bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLYING FACTOR ANALYSIS TO FINANCIAL RATIOS OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AIRLINES
Authors: Ali Hamdi F. , Charbaji Abdelrazzak
Published: February 2008

The application of factor analysis to the area of financial ratio analysis was pioneered by Pinches, Mingo, and Caruthers (1973) in a study of U.S. industrial firms. During the last two decades numerous studies have applied the technique as a means of eliminating redundancy among financial ratios and/or reducing the number of ratios selected as a basis for further investigation to a limited but crucial subset. It is observed that all studies reported were on the manufacturing and retailing sectors. The international commercial airline sector was chosen as the subject of the present research in an attempt to study the factor groupings in a sector whose financial characteristics differ from manufacturing or retailing. Results show that factor categorization reflects the sector's financial characteristics. The study also draws conclusions on some observed differences between the empirical and theoretical ratio classification observed in the literature. The study lends support to the conclusion that factor analysis provides a useful means by which to develop and test the theoretical structure and grouping of financial ratios.
INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: BEYOND MYTH AND FOLKLORE
Authors: Zahra Shaker A. , Schulte William D.
Published: February 2008

The 1990s promise to be a decade of worldwide acceptance of the notion of entrepreneurship as the engine of economic and social change. This essay identifies four, myths about the efficacy of entrepreneurship. In addition, it suggests ways to transform the ideals of entrepreneurship into concrete action plans that ensure national growth and productivity.
DIVERSE WORKFORCE IN GLOBAL CONTEXT: FACING THE CHALLENGE
Authors: Alkhafaji Abbass F.
Published: February 2008

Businesses in the U.S. are faced with several challenges as a result of the changing world economy. The purpose of this investigation is to shed light on management responses to the global challenges facing businesses in the 1990s and beyond. In addition the paper will focus on some of the problems facing this nation in the coming decade regarding the complexity of its workforce.
PERCEPTIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE AS A FUNCTION OF EMPLOYEES' BACKGROUND ATTRIBUTES: EVIDENCE FROM JORDANIAN INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Al‐Shammari Minwir M.
Published: February 2008

This study explores the differences in climate perceptions according to employees' demographic (age, gender, marital status, and education) and organizational (tenure, position, and pay) background patterns. In order to achieve this goal, self‐administered questionnaires were distributed to 400 subjects in Jordanian manufacturing organizations. Usable answers were obtained from 297 subjects. The results of the study showed that the background of employees (with the exception of gender) were found to account for significant differences in the perception of several dimensions of climate.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL COUNTRY‐OF‐ORIGIN EFFECTS ON PRODUCT EVALUATIONS: A STUDY IN MOROCCO
Authors: d'Astous Alain , Ahmed Sadrudin A.
Published: February 2008

This paper presents the results of a survey of 187 male consumers in Morocco. In this study, country‐of‐origin information was manipulated along three dimensions: country of design, country of assembly and country of materials origin. Consumer judgments of the quality and purchase value of automobiles, televisions and shoes were obtained in a multi‐cue context. The results show that Moroccan consumers make a distinction between the different dimensions of country‐of‐origin information and that their perceptions are significantly affected by each dimension. However, the pattern of effects varies across dependent variables and products. Differences in the evaluations of countries are greatly attenuated when country‐of‐origin information is presented along with other informational cues such as price and brand name.
ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL VARIABLES AND TECHNOLOGY: THE CASE OF JORDAN
Authors: Hayajneh Abdalla F. , Raggad Bel G.
Published: February 2008

This study examines and analyzes the relationship between certain organizational variables and technology in certain manufacturing organizations in Jordan. The results of this study indicate that there are positive significant relationships between selected organizational variables (profit margin, management efficiency, organizational age, and organizational size) and technology in the surveyed organizations. While there is a negative significant relationship between the rank of the organization and technology, this study does not confirm any relationship between the organizational ownership type and technology.
JOB STRESS, TYPE‐A BEHAVIOR AND EMPLOYEES' WELL‐BEING AMONG MUSLIM IMMIGRANTS IN NORTH AMERICA: A STUDY IN WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
Authors: Jamal Muhammad , Badawi Jamal A.
Published: February 2008

The present study examined the relationship of job stress and Type‐A behavior pattern with employees' job satisfaction, turnover intention, absence behavior, organizational commitment, psychosomatic health problems, and happiness in life. Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire from full‐time employed Muslims (N = 325) living in Canada and United States of America. Pearson correlation and moderated multiple regression were the statistical techniques employed to analyze data. Results generally supported the prediction that job stress will be significantly related with the dependent variables. Type‐A behavior was found to be related with only a few dependent variables. In addition, Type‐A behavior was found to be an important moderator of job stress and outcome relationships. Implications of the findings for management and for future research are highlighted.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE JOB DESIGN MOTIVATING FACTORS: THE SAUDI CASE
Authors: At‐Twaijri Mohammed I. , Al‐Khursani Sami A. , Abdulwahed Faisal A.
Published: February 2008

This study was based on Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS) results conducted in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to evaluate motivating factors to determine whether employee productivity could be enhanced by a job redesign.
THE EFFECT OF SOCIALIZATION TACTICS ON CAREER SUCCESS AND SATISFACTION: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Orpen Christopher
Published: February 2008

94 Australian business graduates completed measures of perceived socialization, tactics during their initial few months in their first job after graduation. Three years later in the same firms, they completed a measure of career satisfaction, and indicated how much their salary had grown and how many promotions they had received over this period. Perceived individualized tactics were significantly positively related to career satisfaction, whilst perceived institutionalized tactics were significantly negatively related. However, neither of these tactics were related to either salary growth or promotions received. Implications of these findings for the socialization of managers are discussed.
ACCULTURATION AND IMMIGRANT CONSUMERS' PERCEPTIONS OF ADVERTISEMENTS: A STUDY INVOLVING ASIAN‐INDIANS
Authors: Khairullah Durriya Z. , Gaither Tucker Frances , Tankersley Clint B.
Published: February 2008

This study compares perceptions regarding Indian versus American print advertisements of Asian‐Indian immigrants residing in the United States of America. It examines whether these perceptions varied with their degree of acculturation. Our results show that when Asian‐Indian immigrants are treated as a homogeneous group without considering their degree of acculturation, the preferences for Indian versus American advertisements are mixed. However, when examined from an acculturative perspective, we find that as acculturation increased, subjects preferred American advertisements more, and Indian advertisements less. The results imply that degree of acculturation should be considered as a segmentation variable when developing an advertising strategy for immigrant consumers.
INFORMATION SOURCES AND MOTIVATIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF CANADIAN CROSS‐BORDER SHOPPERS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Sullivan Pauline M. , Kang Jikyeong
Published: February 2008

A cross‐border shopping survey was mailed to 750 randomly selected Canadians, both Francophone and Anglophone, living in the Greater Montreal area. The survey sought to examine if the selected demographic characteristics were related to whether or not Canadian consumers cross‐border shop, to explore Canadian consumers' information sources and motivational attributes with regard to cross‐border shopping, and to determine how information sources and motivational attributes affect their cross‐border shopping behaviors. Approximately 42% of the respondents cross‐border shopped. A predominant segment of those who shopped in the U.S. spoke English at home. Two factors, Merchandise and Service Quality Motivations and Economic Motivations, showed significant relationships with selected cross‐border shopping behaviors.
EASING ENTRY AND BEYOND: PREPARING EXPATRIATES AND PATRIATES FOR FOREIGN ASSIGNMENT SUCCESS
Authors: Ashamalla Maali H. , Crocitto Madeline
Published: February 2008

U.S. international corporations are experiencing high rates of expatriate failures. The price tag of these failures is costly to both the corporations involved as well as the failing expatriates. Conceptualization of expatriates' roles in the host country's social system and involving the patriate in the HR processes are key to solving the problem.
SECURITIZATION OF THE BANKERS ACCEPTANCE MARKET
Authors: Klügel Karl F. , White Mark A. , Osborne Richard M.
Published: February 2008

This paper discusses recent developments in asset‐backed financing and proposes a method for securitizing the bankers' acceptance market. It then derives a model for the pricing of these securitized bankers' acceptances (SECBAs) incorporating a random arrival and maturity process. The paper concludes with a discussion of institutional factors and alternative methods for implementing our proposal.
CHARACTERIZING MODE OF ENTRY FOR CANADIAN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT INTO THE UNITED STATES: 1980 – 1989
Authors: Bruning Edward R. , Turtle Harry J. , Buhr Kevin
Published: February 2008

We examine the entry mode choice for Canadian firms entering the United States (U.S.). Entry options are categorized into three competing modes: mergers and acquisitions; joint ventures; and subsidiaries. The unit of analysis is the foreign direct investment (FDI) transaction between a Canadian firm and an American counterpart during the period from January 1980 through December 1989. Using canonical discriminant analysis, we develop a set of variables that characterize the entry mode choice. We find transaction specific information available to senior management provides important information regarding the entry mode choice. The importance of mergers and acquisitions is particularly apparent over this sample period. Empirical evidence strongly supports our measures of resource commitment, dissemination risk, and liquidity position as important measures determining mode of entry. Joint ventures display meaningful differences related to these measures in contrast to both mergers and acquisitions, and subsidiary investments.
PRODUCT ELIMINATION DECISIONS: A COMPARISON OF AMERICAN AND BRITISH MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: Mitchell Mark Andrew , Taylor Ronald D. , Tanyel Faruk
Published: February 2008

An empirical examination of the product elimination decision‐making processes in American and British manufacturing firms was presented. Specifically, two areas of the product elimination decision‐making process are presented: (1) the precipitating circumstances which “triggered” the product elimination decision‐making process to begin; and (2) the variables used to make the elimination/retention are reviewed. It was concluded that the decision making processes were similiar in the two countries.
SAUDI COMPANIES ATTITUDE TOWARD ISO 9000 QUALITY STANDARDS: AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION
Authors: Bhuian Shahid N.
Published: February 2008

A sample consisting of senior executives of 61 companiues in Saudi Arabia was obtained to examine the nature of their attitudes toward ISO 9000 quality standards. Results indicate that those companies that are highly and positively inclined toward ISO 9000 standards are mostly manufacturing firms with an ownership status of joint ventures or partnerships, have a large number of employees and market products in both domestic and foreign markets. The personnel of these companies have been persuaded and educated about ISO 9000 standards through direct contact and personal involvement. Most of these have traced overall quality improvement, an d improved flow of activities and coordination to the influence of ISO 9000 standards. Service and trading sectors and small companies in Saudi Arabia seem less concerned about ISO 9000 standards.
AUSTRIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Katsioloudes Marios I. , Feichtinger Bettina
Published: February 2008

Critical mutual benefits from Austria joining the EU are identified and discussed. Austria obtains greater economic bargaining power, loses some soverignty but retains neutrality and voice. EU gains strategic location, an educated and skilled workforce and perhaps a conscience regarding environment and small business protection. The “Anschluss” this time is a win/win situation for Austria, EU and for Europe.
MARKET ORIENTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF LARGE PROPERTY COMPANIES IN HONG KONG
Authors: Tse Alan C.B.
Published: February 2008

It has long been asserted that market orientation is not necessary for property developers in Hong Kong because the market is basically a seller's market, even though many academicians believe that market orientation is the prerequisite for the successful operation of any company. To test this assertion empirically, this study looked into the nature of the correlational relationship between market orientation and company performance using sample data from large property companies in Hong Kong. A modified version of Kotler's questionnaire for measuring the extent of market orientation was used. The results showed that there is no significant correlational relationship between market orientation and business performance. In other words, there is no significant difference in the financial performance of companies that are market oriented and those that are not market oriented.
THE SELF‐MANAGED TEAM AND TORI THEORY
Authors: Al‐Kazemi Ali , Zajac Gary
Published: February 2008

This article re‐examines the theoretical foundation of self‐directed teamwork theory in light of current developments in organizational America, and suggests propositions about the relationship between teamwork and organizational policies such as downsizing. Teamwork is the exercise of creativity and autonomy by employees in pursuit of organizational goals. Effective teamwork requires a sense of trust and inclusion on the part of these employees. Organizational practices such as downsizing and contingent labor can erode this trust. If organizations wish to avoid undermining the financial, productivity and morale gains of teamwork, while observing their broader social responsibilities, they should reconsider their reliance upon downsizing and contingent workforces as a quick and dirty means of achieving cost savings.
COMPREHENSIVENESS OF DISCLOSURE OF NON‐FINANCIAL COMPANIES
Authors: Naser Kamal
Published: February 2008

After the ratification of the peace treaty and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel, Jordan was expected to play a major role in the Middle East financial market. As a result of the peace treaty Jordan may attract overseas investors to invest in the Amman Financial Market (AFM). Consequently, the level of information disclosed by companies listed on the AFM will become an important issue for prospective investors. This study empirically examined the effect of specific financial characteristics on the comprehensiveness of disclosure in the annual reports of a sample of 54 companies listed on the AFM. The variables tested in this study were market related: industry, audit firm size and market capitalisation; performance related: profit margin, return on equity and liquidity, and structure related: assets, sales, leverage and ownership. The empirical evidence revealed that company size (measured by assets and market capitalisation), leverage and return on equity were statistically related to the comprehensiveness of disclosure of the sample companies listed on the AFM. Reporting improved after international standards were adopted. Large companies were more involved in long term borrowing which requires detailed reporting. Size was the main predictor in comprehensive reporting.
RACE AND GENDER REVISITED: ASSESSING THE PERCEPTIONS OF TOMORROW'S MANAGERS
Authors: Parnell John A.
Published: February 2008

The need to assess the perceptions of tomorrow's managers remains critical to forecasting social changes in the management environment. This study examines the views of upper division business students at three diverse American institutions. Findings suggest that: (1) women and men both advocate more participation in decision making, (2) women and men both recognize the seriousness of sexual harassment in the workplace, (3) minority students demonstrate the greatest interest in entrepreneurial careers, and (4) support for drug testing is relatively strong except for suspicions about those doing the testing.
NEURAL NETWORKS AND BUSINESS FORECASTING: AN APPLICATION TO CROSS‐SECTIONAL AUDIT FEE DATA
Authors: Curry Bruce , Peel Michael J
Published: February 2008

Neural Network (NN) simulation models are being increasingly utilised in the business and management fields as forecasting, pattern recognition and classification tools. Their growing popularity appears to emanate from the ability of NNs to approximate complex non‐linear relationships, via their capacity to represent latent combinations of unobservable variables in hidden layers. Although there is a growing business literature on the ability of NNs to predict various corporate outcomes (e.g., corporate failure), and to forecast time series data (e.g., share prices), they have yet to be fully evaluated by business academics on cross‐sectional data. This paper provides an overview of the NN modelling approach and compares the performance of NNs, relative to conventional OLS regression analysis, in predicting the cross‐sectional variation in corporate audit fees. The empirical results suggest that the NN models exhibit superior forecasting accuracy to their OLS counterparts, but that this differential reduces when the models are tested out‐of‐sample.
A FRAMEWORK FOR REALIZING THE POTENTIAL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Azad Abbas N. , Erdem Alton S. , Saleem Naveed
Published: February 2008

Information technology can play a strategic role at micro as well as at macro — organizational and national‐levels. Developed countries have extensively benefitted from this technology at both levels. Can developing countries duplicate this experience with the technology and thereby foster healthy economic environment within their boundaries and strengthen their abilities to compete in the global markets? This paper addresses this issue. The paper evaluates the prevalent applications of information technology in developing countries, deliberates the potential of the technology, and presents a framework for realizing this potential. The framework proposes strategies to assure smooth and accelerated diffusion of technology in organizations. Importantly, the framework points out the factors, unique to developing countries, that must be addressed in technology planning and implementation. Ignoring these factors may result in failed systems and continued technological disadvantage.
INTERNAL CONTROL CONSIDERATIONS FOR GLOBAL ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE
Authors: Aggarwal Rajesh , Rezaee Zabihollah , Soni Ramesh
Published: February 2008

To remain competitive in today's global marketplace multinational organizations have to adopt advance computer and communication technologies, such as expert systems, neural networks, and global electronic data interchange (EDI). Global EDI transcends traditional corporate and national boundaries; therefore, to maintain availability, confidentiality and integrity of data, the management must develop internal control mechanisms. This paper discusses both the external and internal risks and control activities related to the standardization of hardware, software, and communication protocols, the availability of global networks, the existence of cultural and language barriers, and the importance of legal considerations. Data confidentiality and integrity controls such as access control, encryption, traffic padding, routing control, cable protection, notarization services, acknowledgment control, and audit trail are important for controlling risk in global EDI.
RISK‐ADJUSTED RETURN IN EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL STOCKS: A GLOBAL INVESTOR'S PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Samant Ajay
Published: February 2008

Lowering of investment barriers between European nations has led to increasing integration of their capital markets. Consequently, global investors may be well‐advised to evaluate European stocks, not on the basis of the country of listing, but on the basis of the transnational industrial sector to which the stocks belong. This study utilizes performance measures, grounded in modern portfolio theory, to assess the risk‐adjusted return that has accrued to major transnational industrial sectors in Europe, such as consumer products, technology, utilities and financial services. The empirical documentation generated here can be used by international investors as input in decision making for sectorial allocation of funds in the European component of their global stock portfolios.
BRAIN DOMINANCE AND THE INTERPRETATION OF ADVERTISING MESSAGES
Authors: Hanna Nessim , Wagle John , Kizilbash A.H.
Published: February 2008

The study of left brain/right brain effects in the human brain has been the subject of research and discussion for many years. It is generally believed that the right and left hemispheres of the brain perform different functions. The left hemisphere is better at such tasks as reading, speaking, analytical reasoning, and arithmetic. The right hemisphere is better at spatial tasks, recognizing faces, and music. Research on this phenomenon can be of particular value to the advertising industry. A number of studies have examined the impact of an advertising message on left‐ and right‐brain dominant persons. This paper reports the results of a study conducted to investigate the effects of “informational” versus “visual” appeals used in print advertisements on left‐ and right‐brain dominant individuals. The results reveal that the evaluation of the effectiveness of an advertisement is dependent upon both the appeals used and the brain dominance orientation of the respondent.
CUSTOMER ATTITUDE TOWARD MARKETING MIX ELEMENTS PERTAINING TO FOREIGN PRODUCTS IN AN EMERGING INTERNATIONAL MARKET
Authors: Bhuian Shahid N. , Kim David
Published: February 2008

This study examines consumer attitude toward thirteen different marketing mix elements related to the products of the USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, the UK, and France in Qatar, an oil rich emerging international market. These six countries are the top six exporters to Qatar. A cross section of 98 Qatari consumers participated in the study. The common theme across the seven hypotheses that have been developed and tested is that Qatari consumers prefer most the marketing mix elements related to the products of Japan and the USA, followed by those of Germany and the least preferred ones are those of Italy, the UK, and France. The hypotheses have been partially supported. The marketing mix elements pertaining to Japanese products take the lead. The products of the USA, Germany, and the UK occupy the second position, while the products of Italy and France trail behind all others.
CUSTOMIZING CORE COMPETENCIES: THE REGIONAL CHALLENGE
Authors: Siddiqi Shahid
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the issue of core competency from the perspective of economic regionalization. It utilizes the concept of strategic geography and the studies focusing on regional integration in order to interlink with the concept of corporate regiocentric orientation. It is within this framework that the concept of core competency is discussed. Of particular concern is the question as to how the regional element creates opportunities and imposes challenges on the ability to extend, renew and customize core competencies.
DESTINATION INDIA: WHAT THE FOREIGN INVESTORS MUST KNOW?
Authors: Pathak Pramod , Venugopal R. , Chandra Shishir
Published: February 2008

The image that India carries in the minds of foreign investors is that of an orthodox, corrupt, poor country that is not investor friendly. Most of the international rating agencies have been inadvertently falling into this trap and have failed to objectively assess India vis‐a‐vis investor friendliness. The reality, however, is that India holds tremendous potential for the willing investor and is as investor friendly as any of the so‐called top countries. This paper attempts to offer an objective evaluation of India as an investment destination, and thereby shatter many of the myths about investing in India. There have been governments in power with diametrically opposite ideologies but the policy towards liberalization remains unchanged. The need for growth—and the strategies needed for that growth—is very well understood by Indian policymakers. Some decisions, like the one to go Nuclear, may have political overtones but, by and large, it is the economy that drives governance today.
TRADE FLOWS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND INDIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Kalirajan K.P.
Published: February 2008

Economic theory suggests that the best commercial policy for a country is free trade, regardless of the measures taken by its competitors. This policy, however, has certain drawbacks and consequences. Commitment to free trade subjects the economy to the dictates of events beyond its control, which at times can be detrimental. To maximize the benefits from free trade, therefore, a country must be willing and able to make internal adjustments, as changes in external circumstances require. It must be quick to capitalize on opportunities and yet flexible enough to alter direction in the face of adversity. Both Australia and India had similar trade and industry polices in the 1950s and 1960s.
A SUCCESSFUL TQM PROJECT IN CHINA
Authors: Moung Yin CHAN Anthony , Wai Wa CHU Fangus , Kwong YUEN Chi
Published: February 2008

Total quality management (TQM) has been a popular managerial topic since the 1980s. However, not too many organizations have successfully implemented it. This paper studies a successful TQM project implemented in a manufacturing company in the People's Republic of China. It reports the TQM implementation process, the benefits generated from the TQM project, the problems that arose from the adoption of TQM for the company, and the main factors for the eventual success of the project. This case study is a reference for managers and researchers who are interested in TQM or interested in the Chinese managerial environment in general.
PARTICIPATION AND JOB PERFORMANCE IN THE MALASYAN PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Authors: Jabroun Naceur , Balakrishnan Varatharajan
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the relationship between participation and job performance. It also seeks to identify the impact of individual variables on the level of participation among managerial employees in the Public Service Department in Malaysia. Finally, it attempts to determine whether Porter and Lawler's (1968)‐expectancy model could represent an appropriate framework for studying employee participation. The results indicate that the level of perceived participation among managerial employees is high and that employee participation has acmoderate and positive relationship with job performance. The findings appear to match other studies conducted in the West, suggesting that these studies were not very much different across cultures. Managerial employees place equal importance on intrinsic and extrinsic outcomes. Employee participation could be better managed if employees possess certain critical factors. These include high job abilities, greater need for achievement, and a substantial amount of motivation. This study also suggests that Porter and Lawler's (1968) expectancy model is a suitable framework for studying employee participation.
THE EFFECT OF HEGEMONIC POWER ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Authors: Sharma Basu , Fayyaz Aaliya
Published: February 2008

This paper proposes a hegemonic power hypothesis to examine the determinants of CEO compensation by drawing on insights from the field of international relations. It then reports results of an empirical test of this hypothesis. The results indicate a limited support for the hegemonic power hypothesis, indicating the importance of a cross‐disciplinary perspective in studying the determinants of CEO compensation.
MARKETING THE AMERICAS: A VISION FOR A NEW WORLD UNION
Authors: Tilson Donn J. , Newsom Doug
Published: February 2008

The contiguous Americas offer a conceptual image of a unified and major economic marketplace. A campaign to solidify this image should be developed and implemented to improve political relations and the balance of power between and among the nations involved. Not campaigning for a united marketplace of the Americas risks fractionalization of economic power in smaller markets. The cultures are no more diverse than those in the other two global market areas—Asia and Europe—and the languages less so. Additionally, certain confederations and associations already exist to help structurally unify the Americas as a single marketplace.
CANADIAN CONSUMERS' PERCEPTIONS OF PRODUCTS MADE IN NEWLY INDUSTRIALIZING EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Ahmed Sadrudin A. , d'Astous Alain
Published: February 2008

This article presents the results of a survey of 250 Canadian male consumers. In this study consumer judgements of products made in both highly and newly industrializing countries were obtained in a multi‐attribute and multidimensional context. The results show that younger and less affluent respondents react more favorably towards products made in newly industrializing East Asian countries. The country‐of‐origin image of East Asian countries is less negative for products that generate a medium level of involvement (e.g., a VCR). This negative image of East Asian countries is attenuated by providing other product‐related information to consumers such as brand name and warranty. East Asian countries are perceived more negatively as countries of design than as countries of parts and assembly. In comparison with products made in highly developed countries, products made in East Asia are perceived to be poorer in terms of performance, quality and originality but more economical.
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AND WORKFORCE MOTIVATION IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ahmad Khaliq
Published: February 2008

In the field of management, leadership plays a significant role in affecting the motivation, commitment and predisposition of the workforce in that it provides focus, meaning and inspiration to those who work for a company. As architects of an organization, managers need to project themselves as role models that embody and convey to their workforce desirable attitudes, Values, and beliefs, in actions as well as in words.
SRI LANKA — “LAND OF OPPORTUNITY”
Authors: Rasaputram Warnasena
Published: February 2008

Sri Lanka with its rich cultural heritage has a resurgent economy. Despite tumultuous internal struggles, the Sri Lankan economy has shown resilience and has forged ahead showing a satisfactory rate of growth. Judging from the nearly 12 percent per year rise of tourism, and the increase in foreign investments by those who have studied the prospects, including investors from America, it could be safely concluded that Sri Lanka remains a land of opportunity.
Cross‐National and Cross‐Cultural Issues in Food Marketing
Authors: Kaynak Erdener
Published: February 2008

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the formation of the European Union, and current economic crises and cost considerations in various countries around the world, interest has been developing in cross‐national and cross‐cultural marketing opportunities in the sector of food. Today in the United States the food industry is of paramount importance, a trend that is evident in other nations. Opportunity exists for commercial growth on an international level by companies large and small. An understanding of the food marketing systems of different nations and cultures is necessary for growth and development by these companies. Different organizations and scholars have been studying various aspects of the field of cross‐national and cross‐cultural food marketing on a micro level. Analyzing these different studies evidences a need to conduct further study and to develop more theory—specifically on cross‐national and cross‐cultural food marketing at a macro level.
Administrative Office Management: An Introduction (7th Edition)
Authors: Quible Zane K.
Published: February 2008

Technology is increasingly shaping and changing business. The notion of change continues to flourish and is multinational in scale. Zane K. Quible's 7th edition of Administrative Office Management: An Introduction focuses on what office managers actually do on the job. Today, managers in companies are most concerned with effective means of assuring their survival. Quible, of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, updated his book to include technological advances, which are changing every day. Executives and managers must keep up with technology in order to survive. The book is written in an easy‐to‐read style with illustrations and other aids throughout. Quible's intention is to introduce administrative office management functions as the process of planning, organizing, and controlling all the information‐related activities of an organization, as well as the function of leading or directing people to attain the objectives of that organization. His book emphasizes theoretical concepts involving the systems approach to the management of people, resources, and information and provides practical applications.
MANUFACTURING STRATEGIES AND BUSINESS PRACTICES BETWEEN KOREA AND JAPAN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND PERCEPTIONS IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY
Authors: Lee Choong Y.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast manufacturing strategies and practices, and its impact on business performance between Korean and Japanese firms in the electronics industry. It is based on the premise that: (1) manufacturing strategies and practices differ significantly between these two countries; and (2) these differences significantly impact firm's manufacturing operations and business performance. The focus of the study is to explore the differences that may exist between Japanese and Korean firms in manufacturing strategies and business practices by analyzing survey results of electronics firms from both countries. Differences between Japanese and Korean firms are investigated in several respects.
U.S. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVES' PERCEPTIONS OF EMERGING CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNTRIES AS FDI DESTINATIONS
Authors: Festervand Troy A.
Published: February 2008

In this study, perceptual mapping was used to identify the collective and individual positions of ten emerging Central American countries with respect to their attractiveness potential for FDI. The perceived position of the “ideal” country also was captured in the study. FDI executives surveyed indicated that some of Central America's emerging countries have positioned themselves strategically in terms of the available market opportunities and advantageous business incentives. The stability of a country's economic and political systems contributes significantly to a country's perceived position. Some countries, such as Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, appear better positioned to take advantage of their strengths, whereas others, such as Guyana, French Guyana, and Suriname, face significant obstacles.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF MARKET BARRIERS AND THE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF INDIVIDUAL FIRMS
Authors: Keillor Bruce D. , Tomas M. Hult G. , Owens Deborah
Published: February 2008

A number of obstacles, many originating from political/government sources, adversely affect individual firms involved in operations outside of their domestic market. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role in which market access, existence of government policies, and market imperfections impact both the importance firms attach to, and the formalization of, political activities designed to reduce or eliminate such threats. The findings indicate, when faced with government/political threats, firms attach high levels of importance to political behaviors and this, in turn, is associated with formalized political activities on the part of the firm.
THINK GLOBALLY MANAGE CULTURALLY
Authors: Firoz Nadeem M. , Maghrabi Ahmad S. , Hee Kim Ki
Published: February 2008

In every country, specific cultures exist. In comparison most businesses have a variety of different cultures because there are different people working within the company. People with the same religion, language, beliefs and values share a culture. This, in turn, is shared with all types of people in the same cultural system. Here the author examines the art of managing people who are from different cultures, taking into account their different set of values, traditions, and ways of achieving various goals. It exposes some of the problems inherent in the host (local) country where a home (parent company) manager refuses or is incapable of internalizing the local culture in which the expatriate operates. Business tactics are enforced and implemented differently depending on the culture the decision‐maker is from. Therefore, one should always think globally and act locally.
E‐COMMERCE AND INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER PRICING OF TANGIBLE GOODS AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS IN THE TWENTY‐FIRST CENTURY
Authors: Abdallah Wagdy M.
Published: February 2008

Multinationals and its impact on transfer pricing techniques and strategies. First, traditional transfer pricing techniques and tax regulations will be analyzed. Second, tax regulations for transfer pricing and e‐commerce transactions will be investigated. Third, taxation of digitized tangible products transferred through the Internet will be discussed. Finally, recommendations for transfer pricing strategies for e‐commerce transactions are suggested to be used in planning and designing successful transfer pricing strategies.
MERGER AND ACQUISITION ACTIVITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND A FOUR‐COUNTRY COMPARISON
Authors: Metwalli Ali M. , Tang Roger Y.W.
Published: February 2008

This paper provides an overview of the merger and acquisition (M&A) activity of Middle‐Eastern (M.E.) countries from 1990 to 2000. The following information is presented: M&A transactions by the nationality and industries of the target firms; home countries and industries of the acquiring firms and the acquisition methods. The largest twenty mergers and acquisitions in the Middle East during the 1990–2000 period are identified. The paper also compares the M&A activity in four important countries (Egypt, Israel, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia). Learning the M&A activity in the Middle East is essential in identifying target or acquirers, and conducting future M&A transactions.
THE IMPACT OF NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT ON WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND MEXICO
Authors: Ensign Prescott C.
Published: February 2008

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will prove consequential in the years ahead. Some of the effects will be tremendous and others subtle. Many of the repercussions will be unique for women. Society shapes public policy, and in pursuit of national interests, public policy can take into consideration or neglect the individual. It has been cautioned that short‐term, narrowly focused views leave many individuals unaccounted for; there exists a great danger in making generalizations, particularly when individuals and their lives are at stake. To ensure prosperity for all, all must be considered.
FACTORS INFLUENCING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN THE RETAIL BANKING SECTOR IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Jamal Ahmad , Naser Kamal
Published: February 2008

Customer satisfaction is a significant issue for most marketers. Previous research has identified various factors that determine customer satisfaction in retail banking sector in Western countries. The current paper reports findings from a survey, which looked into determinants of customer satisfaction in the retail banking in Pakistan. A total of 300 questionnaires were randomly distributed to customers of a specific bank in Pakistan. Results indicate that there was a strong relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction. There was, however, no relationship between customer satisfaction and tangible aspects of the service environment. The paper discusses implications for bank management.
THE ROLE OF THE STRATEGIC PARTNER IN THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS: JORDAN TELECOM AS A CASE STUDY
Authors: AL‐ Rasheed Adel M. , AL‐ Qwasmeh Farid M.
Published: February 2008

The paper explores the role of the strategic partner in the Management Development (MD) process at Jordan Telecom (JT) by surveying the attitudes of 243 Jordanian managers and by testing the relevant hypothesis. The findings reveals that the strategic partner contributes to the development of Jordanian managers' skills in areas such as time management, performance appraisal, job design and communications and cooperation. A limited significant impact of relevant demographic and managerial factors on managers' attitudes towards their MD and strong corelational relationships among MD dimensions are also revealed through the findings. The conclusions highlight the positive outcomes and implications of the strategic partnership at JT. The recommendations emphasized the need for further partnerships in Jordan because of their influential effects on Jordanian businesses.
Microcomputers for Libraries:
Authors: WardenIII William H. , Warden Bette M.
Published: February 2008

Microcomputers are rapidly becoming commonplace in libraries today and will become even more so as prices fall and capabilities increase. Microcomputers can provide a wide range of services, from being an integral part of a circulation system to serving as terminals to access online databases and information utilities such as the Source or CompuServe. Software can be purchased or developed to assist in online literature searching (record keeping or standardization of database commands). Database packages, or even word processing programs, can be used to help compile local newspaper indexes or other local information files. Statistical packages can be used to analyze library usage. Even the laborious task of writing reports or letters can be greatly aided by word processing programs. Even though the availability of software is a determining factor in choosing a microcomputer, this paper will concentrate on meeting the hardware needs of individual libraries.
Acquisitions and Collection Development Automation: Future Directions
Authors: Aveney Brian , Heinemann Luba
Published: February 2008

Developments in the area of automated acquisitions in libraries over the past ten years have been many and varied. Libraries today have the option of choosing among a number of off‐the‐shelf systems including turnkey mini‐ and microcomputer‐based systems, large central network systems and, more recently, distributed systems which try to make the best of both worlds.
Turnkey Systems: Selection and Installation
Authors: Gray Carolyn M.
Published: February 2008

What are vendor systems? How do they become turnkey systems? How do we go about purchasing one? These are some of the questions facing librarians in the age of high technology.
King College Library: Online Databases vs. Hard Copy Subscriptions
Authors: Herring Mark
Published: February 2008

It is a real pleasure to begin online reference reports with these papers. Herring and Tschudi write in a style that is upbeat and witty, yet their essays make significant statements about online services. Herring discusses how a small academic library replaced printed index subscriptions with online access, while Tschudi calls for a radical improvement in the way we educate and train online searchers. Future contributions will be as practical, informative and entertaining. — Marty Kesselman
Xerography and Preservation: Problems and Potential
Authors: Bell Nancy J.
Published: February 2008

A recent issue of the Association of Research Libraries' Newsletter reported that 70.3 percent of United States libraries have photocopying machines for interlibrary loan and on‐site user services, producing an average of 273,000 page impressions annually. This figure, added to the number of copies made by patrons using coin‐operated machines, copies made for in‐house duplication of dissertations, and those made as a conservation alternative for items printed on badly deteriorated or embrittled paper, indicates our reliance on photoduplication as a means of transmitting and preserving our cultural records.
Hi(gh) Tech(xpectations)
Authors: Stevens Norman D.
Published: February 2008

Suddenly high technology, or hi tech (which is not to be confused with tech high), is upon us in both our professional and personal lives. This wonderful new complicated, but at the same time simple, technology holds out to us the promise of handling all of our routine tasks, providing instant access to many new forms of information, solving most of our problems, and otherwise revolutionizing our existence.
Preservation/Conservation Literature: A Core Reference Collection
Authors: Bell Nancy J.
Published: February 2008

These general preservation/conservation readings are presented as an introduction to the field. They serve also as a checklist for developing a small support library.
Deciphering Electronic Mail: Connecting and Interconnecting Services
Authors: Oliver Dennis
Published: February 2008

A history of electronic mail services is provided, with characteristics and potential described. Factors to consider in selecting an electronic mail system are listed. Means of communicating with different types of systems are discussed, emphasizing software for personal equipment and use of an interconnection service agency. The features of International Electronic Mail Services, Inc., are described.
Automation Programs for Archival and Manuscript Repositories
Authors: Frusciano Thomas J.
Published: February 2008

Recent developments in information technology present the archival profession unprecedented challenges and opportunities to accomplish its principal goals and to fulfill its responsibilities for administering and making accessible the historical records in its custody. It also raises important questions regarding the basic tenets of archival theory and methodology. This essay explores the current status of archival automation on both the national and local level, and discusses its implications for the control and access of historical documentation:
Automated Circulation Systems: A Literature Survey
Authors: Phenix Katharine
Published: February 2008

As librarians consider adopting an automated circulation system, early tasks will be to 1) scan the literature, and 2) contact librarians who have already been involved in the process. The literature itself repeatedly urges the value of communicating with other libraries and librarians. For this purpose, most books on turnkey systems append a list of the systems and their installations in particular libraries.
Serials on Optical Disks: A Library of Congress Pilot Program
Authors: Beth Criswell Lela
Published: February 2008

The Optical Disk Pilot Program of the Library of Congress is described. The characteristics and differences between analog videodisks and optical digital disk technology are defined. The benefits of the optical digital disk, material selection, and the system configuration are discussed. It is concluded that this technology offers promise as a method of document preservation and retrieval.