducting a questionnaire survey of 130 clients of advertising agencies to assess how they rate the performance of agencies. Suggests that this information would be beneficial to agencies in offering a better service or managing the client/agency relationship more effectively. Outlines the background history of advertising throughout the 1990s and mentions some previous research carried out. Proceeds to explain the methodology of this survey, identifying five key performance measures and six functional competencies against which the respondents rated their agency. Provides tables of the findings and conducts discriminant factor analysis to plot client satisfaction. Finds that most clients are not satisfied with value for money and service delivery offered by their advertising agency. Makes suggestions on how agencies could improve this. Outlines areas for further research.