bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Botnets: threats and responses
Authors: Jeong Ok‐Ran , Kim Chulyun , Kim Won , So Jungmin
Published: April 2011

Purpose

A botnet is a network of computers on the internet infected with software robots (or bots). There are numerous botnets, and some of them control millions of computers. Cyber criminals use botnets to launch spam e‐mails and denial of service attacks; and commit click fraud and data theft. Governments use botnets for political purposes or to wage cyber warfare. The purpose of this paper is to review the botnet threats and the responses to the botnet threats.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes how botnets are created and operated. Then, the paper discusses botnets in terms of architecture, attacking behaviors, communication protocols, observable botnet activities, rally mechanisms, and evasion techniques. Finally, the paper reviews state‐of‐the‐art techniques for detecting and counteracting botnets, and also legal responses to botnet threats.

Findings

Botnets have become the platform for many online threats such as spam, denial of service attacks, phishing, data thefts, and online frauds. Security researchers must develop technology to detect and take down botnets, and governments must develop capacity to crack down on botmasters and botnets. Individual computer owners must diligently take measures to keep their computers from becoming members of botnets.

Originality/value

The paper provides a review of current status of botnets and a summary of up‐to‐date responses to botnets in both technical and legal aspects, which can be used as a stepping stone for further research.
Automatic linguistic knowledge acquisition for the web
Authors: Winiwarter Werner
Published: April 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge acquisition bottleneck problem in natural language processing by introducing a new rule‐based approach for the automatic acquisition of linguistic knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has developed a new machine translation methodology that only requires a bilingual lexicon and a parallel corpus of surface sentences aligned at the sentence level to learn new transfer rules.

Findings

A first prototype of a web‐based Japanese‐English translation system called Japanese‐English translation using corpus‐based acquisition of transfer (JETCAT) has been implemented in SWI‐Prolog, and a Greasemonkey user script to analyze Japanese web pages and translate sentences via Ajax. In addition, linguistic information is displayed at the character, word, and sentence level to provide a useful tool for web‐based language learning. An important feature is customization; the user can simply correct translation results leading to an incremental update of the knowledge base.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the technical aspects and user interface issues of JETCAT. The author is planning to use JETCAT in a classroom setting to gather first experiences and will then evaluate a real‐world deployment; also work has started on extending JETCAT to include collaborative features.

Practical implications

The research has a high practical impact on academic language education. It also could have implications for the translation industry by superseding certain translation tasks and, on the other hand, adding value and quality to others.

Originality/value

The paper presents an extended version of the paper receiving the Emerald Web Information Systems Best Paper Award at iiWAS2010.
Economic relations between China and ASEAN: 1970‐2010
Authors: Weng Willam Choy Kim , Ming Zhang Yen
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to review the progressive development in bilateral trade and investments between China and the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since 1970. China's economic reform has served as a great incentive for ASEAN countries to engage in continuous political and economic dialogue with the economic giant as it is considered as one of the largest, growing markets in the world. The political and economic efforts initiated by ASEAN have sought to affirm an outward‐looking ASEAN in playing a pivotal role in the international community and advancing ASEAN's common interests, which include economic trade with China as regional partner.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature based on secondary data provides the analysis of the stages of the Chinese political and economic reforms that had brought about improvement in the economic relationship between China and ASEAN.

Findings

The findings comprise reports that highlight the promising trend in investment relations between China and ASEAN.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights the need for further in‐depth analysis of Chinese political and economic reforms that will have a significant impact on regional trade and investment in the Asia‐Pacific region.

Practical implications

The paper will allow international managers of multinational enterprises to have a better appreciation of the political and economic developments in China and to consider options to enhance greater business partnerships with Chinese corporations.

Originality/value

The literature gap in this particular area of study presents an opportunity to explore new developments in the Chinese Government's economic reforms.
Managing conflict with the Chinese: The Key from an in‐depth single case study
Authors: Darling John R. , Heller Victor L.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present The Key as a very valuable interactive foundation for effective conflict management in international trade negotiations. The Key, as used in this analysis, is reflected in the nature of the thoughts and feelings (commensurate with attitudes) generated by a marketing manager, and influenced by that individual's sense of cultural responsibility. The authors have researched, and have used this concept of The Key and its effectiveness in conflict management in both academic and international business arenas, and in low context, as well as high‐context cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of conflict management is presented within a case situation that involves business in the high‐context culture of China. A high‐context culture places a great deal of emphasis on a person's values and position or place in society, and interactions with others, rather than on the words and formal legalistic constructs used for negotiations in low‐context cultures. The case focuses on the relationship between the Vice President for International Marketing of Innovative Technologies, Inc. (ITI) headquartered in Chicago, IL, with offices also located in Frankfurt, Germany, and the Managing Director of the Shanghai Technology Manufacturing Center (STC) in China. The steps and skills used in providing a structure for the responsive process of managing a conflict were: the preliminary steps (involving power‐base development, relational acceptance and meaningful communication skills); the resolution steps (involving assumption analysis, objective identification and alternative selection skills); and the maintenance steps (involving action agreement, feedback review and continuing oversight skills). Each of these steps and skills were used to resolve, in a positive manner, the conflict between the ITI and STC.

Findings

Use of The Key, as reflected in a manager's positive thoughts and feelings, is of major importance for effective application of the steps and skills in the paradigm for effective conflict management introduced in this treatise.

Originality/value

The case focuses on conflict challenges that are encountered and successfully resolved, thereby facilitating the marketing of a new cell (mobile) telephone introduced into the high‐context culture of China by Innovative Technologies, Inc.
Integrating Taoist Yin‐Yang thinking with Western nomology
Authors: Du Rong , Ai Shizhong , Brugha Cathal M.
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to relate Taoist Yin‐Yang thinking to Western nomology in terms of trust and trust building, seeking to explore the question of how trust impacts on conflict management.

Design/methodology/approach

A moderating model of trust in conflict management is proposed. Investigations and observations using primary and secondary data are described. Three cases are presented to explain the moderating effects of adjusting activities and trust on conflict and negotiation.

Findings

The proposed model was supported. The following findings have been obtained: keeping a balance between adjusting others and adjusting self is a key to resolving conflict; creating and retaining harmony is a bridge that leads both sides in conflict and negotiation to adjust themselves; taking indirect actions through relationships instead of by direct actions through power is a good way to trigger a state of harmony; and trust is shown to be the original driver and source that contribute to adapting actions, harmony and eventually to a win‐win negotiation outcome.

Research limitations/implications

The investigations were limited in time and scope and consequently not conclusive.

Practical implications

This research may provide practical implictions for people and organizations interested in conflict resolution who wish to: take a position that values trust; take indirect actions through relationship instead of direct actions through power; create and retain harmony between both sides in conflict and negotiation; and keep a balance between adjusting others and adjusting self, so to achieve win‐win negotiation outcomes.

Originality/value

This research may enhance the understanding of Taoist Yin‐Yang thinking by linking it with the Western nomology.
Ownership structure and R&D spending: evidence from China's listed firms
Authors: Zeng Tao , Lin Horn‐Chern
Published: April 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the effect of ownership concentration, inside ownership and state ownership on the R&D spending practices for China's listed firms. The paper argues that corporate ownership structures including ownership concentration, inside ownership and state ownership are important for corporate expenditures on R&D in China, whose firms present a high ownership concentration and a high level of state ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an empirical study using a sample of 780 listed Chinese firms for six years from 2000 to 2005.

Findings

It is found that firms with concentrated share ownership have lower R&D spending, and firms with inside ownership have lower R&D spending. However, firms with a higher level of state ownership spend more on R&D.

Research limitations/implications

Given that corporate ownership structure and tax policy have changed dramatically in China in recent years, future studies should be conducted to explore the association between firms' R&D investment activities and those ownership structure and tax policy changes.

Social implications

This study is of interest to the policy makers, corporate management, and academics who wish to examine corporate R&D and innovation activities and those factors, including ownership structure, which are associated with R&D investment decisions.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the relationship between ownership and R&D spending for Chinese listed firms.
Steel Marketing in Japan
Authors: Kawahito Kiyoshi
Published: April 2011

Domestic marketing of steel products by Japanese stell firms is a subjet little‐known to non‐Japanese analysts. This article examines the practices of steel sales, distribution and price determination in Japan since the early 1970s. Reference is made primarily to the practices of integrated steel firms which account for about three‐fourths of Japanese steel output and to the category of carbon steel products which constitutes about 85 per cent of that output.
Changing Computer Technology: What Can Managers Do?
Authors: Verdin Jo Ann , Pagano Anthony M.
Published: April 2011

Office tasks of typing, filing, scheduling and mailing have been increasingly automated over the past ten years. By the 1990s, 20‐38 million of the 50 million office jobs will be affected by computer technology (Levitan and Johnson, 1981). Zuboff (1982) reports that there were five million data terminals in use in 1982, and the market for such terminals will increase at a 25 per cent annual rate over the next ten years.
The Analytical Hierarch Process – An Aid To Decision Making
Authors: Wolfe Christopher
Published: April 2011

Multiple‐alternative decisions are commonplace in the business environment. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a business institution is a decision aid which is extremely useful for multiple‐alternative decisions. The AHP prioritizes competing alternatives by assigning percentage points to each alternative in a decision. An explanation of the AHP and its use are given in this article. AHP applications covering forecasting, pricing and budgeting decisions are also discussed. The quantitative rankings generated by the AHP offer the decision maker insight and rigor unavailable in a purely judgmental analysis. A common problem for managers is the quantification of judgmental data. Group and individual judgments are sometimes made on an ad hoc basis with little or no documentation supporting the decision process. Alternative courses of action often are not formally ranked as to their relative importance. Questions concerning the importance of assumptions which surround decisions remain unanswered. A methodology to prioritize alternatives and assumptions in the decision process could aid in solving problems that rely on human judgment.
Group Effects on a Merit Pay System
Authors: King Albert S.
Published: April 2011

A relationship between pay increases and performance ratings may reflect differences between individuals, between groups, or both. An empirical study of a firm’s compensation program, demonstrating what proportion of pay raise is attributable to individual performances and to group influences, is presented. The results show how concealed effects of groups pose difficult problems in examining pay‐for‐performance relationships in compensation systems. Policy implications for incentive programs, pay secrecy, differencies in pay for performance within and between work units, substitutability of pay components, and problems in associating individual performance with pay raises are discussed.
Rental Property Tax Shelters: An Update
Authors: Murphy Smith L. , Kilpatrick Bob G.
Published: April 2011

Of all investments that provide tax incentives, real estate is the most often used. Frequently, books and articles for the general public appear that feature titles such as “How to Make a Fortunte in Real Estate” or “Real Estate Investments Can Make You Independently Wealthy”. The way to make a profit in real estate investments has changed considerably during the last decade. There have been major changes in tax laws as well as the economic environment. This article will focus on investments in residential housing (i.e. rental property) as tax shelters. It addresses some of the critical considerations in the rental property investment decision, including the effects of the recent changes in federal tax law. A comprehensive example of a rental property investment demonstrates the effect of tax reform on the calculation of ROI.
Power and Industry Structure: Understanding the Acquisition and Use of Corporate Power in Competitive Relationships
Authors: Baird Inga S. , Montagno Ray V.
Published: April 2011

A model of inter‐corporate power is derived from previous work on social power. The model consists of two portions – one dealing with influences on the amount of power companies have and one dealing with influences on the use of that power. This model is used to analyze competition. Suggestions are made about ways companies may increase their own power or influence the power relationships in their environment.
The Financial Accounting System Viewed as a Control System
Authors: Wilner Neil A.
Published: April 2011

This paper views the outputs of the accounting information system as elements of a control system. These outputs may be of a financial accounting nature as well as a managerial accounting nature. Rewards for management are often based on measures typically found in the annual reports. Managers have an interest in making sure these measures are favorable. This paper presents ways for management to deal with situations where what is good (bad) for the manager may be bad (good) for the company.
The Expert System as a Decision Support Tool
Authors: Jenicke Lawrence O.
Published: April 2011

The commercial application of expert systems indicates a role for this technology as a competitive tool in a wise variety of business activities. The ability of an expert system to duplicate the problem‐solving process of a human expert can be utilized in the managerial decisions process. Two potential roles of expert systems in this function are examined: a direct role in decision support and an indirect role in systems support. A discussion of the limitations of current expert systems technology yields several observations concerning the function of expert systems in a decision support environment. A strategy is presented to assist in identifying potential areas for developing expert system applications and evaluating their feasibility.
China‐U.S. Trade Negotiations
Authors: Brunner James A. , Sharkey Thomas W.
Published: April 2011

This study analyzes Chinese‐American negotiations by examining the predispositions of negotiations from both countries. Specifically, a mail questionnaire was sent to experienced American and Chinese negotiators to assess how successful their negotiations had been and to determine what the major obstacles were to successful negotiations. Both Chinese and Americans felt that they had been reasonably successful in getting the terms of agreement they desired. Both sides also agreed that there were obstacles. Interestingly, these obstacles seemed to be rooted in differences in economic systems and negotiating assumptions rather than being based on language and cultural differences.
Education of the Financial Planner
Authors: Athar Murtuza M. , Brunsen William
Published: April 2011

This paper discusses the importance of close collaboration between practitioners and academics to address common concerns of the profession. Although there are a few institutions which offer a curriculum for the education of financial planners, most AACS Bschools do not offer such a program. A survey was conducted of AACSB member institutions to ask whether they offer personal financial planning (PFP) courses, if so, how many and whether they offer a major or degree in the field. The schools were also asked whether their advisory group(s) contained active business representatives and whether the advisory groups contained professional financial planners. Most of the respondents offer only one or two courses and these seem to include many personal budgeting or self‐improvement courses rather than part of a curriculum for a personal financial planning professional. Very few respondents offer a degree or major in financial planning. Although all the advisory groups seem to include active business people, there are very few members who were reported as professional personal financial planners.
Communicating Strategy: The Best Investment a CEO Can Make
Authors: Barrett Marty W. , Carey Thomas A.
Published: April 2011

The development of a business strategy is widely believed to be one of the major responsibilities of the chief executive officer. Yet, an effective strategy can accomplish nothing unless it is effectively communicated, and communicating strategy effectively is a major stumbling block for many CEOs. The troops simply won’t follow if they don’t know where they are going and what they are to do.
The Natural Planning Model: Making Things Happen in the Real World
Authors: Allen David
Published: April 2011

The simple but powerful model used by our brain to create, organize and execute all of our common activities of life represents the most effective way to approach the many more sophisticated projects we are involved in as well. In fact, the natural way our minds plan, when applied to individual and group projects, can greatly enhance personal and organizational productivity.
How To Create a Corporate Competitive Intelligence System
Authors: Carroll Mohn N.
Published: April 2011

Virtually all managers acknowledge the importance of understanding their competition in the marketplace. As a result, interest has grown rapidly in formalizing competitive intelligence activities within companies seeking the competitive edge. Almost any business information can be termed competitive intelligence, depending on how it is used. Most typically, it means any of several different kinds of valuable data on the competition’s finances, manufacturing processes, product lines, promotional budgets, key personnel, and so forth. It also involves and integrates areas like marketing research, strategic planning, technical research, and legal developments.
Difficult Management Training: Will it Fly in the USA?
Authors: Murkison Gene
Published: April 2011

Building on the work of Berlew and Hall (1966),who found significant positive relationships between the difficulty of first jobs and later managerial success, this study of graduating seniors in business administration explores the attitudes of business graduates toward difficult training characterized by qualified trainee failures. Murkison (1986) reported positive relationships between training in which high attrition rates occured and later success in administrative positions, but no work has been found that determines the willingness of recent college graduates to undergo such training experiences. It appears that we need an answer to this question since there are now articles appearing in the popular (Black 1988) and business press (Phalon 1987) having to do with difficult managerial training. The ever‐present Japanese seem to have a head start here according to Waldman (1988).A successful effort to develop a reliable scale to measure predisposition toward difficult training is reported. Results of this study indicate that willingness levels are higher for males, persons with higher grades in college, and for those whose hometowns are very small or very large. Directions for future research are proposed.
Organizational Strategy for Successful People Management
Authors: Busch Michael
Published: April 2011

Strategic planning is essential for organizational success. A key function of strategic planning is helping the organization achieve its goals by effectively organizing its people. If most organizations recognize the importance of planning and plan routinely, then why are so many organizations struggling to achieve their goals?
Employer‐Employee Attitudes Regarding Union Security
Authors: Wayne Chandler E. , Weller Ralph , Brankey Edward
Published: April 2011

The findings reported in this paper indicate employers and employees are generally unaware that the National Labor Relations Act (as amended) provides that the only obligation that can be enforced against an individual employee under a union shop contract is the obligation to pay dues and fees. Failure to understand the provisions of the law has serious implications for both employers and employees. Therefore, policy recommendations are advanced to deal with the problems engendered by the general lack of awareness of the provisions of the law.
Doing Business Differently And Succeeding: Lessons From Japan
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Pearson John N.
Published: April 2011

American management traditionally has not paid much attention to the way competitors do business despite the success of many foreign companies in U.S. markets. The Japanese have been especially successful competing in world markets, and much can be learned from both their industrial development experience and their Just‐In‐Time and Total Quality Control approach to competition. The objective of this paper is to emphasize what American management can learn from its competition with particular attention to the Japanese experience.
Perception of Labor Unions: by Union Members and Their Potential Employers
Authors: Chang Semoon , Robinson Lynn
Published: April 2011

This paper tests the hypothesis that there is a significant gap in perception between union members and their potential employers regarding the role of labor unions and the quality of work performed by union members. The test is based on a questionnaire survey of 1,094 union members of whom 323 returned the questionnaire, and 771 businesses of which 210 responded to the survey. All respondents were located in the Mobile (Alabama) metropolitan area. Our survey indicates that there is a significant gap inperception between the two groups regarding the skill and training levels, wages, and the quality of work done by union workers.
Alleviating Political Risk For Small U.S. Firms Investing Abroad: The Role of OPIC
Authors: Quraeshi Zahir A. , Luqmani Mushtaq , Yavas Ugur
Published: April 2011

Many U.S. companies fear investing in Third World countries because of the political risk associated with such ventures. Recent events in Iran, Nicaragua, El Salvador, the Philippines and others have under scored such concerns, making U.S. businesses reluctant to participate in some of the fastest growing markets in the Third World. Such political risks need not be so worrisome ‐ many U.S. business people remain unaware of how the Overseas Private Investment Corporation can substantially reduce risks by insuring companies against such uncertainties. This paper discusses the ways through which OPIC can alleviate political risk and compares OPIC’s insurance with the programs of private political risk insurers.
A Manager’s Interpretation of Cross Tabulation Survey Data
Authors: Carroll Mohn N.
Published: April 2011

This practitioner’s guide is based on examples which highlight the usefulness of cross tabulation as a tool for investigating cause‐effect relationships in the business environment. Although cross‐tabulations are common in statistical analysis, many managers need a better understanding of the data being presented. We consider a soft drinks application where a third factor helps uncover an association not readily apparent, in addition to different cases where a third factor causes refinement of initial conclusions based on two‐factor analysis. Because conclusions are always subject to modification with introduction of the “right” factors, we are always in the position of inferring only that an association exists. This is the rationale for why the accumulation of research studies, rather than a single result, supporting a single relationship is so important to understanding the forces driving a business.
Implementation of Marketing: A Study of Various‐Sized Banks
Authors: Kumcu Erdogan , Tunc Enar
Published: April 2011

The implementation of marketing among bank executives has been late and slow. In recent years, deregulation, and resultantly, a more competitive environment have motivated the retail banking industry to be exceedingly market oriented and to implement marketing more thoroughly. This study explores the implementation of marketing by various sized Indiana banks and its relation with net income levels of banks after two succeeding deregulation waves. Implications of findings for both public policy makers and bank executives are discussed.
Passing on the Family Business Under the Restrictive Estate Freeze Rules
Authors: Foss Helga B.
Published: April 2011

The Revenue Act of 1987 and the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 have effectively eliminated the preferred stock recapitalization and other estate freeze techniques. Instead of helping small businesses and individual tax payers by simplifying the tax structure and lowering tax rates, it has become impossible for many small business people to pass on the family business because of prohibitively high estate tax rates, encouraging owners to sell to outsiders, and forcing heirs to sell the family business to raise funds to pay the estate tax. This article examines these provisions and suggests some planning opportunities for small business owners.
Achieving Performance Excellence: Training the Trainer
Authors: Kopf Jerry M. , Kreuze Jerry G.
Published: April 2011

During the last decade many organizations have reduced the number of middle level managers and shifted the emphasis in managerial work from the traditional functions of motivating and controlling to the less familiar roles of coach, facilitator, and trainer. What has not been recognized is that not only are mangers unfamiliar with these new roles, they are often unprepared for them. Little in their educational background or work experience has prepared them for the role of facilitator, coach, or trainer. This paper uses the Experiential Learning Model, which provides an overview of how people learn, as a basis for identifying common mistakes managers make in teaching new tasks, and to suggest ways for managers to improve their effectiveness as trainers.
Managing Retention in Big Eight Public Accounting: Why Employees Stay
Authors: Sauber Matthew H. , Snyir Andrew G. , Sharifi Mohsen
Published: April 2011

Previous studies analyze turnover in public accounting by focusing on why employees leave. None has discussed the critical question of why employees stay. The present article reports results from a survey of Big Eight public accounting employees who discussed their reasons for staying, and suggests approaches for improving retention.
A Control Model for Assessing Quality Costs
Authors: Hylton Meier Heidi
Published: April 2011

Measuring quality costs is becoming an increasingly more important task for accountants. This is especially true in light of new definitions and goals of quality programs, which are primarily to produce goods and services with zero defects while preventing problems, improving reliablity and eliminating waste. This article examines how accountants can provide cost information using the traditional quality cost model along with expected value techniques so that managers may make more effective decisions to accomplish these goals.
The States’ Regulatory Climate: Distortion in Public Utility Underwriting Costs
Authors: Gorman Raymond F. , Vora Gautam
Published: April 2011

This study examines the distortive effects of the states’ regulatory climate on the underwriting costs of new equity issues of public utilities. Each state has its own public utility commission (or public service commission) to regulate the natural monopolies of public utilities. The wealth‐maximizing behavior of utilities is constrained by the rate‐making process monitored by the commissions. The policies of a state’s commission collectively establish the ’regulatory climate’ in that state. Using a sample of new equity securities issued, during the period from January 1973 through September 1980, by utilities listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange, we investigate the effect of the regulatory climate on underwriting costs. Our findings are that,in general, the direct costs of flotation, namely, underwriting commissions and out‐of‐pocket expenses,are positively related to regulatory climate where as the indirect cost of flotation, namely, underpricing of the new issue, is negatively related to regulatory climate. These results are counter intuitive since they imply that as the regulatory climate becomes more unfavorable the direct costs of flotation increase and the indirect cost of flotation decreases. This is clearly a distortive effect of the regulation and we offer some explanations for it.
Agricultural Options As A Management Tool
Authors: Gregorowicz Philip , Dean Moberly H.
Published: April 2011

Agricultural markets for commodities have tended to be unstable with high variability in prices received by producers from year‐to‐year. These conditions have always made production planning very risky over time. For this reason and others, since 1933, the federal government has supported commodity prices in one fashion or another at or near break even. Support programs have put pressure on the annual federal deficits and subsequently have added to the national debt. This paper investigates the use of private agricultural options contracts as a price risk management tool. Use of put options was compared for four commodities to the use of forward pricing, the use of cash prices at harvest and the use of futures as commodity pricing strategies. Private put options were found to be a useful alternative to the use of government prices upports in some commodity situations. The paper suggests that the use of option contracts provides additional flexibility in price risk management and in dealing with uncertainty. This knowledge was found to be especially useful in light of current cuts in federal price supports in current federal budgeting activity.
University‐Based Management Development: Trends, Problems, and Opportunities
Authors: Knudstrup Paul M.C.
Published: April 2011

“What we need is a better trained workforce.” “Our managers need to be trained how to manage today’s changing worker.” “Our people’s skills are becoming obsolete at a faster rate than ever.” “If we’re going to be competitive, we need more and better training.” These are just a few of the phrases we hear from executives in all types of organizations. With formalized employee education and training now a $30 billion business annually, America’s business sector continues to spend large sums of money on educating its workers. Nearly 69 percent is spent on training designed and delivered using corporate in‐house resources. Of the remaining, 31 percent or $9 billion invested with outside providers, four year colleges and universities account for the biggest share with $2.9 billion (Carnevale 1990) of what has become a major industry in this country.The purpose of this essay is to examine some of the trends, problems, and opportunities for college and university based management development programs, and to sketch a picture of what the future may hold. Finally, a series of recommendations is offered on how higher education institutions might effectively deal with the challenges of the next decade.
Decentralizing the Information Systems Function: What and How Much to Take Back
Authors: Compton Ted R.
Published: April 2011

Russell Ackoff, in his often cited article “Management Misinformation Systems’, discussed some problems that were associated with the highly centralized and tightly controlled data processing departments that existed during the 1960’s. Many of those problems are currently being addressed as users undertake more of the responsibility for the dissemination of information technology. However, the jury is still out on the benefits of decentralization. This article discusses many of the problems associated with the decentralization phenomenon, as well as recommending how one might deal with many of these organizational issues.
Evidence of Auditing as a Deterrent to Financial Reporting Irregularities
Authors: Schneider Arnold , Wilner Neil
Published: April 2011

This article investigates the impact of auditing on the commission of financial reporting irregularities by managers. We also examine whether the deterrent effect of auditing is affected by individual demographics. An experiment, using three case scenarios, was employed. Our findings indicated that auditing had a strong deterrent effect when the following conditions were present: material dollar amounts, irregularities involving asset overstatements, unambiguous violations of accounting principles, and low incentive for misstating income. While age, experience, and contact with auditors did not influence the deterrent effect of auditing, we found evidence that respondents with accounting and finance specializations perceived auditing as a greater deterrent than other respondents.
Small Business Consultants: Improving the Delivery of Outside Assistance
Authors: Calvin Fields W.
Published: April 2011

A review of the literature was conducted for the period of 1976 through 1989 in an effort to identify the most effective outside services that small business consultants could use to assist their clients. Results of the review showed that small business consultants provide services that are very effective in improving business performance. In addition, small business clients report a high degree of satisfaction with the services received. A theoretical model was then proposed which highlights the importance of providing services that guide small business clients toward better analysis of their operations and better development of their human resources.
Franchising: A Growth Strategy for the 1990s
Authors: Preble John F.
Published: April 2011

The strategy of franchising has become an increasingly important growth option for firms operating in today’s highly competitive marketplace. This paper describes the present status of franchising and provides managers with practical, strategic guidance on its use. Three general forms of franchising have emerged which can be employed by the franchisor depending upon company objectives. It is also shown in this paper that a portfolio matrix model can act as a useful tool to aid decision‐makers in selecting and employing franchising strategies both domestically and in world markets.
Electronic Coupons: A Double‐Barreled Sales Promotion Technique
Authors: Hoffman Darvin R. , Ketcham Allen F. , Taylor Frank A.
Published: April 2011

The use of coupons as a sales promotion technique is not new; manufacturers have been offering cents‐off coupons to customers for over a century. Now, electronic coupons may become the leading edge of a new wave of sales promotion techniques for the 1990s. How much of an impact that wave will make when it hits the American marketplace can only be estimated,but it may indeed be very big.
FASB Damage Control for Small and Medium‐Size Firms: A Strategy to Influence Rule‐making
Authors: Buckmaster Dale
Published: April 2011

Accounting rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) can have economic consequences for most firms in the United States. The objective of this paper is to provide a cost‐effective lobbying strategy for small and medium‐size firms.It includes a brief discussion of the potential economic consequences of new accounting rules and of the structure and operating procedures of the FASB. Small and medium‐size firms can best direct their lobbying efforts through representational organizations and by written comments on FASB proposals. This paper identifies the appropriate role of representational organizations and provides a guide for the preparation of comments by the firm.
Organizational Resource Allocation Decisions: The Role of Power
Authors: Sisaye Seleshi
Published: April 2011

A power control framework of organizations predicted that the degree of control exercised by management in resource allocation decisions is affected by the basis of power and perceived availability of resources. Results from experimental cases support the prediction that the basis of power has a consistent effect on resource allocation decisions. However, the effect of the perceived availability of resources varied according to the professional background and positions held by subjects in their organizations.
Extending Cost‐VolumeBreakeven Analysis toInclude Flexibility
Authors: Hanna Mark D. , Rocky Newman W. , Sridharan Sri V.
Published: April 2011

Recently many manufacturers have emphasized the enhancement of customer service through increased manufacturing flexibility. Sophisticated models exist for the justification of modern automation technologies which could have an impact on manufacturing flexibility, but practitioners are more likely to utilize a simple tool such as cost‐volume break even analysis. Indeed, much of the difficulty that managers have in justifying modern automation technologies may be due to the shortsightedness of cost‐volume break even analysis. In this paper, we introduce an equally simple justification tool, cost‐volume‐flexibility break even analysis, and explain its use and the benefits accompanying its use.
Computer Usage Patterns in the Construction Industry: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Wafa Marwan A. , McDonald J. Michael , Yasin Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2011

This study examines computer usage patterns in the U.S. construction industry. One hundred and seven subjects, consisting of managers at different managerial levels and professional support staff, participated in this study. This study shows that the subjects exhibit significant differences with regard to their extent of use, nature of use, and degree of satisfaction with decision support systems. Implications of these findings to decision support systems design and effective utilization are discussed.
Alliances and Networks: Cooperative Strategies for Small Businesses
Authors: Baird Inga S. , Lyles Marjorie A. , Orris J.B.
Published: April 2011

Research on large firms shows that cooperative strategies have the potential to improve performance by helping firms gain access to necessary resources, enter new markets, and spread the risk over several partners. Interviews with thirty‐four small business managers show small firms also can profit from using a cooperative network. Highly‐allied small businesses entered alliances to gain resources and based their alliances on a distinctive competence. The highly allied businesses grew more rapidly than the less allied firms. Mutual goals and joint decision making were viewed as critical to the high level of satisfaction achieved.
Stock Returns, Inflation,and the Business Cycle
Authors: Moore Gary S. , Visscher Sue L.
Published: April 2011

This study examines the effect of inflation on stock returns in the context of the policy reaction function theory. This theory contends that the nature and extent of the government’s policy reaction to inflation will depend upon the current level of economic activity. A contractionary policy, which will depress stock returns, is more likely when the economy is a ta business cycle peak than at a trough. Therefore, the effect of inflation on stock returns varies with the stage of the business cycle. In order to test this theory, monthly consumer price indices, capacity utilization indices, and stock returns were examined. The results of using the returns of both a market index and a sample of individual companies between 1962 and 1988 support the theory.
Product Differentiation And Positioning: Confused Concepts
Authors: Borna Shaheen , Chapman Joseph
Published: April 2011

This article examines two common marketing terms: product positioning and product differentiation. Many authors use these terms interchangeably, yet most marketing texts treat product positioning and product differentiation as two separate concepts. This article attempts to identify the underlying concepts of both product differentiation and product positioning. Product differentiation is shown to be a special case of product positioning; therefore, it is suggested that marketers may want to abandon the concept of product differentiation in favor of product positioning.
The Stock Market Reaction to Plant Closings
Authors: Cox Raymond A. K. , Kleiman Robert T. , Mitchell John B.
Published: April 2011

This paper is an event time study of the valuation effects of a sample of eighty‐two permanent plant closings. The traditional approach to project termination decisions suggests that common stock prices should increase around the date on which firms publicly announce the termination of a project. However, the empirical results of this study indicate that, on average, no significant changes in share holder wealth are associated with the closing down of capital assets.
The Limited Liability Company: An Analysis
Authors: Wells Wayne , Yoshimoto Gary
Published: April 2011

In recent years, businesses in many states have been given the opportunity to select a new form in which to conduct business called the limited liability company. This form provides the advantage of the personal liability protection of a corporation, while being taxed as a partnership. If most states create the limited liability company and current issues of uncertainty are favorably resolved, the limited liability company should become the most advantageous business form for most small and medium sized businesses.
Responses from a Corporate Mail Survey:Effects of Charitable Contributions and Personalization
Authors: Wu Bob T. , Petroshius Susan M. , Crocker Kenneth E. , West James S.
Published: April 2011

The effects of the manipulation of a promised contribution to a university and the personalization of a cover letter on response rate, response speed, and response quality were examined using a commercial population. The results indicate that both the promised contribution to a university and personalization increased response rate and response speed of returns. The influence of the manipulated variables on response quality was mixed. Specifically, only personalization was shown to influence response completeness while neither variable influenced respondents’ willingness to respond to questions that could be regarded assensitive. The study also revealed slight evidence of method‐specific response bias.
The Dimensions of Sustainability for Business
Authors: Homer Erekson O. , Loucks Orie L. , Aldag Charles
Published: April 2011

There has been a paradigm shift in business’ approach with respect to environmental responsibility. This change has resulted in a realization that profitability, consumer acceptance, and competitiveness can be advanced by pursuing sustainable initiatives in business practice. Sustainable business operations require effective leadership throughout the organization and cross‐functional business processes.
Environmental Sustainability in the Contextof Third World Economic Development: Constraints and Possibilities
Authors: Burayidi Michael A.
Published: April 2011

This paper discusses the constraints as well as the opportunities to sustainable development in third world countries. The argument is made that sustainable environments cannot be achieved in the third world unless the living standards of residents in the third world are raised substantially to enable them to achieve a critical minimum standard of living. The paper outlines the policy directions that are needed to achieve such levels of development as well as the commitments needed by the developed and third world countries in this regard.
Naive Versus Minimum‐Risk Direct Hedging of Cash Metal Prices Using U.S. Metal Futures Markets
Authors: Meyer Thomas O.
Published: April 2011

This research examines the ability of firms to utilize the existing primary U.S. metal futures markets indecreasing variability of spot metal positions. The focus of the analysis is on those twenty‐one U.S. cash metals listed in the Wall Street Journal which have an intrinsicrelation with (at least) one of the six primary metal futures markets.Hedging is deemed effective if variance of hedged returns is significantly lower than the cash‐postion return variance. Both risk‐minimizing and “naive” futures hedge postions are analyzed. On a realized return basis the direct off setting hedges prove to be effective in almost 93 percent of the forty‐two comparisons examined.
Size Versus Sustainability: Environmental, Social, and Competitive Diseconomies of Scale
Authors: Ludwig Dean C.
Published: April 2011

Assumptions of growth and an appreciation of the economies which can be achieved through large scale are deeply embedded in the history of management thought. While events of the 1970s and 1980s began to expose and challenge some of these growth assumptions, little systematic attention has been given to articulating the diseconomies associated with growth and large scale. This paper examines the concept of diseconomies of scale, explores its manifestation in several streams of literature (environmental, social, and competitive), and concludes by suggesting an alternative “more sustain‐able” model of development.