bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Communication Effectiveness of System Models Using the UML versus Structured Techniques: A Field Experiment
Authors: Hungerford Bruce C. , Eierman Michael A.
Published: April 2011

The Unified Modeling Language has become an alternative to traditional modeling languages such as data flow diagrams for use in systems analysis. A modeling language is used to represent an information system so that analysts can use the model to make decisions about the design of the system and to communicate with stakeholders about the system. This study examines the comparative effectiveness of the UML and traditional modeling languages in communicating information about a system design. The study examines this on three types of individuals: individuals with no knowledge of either modeling language, individuals with no knowledge of either language that were provided training in one of the languages, and individuals that have had more extensive training in one of the languages. The study finds that there is no difference in the ability to communicate system design information between the languages for the first two types of individuals. However, the study finds that, for more extensively trained individuals, systems modeled with the UML are better able to communicate information about the data in the system while systems modeled with traditional languages are better able to communicate information about the process used by the system.
Building a Market‐Oriented Organizational Environment: An Implementation Framework for Small Organizations
Authors: Martin Beth Ann , Martin James H.
Published: April 2011

The strong link between a market orientation and performance in small organizations rests on the organization’s ability to use its market‐oriented culture to create a sustainable competitive advantage. To do this requires the firm to build and maintain a strong market orientation. Using an internal customer‐internal supplier perspective, this paper identifies a framework for implementation that an organization can undertake to create a market‐oriented workforce. The foundation for the framework is the development of dyadic relationships between internal customers and suppliers. The implementation structure relies on a performance management system that rewards behaviors appropriate for the establishment of a market‐oriented culture.
Implementing Planned Change: An Empirical Comparison of Theoretical Perspectives
Authors: Ford Matthew W. , Greer Bertie M.
Published: April 2011

Planned organizational change has been viewed from a variety of conceptual perspectives, and a plethora of variables that impact the change process have been proposed. However, few empirical studies have investigated the relationships thought to exist among change process variables. Drawing from questionnaire‐based data obtained from managers involved in the implementation of change, we evaluate three plausible change model configurations using multivariate methods. Findings from the study support a dynamic change process configuration over a direct effects model. Results, discussion, implications and direction for further research are offered.
Current NASDAQ Corporation Methods of Reporting Comprehensive Income
Authors: Pandit Ganesh M. , Rubenfield Allen , Phillips Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2011

Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 130 (SFAS 130) was released in 1997 which required publicly traded companies to separately report comprehensive income in the financial statements. SFAS 130 prescribed three alternative formats for the presentation without mandating any one specific format. SFAS 130 also required certain details of comprehensive income to be displayed prominently in the financial statements. The current study examined the presentation of comprehensive income by a sample of companies traded on the NASDAQ market to determine the predominant method of presentation among these companies, five years after SFAS 130 became effective. Results of the examination of one hundred annual reports showed that a majority of the sampled companies used the third approach, which was to present comprehensive income as part of the Statement of Stockholders’ Equity, as against the first two approaches that favored presentation of comprehensive income on the face of the Income Statement or in a separate statement. Further, the paper also discusses some ancillary findings pertaining to the presentation of the details of comprehensive income.
Stock Market Reactions and Firm Performance Surrounding CEO Succession: Antecedents of Succession and Successor Origin
Authors: Rhim Jong C. , Peluchette Joy V. , Song Inam
Published: April 2011

This study investigates the effects of CEO succession on the stock and financial performance of large publicly held corporations over the years 1977‐1994. Using a market signaling framework, this study examines how the stock market responds to the expected financial performance of the firm at the announcement of CEO succession. The impact of successor origin of the CEO on the financial performance of the firm is also investigated. Findings indicate that the stock market responded more favorably to the announcement of succession caused by unanticipated events than to announcements of anticipated succession. Although successions resulted in significant improvement in some aspects of financial performance, the findings could not be generalized across all financial performance measures. However, those firms with inside CEO succession performed generally better than those firms utilizing outside succession with respect to operations and profitability.
Adaptive Selling Behavior: Adding Depth and Specificity to the Range of Adaptive Outputs
Authors: Eckert James A.
Published: April 2011

Working from the expanded model of adaptive selling behavior offered by Eckert and Plank (2004), this paper attempts to add greater depth and specificity to the adaptive output categories making them more useful for research advancement and for both the teaching and execution of an adaptive selling approach. Relevant literature is identified, organized, and offered as theory sources to support and expand the adaptive selling model.
Dual‐Class Companies: Do Inferior‐Voting Shares Make Inferior Investments?
Authors: Swisher Judith
Published: April 2011

A dual‐class share structure allows managers or original owners to retain control of a firm, while providing public equity financing. In the U.S., a firm generally issues superior‐voting shares to managers or original owners, and inferior‐voting shares to the public. As a result of the separation of control and risk bearing, the potential for agency problems exists. Theory predicts and some evidence shows that the use of a dual‐class share structure leads to a lower firm valuation than would otherwise exist. However, theory also suggests that separation of control and risk bearing might be desirable in some situations, since it allows managers to make long‐term investments without fear of a hostile takeover. Thus, a dualclass share structure could result in superior performance. This study addresses the question that confronts investors with respect to dual‐class firms: “Are inferior‐voting shares inferior investments?” Specifically, this research investigates the stock performance of companies that have dual‐class shares. Overall, results show that investors in inferior‐voting shares do not earn abnormally low risk‐adjusted returns. Investors in non‐IPO inferior‐voting shares earn positive abnormal risk‐adjusted returns.
Team Emotional Intelligence and Team Interpersonal Process Effectiveness
Authors: Frye Crissie M. , Bennett Rebecca , Caldwell Sheri
Published: April 2011

In this exploratory study, the relationships between the emotional intelligence (EI) of self‐directed teams and two dimensions of team interpersonal process team task orientation and team maintenance function were investigated using the five dimensional model of emotional intelligence measured by the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ‐i®) in a sample of thirty‐three work teams. Average team emotional intelligence scores were calculated by aggregating the individual emotional intelligence scores of each team member and dividing the sum by the number of team members. Regression analyses of team averaged emotional intelligence across all five sub‐dimensions of the EQ‐i® reveal significant predictive relationships between team averaged interpersonal EI and Team Task Orientation (r =.37) and team averaged interpersonal EI and Team Maintenance Functions (r =.31). Team averaged interpersonal EI predicted 10 percent of the variance in Team Maintenance Function while team averaged interpersonal EI and team averaged general mood EI combined to predict 16 percent of the variance in Team Task Orientation. Directions for future research are presented.
Federal Reserve Bank Policy and Influence of US Excessive Current Consumption on International Equity Returns
Authors: Beach Steven L. , Beller Kenneth R.
Published: April 2011

Evidence is mounting that the current consumption and investment tradeoff by US investors predicts future equity returns, both domestically and internationally. This paper examines the reward to investors for bearing the risk associated with the consumption‐investment decisions of investors. In addition, the paper finds the reward is consistent in periods of rising and falling short‐term interest rates resulting from Federal Reserve Bank monetary policy. The findings confirm a positive return is associated with assuming the risk associated with the consumption and investment tradeoff in equity investments into developed markets.
An Analysis of the Effects of Specific Promotion Types on Attendance at Major League Baseball Games
Authors: Boyd Thomas C. , Krehbiel Timothy C.
Published: April 2011

Professional and collegiate sports face an ever increasing challenge from competition for sport fans’ attention and dollars as available alternatives proliferate. Teams are looking for new ways to make games more attractive in order to fill their seats. While true to some degree for all sports, Major League Baseball (MLB) has attracted the greatest attention from researchers and practitioners interested in increasing game attractiveness. The current study demonstrates a method that can be applied in many retail settings and reports on the most comprehensive research to date, examining every game played in the 2002 season for all MLB teams. Multiple regression analysis is performed using both promotion type and relevant timing variables to determine when promotions will be most successful at increasing attendance. Bobblehead giveaways and two combinations of promotions; a giveaway and special event or two special events, are found to have the greatest impact. Promotions during night games are also found to result in the greatest increase in attendance.
Valuation of Stock Options of Non‐Publicly Traded Companies
Authors: Cron William R. , Hayes Randall B.
Published: April 2011

Recent developments in accounting for stock options have increased interest in the analytical techniques used to value them. Techniques used to value the options of publicly traded companies have been extensively discussed. In contrast, there has been almost no discussion of the valuation procedures of the options for non‐publicly traded companies. This paper addresses this gap. The paper suggests that a straightforward income capitalization model can be used to develop reasonable surrogates for the variables of the Black‐Scholes option pricing model. The paper also discusses how to adjust the income apitalization model for both lack of marketability and lack of control discounts.
Do Investors Benefit from 12b‐1 Fees?
Authors: Dowen Richard J. , Mann Thomas
Published: April 2011

Under rule 12b‐1, mutual funds are allowed to charge a fee of up to 100 basis points per year to cover marketing and distribution costs. Under NASD rules, a fund may charge a 12b‐1 fee of up to 25 basis points per year and still advertise itself as a no load fund. This fee is used to make the funds charging it more visible to the investing public. The question explored here is very simple; are the investors in no load funds well served by investing in those funds that charge this fee? It is shown here that the no load funds charging 12b‐1 fees do not perform as well as the funds that do not charge the fee but that they experience greater cash inflows.
Consumer Grudgeholding: Does Age Make a Difference?
Authors: Aron David , Judson Kimberly , Aurand Timothy , Gordon Geoffrey
Published: April 2011

Bad service experiences potentially leading to long‐standing grudges can be quite costly for an organization. In many cases, corporate actions and policies cause grudges as consumers grow more and more frustrated about their interactions with large, impersonal companies. The primary objectives of this study were to examine through empirical research the causes of consumer grudgeholding, the behaviors undertaken by grudgeholders in response to their outcome, the impact of grudges against businesses, and whether differences exist depending on the grudgeholder’s age. The findings suggest that older consumers are more likely to discuss their concerns with store, company or organization employees, and in addition, they can be expected to tell more people outside of the firm than younger consumers. While neither younger nor older consumers appear highly inclined to purchase products or services from the firm following a bad experience, older respondents displayed a stronger aversion to the company, store or firm in question.
Shoppers’ Perceptions of the State Sales Tax Holiday: A Case Study from Texas
Authors: Mogab John W. , Pisani Michael J.
Published: April 2011

Texas, like more than a dozen other states, offers an annual sales tax holiday. At the state legislative level, the Texas sales tax holiday is intended to provide tax relief to working families timed to coincide with back‐to‐school purchases and to give a boost to brick‐and‐mortar retailers. Focusing on the consumer, this paper presents the results of a 2004 mall‐intercept survey of 710 shoppers concerning the Texas State tax holiday and finds: 1) the holiday is not only incredibly popular, but also very important to the decision to shop; 2) the tax holiday is most important to consumers with household incomes between $10,000 and $40,000 and purchase intentions between $100 and $750; and 3) the customers most motivated by the sales tax holiday to shop assign less importance to product price and more importance to mall location in their shopping decision.
Does Mutual Knowledge Affect Virtual Team Performance? Theoretical Analysis and Anecdotal Evidence
Authors: Davis Alanah , Khazanchi Deepak
Published: April 2011

This paper describes the concept of mutual knowledge and its potential impact on virtual team performance. Based on an analysis of extant literature, we argue that there is a gap in our understanding of what is known about mutual knowledge as it impacts team dynamics and virtual team performance. Supporting literature, anecdotes, and case studies are used to discuss the importance of mutual knowledge for virtual team performance and the research issues that need to be addressed in the future.
Using Electronic Procurement to Facilitate Supply Chain Integration: An Exploratory Study of US‐based Firms
Authors: Pearcy Dawn H. , Parker Delvon B. , Giunipero Larry C.
Published: April 2011

With ever‐increasing competitive pressures, growing numbers of firms use electronic procurement (e‐procurement) in an attempt to reduce costs and increase profitability. Academicians and practitioners alike agree that one of the most important benefits of e‐procurement is its ability to facilitate integration within the firm and across the supply chain. However, there is much to be discovered about the prevalence of actual implementation of e‐procurement. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the extent to which firms operating in diverse industries use nine different e‐procurement tools that differ in their ability to facilitate supply chain integration. The survey data were provided by a sample of 142 members of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Factor analysis revealed that the group of nine e‐procurement tools could be categorized into two types: basic, single‐process tools and integrative tools. A t‐test of the mean differences between each type of e‐procurement tool revealed that firms used basic, single‐process tools to a greater extent than they used integrative forms of e‐procurement. To further explore firms’ use of e‐procurement, we attempted to ascertain whether the industry in which a firm operates impacts use. Logistic regression revealed that firm sector has an effect on the use of integrative eprocurement tools, with firms operating in the petroleum and the transportation equipment sectors being less likely to use them than their manufacturing counterparts. These findings are important, as previous research indicates that effective supply chain integration is associated with improvements in production planning, inventory management, distribution, and overall supply chain performance.
The Informational Value of Earnings Whispers
Authors: Dewally Michaël
Published: April 2011

Whisper numbers have captured the attention of both the investment community and the financial media. They have heightened the drama of companies’ earnings releases and have been played up as explanations for stock prices’ reactions to actual earnings announcement. I examine the accuracy, the predictive performance and the informational value of these whispers. Gathering my sample from an on‐line source of whisper information, I compare the whispers performance to that of traditional investment analyst forecasts. I find that whispers, while unbiased, are not more accurate than the analysts’ consensus. There is mixed evidence that the market partially reflects the whispers information into price. In fact, I find that a strategy of shorting stocks for which whispers forecasts predict that stocks will outperform is profitable. In summary, whispers are not as accurate as generally portrayed. They are only a fair predictor of stock prices’ movement and do not represent the market’s true earnings expectations.
Group Style Differences Between Virtual and F2F Teams
Authors: Branson Leonard , Clausen Thomas S. , Sung Chung‐Hsein
Published: April 2011

Face‐to‐face (F2F) teams form and function differently than computer‐mediated (virtual) teams. The social processes associated with effective team work are different in F2F and virtual teams. These differences affect the ability of groups of people to successfully form a team that can function effectively. This study found that computer‐mediated teams differ significantly from F2F teams along important group style dimensions as measured by the Group Style Inventory (GSI).
Testing Market Efficiency for Different Market Capitalization Funds
Authors: Varamini Hossein , Kalash Svetlana
Published: April 2011

The main purpose of this study is to use the Sharpe Ratio to test the efficient market hypothesis for different market capitalization and investment styles of mutual funds. The results of the study for the entire period of 1994‐2007 as well as the two subperiods (1994‐1999 and 2000‐2007) indicate that small cap funds have provided the highest risk‐adjusted return for the entire period whereas growth funds have exhibited lower returns. The findings, therefore, suggest that the mutual funds market is not always efficient, which makes it possible for an investor or a mutual fund manager to earn excess return on a risk‐adjusted basis.
Synergistic Ideation Through Pairing Participants in Facilitated Group Support Systems Sessions
Authors: Murphy John D. , Khazanchi Deepak
Published: April 2011

Group Support Systems (GSS) have been used and studied in the support of facilitated ideation sessions for years. The norm for these sessions has been for participants to work individually at GSS workstations. A review of applicable literature suggests that pairing participants at GSS workstations could result in higher quality ideas and participant satisfaction. This paper reports the results of a lab experiment that tested for differences between paired and unpaired facilitated GSS sessions. These results suggest that pairing participants can yield higher quality ideas from facilitated ideation
without negative consequences.
Information Systems Service Quality: An Examination of User Expectations
Authors: Miller Robert E. , Brooks Nita G. , Jones Thomas W. , Winick Lee
Published: April 2011

This paper reports the results of a field study that examined the expectations of users as they relate to the quality of service offered by the information systems (IS) function within organizations. While the results indicate that users have consistently high expectations across organizations, the results also indicate that expectations can differ due to age and gender. The paper discusses the implications of these results, along with ways that management can use this information to better influence user expectations.
Assessing Economic Literacy of Indian MBA Students
Authors: Koshal Rajindar K. , Gupta Ashok K. , Goyal Anita , Navin Choudhary Vimal
Published: April 2011

Acquiring economic literacy is not only important so that citizens may hold politicians accountable, ensuring a vibrant and effective democratic system, it is also necessary for business managers in order to attain effective organizational performance and compete in the complex global markets. Using a sample of 494 students, this study assesses the economic literacy of Indian MBA students. Several areas of alarming deficiencies are observed. Factors that influence the level of economic literacy are also investigated.
Celebrity Endorsements: An Examination of Gender and Consumers’ Attitudes
Authors: Klaus Nathan , Bailey Ainsworth Anthony
Published: April 2011

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the gender of the celebrity and the gender of the consumer who is exposed to an ad featuring a celebrity on consumer response to celebrity endorsements. The hypotheses were tested in an experimental study. The results indicated support for four hypotheses regarding differential response by women to ads featuring celebrity endorsers, differential responses to ads featuring female celebrity endorsers, as well as differential response to female celebrity endorsers. Partial support was found for an interaction effect of gender on response to the gender of celebrity endorsers. The implications of the study results as well as limitations and possible future research avenues are discussed.
Charting Supply Chain Management Integration and Initiatives: A Framework to Guide Implementation
Authors: Rocky Newman W. , Hanna Mark D. , Gattiker Thomas , Huang Xiaowen
Published: April 2011

This paper proposes a framework that describes the boundary spanning supply chain management (SCM) initiatives taken by leading companies. Supported by existing literature and interviews with managers from large companies reflecting a cross section of businesses, the framework suggests four motivating domains or factors that could support SCM initiatives. They are supply chain understanding, design, improvement, and coordination. Based on the sand cone model, the framework also suggests four levels of SCM integration over which these motivating factors are relevant to the firm and/or supply chain. They range from no integration outside the functional silos of a single firm to a fully integrated multi‐tier supply chain. Unlike existing frameworks that are based upon the flow of material and information through the supply chain, our framework is derived by combining the concept of integration with the motivating domains that characterize SCM initiatives. It captures the combined and overlapping impact of supply chain initiatives from a more strategic perspective and is a useful additional resource for practitioners who seek to chart potential improvements to their supply chain from a competitive standpoint.
Determinants of Audit/Tax Separation Decisions
Authors: Cripe Brad , McAllister Brian
Published: April 2011

This study examines companies that separated or integrated the tax and audit functions subsequent to the passage of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SARBOX). While the provision of tax services is not currently prohibited by SARBOX, some companies have separated these two functions. An examination of the relationship between tax function separation (integration) and proxies for audit quality, tax advocacy and audit fee is performed for a matched sample of companies that made the decision to separate or integrate during the period following the passage of SARBOX. In addition, we survey CFOs of both types of companies to determine the motivations behind the separation/integration decision. Our results indicate separation firm CFOs perceive benefits associated with auditor independence as their main reason for separating, while integration firm CFOs perceive cost savings and knowledge spillover as benefits of integration. The matched‐pair analysis suggests that both cost‐savings and tax‐savings are present in the year the tax and audit function is integrated, a benefit not enjoyed by their separation firm peers.
Intra‐Industry Effects of Stock Splits: Focus on Insurance Companies
Authors: Martin Anna D. , Nishikawa Takeshi , Qi Rong
Published: April 2011

This paper examines the intra‐industry effects of 120 stock split announcements within the insurance industry between 1985 and 2006. Our results of the valuation effects are suggestive of dominant competitive effects for stock splits by insurance companies, especially life insurers, thus indicating possible changes in the competitive balance of the industry. The results of our cross‐sectional analyses suggest that for non‐splitting firms with a high concentration of competition the industry effects are less favorable. Industry effects are more favorable when the valuation effects of the splitting firms are more favorable, when the splitting firms are larger, and when the non‐splitting firms are more similar to the splitting firm. Overall, our results show that both industry‐wide and firm‐specific characteristics are important to explain the cross‐sectional variation in the intra‐industry effects, and that competitive effects and contagion effects are not entirely mutually exclusive.
Why Does Emerging Media Matter?
Authors: Hicks Michael J.
Published: April 2011

The IT sector lost both workers and output following the dot‐com crash of 2000. Despite this loss of employment and earnings, information technology has become a more ubiquitous part of commerce and daily activities. This division between observed use of IT and industry growth is due both to the changing nature of IT investment towards emerging media and the changes in the structure of occupational deployment within firms. This paper describes the type and growth of emerging media with particular emphasis on growth of interactivity applications. This is followed by a description of occupational and skill shifts within traditional firms and the IT sector. We conclude that growth in emerging media occupations and skills represent a significant change in the labor force composition of both IT and traditional firms. The IT sector may be stagnant, but workers who deploy and employ IT related (primarily emerging media) applications is rising. Finally, we trace the value chain of emerging media and outline how it may affect the geography of new firm development.
Time‐User Preference and Technology Acceptance: Measure Development of Computer Polychronicity
Authors: Davis Joshua M. , Lee Lorraine S. , Yi Mun Y.
Published: April 2011

Past research recognizes the important influence of individual beliefs on technology acceptance and use. This line of research has also identified a variety of factors that drive the formation of these beliefs. One category of variables that has received less attention in this research stream consists of individual preferences, in particular time‐use preferences. In the current study we address the gap in the technology acceptance literature by introducing and empirically testing a new construct labeled computer polychronicity, which captures individuals’ time‐use preferences regarding information technology. A new measure of computer polychronicity is developed and subsequently tested using partial least squares estimation. Computer polychronicity is then theorized as a key driver of perceived usefulness, linking computer anxiety and computer playfulness to perceived usefulness. Overall, the results of model testing support the notion that preferences play an important role in the formation of technology‐related beliefs.
The Renaissance of Outdoor Advertising: From Harlem to Hong Kong
Authors: Lopez‐Pumarejo Tomas A. , Bassell Myles
Published: April 2011

This paper explores the reasons for the increase in “outdoor advertising” (OA) expenditures worldwide and the impact of billboards on our cities. Since 2006, a portable device that measures billboard exposure became widely available, thus setting up a rating system like that of other forms of media. Additionally, high‐resolution digital printing and state‐of‐the‐art electronic display units enabled a resurgence in the popularity of billboards. Corinthian‐pillared buildings, gothic archways, monuments, and colossal skyscrapers once defined the architectural landscape of our cities. Today outdoor advertising overpowers those landmark giants in the cities in which we live and work, as advertisers find it progressively more difficult to reach people through other media. Gargantuan billboards and other manifestations of this industry make this metamorphosis possible in urban and rural areas, from Harlem to Hong Kong.
Third‐Person Effect and Social Networking: Implications for Online Marketing and Word‐of‐Mouth Communication
Authors: Zhang Jie , Daugherty Terry
Published: April 2011

Few studies have explored the direct influence of social networking websites (SNWs), and to the best of our knowledge, none have examined the indirect influence of SNWs on users and how that indirect influence leads to word‐of‐mouth related behaviors in SNWs. This study employs the theoretical framework of the third‐person effect theory, which is grounded in psychology, to examine the indirect influence of SNWs and how that indirect influence may potentially contribute to marketing research and practice. Davison’s (1983) third‐person effect (TPE) theory proposes that individuals tend to expect mass media to have a greater effect on others than on themselves. After the analysis of survey data, the current research first explores whether a third‐person effect exists in the SNW context and if it does, how it differs from that in traditional media context. Based on theory and numerous empirical findings, the current research also investigates how the thirdperson effect varies with different referent “others”. Finally, based on the theoretical propositions of previous studies, this study links third‐person effect to behavioral consequences related to word‐of‐mouth communication via SNWs. The results support all hypotheses. This work contributes to consumer psychology and word‐of‐mouth communication research, and generates implications for marketers targeting young consumers and/or those interested in stimulating word‐of‐mouth communication in the SNW context. Limitations are also addressed.
Performance Evaluation of U.S. Socially Responsible Mutual Funds: Revisiting Doing Good and Doing Well
Authors: Chang C. Edward , Doug Witte H.
Published: April 2011

Do socially responsible funds, as a whole, perform as well as the average of all mutual funds in their respective categories? This paper examines fund characteristics as well as risk and performance measures of all available socially responsible funds (SRFs) in the U.S. mutual fund industry over the last fifteen years. The contribution of this paper is two unique findings. First, although SRFs have had a relative advantage in terms of lower expense ratios, lower annual turnover rates, lower tax cost ratios, and lower risk, SRFs also exhibit lower returns, and two risk‐adjusted return measures indicate SRFs have inferior reward‐to‐risk performance. In particular, domestic stock SRFs have not generated competitive returns relative to conventional funds in the same categories over the past ten to fifteen years. These results contrast those found in the extant SRI literature which suggest socially responsible investing has little or no cost. Second, a finer partitioning by fund type reveals not all SRFs have similar relative performance. SRFs in balanced fund and fixed‐income fund categories, especially during the past three years, have performed better than the category averages with lower risk, higher returns, and higher risk‐adjusted returns. This suggests the costs of socially responsible investing are not homogenous.
The Influence of Political Orientation on Financial Risk Taking
Authors: Moore Jeremy , Felton James , Wright Colby
Published: April 2011

We analyze the correlation between the political orientation of investors and their financial risk tolerance. Assessing financial risk tolerance is a very important aspect to developing an appropriate long‐term investing strategy. Our study is based on a sample of 129 undergraduates at Central Michigan University during one academic year. We employ a two‐axis political compass to determine the political orientation of our study participants. We determine their financial risk tolerance by analyzing their portfolios and trading behavior in a simulated investment game in a semester long course. We report two main findings: (1) financial risk tolerance is highest for those with more conservative economic political views and (2) financial risk tolerance is highest for those with more centrist social political views. We believe our results can help investment advisors and individual investors better assess individual financial risk tolerance through the use of the two‐axis political compass utilized in our study.
To Play or Not to Play: An Exploratory Content Analysis of Branded Entertainment in Facebook
Authors: Zhang Jie , Sung Yongjun , Lee Wei‐Na
Published: April 2011

Employing the conceptual framework of play themes, this study examined and reported the product categories that presented branded entertainment the most, the different types and features of branded entertainment, and how various play themes were incorporated in branded entertainment in the context of Facebook brand profile pages. The major findings were consistent with the conceptual framework and literature on branded entertainment. Some unexpected findings were also provided and discussed. The line between entertainment and marketing communication has become increasingly blended or even erased during recent years, particularly in the Internet context. Researchers and practitioners are highly interested in the marketing potential of branded entertainment since it may boost brand awareness and build strong consumer‐brand relationships. Little academic research to date has been conducted to systematically study branded entertainment on the Internet. This study is a nascent attempt to understand branded entertainment in user‐centered social networking websites (SNWs), since young users are shifting away from other online media to SNWs. Branded entertainment may help marketers gather segmented yet fun‐seeking SNW users and deliver nonintrusive marketing messages to them.
BP: Social Responsibility and the Easy Life of the Monopolist
Authors: Hicks Michael J.
Published: April 2011

In the Spring 2003 issue of this publication, Bernard Bulkin, chief scientist at what was once known as British Petroleum, outlined the corporate vision for his company. He defined sustainability as would be nurtured in BP as: “environmental protection, economic development, social progress and building for the future” (Bulkin 2003). This Journal Executive Viewpoint appeared in what was a very contentious debate within the Journal over the research on corporate social responsibility. I was then an editorial board member and was mightily entertained.
Twenty‐Five Years of the (Mid‐)American Journal of Business
Authors: Doane Joshua , Lane Judy A. , Pisani Michael J.
Published: April 2011

Volume 25 celebrates the 25th year of publication for the American Journal of Business (AJB). Launched by eight MAC schools of business in March 1986, the Journal has featured more than 700 authors who have contributed more than 330 research articles at the intersection of theory and practice. From accounting to marketing, management to finance, the Journal prominently covers the breadth of the business disciplines as a general business outlet intended for both practitioners and academics. As the Journal reaches out beyond the MAC in sponsorship, authorship, and readership, we assess the Journal’s first quarter century of impact.
RFID Technology: Implications for Healthcare Organizations
Authors: Carr Amelia S. , Zhang Man , Klopping Inge , Min Hokey
Published: April 2011

The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the healthcare organization’s intention to use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for improving efficiency. This paper also intends to identify various factors that influence the adoption of RFID in the healthcare organization. This paper develops and tests seven different hypotheses. These hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling. Our results provide support for a number of relationships in the hypothesized model. These include direct relationships among the factors risk, resistance to change, supplier support and the factor perceived usefulness. However, the study did not find support for the relationship between the factors perceived ease of use and intention to use. The results provide support for several indirect relationships as well. These include indirect relationships between the factors perceived resistance to change, risk, suppliers’ support and perceived ease of use with the factor intention to adopt RFID technology in the healthcare organization. This research is grounded in the theory of reasoned action and applies the technology acceptance model (TAM) to the healthcare organization’s intention to use RFID technology.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Firm Performance: The Moderating Role of Managerial Power
Authors: Davis Justin L. , Greg Bell R. , Tyge Payne G. , Kreiser Patrick M.
Published: April 2011

Organizational researchers have long recognized the important role that top managers play within entrepreneurial firms (Ireland, Hitt and Sirmon 2003). Utilizing Covin and Slevin’s (1989) conceptual framework, the current study explores three key entrepreneurial characteristics of top managers and the impact these characteristics have on firm performance. Specifically, we argue that top managers with a high tolerance of risk, those who favor innovative activities and those who display a high degree of proactiveness will positively impact firm performance. In addition, this study examines the influence of top managers’ prestige, structural and expert power on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. We conclude the study with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications of our findings and suggestions for future research in this area of study.
Procedural Justice and Work Outcomes in a Unionized Setting: The Mediating Role of Leader‐Member Exchange
Authors: Wittmer Jenell L.S. , Martin James E. , Tekleab Amanuel G.
Published: April 2011

This study extends previous literature on social exchange by investigating the mediating effects of leader‐member exchange on the relationship between procedural justice, job attitudes and turnover in a unionized setting. Past research has shown that procedural justice and subordinate/supervisor exchanges are related to job attitudes and turnover. These relationships have normally been studied in non‐union settings, in which union contextual variables are not considered. The current study uses hierarchical linear modeling to test theoretical models of these relationships in a unionized setting, where procedures and managerial treatment are more clearly defined and regulated. Results reveal that both procedural justice and leader‐member exchange are related to organizational commitment and job satisfaction and leader‐member exchange is related to actual turnover. Leadermember exchange partially mediates the relationship between procedural justice and these job attitudes after accounting for the effects of union commitment (at the individual level) and union‐management relations (at the store level). From a managerial perspective, our results emphasize the importance of proper selection, training and performance appraisal of supervisors, with treatment and support of employees as a main focus.
Al Ain Dairy: market expansion
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens
Published: April 2011

Subject area

This paper covers marketing strategy, retail management, branding, customer value, and competitive analysis.

Study level/applicability

The paper is applicable to undergraduate and postgraduate business and management level.

Case overview

This case spotlights Al Ain Dairy in Dubai, UAE. It focuses on the launch of the new product – “Long Life Juice” in Dubai 2010. Al Ain Diary is the UAE's largest dairy company by market share but now wants to replicate success in both the regional market and the fruit juice market. The case highlights the challenges of increasing production capabilities; product innovation; supply chain management; and brand building in newer markets.

Expected learning outcomes

This case can be used to teach marketing strategy, retail management, branding, customer value, competitive analysis, and potentially elements relating to international business strategy.

Supplementary materials

A teaching note is available on request.
Economic Zones World (EZW) – supply chain strategy
Authors: Sundarakani Balan
Published: April 2011

Subject area

This paper looks at logistics and supply chain strategy.

Study level/applicability

The paper is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate management students.

Case overview

By November 2009, realising the competitive pressures created by the regional and global players, Mr Khalid Ahmed, SVP, Economic Zones World (EZW), decided to strategically re-position EZW in the global supply chain map. He knew it would be very challenging in view of changing landscape of international business and he was eager to start formulating his plans.

Expected learning outcomes

This case can be used to teach logistics and supply chain strategy as well as the understanding of the development of country level strategy. A better understanding of the demographics and geography of UAE is required.

Supplementary materials

A teaching note is available on request.
Emerging Technologies, UAE
Authors: Sarabdeen Jawahitha , Jaafar Kamal
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Strategic management, international business, branding, innovation and retail management

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate, postgraduate business and management students.

Case overview

Emerging Technologies was the first United Arab Emirates software application developer of Arabic (also available in English and Hindi) voice recognition solutions. Emerging Technologies developed and deployed fully automated voice recognition applications to meet specific business wants and needs. The case provides a practical example of a company which position itself well to be a raising star through proper strategy.

Expected learning outcomes

The students will be able to learn various business strategies that could be applied in emerging markets.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note available upon request.
Etihad: contributing to the UAE vision through Emiratisation
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens , Jayashree Payyazhi , Michael Ian
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Strategy, Emiratisation (national policy); human resources (recruitment, training and development, organizational culture and values) and marketing (branding, communication), tourism (destination image).

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Business and Management.

Case overview

This case highlights the strategy and initiatives taken by Etihad to attract Emirati employees (local nationals) to join the organization. Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), based in Abu Dhabi, the national capital. Since its inception in 2003, the airline has grown faster than any other in commercial aviation history; it currently flies to more than 60 destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. In the UAE, nationals or Emiratis comprise only 20 per cent of the overall population. According to the UAE 2021 Vision, the government's focus is on building the human capabilities on knowledge and innovation for Emiratis. This vision is reinforced in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which aims to boost national participation, encourage women (national women are on average more highly educated than the men) and decrease the education – market demand gap through training.

Expected learning outcomes

This case can be used to teach strategy from the point of view of government, human resources and marketing. From the government point of view parallels can be drawn to other nations whose government have focused on policies to create opportunities for and to encourage local employability. An example of a similar programme that was very successful is the “Bumiputra” programme created for indigenous Malaysians in 1971. In the area of human resource strategy, recruitment, training, inculcation of corporate values are some areas that can be reinforced. Form the point of view of marketing; the case can be used to discuss branding from the point of view of people, loyalty building (internal) and communication (internal and external). Destination branding and the role airlines play can also be a discussion point from the strategic point of view with some opportunity for macro-environmental analysis using the PESTLE model.

Supplementary materials

A teaching note available upon request.
Gold Valley Chemical Corporation Dubai
Authors: Rodrigues Gwendolyn
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Entrepreneurship, innovation, change management.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Business and Management.

Case overview

This case study focuses on the development of a young entrepreneur in an indigenous industry in Dubai, United Arab Emirate. His entrepreneurial zeal resulted in the creation of a culture of innovation. His fascination for change spurred him to develop new products and he won accolades for innovation.

Expected learning outcomes

This case can be used to teach entrepreneurial development, innovation and change management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are also available.
Hay Group in the Middle East
Authors: Rogmans Tim
Published: April 2011

Subject area

Management consulting, foreign direct investment, location decisions, business planning.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Business and Management or Executive Education.

Case overview

This case outlines the location decision-making process for Hay Group, a global management consulting firm. The process and factors involved in making decisions on new office openings in the Middle East region are highlighted. Particular attention is paid to location factors such as legislation, taxes, political risk and market attractiveness.

Expected learning outcomes

The case enables participants to learn about business conditions in the Middle East and to develop a business case for the opening of operations in new markets.

Supplementary materials

A teaching note is available on request.