bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study Of HRMs Response To The Events Of 9/11
Authors: Browne James H. , Warnock Stuart H. , Boykin Nancy J.
Published: March 2016

The 9/11 terrorist attacks leveled the twin towers of New Yorks World Trade Center, caused serious damage to the Pentagon, and disrupted the national economy. The response by corporate organiza-tions, hardest hit by the events of 9/11, has turned the familiar phrase business as usual into an anachronism. Effective human resource management (HRM) practices are critical for any organization to appropriately respond and recover from catastrophic events, such as those of 9/11. In the aftermath of 9/11, corporate organizations have recognized the need to change many of their HRM practices. Possible explanations for recent changes in HRM practices are twofold: 1) as precautionary measures intended to avert man-made disasters, and 2) to enhance the organizations capability to immediately and effectively respond should a disaster strike. Irrespective of the reasons organizations are changing their HRM practices, they are placing more importance than ever on the need to optimally utilize and safeguard their most valued asset employees. Exploratory research on the initial responses by corporate organizations to the events of 9/11 reveals: 1) that many did not have disaster plans in place, and 2) that an even larger number were poorly prepared to deal with the disasters immediate impact on employees, particularly the negative psychological consequences engendered by such a disaster. This exploratory paper culminates in a proposed HRM Practices Disaster Recovery Diagnostic Tool. This tool would allow an organization to assess the adequacy of their HRM practices in responding to man-made disasters.
National Differences In Investors Responses To Corruption: An International Comparison
Authors: Habib Mohsin , Zurawicki Leon
Published: March 2016

This paper looks into the differences in responses to corruption by foreign investors. Statistical analysis highlights such differences for 17 major investing countries. Those differences appear to be related to home countries own level of corruption, their size and experience in foreign investing.
Target Costing: The Key To Supply Chain Excellence
Authors: Zbib Imad J. , Rakotobe-Joel Thierry , Rigoli Ray
Published: March 2016

This paper provides a descriptive and qualitative analysis of how cost management practices should be redesigned to accommodate a shift from traditional management to value chain management strategies. First, the drawbacks of using traditional cost management techniques will be examined. Second, the advantages and disadvantages of using activity-based management will be explored. Finally, target costing and its impact on supply chain performance will be investigated through case studies. Our case studies illustrate how companies achieved better supply chain performance through integrated cost management techniques.
The Relevance Of The Expiration-Effect Of Derivative Instruments From Ibex-35 Index On The Stock Market In Spain
Authors: Dobano Lucy Amigo
Published: March 2016

The importance of derivative financial instruments is reflected in the steady growth observed in their trading volumes at the worldwide level, from the moment they were first created at the end of the 20thCentury. In this framework, and considering the high grade of correlation among the different sectors of the asset market, we will analyze like it affects the expiration-effect of derivative instruments from the selective ibex-35 spanish index to the rest indexes of the market. To do so, we consider the different segments of the Spanish stock market, as represented by their general and sector indexes with daily data and we verify whether the stock market indexes show returns, volatility and trading volumes on the expiration dates of the derivatives that are significantly different from those observed on the rest of the days of the period. Our analyses indicate that the models of the expiration effect are indeed different among segments, verifying, in general, that this effect only appears in the volume and the returns. With such a focus, the investor could foresee an optimal strategy to make profits and minimize his risk on the stock prices.
Trust: What It Is And What It Is Not
Authors: Li Fuan , Betts Stephen C.
Published: March 2016

Trust, whether it is interpersonal trust, organizational trust, or trust in exchange relationships, has drawn great attention from both business practitioners and scholars in recent years. Numerous studies have been done, but the meaning of trust seems to remain elusive. Few constructs have been defined in so many different ways resulting in much confusion. This research attempts to improve our understanding of the nature of trust through reviewing existing business literature on this construct. By comparing and contrasting different perspectives of defining trust, the paper argues that trust is not a calculated probability of the behavior of the party to be trusted, and neither is it ones willingness to risk vulnerability. Emphasizing the social or relational nature of trust, this paper defines trust as a choice, a decision to place ones confidence in others. Cognitive expectation (the calculated probability) and behavioral intention (the willingness to be vulnerable) are conceived as an antecedent and a consequence of trust respectively. Defined as such, the construct embraces trust at both personal level and the institutional level, including trust in organizational or exchange relationships; it is expected that this endeavor should contribute to our understanding of trust in both marketing and management fields.
Savings, Investment & FDI Contribution To Malaysian Economic Growth In The Globalization Era
Authors: Mansur Kasim , Mamalakis Markos , Idris Sidah
Published: March 2016

What are the prospects and future of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Malaysia now? Malaysia is undoubtedly a development success story. Throughout the post-independence period since 1957, Malaysia has enjoyed rapid economic growth with rising per capita income and price stability. Rising living standards, greater urbanization and access to health and education, and an improvement in the distribution of income have accompanied economic growth. Malaysian performance has been particularly remarkable after 1987 when the economy achieved above 7 per cent growth in seven consecutive years reaching virtual full employment in 1995. Malaysia now aspires to become a fully developed economy by 2020. This dramatic economic transformation has occurred against a background of massive shifts in the world economy as a result of increasing internationalization of production and trade. Foreign investment funds are returning to the market attracted by the corporate restructuring news and a belief that South East Asian stocks are generally undervalued. But FDI remains a big worry for the government and the last quarter figures cannot have helped. A recent survey by the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry in Malaysia claimed that the country no longer enjoyed a competitive advantage over its neighbors and that 22 per cent of Japanese companies operating in Malaysia were contemplating moving. In Penang more multinationals in the electronic sectors are planning to pull out of Malaysia in the next few months and relocate to China and Vietnam. So far these have all been in factories producing labor-intensive products. The main reason given for relocation is because of high labour costs. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Malaysian economic growth with emphasize on saving and investment in the context of globalization of the world economy. The main issues are: 1. Malaysian economic and Fiscal policy to stimulate economic growth. 2. The key policy shifts to guide the study of globalization and developmental implications to overall growth trends. 3. The role of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the implications of globalization for domestic employment and real wages, and poverty and income inequality.From our analysis we found that economic development in Malaysia can be seen as a variant of the Solow model, in which savings, investment and capital accumulation are the major agents of growth. One aspect of the fast factor accumulation in this country is the important of FDI flows as a source of technology and management skills. FDI vis a vis savings and investment may have triggered export competitiveness by improving the technology, management and marketing of export industries.
Does A Tone At The Top That Fosters Ethical Decisions Impact Financial Reporting Decisions: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: D'Aquila Jill M. , Bean David F.
Published: March 2016

The accounting profession believes the reliability of financial reporting is affected by an organizations internal control, the foundation of which relates to the tone at the top of an organization. Despite attempts by organizations to create ethical environments, financial accountants are sometimes confronted with ethical dilemmas that may affect financial reporting decisions.An experiment that consisted of six different financial reporting scenarios was used to examine the influence of the tone at the top on financial reporting decisions. Subjects were assigned to three different organizational categories in terms of tone at the top a tone that fosters ethical behavior, a tone that does not foster ethical behavior, and a neutral tone. The results support the position that tone at the top does relate to financial reporting decisions.
Assessing The Relationship Between Liberalization, Ownership And Performance: The Case Of Turkish Banks
Authors: Isik Ihsan , Gunduz Lokman , Kilic Osman , Uysal Dogan
Published: March 2016

This paper employs a DEA-type Malmquist index approach to evaluate the impact of financial liberalization on the productivity changes of public, private and foreign banks in Turkey during the period between 1981 and 1990. The results indicate that all forms of banks have benefited from financial liberalization. However, foreign banks were found to be the most productive, followed by private banks and public banks respectively. The major source of productivity gains is scale changes for public and private banks and technical progress for foreign banks. It also seems that productivity growth indices of all banks converge towards the end of liberalization period.
What Has Happened To International Diversification? Returns, Risks, And Correlations
Authors: Hubbard Carl M.
Published: March 2016

Factors other than correlation must be considered in order to understand the reduced diversification effects of EAFE stocks in U. S. portfolio. The diminished importance of EAFE stocks as diversifying securities can be traced first to higher risk in comparison to the S&P 500 and corporate bonds. A comparison of returns to EAFE in the 1990s versus U. S. securities further demonstrates the lack of competitiveness of EAFE stocks for funds in optimized portfolios. Nevertheless, long-term average returns, risks, and correlations provide evidence in support of international diversification of U. S. portfolios.
German Venture Capitalists Investment Criteria Over Financing Stages
Authors: Eisele Florian , Haecker Christine , Oesterle Ralf
Published: March 2016

This study empirically explores the respective importance of a variety of criteria relevant for the investment decision of German venture capitalists. We find that the relative importance of criteria varies with investment stages. In all stages, however, criteria in the personality of management category as well as the appreciation potential of the acquired equity stake are considered crucial. Irrelevant are various market characteristics, dividend potential, as well as the desired independence level of management. Thus, this analysis provides all participants in the venture capital (VC) process with a comprehensive understanding of the parameters underlying the VC investment decision in Germany.
The Strategic Orientations And Determinants Of Wholly Owned Textiles Subsidiaries In The Mauritian Export Processing Zone A Case Study Of The Textile And Wearing Apparel Sector
Authors: Sannassee R V
Published: March 2016

This paper focuses on ascertaining the strategic orientations and determinants of wholly-owned subsidiaries in the Mauritian export-processing zone, with special emphasis on the textile and wearing apparel industry. The results show that costs minimisation, the ability to export to protected markets and the distinct possibility to evade barriers to entry imposed on their home nations were clear motivations underlying the establishment of operations by wholly-owned subsidiaries in the MEPZ. Furthermore, using regression analysis, the analysis shows that quality of infrastructure and cultural proximity were significant location determinants for MEPZ wholly-owned subsidiaries. Finally, using independent t-test, the results also highlight the greater prevalence attached by Asian firms to infrastructural provisions, cultural proximity and preferential access to developed markets in relation to their European counterparts.
Chinas Entry Into WTO And Its Impact On EU
Authors: Kim Ki Hee
Published: March 2016

The EU and China on May 19, 2000 reached a bilateral agreement toward Chinas membership in the WTO. The agreement brings China ever closer to completing its 14-yeas-old accession bid. China and the EU, two of the biggest markets in the world, have a everything to gain by deepening their commercial tides. Since 1978, EU and China trade has increased more than l0-fold. China is now the third largest important non-European trading partner. A strengthening of trade relations between China and EU is happening at the multilateral and bilateral level. Multilaterally, the EU is one of the keenest advocates of Chinas early accession to the WTO. Bilaterally, the EU supports Chinas economic and trade reforms, while encouraging further market opening. What is the EUs view on Chinas WTO accession? How does Chinas entry into WTO impact the EU? How will China benefit from joining the WTO? How does Chinas entry into WTO impact the EU? Will China comply with the agreements committed to EU? The purpose of this research is to evaluate trade performance, problems, current disputes, and other trade barriers between EU and China.
The Role Of Guatemalan Crisis Management Attitudes In Foreign Direct Investment Initiatives
Authors: Hough Michelle G. , Spillan John E.
Published: March 2016

Improvements in communication, transportation, and technology continue to drive business globalization. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is one way in which firms can globalize. Although firms seeking FDI opportunities may investigate the commercial, economic, political, and natural resource environment of the potential host country, cultural issues including crisis management attitudes are sometimes overlooked. This study reviews crisis management considerations, investigates attitudes of indifference displayed by Guatemalan businesses with respect to crisis management, and discusses the implications for firms seeking FDI opportunities in Guatemala.
Risk Management In Public And Private Partnership IT Projects: An International Study
Authors: Préfontaine Lise
Published: March 2016

Managing public and private partnerships (PPPs) projects represents a major challenge. Fifteen case studies have been conducted in the United States, Europe and Canada to identify the most typical risks incurred in PPP projects supported by advanced IT. Results show the presence of two sources of risks: external risks linked to the environment and internal risks associated either with the project, with the participating organizations and with the collaboration process. At the external level, political risks appear most predominant whereas at the internal level, risks linked to the relational dynamic are mentioned the most. The study also reveals that, unlike the private sector, the public sector does not cope with risk using an economic logic.
Market Efficiency For S&P 500: 1954-2004
Authors: Metghalchi Massoud , Garza-Gomez Xavier , Chen Chien-Ping , Monsef Stanley
Published: March 2016

This paper tests three moving average technical trading rules for the S&P 500 stock index. Using daily data from 1954 to 2004, our results indicate that moving average rules did indeed had predictive power and could discern recurring-price patterns for the period up to mid 1980s. However, since mid 1980s, technical trading rules do not work and could not discern recurring-price patterns. Our results are consistent with market inefficiency from 1954 to 1984 and market efficiency from 1984 to present.
Corporate Governance Structure And Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence From Brusa Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Joher Huson , Ali Mohd
Published: March 2016

The issue of corporate governance has been emerging as important phenomena that has been searched extensively both in developed countries due to its strategic impact on the monitoring of management activities and firms performance. Yet little attempt has been made in developing countries like Malaysia to ascertain what constitute corporate governance and its impact on firm's performance. Therefore, this study aims at examining the structure of the corporate governance and its impact on firms performance. This study is based on 100 firms, which are the component of the Composite Index (CI) serve as market barometer. This study employs cross-sectional annual multiple regression model to examine, what constitutes the corporate governance structure and its impact on performance of the firm. The analysis was based on annual regression over 5 years period from 1997 through 2001. Three different blend of surrogate for corporate governance were developed for good corporate governance structure. These are the independent non-executive (outside) directors, audit committee and remuneration committee. To isolate the size effect from the impact of corporate governance structure on firms performance, firms size was also included are variable in the model. The ratio of net income before tax to total asset is used as a surrogate for firms performance. Evidence from the study indicates that there is partial relation between corporate governance structure and corporate performance. The presence of both audit and remuneration committee serves as an important monitoring device to control management activities that lead to increase firm's performance. While on average, the presence of independent non-executive directors does not provide any significant explanation for the firm's performance. However, the firm size appears to have significant impact on corporate performance.
The Latent Absolute Advantage Of The Comparative Advantage In Theories Of International Trade
Authors: Lang Nguyen Thuong
Published: March 2016

The absolute advantage and comparative advantage are the basic concepts of the international economics. Up till now, the popular understanding about them is that absolute advantage is the special case of the comparative advantage. This view has been dominant in all books related to the field of international economics. However, the comparative advantage by nature is the absolute advantage. Generally, comparative advantage is only particular case of absolute advantage. In other words, comparative advantage has the latent absolute advantage. It is the opposite view of the traditional one on absolute and comparative advantage in the field of international trade theories and it constructs the content of this paper.
The Relationship Between Leadership Style & Demographic Characteristics Of Taiwanese Executives
Authors: Craven Annette E. , Kao Thun-Yun
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Taiwanese executives leadership style and demographic characteristics in the high-tech Kun-Shan region of Mainland China using the leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ).
Does Smaller Class Size Affect Students Performance In Basic Statistics Class? An Empirical Study
Authors: Kamuche Felix U.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study was to determine whether smaller class size, defined as fewer than 20 students in Business Statistics class influence grades earned in the course. The investigator hypothesized that there is a positive relationship between class size and performance, which is measured by grade earned in the course. The study revealed a positive relationship between performance and class size. The results also indicated that the groups that were in the smaller classes performed better on tests than the control groups that were in the larger classes. Furthermore, the study revealed that although there was a positive correlation between performance and class size, simply reducing class size does not guarantee significant increases in performance for all students.
How Useful Are Banks' Earnings-At-Risk And Economic Value Of Equity-At-Risk Public Disclosures?
Authors: Préfontaine Jacques , Desrochers Jean
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the information content and the usefulness of banks' interest rate risk public disclosures. ALM managers use Earnings at Risk ( EAR ) and Economic Value of Equity at Risk ( EVEAR ) as measures of the dollar amount of potential loss to net interest income and common shareholders' equity as a result of unforeseen interest rate changes. These two interest rate risk management metrics are now recognized benchmarks for measuring interest rate risk exposure, and its potential impact on a bank's financial position. At the explicit request of regulators, financial analysts and competitive pressures, more commercial banks are now reporting EAR and EVEAR numbers in their annual financial reports. To examine preliminary evidence on the information content of such public disclosures, we composed a sample of some of North America's largest commercial banks. The Canadian peer group is based on Canada's seven largest banks, and the U.S. peer group is composed of twelve of its largest banks. In particular, we investigate if "ex ante" EAR and EVEAR numbers help regulators, financial analysts and investors to explain the subsequent variability of commercial banks' net interest income and net income over time.
Recent Developments In Selected Asian Countries Bankruptcy Laws: Should Multinational Company Strategists Be Concerned?
Authors: LeMaster Jane , Downey Clara , Brewerton F.J.
Published: March 2016

This paper explains why multinational companies should be concerned about adjudication of international insolvencies. The Territorialism and Universalism Models of bankruptcy law are reviewed and employed as a backdrop to describe recent developments in the insolvency laws of four Asian nations. We conclude with an assessment of the status of the selected Asian nations insolvency laws, progress toward a uniform global system for resolving multinational insolvencies, and the strategic implications these developments hold for strategy formulation.
IFRS: Approaching A State Of Convergence
Authors: Ragan Joseph M. , Hadley Andrew J. , Raymond Alexander P.
Published: March 2016

In this paper we will discuss the underlying differences that currently exist between IFRS and US GAAP. Our paper is presented with the belief that convergence is within reach at this point, and no longer an unfeasible event. The systematic rules-based approach and the conceptual principles-based approach are important models for this paper, and we refer to them when discussing the differences and developing our beliefs. The differences that we have chosen to discuss are ones, we feel, that could lead to comparability complications once IFRS is acceptable among US firms and International firms with US subsidiaries. Areas of concern involve items regarding financial statement presentation, revenue recognition, expense recognition, assets, and liabilities. Although there are a great deal of similarities between the US GAAP and IFRS reporting requirements, the specific items presented within this paper need to be addressed before commonly accepted accounting standards are used among encompassing countries.
Opened Problems Of The Application Of IAS 39 On Reporting Of Financial Derivatives In The Czech Republic
Authors: Strouhal Jiří
Published: March 2016

Although in the United States derivatives have been traded since around the middle of the nineteenth century, in the Czech Republic a derivative was an unknown term until lately or rather a term referring to someplace in an ununknown empire. The situation started to change roughly in the second half of nineties, when as part of macroeconomic shocks and government crisis in 1997 when interest rates increased significantly and the Czech crown devaluated from day to day. At that time, companies felt, for the first time ever, how heavy impact an unexpected and not counted on change of market conditions may have on them. From 2001 to 2004, another unusual phenomenon occurred which shook the business sector; should a prophet predicted it at the end of the nineties, he would probably be clamed to be crazy. The exchange rate of dollar against crown dropped from over 40 CZK/USD to 20 CZK/USD. Companies that made contracts with their customers in dollars but with suppliers in crowns bore a great exchange rate risk and they frequently paid a lot when dollar dropped. At the moment we also have to mention world prices of oil and oil products which rocketed so high that nobody could have expected it several years ago. This paper focuses on the comparison of reporting of the derivatives using IFRS in comparison with the Czech accounting legislature by the companies listed on the Prague Stock Exchange (PSE). Study draws the attention to check the differences in reporting of derivatives and also compares their qualitative advantages. Results of this study are based on the analysis of annual reports of the companies listed on the PSE. Any of analyzed companies didnt allow all of the requirements of IFRS on reporting of the financial derivatives.
Labor Market And New Dimensions Of Labor Relations: The Case Of Slovenia
Authors: Dimovski Vlado , Ţnidaršič Jana
Published: March 2016

The economic and social situation at the beginning of the 21st century is bringing new challenges also to labor - management relations all over the world. During the transition period, Slovenia was facing hard times in striving to build completely new market-oriented economic society. Because of the significance of labor-management relations to the new economy and political system, labor-related matters received much attention from the Slovenian economic development policy. Within socialist economic system unemployment actually did not exist, as the system was very protective. Labor relations were administratively regulated and all shortcomings broke out on the eve before the socialism collapsed. Transformation depression was accompanied with decline in economic activity in general and inflation, which both had negative impact on standard of living and employment. The registered unemployment rate was rising up to 14.4 % in 1993. The most critical groups were those having no vocational education, older than 40 and those already being unemployed. The main reasons for employment stagnation and the persistent high registered unemployment rate could be found in economys restructure initiated by a transition into market economy (bankruptcies) and the loss of Yugoslav markets (orientation on a more demanding European markets). Many enterprises faced inevitable failure; many workers were dismissed or got a status of being redundant. The problem was moderated with new retirement legislation, which enabled the possibility of early retirement, which consequently lowered the share of elder people employed and contributed to very modest share of part-time employed people. In Slovenia labor costs (taxes and social contributions paid by employees and employers) are the highest in the new EU member states with the exception of Cyprus. If Slovenia wants to boost employment and economic growth, it will have to implement the new labor-relations law and create a more flexible labor market. Considering that competitive advantage and economic growth are often achieved by reducing labor costs (and lower social security of employees) the regulation of labor relations needs very subtle actions. In the paper, we present the development of labor relations in Slovenia through three periods: planned economy, transition and post-transition period, high-lightening the recent trends, the key labor market development problems, as well as bringing forward the key orientations and policies alleviating critical elements on this field.
Market Failure In African Agricultural Marketing Systems: An Econometric Testing And Analysis Of Market Efficiency
Authors: Osho Gbolahan S.
Published: March 2016

The last few years have seen substantial revivals of interest in the determinants of economic growth in Africa, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper provides an econometric model that help to examine the impact of market share, interest rate and non-economic factors such as external shocks, structural adjustment policies on the GDP of Sub-Saharan Africa. Economic development data covering the period of 1970 to 2004 was used in estimation with ordinary least square (OLS). The results indicate that market share is the crucial element for low GDP in this region of the world and that high interest rate lowers the GDP and therefore impedes market growth. The econometric analysis showed the failure of interest rate to rise with the GDP has been the result of changes in fundamental determinants.
Equity Price-Volume Relationship On The Russian Stock Exchange
Authors: Assogbavi Tov , Schell Jennifer , Fagnissè Siméon
Published: March 2016

This paper analyses the stock price?volume relationship of individual equities in the Russian Stock Exchange. Using a vector auto-regression analysis on weekly data, we present a strong evidence of bi-directional relationship between volume and price change. This finding confirms the evidence reported by studies on many developed markets. However, the weak support for the positive price-volume relationship may imply that the differences in institutions and information flows in the Russian Stock Exchange might be important enough to affect the valuation process of their securities. Consequently, investors who based their investment strategies on momentum, have to adjust their strategies when trading on Russian Stock Markets.
One Of The Prime Beneficiaries Of The Sarbanes Oxley Act Of 2002: The London Stock Exchange!
Authors: Yallapragada RamMohan R. , Toma Alfred , Roe C. William
Published: March 2016

In the late 1990s, financial markets in the United States (U S ) were rocked by accounting scandals in companies such as Enron and WorldCom. Public confidence in American business was at a low ebb. As a knee-jerk reaction to the scandals, the U S Congress hastily passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) hoping to restore the lost image of the U S business firms. SOX rendered corporate governance and protecting corporate assets a matter of Federal mandates. Penalties for violation of the provisions of SOX include a maximum of 25 years of prison and/or a fine of twenty five million dollars. For small and mid-size firms, the implementation costs became prohibitive. The exorbitant implementation costs of Section 404 of SOX and the draconian criminal sanctions for senior management are driving companies to flee from The New York Stock Exchange to more favorable exchanges overseas. The London Stock Exchange appears to be the most benefited one from the passage of SOX. This paper presents the salient provisions of SOX, the havoc caused to the business firms by its implementation costs, and the present trend of flight of capital from American stock exchanges to overseas stock exchanges such as the London Stock Exchange.
Tax Havens: Toward An Optimal Selection Approach Based On Multicriteria Analysis
Authors: Assogbavi Tov , Azondékon Sébastien Azondékon
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is to demystify the concept of tax havens. After defining tax havens in a tax-planning framework, the paper introduces a tax haven selection methodology based on a variant of Gibson and Black multicriteria analysis to identify the most suitable tax haven for a given entity. The study shows the importance of subjective variables and how to incorporate them into a tax haven selection process. While tax advantages remain the key factor when searching for a tax haven solution, our study shows that non-quantifiable factors are also crucial in determining the most suitable tax haven for a given entity.
Total Quality Management A Recommended Strategy For The Pakistani Banking Sector
Authors: Naeem Hummayoun , Saif M. Iqbal , Qasim Salman
Published: March 2016

Keeping in view the significance of TQM in todays competitive banking environment, the study was designed to look into the quality implementation level of commercial banks in Pakistan. Main offices of all commercial banks operating in Pakistan were contacted and were asked about the level of implementation of TQM in their bank; whether the quality implementation is at its introductory, middle, final or fully implemented stage. The data indicated that majority of the banks in Pakistan are at the introductory stage where as almost one fifth claim having TQM fully implemented. The situation highlights the level of effort put by management of banks operating in Pakistan and initiatives taken by them in respect of quality management. The findings of the study may be passed on to Central Bank for further necessary action and follow up.
Empirical Evaluation On External Debt Of Malaysia
Authors: Bakar Nor’Aznin Abu , Hassan Sallahuddin
Published: March 2016

This study analyzes the effects of external debts on economic growth in Malaysia. The analysis is conducted both at aggregate and disaggregate levels. The empirical results are based on VAR estimates using GDP, external debts, capital accumulation, labor force and human capital. Estimation results at the aggregate level indicate that total external debts affect economic growth positively. In particular, one percentage point increase in total external debts generates 1.29 percentage point of economic growth in the long term. Meanwhile, the positive effects of project loan has been detected at the disaggregate level. However, market loan has not shown any significant effect on economic growth. In the short-run, total external debts as well as project loan has positive effects on economic growth.
Balancing Competing Interests: Managing And Regulating Spam While Preserving The Availability Of E-Mail For Ethical Commerical Users
Authors: Neal Catherine S. , Havelka Douglas
Published: March 2016

A layered model composed of the legal environment, the network/service providers, the firm, and the individual is proposed for studying and managing unsolicited commercial email, i.e. spam.
The Pitfalls Of Multiple Dummy Variables In A Regression
Authors: Ren Yi , Xiao Dong
Published: March 2016

This study reports long-been-neglected pitfalls when using multiple dummy variables in a regression model. We conduct simulation analysis to explain the mathematical meaning of a product term of two dummy variables, and find that the interaction dummy term indicates only the extra contribution, not the additive contribution of two dummies. The results suggest that testing and estimating interaction effects of dummy variables are not meaningful, and that dummy variable techniques should be handled carefully when introducing two or more dummies in a multiple regression model.
BYOD: An Examination Of Bring Your Own Device In Business
Authors: Rose Chris
Published: March 2016

There are security implications and hidden costsof Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). A recent study found that a companywith 1,000 mobile devices will spend an additional $170,000 average per year ifthey adopt the BYOD methodology. In addition, there is the increased complexityof supporting various types of devices running different operating systems ondifferent carriers. There is also a problem of legal liability and anorganization will also lose brand identity since the number belongs to theemployee and not the organization.
A comparative study on field performance of micropropagated plants and stem cutting derived plants of S-36 cultivar of Mulberry (Morus indica L.)
Authors: Chitra D S Vijaya , Chinthapalli Bhaskarrao , Padmaja G
Published: March 2016

Micropropagated and stem cutting derived plants of Mulberry (Morus indica L. cv. S-36) were transferred to the similar field conditions. A comparative study was conducted based on morphological parameters and growth characteristics for three consecutive years.  The results demonstrated that micropropagation gave rise to superior clonal populations with respect to number of branches/plant and leaf yield/plant that will be suitable for the mass production of plants.  Thus in vitro grown plants did not exhibit any significant quantitative variation as compared to the conventionally grown plants, indicating the varietal multiplication to be of true-to-type.
In vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy using Passiflora foetida Activated Carbon
Authors: Shankar P Dheeban , S Basker , K Karthik , S Karthik
Published: March 2016

Activated carbon (AC) has found its attention in pollution control and wastewater treatment to remove various pollutants. Activated carbon can be prepared by physical and chemical activation methods. The chemical activation methods were advantageous over physical activation due to process accomplishment at lower temperature and greater yield which avoids burn-off char. Activated carbon was usually used as an adsorbent for dye removal from wastewater which could be related to their extended surface area, high adsorption capacity, microporous structure and special surface reactivity. Microbial pollution and contamination have produced various problems in industrial and medical fields. Based on this, the present study was attempted on the preparation of activated carbon from Passiflora foetida and evaluating for its antibacterial efficacy against twelve different microorganisms by agar well diffusion method. The results were found to be very effective with higher zone of inhibition against almost all the microorganisms tested. Moreover, the activity was considerably more against Shigella flexneri (MTCC 1457) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC 10309).In addition to this, the shake flask test in saline had proved that the colonial growth of E.coli was inhibited with respect to the concentration of activated carbon and time of incubation.

 
State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), The Problems and Solutions in Financial and Asset Management
Authors: Sanusi Anwar
Published: March 2016

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) faced with the demands to produce a better performance by increasing internal working environment. SOE managers need to measure employee productivity associated with the job description, key result areas, and Key Performance Indicators. This method had a goal to determine the indicators of organizational performance and how SOEs achieved the standards of achievement and to plan reward achievement of productivity. This study tested the hypothesis through validation testing theory or application of theory in certain circumstances.

The samples were taken from the overall population of SOE employees in Jakarta. It used purposive method in selecting data the data which retrieved by taking certain data through several criteria.

The study result showed that the respondent perception of communication, work attitude, work ethic, internal control level, risk management practices, and monitoring & evaluation has a significant relationship with work productivity of the employees. 
DYNAMICS OF EXTERNAL DEBT AND CAPITAL FLIGHT IN INDIA
Authors: Saxena Swami Prasad , Shanker Ishan
Published: March 2016

Countries at early stages of development have small stocks of capital and are likely to have investment opportunities with rates of return higher than those in advanced economies. The external debt for productive investment within reasonable levels enhances economic growth, but beyond certain levels additional indebtedness reduces growth. The mounting burden of debt servicing and debt crisis motivates capital flight, a paradoxical situation in which resources are flowing out of developing countries. This paper investigates the relationship between external debt and capital flight via TSLS (Two Staged Least Square Method). The results indicate positive relationship between external debt and capital Flight in India.
In Memoriam - Philip Kenny
Authors: Hall Jonny
Published: March 2016

Jonny Hall expresses regret at the passing of Professor Philip Kenny, and celebrates his enduring contribution to clinical legal education.
Clinical Legal Education in Asia - Accessing Justice for the Underprivileged
Authors: Murray Victoria
Published: March 2016

edited by Shuvro Sarker (Palgrave Macmillan), 2015, 288pp, £65 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-137-51752-4
Agronomic Effectiveness of Granular Nitrogen/Phosphorus Fertilizers Containing Elemental Sulfur with and without Ammonium Sulfate: A Review
Authors: Chien Sen H. , Teixeira Luiz A. , Cantarella Heitor , Rehm George W. , Grant Cynthia A. , Gearhart Mercedes M.
Published: March 2016

Deficiency of S in soils has become a soil fertility issue worldwide because of a decrease in S deposition from air to soil due to legislation and increased crop removal. Continuous use of high‐analysis nitrogen/phosphorus (NP) fertilizers lacking in S further exacerbates the S deficiency for crop production. Several newly developed granular NP fertilizers such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and triple superphosphate (TSP) containing micronized elemental sulfur (ES) with/without ammonium sulfate (AS) have been marketed to farmers. It is claimed that these products can provide available SO4–S through AS and ES oxidation during the growing season. The objective of this review was to carefully examine the literature that addresses the agronomic effectiveness of the granular NP–ES or NP– (ES+AS) fertilizer products. The review shows that oxidation of ES particles in granular NP fertilizers is generally nil or inadequate to provide available S to seasonal (or first) crops in greenhouse studies. This is due to the negative locality effect on granular ES oxidation. In contrast, available S can be obtained from the associated AS component of the granular (ES+AS). Under field conditions, limited studies showed these granular (ES+AS) were as effective as SO4–based sources at a high single S rate, but lack of data at multiple S rates. The detailed evaluation of available data so far often shows that the granular NP fertilizers containing ES or (ES+AS) cannot provide available S as compared with traditional SO4–based S sources for season‐long or first field crops.

Sulfur nutrient is important to crop growth to produce maximum crop yield.

Several new S fertilizers are marketed to farmers often without scientific data to support the fertilizer producers’ claims.

This review article examines the available data to check the claims; the results often cannot validate the claims.
Suppression of Ammonia Volatilization from Rice–Wheat Rotation Fields Amended with Controlled‐Release Urea and Urea
Authors: Wang Huihui , Hegazy Abeer M. , Jiang Xia , Hu Zhengyi , Lu Jia , Mu Jing , Zhang Xiangru , Zhu Xiaoqi
Published: March 2016

The critical period of ammonia volatilization (AV) is an important indicator in the development of control measures of AV. A field trial was performed for 2‐yr with zero‐N fertilization control (CK), controlled‐release‐urea (CRU), and urea in rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation system to investigate AV. The N application dosage was 255 and 225 kg N ha−1 in rice and wheat season, respectively. The CRU was applied once as basal fertilization in each growing seasons. Urea was applied twice in the rice season, while it was applied three times in the wheat season. The results revealed that AV applied with urea was 61.4 and 57.3% higher than that with CRU in 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, respectively. The AV applied with CRU and urea predominately occurred at the rice flooding period, which accounted for 83.2 to 86.6% and 95.5 to 96.9% of AV at the entire rice season and for 48.2 to 49.6% and 67.2 to 70.4% of AV in the rice–wheat rotation period, respectively. No obvious difference was observed between urea and CRU treatments concerning grain yield, N concentration, and removal N of aboveground biomass. An obvious influence of rainfall on AV was documented because rainfall significantly reduced AV during the rice growth, while the rainfall before N fertilization could significantly increase AV in the wheat season. Therefore, the rainfall should be considered when applying N fertilizer, CRU should be recommended to use during the rice flooding period to decrease the AV rate.

Ammonia volatilization predominately occurs in the flooded period of rice season.

Ammonia volatilization in the urea treatment is more than 50% higher than that in the controlled‐release urea treatment.

Controlled‐release urea fertilization is an eco‐friendly, labor‐saving, and effective technique in minimizing ammonia volatilization.

In order to decrease ammonia volatilization as much as possible, irrigation and rainfall should be considered when designing N fertilization programs.
Soybean Spatiotemporal Yield and Economic Variability as Affected by Tillage and Crop Rotation
Authors: Al‐Kaisi Mahdi M. , Archontoulis Sotirios , Kwaw‐Mensah David
Published: March 2016

Tillage and crop rotations are practices that influence yields and economic returns. This study was conducted at seven locations in Iowa from 2003 to 2013 with a split‐plot design. Tillage systems [no‐tillage (NT), strip‐tillage (ST), chisel plow (CP), deep rip (DR), and moldboard plow (MP)] were the main treatment and rotations [corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) (C‐S), corn–corn–soybean (C‐C‐S), and continuous corn (C‐C)] were the subplot. The objectives were to investigate: (i) annual soybean yield variability, (ii) appropriate tillage systems and crop rotations within location, and (iii) rotation effect on soybean yield and economic returns for the C‐S cropping system. Soybean yield varied from 1.5 to 5.0 Mg ha−1 across Iowa with 21% variability. The yield response to tillage systems at different locations was not significant and the economic return with NT ($1258 ha−1) exceeded that with conventional tillage ($1241 ha−1). Input costs excluding land rental and crop insurance were lower with NT ($463 ha−1) than with conventional tillage ($512 ha−1). The C‐C‐S rotation resulted in greater soybean yields (9%) and economic returns (11%) than the C‐S rotation in five out of seven locations. The effect of C‐S, C‐C‐S, and C‐C was consistently higher in the southern locations (well‐drained soils, warmer temperatures) than northern locations (poorly drained soils, cooler temperatures). Site‐specific effects of rotation on soybean yield were greater than tillage system effects. Stable economic returns over time for corn and soybean were more associated with the C‐S rotation than with C‐C‐S and C‐C.

C‐C‐S rotation resulted in 9% greater soybean yield than that of C‐S.

C‐C‐S rotation resulted in 11% greater economic return than that of C‐S.

Tillage systems did not result in soybean yield differences with both rotations.

NT input cost was $49 ha−1 less than that for CP, DR, and MP.

C‐S cropping system yields and economic returns were superior to C‐C.

Spatial and temporal soybean yield variability was 16–26% and 20–22%, respectively.