bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consolidation, Asset Size Distribution, And Employment In The U.S. Banking Industry
Authors: Heiney Joseph N.
Published: February 2016

This paper will extend previous research which studied the initial impact of the Riegle-Neal Act on consolidation, asset size distribution, and employment in the U.S. banking industry by examining the period of time since this deregulation became fully effective to see if the immediate effects set in motion by the passage of the act have continued or moderated.
Comparative Analysis Of Employee Job Satisfaction In The Accounting Profession
Authors: Moyes Glen D. , Shao Lawrence P. , Newsome Michael
Published: February 2016

Evaluating job satisfaction among accounting professionals is an increasingly important area of concern for employers, which strive to recruit and retain quality employees and to improve their competitive positions. This study examines the results of surveys of accounting graduates from two AACSB International accredited universities from 1980 to 2003. Respondents were asked a variety of questions on job satisfaction as it relates to many factors including profession, firm size, certification, age, sex, race, advanced degrees and parent education. The findings of this study on job satisfaction provide benchmarks upon which accounting firms can use to evaluate job satisfaction levels among their own employees.
Assessing User Attitudes Toward Mobile Commerce In The U.S. Vs. Korea: Implications For M-Commerce CRM
Authors: Cho Yoon C.
Published: February 2016

Mobile Commerce (m-commerce) relies on “customer or user interactions” via a mobile device and telecommunications infrastructure for the purpose of interacting, advertising, promoting, and selling products and services. The author of this study explored user attitudes and behavior toward m-commerce in the U.S. vs. Korea. In this paper, the author investigated comparison analysis for the U.S. vs. Korea for the following issues: 1) the factors affecting user attitudes toward mobile phone business; 2) how those factors affect perceived ease of use (EOU) and usefulness (U); 3) the effects of perceived ease of use (EOU) and usefulness (U) on overall attitudes toward the mobile phone business; and 4) how overall attitudes toward mobile phone business affect user/customer satisfaction. Surveys were conducted in two countries and the results reveal the different aspects affecting mobile phone usage in the U.S. vs. Korea. This study also found that user attitudes toward the mobile phone business significantly impact the level of m-satisfaction. Furthermore, this study provides managerial implications and offers suggestions to m-businesses.
Health Care Delivery Crisis In Corporate America
Authors: Lucas John J.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the health care delivery crisis that has emerged in corporate America. Health care costs now account for 17% of the total GDP with the United States spending two trillion in health care costs (Herzlinger, 2007). The paper also discusses the major strategies that business leaders have implemented to reduce health care delivery costs while maintaining quality care for their employees. The effectiveness of these strategies to contain health care costs will also be addressed.
Overtime Addiction
Authors: Jackson Eric C. , Thoms Peg
Published: February 2016

Overtime is common in business.  Companies use it to respond to excess demand without increasing the number of employees.  Employees do it as a means of increasing their income. It contributes to communities by increasing disposable income. However, it can become an addiction as companies, employees and communities come to depend on it as a part of their subsistence instead of a temporary benefit.  This paper explains this problem and offers specific suggestions for managers who want to cure or prevent overtime addiction.
The Implications Of Leadership On Narco-Terrorism Policy Management
Authors: Cleveland Craig S. , Honeycutt Andrew
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of leadership and managerial decision making within the Drug Enforcement Administration since September 11, 2001.  A web based survey questionnaire was used to collect the data.  Participants in the study were criminal justice professors from randomly selected colleges and universities located in the southeast and southwest region of the United States.  Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Each participant was asked to complete a post survey that addressed areas of leadership and decision-making based on opinions and knowledge related to criminal justice.  Paired samples t test was used to describe the data. In spite of the survey findings of change in knowledge, skills, and cultural behavior, these changes did not appear to lead to significant differences in determining leadership skills.  It is recommended that future studies use a survey sample instrument designed to measure attitudinal dimensions of decision-making among leaders and managers within the Drug Enforcement Administration.  One possible recommendation is to utilize a different type of comparison method or instrument that would measure certain dimensions of managerial levels between upper and lower management.
Risky Shift Versus Cautious Shift: Determining Differences In Risk Taking Between Private And Public Management Decision-Making
Authors: Reynolds Douglas B. , Joseph Jacob , Sherwood Reuben
Published: February 2016

This paper uses empirical evidence to examine whether people take more risk for their own potential loss/gain and less risk for other people’s potential loss/gain or vice versa.  An experiment is described wherein participants had the option of taking different risks in exchange for their own benefit and the benefit of others.  Results indicate that subjects take a statistically significant higher level of risk for themselves as individuals than they do when other’s payoffs are at stake.  This indicates that people are less risk averse in making decisions for themselves and more risk averse in making decisions that affect others.  However, when the amount of reward is increased, the findings change.  The purpose of the experiment is to find a better explanation for how government-owned businesses or large corporations work, where anecdotal evidence suggests much less innovation and risk taking takes place compared to small proprietary firms. 
The Influence Of Religion On Remittances Sent To Relatives And Friends Back Home
Authors: Kelly Claudia Smith , Solomon Blen
Published: February 2016

Using The Pilot for the New Immigrant Survey (NIS-P), a nationally representative sample of new legal immigrants to the United States, this paper examines how religiosity influences immigrants’ remitting behavior. Our analysis addresses two related questions. First, do immigrants from different religious affiliations differ in their remitting behavior? Second, does regular religious service attendance influence their remitting behavior? Our results from logistic regression analyses indicate that immigrants from different religious affiliations do differ in their remitting behavior. Catholics are more likely to remit than individuals with no religion. In contrast, Protestants and individuals from other religion are more likely to remit than Catholics. Regular religious service attendance is positively related to remitting behavior, however, this correlation is not statistically significant.
Alternate Solutions Analysis For Transportation Problems
Authors: Adlakha Veena , Kowalski Krzysztof
Published: February 2016

The constraint structure of the transportation problem is so important that the literature is filled with efforts to provide efficient algorithms for solving it.  The intent of this work is to present various rules governing load distribution for alternate optimal solutions in transportation problems, a subject that has not attracted much attention in the current literature, with the result that the load assignment for an alternate optimal solution is left mostly at the discretion of the practitioner.  Using the Shadow Price theory we illustrate the structure of alternate solutions in a transportation problem and provide a systematic analysis for allocating loads to obtain an alternate optimal solution.  Numerical examples are presented to explain the proposed process.
A Study Of U.S. Stock Market Volatility, Fall 2008
Authors: Christner Ron
Published: February 2016

This is a market volatility study utilizing three measures of assessing volatility in the U.S stock markets prior to and after the month of September 2008 using three proxies. The first is the VIX index, the CBOE options volatility measure. The next two are bearish, or short position strategy, ETF’s based on stock indexes but designed to reflect and benefit from stock market movements in the downward direction. They are the Power Shares index, symbol SDS, and the Rydex Index, symbol RMS. This research evaluates and analyzes weekly movements in the three volatility variables mentioned above for a period of the last eight months of 2008. This includes the four months prior to and the four months after the beginning of September 2008. Specifically, the relative magnitude, volatility and degree of correlation between the three variables will be examined and compared to the movements in NYSE, NASDAQ and S & P stock indexes. The life span and volume of trading, one measure of liquidity, in each of the three variables will also be evaluated. Part of the analysis, and conclusions, will involve analyzing how similar or dissimilar the three behave and whether one may be a better indicator of current  or future volatility in the stock market, or financial markets in general and how effective the bear market ETF’s might be as hedging vehicles in a down market.
Need For Cognition As A Moderator Of Affective And Cognitive Elements In Online Attitude Toward The Brand Formation
Authors: Miller Chip E. , Reardon James , Salciuviene Laura , Auruskeviciene Vilte , Lee Kelvin , Miller Kenneth E.
Published: February 2016

Previous research on the web using traditional attitude formation models – dual mediation hypothesis (DMH) and affect transfer hypothesis (AFH) – suggests that DMH holds only for those with high need for cognition. This study examines need for cognition (NFC) as a moderator of the individual contributions of affective and cognitive elements on attitude toward the brand in an online setting. Findings show that as need for cognition increases, the effect of the creative elements in the ad on attitude toward the brand formation is lessened. The opposite effect occurs for cognitive ad elements. Our results further suggest a significant interaction effect of NFC with attitude toward the advertisement.
An Internal Control Evaluation Tool For The Construction Industry
Authors: Orchard Lou X. , Butterfield Scott L.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a Control Objectives Reconciliation, a tool that independent auditors of clients in the construction industry should find useful in performing a preliminary evaluation of the client’s internal control system.  Auditors are advised to compare their client’s control objectives with those presented in Exhibits 1 through 7.  Where the client’s system appears to omit significant control objectives, the auditor should consider the risks brought on or magnified by the omission during the preliminary evaluation of the client’s internal control system.  The Control Objectives Reconciliation is also potentially useful to Construction Company CFOs or Controllers who may be concerned about the adequacy of their company’s internal control system.  The Reconciliation also highlights for Construction Company CFOs or Controllers those internal controls deemed to be important to their external, independent auditors.
Telecommunications Mega-Mergers: Impact On Employee Morale And Turnover Intention
Authors: Chambers Keisha , Honeycutt Andrew
Published: February 2016

The number of mergers and acquisitions grew at record rates in the United States over the past 10 years, and mega telecommunications mergers have been no exception. Three very high-profile telecommunications mergers included MCI and Verizon, Sprint and Nextel, and BellSouth and AT&T. These megamergers have changed the competitive landscape dramatically in the telecom arena. Despite the popularity of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), evidence has shown that the majority have failed to improve performance and failed to achieve anticipated strategic and financial objectives set forth in the premerger planning phase, according to J. Krug and R. Aguilera’s 2004 article “Top Management Team Turnover in Mergers and Acquisitions” in Advances in Mergers and Acquisitions. The primary reason behind such common performance failures according to S. Cartwright and C. L. Cooper’s 2000 HR Know-How in Mergers and Acquisitions was based on various human resources factors such as culture, management, poor motivation, and loss of talent. Based on the aforementioned post corporate merger performance failure considerations, this research study examined the impact on employee morale and turnover intention related to a recent megamerger between two telecommunications conglomerates.
The Influence Of Ethics Instructions On Ethical Judgment Of Minority Students
Authors: Abbey Augustus , Abubakar Binta , Boghossian Fikru H.
Published: February 2016

Recent ethical scandals in corporate America have brought to the fore the issue of ethics in business. Many have questioned the role of the American educational system in general and the business school curriculum in particular for failing to inculcate in students and future business leaders good ethical standards. This exploratory study examines the influence of ethics instruction on the ethical judgment of students. Business students in an accredited (AACSB International) business program who have taken at least two formal courses in business ethics were compared to engineering seniors and freshmen business students who had not been introduced to formal instructions in ethics. Respondents were exposed to realistic ethical business scenarios dealing with conflict of interest transactions and personal integrity. The results showed a significant difference between the two groups of respondents on conflict of interest scenarios but no difference on personal integrity scenarios. Implications are considered for ethics education.
Fraud Risk Factor Of The Fraud Triangle Assessing The Likelihood Of Fraudulent Financial Reporting
Authors: Lou Yung-I , Wang Ming-Long
Published: February 2016

This research examines risk factors of the fraud triangle, core of all fraud auditing standards, for assessing likelihood of fraudulent financial reporting. Significant variables, including analyst’s forecast error, debt ratio, directors’ and supervisors’ stock pledged ratio, percentage of sales related party transaction, number of historical restatements, and number of auditor switch, belong to pressure/incentive, opportunity and attitude/rationalization. Results indicate fraudulent reporting positively correlated to one of the following conditions: more financial pressure of a firm or supervisor of a firm, higher percentage of complex transactions of a firm, more questionable integrity of a firm’s managers, or more deterioration in relation between a firm and its auditor. A simple logistic model based on examples of fraud risk factors of ISA 240 and SAS 99 gauges the likelihood of fraudulent financial reporting and can benefit practitioners.
E-Commerce Transaction Mechanisms And Buyer-Supplier Relationship
Authors: Ryu Sungmin , Hung Ken
Published: February 2016

Information exchange between the buyer and supplier is an important aspect of supply chain management. B2B e-commerce helps firms to share information, maintain relationships, and conduct transactions more efficiently. The choice of B2B e-commerce transactions will influence, and as well as affect, the relationships between exchange parties. Thus, the choice of e-commerce transaction mechanisms has a relational context. An appropriate choice of a transaction mechanism can affect a firm’s strategy, procurement decisions, and performance. It had been argued that e-commerce facilitates both discrete and relational exchanges, and it has a dual impact on business relationships. In this paper, we examine a collection of diverse studies on EDI and e-marketplace from marketing and information systems literatures. We assimilate these findings for managers considering choices on e-commerce transaction mechanisms. We hope that this will provide managers a more consistent understanding of buyer-supplier relationships in the B2B e-commerce context.
The Relationship Between Fixed Asset Liquidation Value And Market Capitalization
Authors: Lockridge T. Maurice , Saunders Gary , Sridharan Uma
Published: February 2016

This study examines the relationship between the liquidation values of a firm’s fixed assets and the firms’ market capitalization.  The significance of this relationship is demonstrated by comparing it with the relationship between the book value of a firm’s fixed assets and the firm’s market capitalization.  A stronger, or enhanced, relationship for liquidation values to market capitalization indicates it’s usefulness for decision making purposes.
Recent Evidence On Friday The Thirteenth Effect In U.S. Stock Returns
Authors: Patel Jayen B.
Published: February 2016

We examine Friday the thirteenth effect in U.S. stock returns from January 1950 to December 2007.  Our results reveal that stock returns on Friday the thirteenth are not significantly lower than that of other Fridays for the overall period.  When we examine the differences by decades, we find that Friday the thirteenth returns are significantly lower than returns of other Fridays in only one out of the six sub-periods.  We therefore conclude that U.S stock returns do not show evidence of a Friday the thirteenth effect.
Generation Y: Unchartered Territory
Authors: Crampton Suzanne M. , Hodge John W.
Published: February 2016

Businesses continue to be challenged with workforce diversity and how to best manage the differences that exist in race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, color, etc.  The general theme is that managers should focus on minimizing tension that exists resulting from generational differences.  Unfortunately, there is more agreement and discussion as to how generations are different than there is on how to manage these differences. 
Relationships Between Director Profile And Restatements Of Suspect Earnings
Authors: Ueng Joe , Koehn Daryl , Chang Ching Liang
Published: February 2016

The large number of recent earnings restatements suggests that boards have not been discharging their fiduciary duties very well. This paper examines which director traits, if any, are correlated with the need to restate suspect earnings. We find that the only significant aspect of director profile is director independence: boards with a larger percentage of outside directors are less likely to have restated suspect earnings that boards with a lesser percentage. The paper concludes with some thoughts on why current research practice of focusing on formal corporate governance (board composition, board traits, etc.) needs to be supplemented with research into power dynamics.
SFAS 141(R): Global Convergence And Massive Changes In M&A Accounting
Authors: Andrews Christine , Falmer Jan , Riley Jeannette , Todd Carrie , Volkan Ara
Published: February 2016

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 141(R) in December 2007 to replace SFAS 141. Analyzing comment letters, industry publications, and articles, we evaluate problems that existed with SFAS 141 from the perspective of users, professionals, and the FASB; evaluate 141(R) to ascertain if these weaknesses were corrected; and propose solutions to some of the problems that still exist.
What Are The Monetary Effects Of Education In The Market For Major League Baseball Players?
Authors: Olbrecht Alexandre , Bloom Steven
Published: February 2016

In this article, we test the relationship between college attendance and earnings for Major League Baseball players. Using a cross-section of non-pitchers from the 2005 season, we find that schooling does not influence earnings. These results seemingly contradict the schooling-earnings theory and suggest that the market for baseball players may be purely talent-driven.
Cloud Computing Economics: Democratization And Monetization Of Services
Authors: Katzan, Jr. Harry
Published: February 2016

Cloud computing is a modality for providing computer services via the Internet, by incorporating ubiquitous access through a web browser for the execution of single-function applications, such as those available as office suites, and comprehensive enterprise line-of-business applications pieced together from components residing in varying Internet locations.  This paper covers the democratization and monetization of software services and uses cloud computing as the primary delivery vehicle.  Cloud computing represents a contextual shift in how computers are provisioned and accessed.  There is opportunity and value in cloud computing for providers, ISVs, and customers.  The subject is covered from an economic perspective for each of the groups.
Risk Tolerance Estimation Bias: The Age Effect
Authors: Grable John E. , McGill Samantha , Britt Sonya
Published: February 2016

Older individuals are generally assumed to be less risk tolerant compared to others. The purpose of this research was to test how accurately working adults at different ages in the lifespan estimate their risk-taking propensity. Differential predictions, using ANOVA and regression analyses, were assessed. Findings suggest that younger working adults tend to over-estimate their risk tolerance compared to older working adults. Although those in middle-age were shown to under-estimate their risk tolerance compared to the youngest working adults, the results were not significant. A discussion of findings is presented with the proposition that over- and under-estimation of risk tolerance might help explain the types of risk-taking behaviors engaged in by individuals over time.
The Basics Of Leadership: Understanding Leadership Attribute Assessment And Development
Authors: Henderson Richard L. , Jien Jia-Jing
Published: February 2016

This exploratory study of leadership as a social-psychological process identifies and measures the perceived level of critical attributes that must be held by the leader in order for the leadership process to be effective.  Leadership research literature was reviewed to discover the twelve most commonly agreed to primary attributes.  Attributes were analyzed and categorically assigned as having either a cognitive or an affective basis of development.  Data was collected and analyzed relative to the perceived level of effectiveness of each attribute by the leader and the group involved in the process. Qualified conclusions and recommendations for further are included.
Current Quality Management Practices In U.S. Hospitals: A Survey
Authors: Bandyopadhyayeth BJayanta K.
Published: February 2016

For decades, the U.S. health care industry has been operating on its own, ignoring emerging factors, such as competition, patient safety, skyrocketing health care cost, liability, malpractice insurance cost, and DRG for Medicare payment. However, as these factors became more prevalent and competition within the industry intensified, many U.S. hospitals have been  becoming increasingly aware of the critical needs of controlling the operating costs and attempting to meet the needs and expectations of patient care quality. This paper presents the findings of a questionnaire survey unveiling the current quality management policies and practices in U.S. hospitals for achieving excellence in patient care quality.
Sub-Par Performance In A Sub-Prime World? A Recent Comparative Performance Analysis Of Real Estate Mutual Funds Vs. Common Stock Mutual Funds
Authors: Kuhle James L. , Bhuyan Rafiqul
Published: February 2016

Historically, little evidence has been found to suggest that real estate investments exhibit superior returns. Further, it appears that real estate mutual fund managers do not possess the ability to consistently beat benchmark averages. However, there have been mixed results for REITs indicating they might be characterized by inefficiencies that could be exploited by informed fund managers. In this analysis, we examine whether mutual fund managers who have concentrated in real estate assets have statistically outperformed other categories of equity mutual funds as well as the S&P 500 and various NAREIT Indexes.
Effects Of Revisions To The CRA In 1995 On Regulatory Enforcement
Authors: Alexander John , Dahl Drew , Spivey Michael F.
Published: February 2016

Revisions to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) enacted in 1995 were intended to focus greater regulatory attention on objective assessments of CRA-targeted lending. To determine the effectiveness of the revisions, we examine CRA regulatory practices, 1990 through 2000, utilizing a sample of 25,601 bank examinations. Our empirical evidence indicates that CRA examination scheduling reflected CRA ratings and real estate loan levels in the period before, but not after, enactment of the revisions, and that examination intervals, particularly for small banks, lengthened. For a subsample of banks with substandard CRA ratings, changes in loan levels influenced their odds of recovery to a satisfactory rating after, but not before, enactment of the revisions.
A Cross-Cultural Comparison Of Factors Influencing Self-Scan Checkout Use
Authors: Schliewe Jana , Pezoldt Kerstin
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to study the factors influencing the acceptance of self-scan checkouts in Russia, an emerging East European transition economy, and Germany, an established Western European market. In particular, the paper seeks to examine the potential effects of social pressure, self-efficacy and technology anxiety on the self-scan checkout usage decision. Additionally, the article attempts to find out whether firms need to adapt their strategies of market launch to the special needs of the different countries. The design of this study was empirical. Data were collected from students in two universities in Germany and Russia. The findings of the study clearly show the differences between the two countries. The German participants have a lower level of social pressure and technology anxiety whereas the Russian participants have a lower level of self-efficacy.
Innovation And Market Entry In The Energy Industry: Lessons For Fuel Cells And New Technologies
Authors: Unger Darian
Published: February 2016

Regulatory, environmental, and market changes are spurring new technological development in the energy industry.  Fuel cells are the largest new entrant to the energy industry, and this technology faces enormous challenges in entering the transportation and power generation markets.  Potential barriers include slow market acceptance, the resistance of incumbent energy firms, the lack of hydrogen infrastructure systems, and significant design and engineering obstacles.  This paper compares challenges faced by the fuel cell industry to those faced by several previous breakthrough energy technologies – including incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, and combustion turbines – all of which faced comparable market entry challenges before ultimately succeeding.  Results of this study and historical comparison show how other energy companies and industries overcame similar and daunting barriers.  Lessons from these earlier success stories include the need for critical enablers such as using niche markets to sustain R&D, building new infrastructure systems or conforming to existing ones, and benefiting from favorable public policies. 
Knowledge Management And Organizational Effectiveness: Considering Applications For Leadership
Authors: Ewest Timothy
Published: February 2016

This essay will explore the change of the organizational environment from a structured production model, bureaucracy, to an information-based organization that is directed to manage knowledge.  Moreover, this essay will discuss how organizations and leaders can all play a part to enhance knowledge transfer and create more efficient organizations.
The Demand For NFL Attendance: A Rational Addiction Model
Authors: Spenner Erin LeAnne , Fenn Aju J. , Crooker John R.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the demand for attendance at National Football League (NFL) games using a rational addiction model to test the hypothesis that professional football displays the properties of a habit-forming good.  Rational addiction theory suggests that past and future consumption play a part in determining the current period’s consumption for habit-forming goods.  Additionally, we postulate the behavioral implications of profit-maximizing ticket pricing behavior by NFL teams.  Previous studies have been unable to detect pricing power by NFL teams.  Our model of pricing power allows us to identify theoretically- anticipated pricing behavior.  A pooled data set is collected using statistics from each NFL team from the 1983 to the 2008 seasons.  Current attendance is modeled as a function of team specific variables, including past and future attendance, ticket price, and team performance.  The model is estimated using Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS).  We also treat the censored nature of ticket demand as NFL teams frequently experience sell-outs.  It is found that past and future attendance, winning percentage, the age of the stadium in which a team plays, and own-price demand elasticity influence attendance.  The fact that coefficients for past and future attendance are positive and significant in this analysis lends support to the notion that NFL fans display characteristics of rational addiction in their consumption behavior.  Further, we find evidence to support profit-maximizing behavior in ticket sales.
Demands Along The Supply Chain
Authors: Thomopoulos Nick T.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes how the monthly demands vary at the locations along the supply chain, coming from the customers to a dealer onto a distribution center and finally to a supplier.  The mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation are measured for each of the locations.  The results indicate when the demands tend to be normally distributed and when non-normal.
Environmental Crimes: A Summary Of Enforcement Actions To Support Business Productivity
Authors: Pena-Sanchez Rolando
Published: February 2016

This study summarizes and compares the most relevant criminal enforcement actions to support business productivity conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the fiscal years 1995-2008; the important actions under consideration are the environmental crime cases initiated, defendants charged, years sentenced, fines (and restitution) and pollutants' reductions. A correlation analysis was used to evaluate the significant relationship (p-value=0.002) between the environmental crime cases initiated and the period of time in years; a power regression model (via curve fitting) was estimated to explain this relationship (R2adj=0.998); the ratio of charged defendants to cases initiated (%) was measured as an indicator of the yearly enforcement productivity undertaken by the EPA, whose 95% prediction interval is graphically presented. In addition, other density measures of enforcement actions against environmental crimes, such as the years sentenced per defendant, and the economic amount of fines and restitution per defendant are included.
MILP Model For Network Revenue Management In Airlines
Authors: Song Yoon Sook , Hong Seong Tae , Hwang Myung Sun , Yoon Moon Gil
Published: February 2016

Seat inventory control is an important problem in revenue management which is to decide whether to accept or reject a booking request during the booking horizon in airlines. The problem can be modeled as dynamic stochastic programs, which are computationally intractable in network settings. Various researches have been tried to solve it effectively. Even though dynamic (and stochastic) programming (DP) models can be solved it optimally, they are computationally intractable even for small sized networks. Therefore, in practice, DP models are approximated by various mathematical programming models. In this paper, we propose an approximation model for solving airline seat inventory control problem in network environments. Using Linear Approximation technique, we will transform our problem into a concave piecewise LP model. Based on the optimal solution of ours, we suggest how to implement it for airline inventory control policies such as booking limits, bid-price controls and virtual nesting controls.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002 And Non-Profit Organizations
Authors: Yallapragada RamMohan R. , Roe C. William , Toma Alfred G.
Published: February 2016

The United States (US) has the unique record of having the largest sector of Non-Profit Organizations (NPO) in the world, comprising of over one million NPOs.  The participation of Americans in philanthropic activities is unparalleled in the world.  In recent years, NPOs received over $1.5 trillion in revenues as reported by the Internal Revenue Service. These charitable organizations contribute immensely towards improving the lives of disadvantageous people.  However, the huge NPO sector of our economy has been plagued recently with a deluge of corporate financial scandals similar to the scandals in corporations in the for-profit sector, such as Enron, WorldCom and Tyco. The misappropriations of funds involved over 150 NPOs, including world renowned organizations such as Red Cross and United Way.  The embezzled funds amounted to over $1 billion.  The US Congress reacted quickly and vehemently to such scandals in the for-profit corporations with the enactment of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), with far reaching consequences to the American business organizations.  The rigorous provisions of SOX did not extend to Non-Profit Organizations except in two specific areas – whistleblower protection and retention of documents for verification.  However, the present flood of NPO scandals triggered a bevy of SOX-like proposals for laws for Non-Profit Organizations as well, in the US Congress and in many state legislatures.  Some states have already passed such laws.  This paper presents a brief description of the NPO scandals, the ongoing proposals of SOX-like laws for NPOs in several states and their impact on the future governance of the NPOs.
Employing A Tax Practitioner: A Different Perspective
Authors: Gargalas Vassilios N.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we analyze the value of services rendered by tax practitioners, demonstrating that the conventional single-period solution may be inconsistent with their role. We contend that the value of these services stems from tax practitioners' knowledge of the tax code and not from the signal they convey to tax authorities when they sign the returns. We take the position that taxpayers' actions may not convey a signal to the tax enforcement agent, thereby enabling the latter to set different detection rates for different taxpayers. If taxpayers' actions were to convey a signal, the solution would not be sustainable, since it would eventually lead to a self-revealing “corner solution,” in which all taxpayers would take the same action.

 

In a single-period framework, the taxpayer’s decision to hire a practitioner is dependent upon two variables: the practitioners’ fee, which is known to the tax enforcement agent, and taxpayers' risk attitude. The tax enforcement agent can infer the latter if the taxpayers use practitioners who sign the tax returns.  If taxpayers use practitioners’ services, we are able to derive the same exact solution irrespective of whether or not practitioners sign the returns.  Thus, we suspect that the value of these services does not stem from the fact that the returns are signed.
Assessing The Impact Of The Global Financial Crisis On GCC Countries
Authors: Abdelbaki Hisham H.
Published: February 2016

No doubt, the international financial crisis that started in the United States of America will cast its effects on all countries of the world, developed and developing. Yet these effects vary from one country to another for several reasons. The GCC countries would not escape these negative effects of this severe crisis. The negative effects of the crisis on gulf countries come from many aspects: first, decrease in price of oil on whose revenues the development programs in these countries depend; second, decrease in the value of US$ and the subsequent decrease in the assets owned by these countries in US$; third, a case of economic stagnation will prevail in the world with effects starting to appear. It is obvious that this would be reflected on the real sector in the economies causing a series of negative effects through decrease of the world demand for exports of GCC countries of oil, petrochemicals and aluminum.  Lastly, increased inflation rates with decreased interest rates will result in a decrease in real interest with an accompanying decrease in incentives for saving and consequently investment and economic development. The main aim of the research is to assess the economic effects of the global financial crisis on GCC countries. The paper results are that the big reserves of foreign currencies achieved by the GCC countries in the past few years have helped increase their ability to bear the effects of the financial effects on one hand and their ability to adopt expansionary policies through pumping liquidity to absorb the regressive effects of the crisis on the other. The paper recommends the necessity of taking precautionary procedures for the effects which will result from the expansionary policies effective in GCC countries.
Does The Market Go To 1?
Authors: Haber Jeffry
Published: February 2016

In periods of market turmoil, it can often be heard that the “market goes to 1,” usually implying that all investment choices are moving in the same direction (down). This paper looks to test whether or not this is actually the case. From firsthand experience, anyone who has an interest in the topic will undoubtedly say it feels like that is happening, so this paper looks to put some evidence behind what is thought.  After relaxing many characteristics that would be present in a market going to 1, this paper employed two tests. The results of the tests indicate that it is possible, however unlikely, that the market actually goes to 1.
Deciding When To Initiate Social Security Benefits
Authors: Atkins Allen , Bain Craig
Published: February 2016

People nearing retirement face a well-known decision: When should to begin taking social security benefits? The answer may not seem obvious since there are key trade-offs involved. The retiree can choose low benefits for a longer period of time, or high benefits for a shorter period of time, or something in between.  The optimal initiation date that maximizes social security wealth is a quantitative question and it depends on the life expectancy of the person and on the real rate of return they expect to earn on their investments, among other things. We attempt to provide some answers to this practical and important question.  Our focus throughout is on relatively high-wealth individuals who will receive the maximum social security benefits.  We show how the government’s social security benefit calculator can be very misleading. We also include how the decision may be different for a married couple.  We conclude with the following rough guideline.  If you expect to make a good return on your investments, you should take the benefits early (i.e. at age 62).  If you expect to make modest investment returns and you expect to live a long time, you should take the benefits later, (i.e. at age 70).
An Expanded Role For The Federal Reserve Bank
Authors: Crawford Corinne L.
Published: February 2016

On June 17, 2009 the Obama Administration released an 85-page white paper on federal regulatory reform.  The corner stone of the proposed plan is an expanded role for the Federal Reserve Bank.  The Federal Reserve Bank is an independent private bank created by Congress in 1913.  This paper will present a critical review of the proposed expanded powers for the Federal Reserve Bank.
Tolerance Of Intellectual Property Theft
Authors: Settle Robert B. , Passyn Kirsten A. , Diriker Memo , DiBartolo Gerard R.
Published: February 2016

A survey of the public tested the proposition that the degree to which theft is tolerable or reprehensible is significantly determined by whether the owner/victim is or is not directly deprived by the theft. Respondents registered their degree of condemnation of theft of physical goods from an individual and from a company, as well as theft of physical property and of intellectual property by copying the content. The findings indicate that theft of physical, personal property is regarded as significantly more reprehensible than either theft of physical goods from a non-personal owner or theft of intellectual property by copying content.
Determinants Of Financial And Retirement Planning: A Female Perspective
Authors: Malhotra Naveen , Witt Maureen
Published: February 2016

The good news is that only 6% of senior citizens in the United States live in poverty, however, the bad news is that 75% of seniors in poverty are women. The challenge for women is to develop an investment plan that will enable them to reach financial freedom by the time they are ready to enjoy retirement.  Early recognition of obstacles due to gender-differences is the first step towards financial nirvana.  Women need to understand that the best way to achieve their goals is by taking an active role in the financial planning process at an early age and staying the course.  The numerous financial education resources available can help women gain confidence to empower themselves to face the challenges of retirement planning with a renewed vigor.
Life Insurance Retirement Plans For High Income Individuals
Authors: Fryar, Jr. Johnny , Drucker Meyer
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of using life insurance retirement plans for high net worth individuals.  Though the advent of financial economics and simulations like Monte Carlo have introduced empirical data to financial planning, most advances are invented, developed, and later copied from the practices of leading advisors.  These advisors come from several different areas of focus using their expertise to solve the financial problems of their clients.  With methodologies coming from estate/tax attorneys, CPAs, risk management specialists, registered representatives/advisors, and CFPs the path to personal and intergenerational prosperity is not a clear one. As a result, financial planning has developed as more of an art form than a science.  The intent of this paper is to bring a controversial, but in certain cases effective, financial instrument to the discussion of financial planning.
Capturing The Financial Benefits Of Electronic Medical Record Investments In The Small Medical Practice
Authors: Spruell James , Vicknair David , Dochterman Sylvia
Published: February 2016

This study examines the challenges faced by the small medical practice (1-2 providers) in capturing the financial benefits of investing in Electronic Medical Records (EMR). In particular the paper focuses on three key elements of the process: (A) A theoretical framework that explores the underlying principles that drive the variation in benefit capture and ROI associated with EMR investments; (B) The risk to reward levels that set an appropriate cost of capital for investments of this type; and (C) An understanding (and limit) of financial exposure during EMR projects.
Lessons From The Current Financial Crisis: Should Credit Rating Agencies Be Re-Structured?
Authors: Wolfson Josh , Crawford Corinne
Published: February 2016

Credit rating agencies are considered the gatekeepers to the financial markets; however, these agencies have come under increasing attack in the past few years by investors, regulators and the business community.  The United States Senate has accused the credit rating agencies of flawed methodology, weak oversight by regulators, conflicts of interest and a total lack of transparency.  The Senate review concluded that the problems with the credit rating agencies were responsible for contributing to the housing bubble by awarding AAA ratings to complex, unsafe asset backed securities and other derivatives, thereby magnifying the financial shock when the housing bubble finally burst. In this article, we will explore how the credit rating agencies obtained, and, as many feel, misused their power.  In addition, we will outline currently proposed legislative and regulatory solutions.
A Risky Mode Of Foreign Market Entry: International Portfolio Investments
Authors: Yuksel Ulku , Yuksel-Mermod Asli
Published: February 2016

There are various forms of entrance into foreign markets, varying in magnitude and direction of risks which may endanger either the investor or the host country. Some of the foreign market entry modes involve just financial investments with almost no risks, such as international portfolio investments, whilst others require an additional commitment from the investor’s part. This two-fold investment style; that is, money only versus money plus varied amounts of dedication, makes up the magnitude of the risk involved. While the former (money on shares only) may be considered unconventional, the latter (i.e., money plus commitment) entails traditional modes of foreign market entry. This study examines international portfolio investments, also called hot money, as a viable and unconventional foreign market entry alternative, triggered by the forces of globalization. Accordingly, the authors’ point of view indicates a departure from conventional foreign market entry mode literature and draws on the resource based view (RBV) and eclectic theory of internationalization.
Operating Cash Flows, Cash Recovery Rates And Internal Rates Of Return
Authors: Andrews Christine , Rue Joseph C. , Volkan Ara
Published: February 2016

Investors depend on financial reporting to assess the amounts and timing of future cash flows. Unfortunately, the historical cost basis may not provide sufficient information to judge future cash flows. The Financial Accounting Standards Board argues that the market price of common stock incorporates the market estimate of discounted future cash flows. This paper illustrates the calculation of operating cash flow on a per share (CFPS) basis and measures a firm’s internal rate of return by dividing the CFPS by the beginning of the year stock price reported by the Dow Jones Industrials. Although this measure may be affected by other market events, we believe it has potential information content and may provide investors with a tool to value stocks.
Strategic Alliances & Customer Impact: A Case Study Of Community Hospitals
Authors: McSweeney-Feld Mary Helen , Discenza Suzanne , De Feis George L.
Published: February 2016

A strategic alliance (SA) is a mutually beneficial long-term formal relationship formed between two or more parties to pursue a set of agreed upon goals or to meet a critical business need while remaining independent organizations.  It is a synergistic arrangement whereby two or more organizations agree to cooperate in the carrying out of a business activity where each brings different strengths and capabilities to the arrangement.  The social structure of alliances has been considered previously (Gulati 1995, et al.), so instead of discussing the social structure relative to alliance partners, this paper looks at the relationship between the dyad alliance entity and its customer(s).  This newer aspect is particularly important when there are differences in trust and culture to consider (Das & Teng 1998) between alliance partners.  Other considerations include authority, governance and structure, conflict, and the make-up of the strategic alliance, its partners, and the customer(s). 