bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Resource Allocation: A Comparison Of Linear Diophantine Analysis And Integer Programming
Authors: Cope III Robert F. , Cope Rachelle F. , Waikar Avinash M.
Published: February 2016

To help production managers cope with an ever changing and complex business environment, we investigate a flexible methodology for solving integer resource allocation problems. Solutions obtained to an example problem using the Linear Diophantine Equation (LDE) methodology presented are compared to solutions produced using Integer Programming. Tradeoffs are examined and discussed, and suggestions are made for managers facing resource decisions similar to the example studied.
The Effect Of LTO Culture On International Supply Chain Contracts
Authors: Ryu Sungmin , Cook Martha
Published: February 2016

Effective management of international supply chain relationships is critical in determining the success of the ever-growing cadré of international businesses where small cost differentials separate profitable enterprises from failed ones.   Because inter-organizational contractual arrangements define expectations and standards for supply chain transactions, they may play a role in determining relationship efficiencies (and thus costs.)  Although the effect of culture on the functioning of interfirm relationships in the supply chain has been an active area of scholarly investigation in the past decade, most studies have focused on organizations in Western societies, particularly in the US and Europe.  Increasingly, global supply chains include at least one Asian partner so that cultural patterns predominant in the East must also be considered.  This study examines the cultural factor of time orientation and seeks to understand how the long-term orientation (LTO) characterizing many Eastern cultures may affect supply chain contracts.  Specifically, it investigates the influence of cultural time-orientation on the formation of soft (implicit, general) and hard (written, detailed) contracts. The results underscore the importance of culture in managing effective interfirm relationships in the supply chain: Long-term orientation culture tends to rely upon and function successfully with soft contracts, but does not depends on hard contracts.
On The Dynamic Relationship Between Exchange Rates And Industry Stock Prices: Some Empirical Evidence From Malaysia
Authors: Rim Hong , Mohidin Rosle
Published: February 2016

This study examines the dynamic relationships between exchange rate and stock prices at the industry level in Malaysia during June 1996 - August 1998.  This study finds a strong relationship between the two series during the financial crisis (July 1997 - August 1998) and differing effects of exchange-rate changes on the performance of stock prices across different industries.  In addition, exchange-rate changes have negative effects on some industries (e.g., construction) but positive effects on other industries (e.g., property).  Thus, government needs to concentrate on stabilizing the exchange market first while financial managers need to carefully analyze the effects of changes in exchange rates on specific industries to better manage foreign-exchange exposures.
Women On Boards Of Directors: Effects On Firm Social Performance In The Basic Materials And Financial Services Sectors
Authors: Schnake Mel E. , Williams Robert J. , Fredenberger William
Published: February 2016

This study examined relationships between the number of female board members, board tenure, and board size on the number of 10K investigations that were instigated against  firms in the basic materials and financial services sectors of the economy.  After controlling for the effects of firm size, we found evidence of an interaction effect between the number of female directors and average board tenure for firms in the financial services sector, such that a higher number of women on boards coupled with longer average board tenure results in higher firm social performance (i.e., the fewer the number of 10K investigations brought against the firm).  No link was found between female directors and average board tenure for the basic materials firms.  Further, no interactive patterns were observed between female directors and board size in either sector.  Our findings suggest that future board research may benefit from a “contingency approach,” as this study has provided some evidence that the relationships between board characteristics and firm performance may not be generalizable from one sector to another.  Future research should carefully consider how the sector or industry may affect the impact of board characteristics on firm performance.
Management Accounting Systems Change And Sub-Unit Performance: The Moderating Effects Of Perceived Environmental Uncertainty
Authors: Seaman Alfred E. , Williams John J.
Published: February 2016

This study reports the findings of an empirical study that investigated changes in five major management accounting system components (MASCs) and their linkages to the external environment and managerial performance.  Responses from 116 Singaporean CFOs located in small- to medium-sized manufacturing and industrial firms were used to test the primary hypothesis that perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) moderates the MASCs change–performance relationship.  Positive evidence permitted subsequent analysis showing that different configurations of MASCs change enhanced CFO performance under both low and high levels of PEU.  Further statistical evidence demonstrated that it is changes in specific components, matched with specific levels of PEU, which is responsible for improved performance.  When PEU is low, a ‘defensive’ pattern of MASCs change emerged, dominated by more importance placed on emphasizing planning systems changes and de-emphasizing costing systems changes. Under conditions of high PEU, an ‘aggressive’ pattern of change was revealed, characterized by more primacy given to emphasizing novel changes to decision making systems while de-emphasizing changes to reward and bonus systems.
Shareholder Protection And Forecast Bias
Authors: Kwag Seung-Woog (Austin)
Published: February 2016

This research explores whether shareholder protection influences analyst optimism and forecast accuracy in a global setting. The first set of empirical results suggests that, as commonly observed in the existing domestic literature, analyst optimism characterizes analysts’ forecasts in the 19 sample countries. Further empirical results provide evidence that analyst forecasts issued in countries with strong shareholder protection laws are less optimistic and more accurate than analyst forecasts published in countries with weak protection laws. It is also observed that analyst forecast is superior to a naïve model of no change in earnings. (JEL: G15, G18)
Employment Law Update
Authors: Wall Patricia S. , Womack Lara
Published: February 2016

It is important for managers to keep abreast of developments in employment law. Every year the law is refined as courts are presented and resolve new questions. Many of these are questions of statutory interpretation. Some are issues of common law. This article reviews recent court cases involving the interpretation of important statutes, such as the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Age Discrimination Act. It also reviews developments in the common law area of privacy issues (Landesman, 2004).
The Dynamic Impact Of The Demand And Supply Constraints On U.S. Trade With African Countries: A Case Study Of Selected Countries
Authors: Ekanem Nkanta Frank
Published: February 2016

Although we conclude that the countries in the sample have a high marginal propensity to import, generally significantly greater than unity, and a very low marginal propensity to export, we can never claim to know why there has been so little trade between the United States and Africa. For that reason we must avoid making any general conclusion, even for countries with identical economic conditions.
Castle Hall Academy: A Case Study In Non-Profit Accounting Mismanagement
Authors: Grippo Frank J. , Barsky Noah P. , Siegel Joel , Matthews William
Published: February 2016

This case requires you to resolve financial reporting deficiencies that arise in the audit of a not-for-profit entity, a prestigious private high school.  This case is based on the actual experience that an audit firm had with a not-for-profit client.  The primary reporting issues in the case relate to investments, contributions, severance packages, and leases that arise due to school management’s failure to consider recent accounting pronouncements.  By completing this case, you will learn about standards that affect not-for-profit entities and how auditors resolve differences with clients.  The decisions that you make require an understanding of technical knowledge of topics covered in typical intermediate accounting courses.  In addition, the case requires you to integrate accounting theory with the practice of auditing.  The premise for the case is that in order to be a successful auditor, you will need a good understanding of your client’s business as well as technical accounting issues.
Top Management Team Attraction As A Strategic Asset: A Longitudinal Simulation Test Of The Resource Based View
Authors: Michalisin Michael D. , Karau Steven J. , Conrad Edward
Published: February 2016

The Resource Based View’s (RBV) main prescription is that strategic assets are sustainable sources of superior industry returns. In the current research, we examined the ability of top management team attraction (TMTA) to operate as a strategic asset and produce sustainable competitive advantage. We used a longitudinal study of 83 simulation teams functioning as top management teams of competing airlines to demonstrate that top management team attraction was positively associated with superior returns, and that this relationship increased over time. Our study benefits both theorists and managers. The key implication for theorists is that TMTA can positively impact firm performance over time, thereby providing strong support for the RBV. The key implication for managers is that taking steps to enhance TMTA and team dynamics can create competitive advantage for their firms.
Inflation Targeting And The Multiplier Accelerator Principle
Authors: Karpetis Christos , Varelas Erotokritos
Published: February 2016

In this paper we consider a closed economy and using the multiplier – accelerator principle we develop a simple dynamic New Keynesian type model in our effort to determine the time paths of income, actual and expected inflation towards their long – run equilibrium values. The equilibrium values of actual and expected inflation are proved to be affected by government expenditures and the growth rate nominal money supply. Assuming that the Central Bank is interested in stability of real stock of money supply, we specify the rule of determination of the growth rate in nominal money supply. The use of this rule guarantees the equality between inflation and the growth rate of nominal money supply and permits Central Bank to offset the effects of an expansionary fiscal policy on the real stock of money. The theoretic conclusions of our analysis are affirmed by the simulation results presented in the fourth section of our paper. 
Constructing A Value-Based Service Devleopment Model
Authors: Chun-Chu Liu
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study is to look at how services that can create customer value can be developed in order to increase the firm's competitive advantage.  In this study, we refer to services that can create customer value as value-based services.  By beginning with a discussion of issues related to the structural characteristics of this research, and by adopting the Delphi expert survey technique, this study establishes a consensus regarding the measurement structure of value-based services.  It then examines the development structure of value-based services and their structural elements, and defines each structure and element, in order to arrive at a consensus and formulate a value-based development model that can serve as reference for service industries development value-based services or engaging in service improvements.  From the results of this study, two major structures of value-based services are derived:  a customer platform and an innovation platform, each of which includes a number of key elements.  The structure and key elements of these value-based services are then summarized and a value-based service development model proposed.  Through such a value-based service system that is characterized by customer orientation and an innovation platform, value-based services can be transferred and customer value created, and through the use of this kind of model, the profitability of enterprises can be enhanced.
The Profitability Of Technical Trading Rules: A Combined Signal Approach
Authors: Lento Camillo , Gradojevic Nikola
Published: February 2016

The focus of this paper is to determine the profitability of technical trading rules by evaluating their ability to outperform the naïve buy-and-hold trading strategy. Moving average cross-over rules, filter rules, Bollinger Bands, and trading range break-out rules are tested on the S&P/TSX 300 Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index, NASDAQ Composite Index, and the Canada/U.S. spot exchange rate. After accounting for transaction costs, excess returns are generated by the moving average cross-over rules and trading range break-out rules for the S&P/TSX 300 Index, NASDAQ Composite Index and the Canada/U.S. spot exchange rate. Filter rules also earn excess returns when applied on the Canada/U.S. spot exchange rate. The bootstrap methodology is used to determine the statistical significance of the results. The profitability of the technical trading rules is further enhanced with a combined signal approach.
Information And Communications Technology: A Comparative View Of Technological Determinism
Authors: Gabberty James W. , Vambery Robert G.
Published: February 2016

Misinterpretations by techno-centric managers hold that advances in information and communications technologies (ICT) are the prime causal factors in future business growth and that technology is an independent variable from which operational performance can be predicted. Technology pundits and economic futurists are convinced that the ‘new economy’ has indeed become reality as competitive pressures dramatically rise as a result of the increasing interdependencies forming among competing nations and firms. This competition has been made possible, in part, by the commercially viable World Wide Web and its superstructure known as the Internet. This paper scrutinizes the invaluable role played by information and communications technologies and the technological determinism they propagate.
An Analysis Of The Comparative Predictive Abilities Of Operating Cash Flows, Earnings, And Sales
Authors: Jordan Charles E. , Waldron Marilyn A. , Clark Stanley J.
Published: February 2016

Prior studies (e.g., Greenburg et al., 1986; Murdoch and Krause, 1989) provide evidence that earnings outperforms historical cash flows in predicting future cash flows. Later research (e.g., Barth et al., 2001) demonstrates that the major accrual components of earnings each possess significant explanatory power in predicting future cash flows and that they augment, rather than replace, the predictive ability of aggregate earnings.  The current study furthers this work by examining the predictive power of another major component of earnings, i.e., sales.  Using share price as the dependent variable and as a proxy for future cash flows, this study compares the predictive abilities of changes in operating cash flows, earnings, and sales.  Similar to the findings in prior research, earnings predicts better than operating cash flows.  More importantly, however, sales predicts with greater accuracy than either operating cash flows or earnings.
The Incremental Usefulness Of Income Tax Allocations In Predicting One-Year-Ahead Future Cash Flows
Authors: Foster Benjamin P. , Ward Terry J.
Published: February 2016

Interperiod income tax allocation has been a hotly debated financial accounting issue for a long time.  Critics of interperiod tax allocation frequently question the usefulness of the extra information, particularly considering the FASB’s decision usefulness approach stated in its Conceptual Framework.  This study extends the research of Cheung et al. (1997) and Krishnan and Largay (2000) by using the ability to predict future taxes paid and future cash flow as criteria to evaluate the usefulness of interperiod tax allocation. This study extends previous research by examining not only whether interperiod tax allocation included in financial statements is useful, but also by examining whether such information is incrementally useful beyond taxes paid. For predicting future taxes paid and operating cash flow, our analyses provides little evidence that interperiod tax allocation information included in financial statements adds incremental predictive value beyond taxes paid as reported on the cash flow statement.
Measuring Customer Attitudes Toward Single Vs. Hybrid Retail Formats: Impact Of Gender And Brand Name Familiarity
Authors: Cho Yoon C.
Published: February 2016

Numerous researchers have focused on the issues of online businesses, but not many studies have addressed the issues of catalogue business expansion to online business. This study raises questions that customer attitudes toward those companies offering a combination of catalogue and e-business differ from those offering catalogue or e-business only. A statistical report (www.thestandard.com 2002) shows that the profitability of catalogue business with online is about 79% in 2002, while the profitability of pure e-business is about 36%. In addition, this study explores variables, such as gender and brand name impact, and also consumer satisfaction, factors that are highly related to the customers’ willingness to purchase. Experiments with survey methods have been applied to analyze these research issues. The major findings provide implications and offer suggestions to various retail formats, such as catalogue business, e-business, and e-business including catalogue sales.
Process Monitoring In Accounting: Implementing Pre-Control Charts
Authors: Krehbiel Timothy C. , Havelka Douglas , Scharfenort Michael
Published: February 2016

This research paper has two primary goals. The first is to briefly discuss how control charts and pre-control charts can be applied to non-manufacturing processes, including how companies can use control charts and pre-control charts to improve business processes, financial reporting processes, auditing methods, and tax accounting processes. The second goal is to illustrate how pre-control can be applied to an accounting process. An example is used to demonstrate implementation of Six Sigma techniques for monitoring company expense budget variances.
Firm Size, Capital Structure And Earnings Announcement Price Response
Authors: Anthony Joseph H.
Published: February 2016

The existence of firm size effects is well documented in the accounting and finance literatures. One stream of this research interprets firm size as a proxy for the amount of information available about the firm. This paper extends prior work in this area and demonstrates that the significance of the size effect is increased substantially by considering information demands of both debt and equity investors. A size proxy that includes the book value of outstanding debt is more highly associated with returns surrounding annual and quarterly earnings announcements than a measure based solely on the market value of common equity.
Just-In-Time: Case Studies Of Supplier Relationships Across Industries
Authors: Manna Dean R.
Published: February 2016

Just-in-time (JIT) is a well-established philosophy that seeks to sustain a competitive advantage and result in greater overall returns through waste elimination and variability reduction.  One component of the philosophy is the relationships with suppliers.  These relationships are vital to the success of organizations regardless of the industry.  The automotive, electronic, healthcare, and steel industries engage in JIT practices in differing fashions but all seek the same goal of sustaining a competitive advantage over the competition.  The automotive and electronic industries rely heavily on information sharing.  A critical component of the healthcare industry is seeking out long-term contracts with suppliers in order to assure quality and timeliness of deliveries.  The steel industry has elements of the JIT philosophy but has been forced to vertically integrate many of its productions due to the rising costs of raw materials.  Depending on the industry a firm competes in, and the relationship it has with its suppliers determines the manner in which it practices the JIT philosophy.
The Relationship Between Intra-Organizational And Inter-Organizational Coordination And Its Influence On Product Quality Improvement
Authors: Carr Amelia S. , Muthusamy Senthilkumar , Lee Peggy D.
Published: February 2016

A sample of 225 firms is analyzed, using structural equation modeling, to test five hypotheses.  This study seeks to gain a better understanding of the practice of coordination among functional areas within the buying firm as well as between buyer firms and their key suppliers.  The implications of this research suggest that it is important for firms to focus on their long-term success as they work with key suppliers.  The research shows when the stakeholders of the firm support its efforts to coordination and cooperation with its key suppliers, the firm benefits.  Evidence shows cross-functional coordination enhances the firm’s capability to cooperate with its key suppliers.  The findings are significant to supply chain manager and to the various functional managers in charge of quality, production, R&D, and customer service and their respective counter parts in supplier firms.  Finally, this study expands prior research and fills a gap in the literature by showing the importance of inter-organizational coordination between the buyer’s supply management/purchasing function and the supplier’s operations function. This study reveals that conformance to specifications, product reliability and overall product quality performance can be significantly improved when these inter-organizational functional areas coordinate their requirements.  The study also shows that product quality can be significantly improved when intra-organizational and inter-organizational coordination occurs simultaneously.
The Effects Of The Business Cycle On Oligopoly Coordination: Evidence From The U.S. Aluminum Industry
Authors: Rosenbaum David I. , Yang Sheng-Ping
Published: February 2016

Haltiwanger and Harrington (1991) among others explore a theoretical study on the effects of demand fluctuations on the degree of oligopoly coordination.  They specify that demand movements are deterministic as the assumption of independent, identically distributed demand shocks in each period is excluded.  This paper empirically examines the hypothesis implied by the Haltiwanger and Harrington in which current prices and margins vary directly with expected future demand.  We also explore the time series properties of demand shocks.  Various lag structures are introduced into the estimation.  The model is applied to the U.S. aluminum industry.  Results support the predictions of the theoretical models.
Importance Of Technology Investments In The Logistics Service Providers: A Case Study Of UPS And Its Use Of Online Tools
Authors: Clinton Steven R.
Published: February 2016

Logistics service providers must become competitive in mail delivery, customer relationship management (CRM) strategies, and technological integration.  UPS, for example, uses a logistics service strategy to effectively manage the logistical requirements for its 7.9 million daily customers.  Within the competitive market of parcel delivery, logistics service providers must routinely invest in technology in an e-commerce environment in order to successfully develop strategies to meet the demands of B2B and B2C customers, while accomplishing customer efficiency and return on investments.  This strategy has helped logistics service providers to leverage their core competencies; in particular for UPS to become the shipping industry leader in e-commerce.  This research outlines the history, inner workings and culture of UPS, while simultaneously examining the subtleties, which have led to the company’s extraordinary success.  Throughout this analysis, the research will show that in fact there is a rather complex model, which allows UPS to function, as it incorporates B2B, B2C, investments in technology and on-line tools into an outcome of seemingly effortless customer efficiency.
Flexibility In Manufacturing And Activity Based Costing: Modelling The Interrelationships
Authors: Venieris George , Cohen Sandra
Published: February 2016

Theory claims that ABC is most suitable for companies employing flexibility in manufacturing, as it is a vehicle for more accurately depicting cost causation when the level of overheads increases. Furthermore, the benefits of flexibility in production can only be visible when sophisticated cost accounting systems, such as ABC, are implemented. However, previous empirical studies have shown that this is not always the case. In this paper we develop a model, which proposes whether ABC implementation should be recommended by combining several attributes that, according to theory and previous empirical findings, characterize sophisticated cost accounting systems and flexibility in production. This model can be used to assist companies to assess the suitability and applicability of ABC, under their own specific business conditions regarding production flexibility. In order to evaluate the reliability of the model we have empirically tested it to a sample of leading Greek manufacturing firms. The model developed succeeded in identifying, at a statistically significant level, the perceptions of managers about the suitability of ABC for their companies. It also revealed that production flexibility is a significant factor driving companies towards ABC adoption.
The Effect Of Promotions On Attendance At Major League Baseball Games
Authors: Barilla Anthony G. , Gruben Kathleen , Levernier William
Published: February 2016

The determinants of attendance at professional sporting events come from a variety of team- specific, game-specific, and stadium-specific factors. Using data from the 2,431 major league baseball games played during the 2005 season, this study employs a multivariate regression model to determine the effect that the previously mentioned factors have on game attendance. The focus of the study is on the effect that promotions, such as product giveaways, have on attendance. The findings of this study indicate that having a promotion at a game increases attendance by about 1,532 fans. The findings also indicate that both the timing of a promotion and the type of promotion is important. Specifically, promotions held on weekends have a much smaller impact on attendance than promotions held during the week, with promotions held on Friday or Sunday having a particularly small effect. In terms of the type of promotion, this study finds that bobblehead giveaways have by far the largest impact on attendance and that several types of giveaways actually have no effect on attendance.
The Importance Of Accurate Performance Appraisals For Creating Ethical Organizations
Authors: Selvarajan Rajan , Cloninger Peggy A.
Published: February 2016

Improving the day-to-day ethical judgments of employees within an organization remains a challenge. This study examined how employees’ job performance outcomes influence how others judge the employees’ ethical performance. The research found that respondents judged employees with successful job performance outcomes to have exhibited more ethical behaviors than employees with unsuccessful job performance outcomes. This pattern of results was consistent regardless of the respondent’s ethical beliefs. We discuss implications of these results for research and for practice, particularly in terms of improving judgments of ethical behavior in organizations.
GAAP/Tax Differences In Accounting For Nonqualified Employee Stock Options: The Gathering Storm
Authors: Placid Raymond , Rue Joseph C. , Volkan Ara G.
Published: February 2016

The escalating size of compensation packages to senior managers and investor disillusionment resulted in the issuance of FAS 123(R). Under the current rules, the grant date fair value of employee stock options (ESO) are expensed over the vesting period. The two primary methods used to value ESO are the Black-Scholes closed form equation and the lattice model. Several studies suggested an alternative Simple model for valuing ESO that marks the option expense to market in succeeding financial statement dates and allows for the staggered exercise dates of option holders. This approach is easy to understand, would have a low cost of implementation, and offers a superior estimate of the true cash flow effects and economic injury associated with the opportunity cost to shareholders of ESO exercise. Moreover, the Simple model would head off another threat to the legitimacy of the FASB that is unfolding in the U.S. Congress as Senator Carl Levin holds hearings on ESO in the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to decide what to do about the multi-billion dollar gap between what companies report to stockholders as ESO expense and what they deduct on their tax returns. In addition, this gap results in highly controversial rules of accounting and reporting for the favorable impact of the deductions in the financial statements.
Determinants Of Reporting Nonrecurring Charges Subsequent To Business Combinations
Authors: Dorata Nina T.
Published: February 2016

This study examines nonrecurring earnings charges following business combinations and the characteristics that influence their reporting.  The study uses a sample of 216 business combinations in which the acquiring firm reported either goodwill or other asset impairments or restructuring charges with respect to a target firm.  The results show that changes in the level of CEO cash compensation and institutional ownership are factors that are positively associated with nonrecurring earnings charges in the post-acquisition period.  The findings suggest that the transparency of nonrecurring transactions subsequent to a business combination is evident with the expense treatment of acquisition-related costs.
The Changing Landscape Of Marketing Research: A Study Of Marketing Consultants
Authors: Wright Beverly , Wagner Judy
Published: February 2016

The field of marketing research is undergoing dramatic change as technology of various forms penetrates its realm. This study seeks to gather a snapshot of the U.S. marketing research industry in its current state of evolution.  Specifically, this study examines the mix of data collection methods, analysis techniques, targeted research participants, and project topics emphasized by today’s working consultants.  While findings confirm a rather expected major shift toward Internet-related means of collecting data, analysis techniques remain relatively unchanged over the last twenty years.  Furthermore, findings reveal that research design decisions are to some degree formed based on consultants’ perceptions of their own Internet self-efficacy and their firms’ orientations toward either B2B or B2C clients.  Implications for both practitioner and academic researchers are discussed.
A Municipal Audit Fee Model Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Giroux Gary , McLelland Andrew
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this project is to model municipal audit fees using an audit economics framework and then analyze this conceptual framework empirically using structural equation modeling, because structural equation models are excellent for examining complex and interdependent environments.  The sample is large cities using 1996 data.  The theoretical model uses five constructs to explain audit fees:  (1) client size, (2) complexity of client operations, (3) financial risks including demographic characteristics, (4) auditing factors, and (5) governance structure.  The final model includes six variables directly related to audit fee plus five mediating variables.  The results demonstrate that SEM modeling can explain audit fees and provides more information on how the highly correlated independent variables are interrelated in the context of explaining audit fee levels.
The Learning Organisation: Validating A Measuring Instrument
Authors: De Villiers W.A.
Published: February 2016

The EFMD reports in their Survey Summary Service (2006) that the topic of “The Learning Organisation” ranked in that year as the second most enduring idea about strategy and business, out of ten ideas most likely to last at least another ten years. Management literature contains a considerable number of references to the learning organisation and its characteristics.  An instrument developed by Pedler, et al. (1991) to measure eleven characteristics of the learning organisation was used in the present study to measure the degree to which respondents considered their own organizations to conform to the eleven characteristics ascribed to the learning organisation. The aim of this paper is to report on the research and analyses being undertaken to better understand the factor structure and content of the construct, as well as the predictive and discriminatory validity of the same instrument. Item Analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used for this purpose. The predictive/discriminatory validity of the instrument, which has been proved to be uni-dimensional, was investigated by means of One-way Analysis of Variance, Stepwise Discrimination Analysis and Discrimination Analysis. The results indicate that the instrument can adequately distinguish between respondents from different economic sectors and organisations as well as differentiate respondents in terms of some other variables. The study should be regarded as entirely applicable to the South African cultural and organizational environments.
Risk And Return: New Insights For Theory, Measurement And Management
Authors: Maurer Frantz
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the risk-return relationship by using an ordinal strategic risk measure of risk rather than the more conventional variance-based measures. A set of hypotheses is specified linking ordinal strategic risk, return, and organizational slack. Empirical results are interesting in that they allow elaborating the idea that strategic risk may have a positive effect on subsequent performance and that performance has a negative effect on subsequent risk. Such a self-correcting cycle offers an interesting contrast to the “vicious circle” proposed by previous risk-return research based on prospect theory. Overall, this paper suggests that new conceptual and methodological risk approaches are needed to better understand the risk taking process in organizations.
Assessing The Appearance Of Auditor Independence Using Behavioral Research Methodology
Authors: Colbert Gary , Murray Dennis , Nieschwietz Robert
Published: February 2016

Recent archival studies have examined the association between auditor independence and non-audit services. The results of these studies suggest that fees for non-audit services are not associated with indicators of auditor independence in fact whereas these fees are associated with financial statement users’ perceptions of auditor independence (i.e., independence in appearance). The present study attempts to reconcile these conflicting findings by using a behavioral research methodology that provides greater control over the independent variables and measures more directly financial statement users’ perceptions. Our results indicate that fees for financial information systems development services do not affect perceptions of auditor independence, whereas, fees for tax services adversely affect perceptions of independence. Overall, the results provide mixed support for the recent Securities and Exchange Commission policy changes on auditor independence.
A Conceptual Paradigm For Internet And Search Engine Marketing
Authors: Ashley Alyssa , Laric Michael V. , Lynagh Peter M. , Vollmer Craig A.
Published: February 2016

The Internet continues to affect the relationships between business and their customers, and companies must adjust their online marketing strategy, if they want to increase revenues and market share, respectively. The emergence of the Internet over the last decade has had a major impact on the communication industry. The Internet is constantly evolving and is continually undergoing a rapid evolutionary process in both capabilities and uses. Marketing managers have begun to direct their focus and resources towards the Internet in an attempt to capture and garner new consumers. The Internet has forever changed the customer purchasing experience, and companies must alter their online marketing strategy, if they want to increase revenues and market share, respectively.
Earnings Informativeness And Ownership Structure In Japan
Authors: Kwak Wikil , Armitage Jack
Published: February 2016

This paper investigates the association between institutional ownership structures and the quality of earnings information via changes in earnings response coefficients for a sample of Japanese firms during 1990-1998. From these results we can predict that the greater the percentage of institutional shareholders in Japan, the better the quality of earnings information and the higher the foreign ownership; the quality of earnings information is better during Japan’s recession period of 1990-1998. However, keiretsu membership percentage is not important for the quality of earnings information in Japan even though firm size, leverage ratio, and growth are important factors in earnings information in Japan.
Order Effects And The Audit Materiality Revision Choice
Authors: Brown Charles A.
Published: February 2016

Prior literature has examined order effects in a variety of auditor decision-making judgments.  This study expands the order effect literature by examining the impact of qualitative information on auditors’ willingness to revise materiality thresholds subsequent to the completion of audit fieldwork.  If financial reporting risk (the risk of failing to report misstatements appropriately) is present in an audit engagement, auditors may choose to revise their materiality thresholds upward, causing seemingly material misstatements to become quantitatively immaterial.  Consequently, financial reporting risk is assumed away and auditors do not appear negligent in their professional responsibilities.  The results show that auditors are in fact willing to revise their materiality judgments given qualitative information and that different levels of inherent risk present in the audit environment also affects these revisions.  In addition, the order in which the qualitative information is presented to auditors has a significant effect on the materiality judgment revisions.  More specifically, significant recency order-effects are identified in the least-experienced (newly hired staff) and most-experienced (managers and partners) auditor groups, given high and low levels of inherent risk.  Finally, the most-experienced auditor group shows the most pronounced order-effect biases.
Economics & Religious Implications On Adult Literacy In Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Okpala Amon O. , Okpala Comfort O.
Published: February 2016

Although literacy rates have improved somehow in recent years, there are still large numbers of people that are illiterates in developing countries.  This paper examines the impact of public education expenditures, the percentage of urban population and religious affiliation on adult literacy rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, a cross-sectional data of 34 Sub-Saharan African countries with adequate data information were analyzed. The results from the ANOVA and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis are quite conclusive - that urban population, government expenditures on education and religious affiliations do have strong statistical impact on literacy.
Do Word Of Mouth And Advertising Messages On Social Networks Influence The Purchasing Behavior Of College Students?
Authors: Wallace Dawn , Walker Josie , Lopez Tará , Jones Mike
Published: February 2016

Many online advertisers are exploring the use of Internet social networking to build brand awareness and loyalty. Social networking is particularly popular among the younger, 15-24 year- old generation, who is more computer savvy and spends more time on the Internet than adults. While this generation has substantial potential, they also represent a challenge to advertisers. This group is notoriously skeptical of being “advertised at.” They expect a more personal, interactive experience. The purpose of this research is to determine which types of social networks are used most by college students and what types of online marketing impact their purchasing choices. In carrying out this research, the following research questions were addressed: which social networks are used most by college students; do factors such as student and/or parent income, student age, classification, gender, marital status, or employment status influence use of social networks; do ads on social networks impact purchasing decisions; does advice from other users of social networks impact purchasing decisions; and do online games, scavenger hunts, and contests influence purchasing decisions? The research provides a better understanding of social network use and provides insight into effective online advertising to college students.
The Evolution Of Islamic Finance In Southeast Asia: The Case Of Malaysia
Authors: Nakagawa Rika
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to explain why the Islamic financial system was introduced in Malaysia; to outline how the Malaysian government has promoted this system; and to analyze the development of the Islamic financial system with a specific focus on the banking sector.  In Malaysia, the first Islamic bank, Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd., was established in 1983.  One turning point of the Islamic financial system in the country was the Financial Sector Master Plan presented by the central bank in 2001.  The government, in accordance with the plan, has taken a strong initiative in the development of an Islamic financial system.  As a result, the country has succeeded in promoting a comprehensive Islamic financial system, banking and insurance sectors and capital markets.  In the banking sector, this paper reveals that the profit-sharing system does not seem to be popular in this country although the reward system is central to Islamic Finance.  In order for further development of the Islamic financial sector, the reasons why the percentage of contracts under the profit-sharing system is small need to be analyzed. 
Local Temperature Deviance And National Prices: The U.S. Natural Gas Market
Authors: Altintig Z. Ayca , Broughton John , Erenburg Grigori
Published: February 2016

In this study we investigate the price discovery process in the U.S. natural gas spot and futures markets. We explore the relationships between the spot and futures markets, the effect of U.S. temperature changes on these markets and, in addition, test whether New York City temperature changes have a special impact on the national market for natural gas.  We find that most price discovery occurs in the futures market. We also find that colder days in winter and hotter days in summer result in higher gas prices, although daily changes in temperature have a stronger effect on prices during the winter. Furthermore, we find that the daily temperature changes in New York City, where the futures market for natural gas is physically located, have an additional effect on gas prices beyond what could be explained by the temperature changes aggregated across the U.S.
Evaluating Models Of The Relationship Between Accounting Profitability Measures And Internal Rate Of Return
Authors: Fritsche Steven R. , Dugan Michael T.
Published: February 2016

Researchers have investigated the relationship between the internal rate of return (IRR) and accounting-based profitability measures using analytical and indirect empirical methodologies.  The current study employs computer simulation to complement the other two methodologies and corroborate their results. The results indicate that the accounting rate of return (ARR) and the conditional estimate of internal rate of return (CIRR) are strongly associated with IRR; however, the length of the estimation period and formulation used for CIRR appear to affect its relationship to IRR.  ARR’s relationship to IRR appears to be unaffected by the length of the estimation period.
The Relative Impact Of Public Information In Shaping Investor Expectations
Authors: Burnett John E. , Carroll Carolyn , Thistle Paul
Published: February 2016

Empirical studies at the individual level (event studies) and those using more general measures of information and/or aggregate price movements often yield somewhat conflicting results regarding the relative importance of public information.  Employing a more focused methodology that begins with no prior limitations on the number and types of public news announcements that may affect the underlying risk-return relationship, we are able to offer additional insight regarding the relative impact of public information.  We find that approximately two-thirds of the changes can be associated with the arrival of public information.  While, in general, this is a stronger link than previously found, it is a weaker link than expected; leading us to conclude that factors other than public information clearly play an important role.  We also provide new results on the relative importance of different information types, and on correlates (such as firm size) of the effect of information.
Manipulating Sales Revenue To Achieve Cognitive Reference Points: An Examination Of Large U.S. Public Companies
Authors: Jordan Charles E. , Clark Stanley J. , Hames Charlotte
Published: February 2016

Significant research (e.g., Carslaw, 1988; Thomas, 1989) provides evidence that managers manipulate earnings to reach cognitive reference points in income.  More specifically, when the second-from-the-left earnings digit falls just below zero, management finds ways to round earnings up to just above this breakpoint so that the first earnings digit increases by one.  The current study demonstrates that for a sample of large publicly-traded U.S. companies this same type of manipulative behavior appears to be occurring with respect to reported sales revenue.
Internal Audit Issues Facing Corporate Audit Committees
Authors: Schneider Arnold
Published: February 2016

The paper reviews and analyzes professional audit standards, audit committee charters, and research findings pertaining to audit committee oversight of internal auditing and assistance obtained from internal auditing.  Issues examined are the development of internal audit charters, authorizing the acquisition of internal resources, reviewing and approving internal audit plans, making personnel decisions concerning the chief internal auditor, holding meetings with the chief internal auditor, and requesting special investigations from internal auditing.
Efficiency Measures In The Banking Industry In OECD Countries
Authors: Maggina Anastasia
Published: February 2016

Looking at the banking industry worldwide, the consideration is concentrated on efficiency measures from a financial accounting point of view rather than the managerial or operations research context. Prior research studies have classified countries in groups according to productivity or other criteria related to technology.  In this study factor unit prices, capacity indicators and exogeneous variables are regressed on various endogeneous variables.  I also examine a larger number of countries than have been examined in previous studies.  The results indicate groupings that are not consistent with prior classifications.