bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting Enrichment Program For Gifted High School Pupils: Self-Regulated Learning Strategies To Develop Our Future Business Leaders
Authors: Singh Prakash
Published: March 2016

Recent research indicates that many teachers are not appropriately qualified to teach gifted pupils in the mainstream of high school education. Moreover, with the current global economic challenges, the cost of training teachers specifically to cater for gifted pupils in high schools can be astronomical. Researchers working with gifted populations concede that limited studies have been conducted thus far to examine gifted students expertise in using self regulated learning (SRL) strategies to assume ownership of their learning. An experiment was therefore conducted in South Africa with grade eleven pupils who were considered to be specifically gifted in Accounting. The main purpose of this experiment was to investigate whether gifted high school pupils had the ability to master subject matter of an advanced level on their own by using SRL strategies, to address the cost issues of providing teachers for them. In order to conduct this experiment, an enrichment program referred to as the Accounting Enrichment Program (AEP) in this study, was therefore developed. Findings of the empirical study strongly suggest that given the opportunity, gifted high school pupils in the mainstream of education can study an advanced level curriculum in Accounting by using SRL strategies. This significant finding connotes that SRL as an instructional strategy can address teacher deficits and consequently reduce the costs of providing specifically trained teachers for gifted pupils in the mainstream of high school education. This implies that SRL can be an important inclusion in the schools curriculum reform measures to develop our future business leaders.
Does Governance Matter In Infrastructure: Evidence From Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Akanbi Olusegun Ayodele
Published: March 2016

This study empirically examines the pattern of physical infrastructure that would unlock the productive potential of sub-Saharan Africa. The estimations were carried out in a panel of 21 selected sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000 to 2010 using the two-stage least squares (TSLS) estimation techniques. The infrastructure variable was constructed on the basis of three physical infrastructure stocks (roads, telecommunication and electricity) using the principal component analysis (PCA), and governance was measured using the worldwide governance indicators. The results conform to the findings of existing literature; namely, that real output, government capital expenditure, external balance and inflation are significant determinants of physical infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. The distinctive feature of the study is the significant role played by governance in explaining physical infrastructure. The results from the panel estimations reveal that investment in governance/institutional structures is a necessary first step in providing quality infrastructure stock and, hence, pro-poor, long-term economic growth for the region. Therefore, in modelling physical infrastructure, it is imperative to incorporate the important role played by governance.
Bank Productivity And Sources Of Efficiency Change: A Case Of The Four Largest Banks In South Africa
Authors: Van der Westhuizen Gerhardus
Published: March 2016

The Malmquist productivity index was utilised to estimate the total factor productivity and productivity change of the four largest banks in South Africa for the period 1994 to 2010. Total factor productivity change can be decomposed into efficiency change and technological change, which allow for determining the sources of total factor productivity change. Various changes in the South African banking scene impacted on the average productivity of the banks. The four banks experienced, on average, regress in total factor productivity as well as regress in technological change, the latter indicating a lack of innovation. The four banks operated, on average, in the proximity of fully technical efficiency. For various reasons, South Africa still has a large unbanked community.
Why The SEC Is Delaying Adoption Of International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Ehoff Jr. Clemense , Fischer Dov
Published: March 2016

In 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) formally began a process to converge Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The SEC has repeatedly delayed its decision on whether to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards as the financial reporting system for U.S. public companies, continue with the convergence project, or reject IFRS altogether. This paper will examine several key reports issued by the SEC and the Financial Accounting Foundation to gain further insight into 1) why the SEC has repeatedly delayed its decision, and 2) what the SEC will ultimately decide.
Conceptual Framework For Classifying Government Imposts Relating To The Tax Burden Of Individual Taxpayers In South Africa
Authors: Steyn Theuns , Franzsen Riel , Stiglingh Madeleine
Published: March 2016

The tax burden of individual taxpayers in South Africa is a topic that is much discussed in the country. Studies and debates around the topic are somewhat contradictory, depending on the viewpoint from which the tax burden is evaluated. These contradictory claims relating to the tax burden carried by individual taxpayers in South Africa do not arise in a vacuum, but may in part be attributed to different interpretations of what constitutes the tax burden as a construct. This article provides the results from an analysis of the tax construct and the construct of a (tax) burden. The results are summarised in the form of a conceptual framework that sets out criteria as a consistent foundation for classifying government imposts as they relate to the tax burden of individual taxpayers, not only in South Africa, but also in other countries around the world.
China, The World Trade Organization, And The Market For Rare Earth Minerals
Authors: Giacalone Joseph A. , Greenidge Genai
Published: March 2016

Rare earth elements (also referred to as rare earth minerals, rare earth metals, green elements, rare earths or simply REEs) are comprised of 17 elements of the periodic table. The metals are often found combined together in ores and must be separated into its individual elements. On the supply side of the market, China is currently the largest producer of rare earth elements in the world, mining at least 90% of total world production. Consequently, many countries around the world rely on imports of these REEs to facilitate production of the various systems and products that are dependent on the rare earth metals as raw materials. With one supplier effectively monopolizing the rare earth industry, this imposes severe supply-chain risks to the producers of products that rely on rare earth minerals. After several actions that have restricted the supply, the United States, the European Union, and Japan have challenged China for violating provisions of its membership in the World Trade Organization. This paper will examine the rare earth industry, Chinas near-monopoly, global supply-chain risks, and strategies to reduce dependence on China, including the invocation of the WTOs dispute resolution process.
Present-Day Dillemas And Challenges Of The South African Tertiary System
Authors: Mouton N. , Louw G. P. , Strydom G. L.
Published: March 2016

The Education White Paper 3 on Higher Education aimed to transform the higher education system. Change within tertiary education included adjusting the size and shape of institutions, the meaning of autonomy and accountability, the nature of higher education, the character of student demographic distribution, management and governance, roles of student politics, models of delivery, the notion of higher education in terms of the relationship between free trade and public good, programme changes and the nature of the academic workplace. At this stage, transformation in higher education is leaping outwards to fulfil the criteria set by international competitiveness and related efficiency criteria that can be attributed to globalisation pressures and to deeper factors inherent in the nature of higher education, especially in terms of its resistance to change and modernization. In this regard, the tertiary higher education system in South Africa is faced with many multi-dimensional challenges that need to be addressed in this article. This includes stating whether Grade 12 results as the outcome of this exit point at school level are, internationally speaking, a reasonable predictor of first-year academic success at university. In South Africa, there is no benchmarking of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination; therefore, first-year students have difficulty in adapting to the university environment as they find themselves devoid of indispensable bases for the pursuit of their studies and the weakness of the level of education given at school level in a large number of instances. Furthermore, five universities were placed under administration in the 2011-2012 period because of appallingly poor levels of management, which adds extra layers of suspicion to the notion of the impact of higher education in South Africa. Many other challenges are facing the South African tertiary education system, which will be analysed and recommendations arrived at that will attempt to contribute to an enhancement of tertiary education in South Africa.
The Day Of The Week Effect: An Analysis Of The Johannesburg Stock Exchange Top 40 Firms
Authors: Plimsoll James , Saban Ben , Spheris Andreas , Rajaratnam Kanshukan
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the existence of the Day of the Week (DoW) effect on returns and volatility on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), with a specific focus on the markets Top 40 firms (Top40). It is the most micro analysis of the DoW effect conducted to date, as previous literature has only explored the effect on market and index levels. While this paper focuses on a firm-specific level, it also makes a comparison with the DoW effect on the All-Share Index (ALSI) and Top40 Index (TOPI). Drawing on Borges (2009) study, this paper investigates whether a DoW effect exists on a specific day compared with the rest of the week. This is achieved by regressing returns on each day of the week separately. GARCH estimation models are used to test for a DoW effect with regards to variance in share returns. The initial findings show that neither the ALSI nor the TOPI have any significant DoW effects. However, a more micro examination reveals that ten of the Top40 firms have significant DoW effects on at least one day of the week. The investigation reveals no significant DoW effects with regards to volatility, which highlights that the constituents of the Top40 typically achieve consistent returns compared to other listed companies.
IFRS And US GAAP Convergence Progressing: As Taxpayers Voluntarily Stop Using LIFO
Authors: Gray Dahli
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the potential benefits of the last in, first out (LIFO) inventory valuation method being eliminated as a requirement in financial statements prepared under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles when also used for United Stated federal income tax reporting. Research results show that corporations have been voluntarily switching from LIFO to another method since inflation declined well below double digits. Of the corporations still using LIFO, the potential billions of federal tax revenue is presented that might help keep the United States federal budget from going over the fiscal cliff.
Climate Change: A Comparison Of Market-Based Instruments From A South African Perspective
Authors: Pillay Suren , Buys Pieter W
Published: March 2016

This article aims to consider the relevancy of (i) cap-and-trade schemes and (ii) carbon tax schemes in a developing economy context. Even though both schemes have a common goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they operate very differently, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Sustainable developments comprise various elements categorised in three primary dimensions environmental, economic and social. The objective of reducing greenhouse gases via the implementation of carbon tax or cap-and-trade schemes primarily addresses the environmental dimension of sustainable development. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the impact of both schemes on the economically sustainable development, including industry competitiveness and growth, still has to be determined. In South Africa, the National Treasury made a decision to implement carbon tax as opposed to cap-and-trade schemes. In this article, the reasoning behind their decision in favour of carbon tax in the South African context is critically considered, firstly by evaluating the key characteristics between cap-and-trade and carbon tax schemes and secondly by considering the effectiveness hereof in the global context. It was found primary reason behind the favourable consideration of carbon tax was the fact the implementation thereof would be simpler using the existing taxation systems, whereas cap-and-trade would require the implementation of sophisticated mechanisms that may not provide the optimum benefit in a developing economy context.
Estimation Of The Marshall-Lerner Condition For Namibia
Authors: Eita Joel Hinaunye
Published: March 2016

According to the Marshall-Lerner condition, the sum of trade elasticities should be greater than one for a change in exchange rate to have an impact on the countrys balance of payments. This paper applies cointegrated vector autoregression to empirically estimate the Marshall-Lerner condition in Namibia. The main purpose is to test the impact of change in exchange rate on the trade balance. The paper investigates if trade elasticities are high enough in order to justify a change in exchange rate as an appropriate policy to improve the trade balance of the balance payments. The results indicate that world income has a positive effect on exports, while real exchange rate appreciation discourages exports. Imports respond positively to both domestic income and real exchange rate appreciation. The results indicate that imports and exports respond significantly to a change in the exchange rate and suggest that Marshall-Lerner condition holds for Namibia.
Implementing A Risk Management Framework In Developing Markets
Authors: Chisasa Joseph , Young Jacobus
Published: March 2016

This article assesses the status ofoperational risk management of banks in developing markets in the context ofBasel II. The aim of the article is to determine the extent to which riskmanagement staff is prepared to implement a risk management framework in linewith international best practice. An African commercial bank was examined usingsurvey data collected in July 2010 from 22 employees. The data were analysedusing descriptive statistics. Results obtained indicate knowledge gaps incollecting risk data and the application of risk models as limitations to theimplementation of the framework. The results support the commitment of moretime and financial resources in up-skilling staff if banks in developing marketsare to comply with regulatory requirements as recommended by the Basel Accord.
Absence Of Transformational Leadership In Greek Enterprises Results In The Inability Of Forming Learning Organizations
Authors: Theodore John
Published: March 2016

Transactional leadersemploy transactions in which they use their legitimate reward and coercivepowers to give commands and exchange rewards for services rendered. Transformationalleadership makes subordinates aware of the importance of their jobs andperformance to the organization as well as to their own needs for personalgrowth which precipitates motivation for them to work for the good of theorganization. Learning organizations are characterized by total employeeinvolvement in a process that is collaboratively conducted and collectively accountablewithin a planned and meaningful change that is directed toward shared values orprinciples. Traditional organizations exist within stable environments, havevertical structures, and have a strategy that is formulated at the top. Additionally,they have a centralized decision-making process; tasks are rigidly defined andspecialized; the organizational culture is rigid and resistant to change; andthey have formal systems of filtered communication pivoting around the verticalhierarchy. Learning organizations cannot be formed in the Greek privatebusiness sector because the leadership of said sector is not transformational.Greece failed to develop an advanced industrial complex because of the largenumber of small enterprises in the form of proprietorships and partnershipsthat have dominated the economy.Additionally, Greek industry experienced the profound absence of thecorporate form of business that necessitates medium and large businessenterprises for the attainment of effective and efficient factors of productionand economies of scale that precipitate transformational leadership and learningorganizations.
University Business Internships: The Corporate Advantage
Authors: White Gayle Webb
Published: March 2016

Participation in a university internship program can give a firm a competitive advantage. The corporation can utilize the internship program to find hard-to-fill job positions, to perform work of a high caliber, to serve as realistic job previews, and to serve as no-risk trials for future employees. In addition, other advantages of internship participation include the ability to provide a source of less expensive labor, to be able to use the permanent employees more advantageously, and to judge the interns ability to work as a member of a team, and to evaluate his/her human relations skills prior to offering permanent employment.
The Academic Ethics Of Students In Principles Of Economics
Authors: Brown Bob , Wilkins Allen
Published: March 2016

Questionnaires on academic ethics were completed by 115 students enrolled in principles of economics at a state university. Ninety-seven percent admitted to having engaged in at least 1 of 16 academic practices while a university student considered unethical in the literature. Levels of participation in specific practices ranged from 20% to 88% and were unrelated to student characteristics. Students participated more in practices they rated less unethical. Primary reasons for participation were that students wanted high grades and did not use available time to study. Effects of academic dishonesty on institutions and ways of limiting dishonest behavior are discussed.
Hi-Tek Learning Strategies
Authors: Selman Victor , Selman Jerry
Published: March 2016

Unorthodox ways currently used in colleges to accelerate the velocity of learning are reviewed. To augment persuasion and articulation ability of business school students, stand-up comedy is used (University of Chicago). Song writing, storytelling and improvisation (VanderbiltUniversity-Owens Management), and for Shakespearean motivation for other management skills at the corporate execu-tive level (Northrup Grumman). Food chow-down, before and during classes, including pizza and chocolate candy, for relaxation and memory stimulation. The aromatherapy path to the learning, the path of music and subliminal sound---Mozart effect and silent sound--and other sensory aids and teaching techniques to activate all the senses for learning-Key for three, but strive for five!. Other learning techniques include Selmans Universal Method (SUM) of breaking large problems into manageable parts or patches, his MEDICASA model and a platoon system of participatory responses---all demonstrating skills, motor and sensory. Another approach is to have abstract ideas in the sciences translated into physical learning aids, or robotic device, or toys----where the kernel of the analogies can be retained for comprehending different situations in the present, and for future metaphors. Learning can be reinforced in many ways. But learning with-out play is difficult---grim and boring presentations. It may be the major failing of our educa-tional system; especially, as training for persuasive communication skills. This paper asks---What if it were possible to transfer information and improve communication without the circuitous paths of present ways of teaching? What if a teacher could guide a student beyond the normal capacity of his/her mind by "broad-casting" over the natural defense mechanism of the unused 90% of the brain?
The Journey Toward Lean Manufacturing: Applying The Kaizen Blitz Method To Improving Operations
Authors: Gander Mary J. , Snyder Kimberlee
Published: March 2016

The authors researched an interesting example of the application of the Kaizen Blitz method to improving operations in a clean-room plant located in a suburb of Minneapolis, MN, USA, which is part of a division of a large, international medical products manufacturing company. Heart-lung devices used in open heart surgery are manufactured in the plant. Under pressure to reduce medical costs and having benchmark data from competitors, it was clear that operations involved in manufacturing the heart-lung devices had lead times that were too long, required far too much inventory, were too labor-intensive in spite of using several expensive automated procedures, and had comparatively low yield rates, resulting in far too much waste. The information and data gathered by the authors were organized into a case study that is suitable for teaching process improvement methods in a university course as well as for industry training. The case details the context in which the Kaizen Blitz method was used, how it was applied, documents before and after conditions with key performance statistics, as well as provides background information on the Kaizen Blitz method. Selected references and sources are also provided.
The Effects Of Improvements In Information Technology On Growth Of Cities: An Extension
Authors: Panayides Alexandros
Published: March 2016

How will improvements in information technology affect growth of cities? Futurists have suggested that as telecommunications technology improves there will be no need for face-to-face contact and therefore cities, in which face-to-face interactions are facilitated, will become obsolete. This paper develops a general model where individuals involved in a relationship use two modes of interaction, face-to-face interactions and electronic communications. Comparative static analysis on the optimal solutions shows that improvements in telecommunications technology may increase or decrease the demand for face-to-face interactions, depending whether face-to-face interactions and telecommunications are substitutes or complements. The placement of the model within a spatial framework shows that city size increases with electronic communications if face-to-face interactions and electronic communications are complements.
Expatriate Selection: The Key To International Success
Authors: Wang Jifu , Bullock Charles , Oswald Sharon
Published: March 2016

The types of criteria used to evaluate individuals' success in expatriate assignments and variables, which could represent expatriates' knowledge skills and abilities (KSAs), were investigated in this study. The four most common criteria are (a) technical competencies; (b) human relational skills; (c) spouse and family adaptability; and (d) desirability to serve overseas. Another attempt was made to understand the relationships between firm's selection strategies and expatriate success. Success was viewed from a multidimensional perspective. In addition, the tasks and responsibilities of expatriates vary by company, by industry, and by country. A contingency approach for selection was discussed briefly.
Family Limited Partnerships Under Attack: Is the End Near?
Authors: Grace Debra M. , Chase Michael D.
Published: March 2016

Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) represent unique vehicles for transferring wealth, such as family businesses, from one generation to another, permitting parents to gradually transfer business ownership to children while maintaining control over operations. FLPs also serve as significant shields against the effects of gift and estate taxes, since valuation discounts can be employed to reduce the fair market value of partnership interests transferred to children and other family members. However, these tax savings have resulted in aggressive audit and court challenges by the IRS. For accountants, responding to these challenges for their clients means understanding both how the financial and tax aspects of FLPs operate. This article details the critical nontax aspects of FLPs and presents a thorough examination of current tax developments, including the June 2002 appellate court decisions. Finally, the article discusses specific steps accountants should take in advising their clients to protect family assets and defend against IRS attacks.
B.A.S.E. - A Brand-Architecture Strategy Explorer
Authors: Strebinger Andreas
Published: March 2016

Some of the most pressing brand-related problems concern the management of a system of several brands, i.e. brand architecture, rather than one individual brand. By integrating three fields of theory, (a) the theory of strategic brand concepts, (b) the theory of human information processing and (c) a typology of brand architecture strategies, this paper proposes an explorative instrument from which to derive optimal brand architecture strategies.
For Your Eyes-Only: United States Internet Privacy Laws Play Catch-Up With The European Union Data Directive
Authors: Banfe Peter L. , Woods Dexter R.
Published: March 2016

Global electronic commerce, driven by the development of the Internet, promises to be a key engine of growth in this century. One of the most contentious issues facing businesses today is the ownership and use of personal data. Europe has taken the lead in this area with a comprehensive approach, the European Union Data Directive, that became effective in 1998. This paper compares the European Union approach to Internet privacy with that of the United States. In comparing the two, the paper includes a brief discussion of current legislation under both approaches and also discusses critical issues in the debate for Internet privacy, including state-directed legislation vs. self-regulation, corporate privacy statements, and the opt-in versus opt-out approaches to consumer protection. The paper offers perspectives on whether the United States will adopt new Internet privacy legislation, and on the feasibility and repercussions of maintaining the current approach.
Pros And Cons Of E-Commerce Taxation
Authors: Simkin Mark G. , Bartlett Graham W. , Shim J. P.
Published: March 2016

Tax policies affecting the Internet have important implications for the continued growth of e-commerce and trade, as well as the future of both corporate and individual privacy. This paper explores some of the issues concerning both domestic and international Internet taxation, reviews the current Internet Tax Freedom Act, analyzes e-commerce and its effects on taxing systems throughout the world, and provides arguments for and against e-commerce taxation and regulation.
Integrating The Curriculum: Executive Education In The 21st Century
Authors: Boiney Lindsley , Mallinger Mark
Published: March 2016

Executive education programs are becoming more innovative, learner centered and relevant to strategic organizational issues. They require action learning and greater customization to the ex-ecutives organization. This study presents an integrated design of two courses from different dis-ciplines that extend over two trimesters. Student assessments of their organizational culture in part one are integrated in part two with quantitative performance measurement. Interweaving culture and performance measurement in the context of their own organizations helps executives see how culture influences bottom line issues of performance and results. Their resulting recommendations for organizational change address underlying causes, rather than superficial symptoms.
International Business Training In The 21st Century: How Do They Learn?
Authors: Harrison David S. , Ritchie Michael
Published: March 2016

International business and the global marketplace have captured the American mindset. This is evidenced throughout our media, and certainly on U.S. business school campuses. More and more universities require international business courses as core course requirements, and many now offer international business as separate majors. Business study abroad programs have been around for years. Programs range from direct enrollment at foreign universities to packaged courses offered by U.S. universities in other countries. Although these programs are popular with students and faculty alike, one questions how much learning is actually accomplished in these in-tensive but often brief programs. Based on the results of tests we administered we concluded that students participating in a three week Study Abroad course learned more about understanding the importance cultural differences in international business operations than students who cover the topic in a required international business course on campus.
Pricing Linkages Between Added Value Levels Of The Beef Industry: A Systems Approach
Authors: Trierweiler Jack
Published: March 2016

Agricultural commodities, and in particular the livestock industry, experiences cycles in prices, demand, and supply conditions. Large variations can result from a variety of factors which influence the regularity, magnitude, and the severity of the cycles. In the last few years the U.S. Livestock industry has suffered through hard financial times. Grass roots organizations such as WORC have accused the packers for using their economic power gained from concentration and the use of captive supplies for low prices at the slaughter and cow-calf levels. To compound the issue IBP, the largest beef packer, with 33 percent of the beef kill is for sale and has been bid on by other packers, potentially concentrating the industry more and reducing the number of bidders for slaughter cattle. The article found that the inefficiencies and price distortion in the value system were not at the packer level, but rather the retail level and between the feedlot level and the cow-calf levels. Because of changing marketing arrangements, price discovery issues in the concentrated markets needs to be resolved before suspicion will disappear.
Spud: A Structured Methodology For The Design Of Web Sites
Authors: Slivinski Thomas A. , Tuggle Francis D.
Published: March 2016

The World Wide Web (web) grows apace, yet many web sites possess a confusing design, frustrating would-be users. We offer a structured approach, called SPUD (Site - Purpose Users Design) to the task of designing, not implementing, web sites. Our methodology focuses upon a structured walkthrough of a web site and consists of three phases (and 15 substeps), with possible iteration between the stages. (1) Define the audience characteristics of users of the web site, including their motives for visiting, their demographics, and their likely technological capabilities. (2) Plan accordingly the structure of the web site, the page layouts, and the navigation procedures between pages. (3) Develop and test functions useful to the users of the web site, such as a search function (for a complex web site) or an order function (for a retail web site).
A Baldrige Portfolio: Does Quality Outperform The Market?
Authors: Helmuth John A. , Lee Hei-Wai
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the claim, by the Department of Commerce, that a portfolio of Baldrige National Quality Award winners outperforms the market. They find that there is a 92 percent return for Baldrige winners as compared to a 33 percent return on the S&P 500 index. Their results are published and used to promote quality in Department of Commerce press releases. Our findings do not support their claim that investors can handsomely outperform the market by investing in a Baldrige portfolio. We find that their study is sensitive to risk measurement and that extending the time horizon alone eliminates any advantage. Our examination of long-run stock price performance of Baldrige firms also does not support their claim of outperforming the market.
Privacy In The Age Of Technology
Authors: Griffin Ken , Whitehead Roy , Balsmeier Phil , Packer Jim
Published: March 2016

The rapid developments in technology have brought increased convenience, but at the price of loss of privacy. Consumers should be aware of the potential threat to their personal information and should learn the facts and take steps to protect themselves.
Barriers To Effective E-Business In Developing Countries
Authors: Fleenor C. Patrick , Raven Peter
Published: March 2016

The Internet has changed the way many firms do business in the U.S. and throughout the world. Practicing e-business in developing countries is particularly challenging for a number of reasons. In this paper we present a taxonomy of barriers facing e-businesses pursuing markets in developing countries. The major barriers center around culture, economic dimensions, infrastructure, and the political/regulatory environment. We identify key components of each barrier type. For example, cultural barriers include language, shopping habits, and use of credit, among others. Country specific examples are presented with management implications and possible solutions.
Comparative Analysis Of Online Recruitment And Managerial Capabilities
Authors: Simeon Roblyn
Published: March 2016

On-line recruitment is a phenomenon that is not only changing the traditional approach to human resource management but is also having a significant impact on other business strategies. Managerial recruitment appears to be the area having the greatest influence on business strategy. We examined two theoretical perspectives that help to explain the importance in the U.S. of aggressive screening and competence matching as firms seek out exceptional managerial candidates. We then used data collected from web sites to compare online managerial recruitment in Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. Due to cultural and institutional differences, we found that there were significant differences in a number of on-line recruitment strategies.
Fair Values: A Framework For Teaching The Standards On Accounting For Financial Instruments
Authors: Mensah Michael O. , Ryan Huldah A. , Nguyen Hong V.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a conceptual framework for an integration of financial reporting objectives and principles related to financial instruments. We believe this integrated approach to be a superior strategy for discussing this diverse and challenging topic. In our experience, the typical piecemeal coverage of individual instruments scattered in financial accounting texts and other literature is not effective in providing students with a critical appreciation of the evolution in financial reporting requirements in this area. Our approach in this paper is to classify financial instruments into groups according to their special characteristics as a basis for understanding their relevant financial reporting attributes. Within this conceptual framework, we then present a synthesis of reporting objectives and existing FASB pronouncements on financial instruments. Using this framework as a roadmap, students should be able to study current and emerging pronouncements in a conceptually organized and integrated fashion.
Constraint-Based Personalization For Business Applications
Authors: Toth Kal
Published: March 2016

This paper reports on extensions of previous work applying personalization techniques and constraint-based methods within an intelligent agent framework. The Wise Net Inc. has developed an intelligent agent framework specifically for providing advanced scalable collaborative capabilities for easy integration with existing web-enabled enterprise applications. Since the summer of 2001, the author, his colleagues, and his research assistants, have been conducting applied research aimed at discovering the desired personalization models and effects to support collaborative e-business systems. Intelligent agents are being developed to implement these personalization effects through constraint-satisfaction methods and solvers. This paper documents the approach, progress achieved to date, and future directions. This work is being supported by The Wise Net Inc., the BC Advanced Systems Institute (BC ASI), and the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) through the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).
A Post-Tenure Review System That Is Good Personnel Policy: Is It Possible?
Authors: Seeborg Michael C. , Olson Gerald
Published: March 2016

The recent implementation of post-tenure review programs at many American universities is an interesting and controversial trend. Some of these systems are "developmental" and unthreatening while others are "summative" and can lead to the dismissal of under-performing faculty members. This paper argues that because of the unique nature of academic labor markets, summative review systems may not be appropriate for most universities. By weakening the institution of tenure, summative post-tenure review systems decrease academic freedom. They also reduce efficiency within universities by discouraging collegiality and collaboration. We propose that universities in need of systems of post-tenure review establish "developmental" programs that do not threaten academic freedom or weaken the institution of tenure. These systems give faculty members a chance to critically evaluate past performance and motivate them to develop professionally. A developmental post-tenure review system recently adopted at Illinois Wesleyan University is presented as an example.
Developing Effective Faculty Competencies For Teaching International Business Topics
Authors: Wheat Jerry E. , Swartz Brenda S. , French G. Rick
Published: March 2016

Faculty are increasingly called upon to teach topics in international business. To ensure teaching success, faculty need to develop knowledge of countries, international organizations, economies, culture, interpersonal skills in international settings, and foreign business practices. The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate how faculty can obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to teach international topics efficiently and cost effectively.
Selecting Features Of A Web Platform To Enhance Course Delivery
Authors: Berger Karen A. , Topol Martin T.
Published: March 2016

This paper reviews key features of popular Web platforms used for course delivery. Institutions of higher education have rushed to adopt these platforms for several reasons. From the point of view of the educator, the most important reason is to enhance the classroom experience (real or virtual). Classroom experiences can benefit from a continuous stream of discourse made possible by the communications tools available in the web platforms designed for educational application. In addition, web platforms can serve as a means of collecting and distributing content from various sources including all class participants. A review of studies from current business education literature conducted to assess the pedagogical impact of the use of some of these features is included. The authors also provide excerpts from their pages and classroom experiences in a traditional classroom and in distance learning with asynchronous communication, including email and bulletin boards, synchronous communication, content creation that includes course outlines and handouts, online surveys and exams and the digital dropbox. Platforms which are reviewed include Blackboard v. 5.5, WebCT v. 3.0 and WebBoard v. 4.0.
The Informational Content And Valuation Ramifications Of Earnings Restatements
Authors: Owers James E. , Lin Chen-Miao , Rogers Ronald C.
Published: March 2016

This paper analyzes the market responses to different categories of accounting restatements. Accounting restatements have been occurring with increasing frequency in recent years, generating significant discussion as to their causes and consequences. We examine both of these dimensions of restatements. We identify 9 categories into which restatements can be classified. When examining their valuation consequences, we find statistically significant negative revaluations for the overall sample. However, there is substantial variation in valuation changes across the various categories of restatements. Investors react the most negatively to restatements resulting from accounting issues (i.e. errors/irregularities/method-changes). This is greatly magnified when there is a contemporaneous change in the firms CEO. At the other end of the spectrum, we find positive reactions to restatements that reflect and provide the accounting calibration of previously announced settlements of legal issues. A notable feature of the findings is that for some categories there are valuation changes in response to accounting restatements which are seemingly just recording the implications of previously announced corporate happenings. In the context of efficient market perspectives, some of these changes at the time of the restatement announcement itself are somewhat surprising.
An Analytic Solution For Hedge Ratios On Stocks With Dividends And The Accuracy Of Black-Scholes Hedge Ratios
Authors: Sachdeva Kanwal , Sterk William
Published: March 2016

The Black-Scholes model continues to be the standard option pricing model discussed in virtually all corporate finance and investments texts and continues to be widely used in practice. The models associated hedge ratio has also been widely used for hedging purposes. The associated hedge ratio (or delta) is determined as part of calculating the Black-Scholes option value. However, the original model assumes no dividends on the underlying stock. The model has been modified to allow for dividends, but the modification does not lead to values as precise as other models, such as the Roll-Geske-Whaley model that specifically account for dividends. Empirical research has shown that the RGW model values are closer to actual market prices than the modified Black-Scholes values. This paper is primarily concerned with the hedge ratio. We derive an analytic solution for a more accurate hedge ratio based on the RGW model. The paper is then concerned with how large the errors are associated with using the BS approximation rather than the more complicated model that specifically accounts for dividends. We find that although there are times when the BS approximation can be accurate, at other times the differences can be significant. These differences are related to the size of the dividend, the difference between the time to expiration and the time to ex-dividend, the rate of interest, the stock volatility, and the degree to which the option is in-the-money.
Shared Expectations: Identifying Similarities And Differences Between Student And Faculty Teaching Values Based On Student Evaluation Of Faculty Classroom Performance
Authors: Trudeau Gregory P. , Barnes Kathleen J.
Published: March 2016

New faculty have an inordinate amount of resources, financial and other, invested in their doctoral degrees. Yet, the first few years can be overwhelming adapting to the plethora of academic life demands. One area of concern that all new faculty deal with is attempting to decode the various stakeholder groups (i.e., students, colleagues, personnel committee, administration, community and industry members, respective profession colleagues) expectations of the new faculty member and reconciling those with their own personal goals and aspirations. Knowing what each group considers important and highlighting similarities or differences allows new faculty to address stakeholder expectations to better position themselves for a successful and fulfilling career.This paper derives from a study that looked at the two groups (i.e., students and department colleagues) expectations who most closely affect the daily life of the new faculty member. Study respondents were ask to identify which teaching dimension each group valued most from a list of thirteen questions used by students in evaluating faculty members classroom performance. Students and faculty members concurred in their clear preference for the instructor knowing the material being presented and the instructor explaining the material in a clear and understandable manner, but differed in their view of the least important teaching dimension depicting a faculty members classroom performance. The faculty members surveyed concurred with the student ranking that the instructor increasing the students interest in the subject matter was the second least important teaching dimension depicting a faculty members classroom performance. This teaching dimension was only superceded by the faculty ranking that the amount of work required being appropriate for the number of credits offered and the student ranking that the instructor stimulating questions was the least important teaching dimension depicting a faculty members classroom performance.
Is The Computer The Medium And The Message? A Comparison Of Student VB Programming Performance In Three Delivery Modes
Authors: Haga Wayne , Marold Kathryn A.
Published: March 2016

As a third stage of research on delivery of a popular programming course at Metropolitan State College of Denver, the authors gathered data from an online section of CIS Application Programming with Visual Basic, two interactive classroom deliveries in campus smart classrooms, and in two traditional lecture-based sections of the course. The authors had previously completed research which showed significant differences in student ability to apply concepts learned in online sections and classroom sections of the Visual Basic programming class. The addition of interactive classrooms on campus allowed them to reexamine the relationship between performance and style of delivery. The three modes of delivery--1) Web 2) Interactive Classroom and 3) Traditional Classroom--provided a rich source of data on student ability to apply theory. Data was gathered on a lab exam, a three phase semester-long programming project, and essay/coding problems on three in-class exams. Data from the five sections of the Visual Basic course were analyzed. Although the results were not as conclusive as the authors had hoped, an analysis of variance showed significant differences in one of the three measurements of students ability to apply theory the programming project. A Fisher's pairwise comparison indicated that the Internet students performed significantly lower than students receiving the traditional classroom or interactive instruction method. The attrition rate for the Internet section was more than twice that of the other modes of delivery. Although the Interactive Classroom mode of delivery was not found to be significantly different, students did score slightly higher. All sections of the course used the same syllabus and assignments; the instructors used common examinations and rubrics for grading student assignments.The authors conclude that an interactive environment, within an instructor-led "smart classroom ", is preferable to Web based delivery, and perhaps the traditional lecture-based method of delivering programming classes. This style of delivery is more apt to produce a student who can apply theory and produce working code. As evidenced by performance on projects and subjective tests, students who participated in the interactive classroom sections were better able to apply programming theory to new situations. The authors caution that while traditional classroom delivery methods are well-established, Web courses and the interactive classrooms are still in their infancy. Further research is needed to verify their conclusions.