bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thai Tourist Commitment And Loyalty To Travel By Sea
Authors: Gulid Nak
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this research is to study factors influencing Thai tourist loyalty concerning travel by sea to create a competitive advantage and value added to seaside attractions. This research employs quantitative analysis. The researcher collected data by interviewing 440 Thai tourists in three seaside locations: Pattaya, Hua-Hin and Samed. The results show that the majority of respondents are female, aged between 25 and 34 years old. They are a) single with bachelor degrees, b) employed in the private sector with monthly incomes over THB25,001 and c) resident in Bangkok. The results of testing the hypotheses are as follows: 1. The developed structural equation model of attitudinal loyalty towards seaside attractions in Pattaya was congruent with empirical data as the criterion as follows: (?2 = 486.091, df = 174, GFI = .909, AGFI = .879, RMSEA = .064, RMR = .063 and CFI = .960). Factors influencing loyalty towards seaside attractions in Pattaya, include the following: a) affective commitment showed the highest level of direct influence = .688 and b) continuance commitment with direct influence = .328 with statistical significance at the .001 level. Satisfaction with seaside attractions has an indirect influence equal to .743 with statistical significance at the .001 level. 2. The developed structural equation model of attitudinal loyalty towards seaside attractions in Hua-Hin, as developed by the researcher, includes goodness of fit with empirical data (?2 =472.086, df = 173, GFI = .909, AGFI = .878, RMSEA = .063, RMR = .072 and CFI = .952). Affective commitment has a direct influence on attitudinal loyalty = .724, followed by continuance commitment = .276 with statistical significance at the .001 level. Satisfaction with seaside attractions has an indirect influence equal to .570 with statistical significance at the .001 level. 3. The developed structural equation model of attitudinal loyalty towards seaside attractions in Samed is congruent with empirical data (?2 = 503.853, df = 172, GFI = .900, AGFI = .866, RMSEA = .066, RMR = .080 and CFI = .953). Affective commitment shows a level of direct influence = .646, followed by continuance commitment = .328 with statistical significance at the .001 level. Satisfaction with seaside attractions has an indirect influence =.547 with statistical significance at the .001 level.
Management Guidelines For Universal Quality Challenges Across The Focus Group Research Process
Authors: Dube Busani , Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Van Tonder Estelle
Published: February 2016

The general misuse of the focus group method may have quality implications for decision-making processes of organisations across the industry spectrum and for further research. To assist in addressing the problem, this study sought to uncover the challenges that impede the quality of the focus group research process and develop a set of management guidelines for redress by stakeholder organisations. The population of interest for the study consisted of all South African organisations that supply or use marketing research information generated through the use of focus groups. The empirical part of the research study comprised of both a qualitative and a quantitative phase. A CATI approach was used for data collection and the research method employed for the study was a questionnaire survey. An ordinal, 5-point Likert scale was used to measure the responses in the study. The Pearson chi-square test was also employed to compare the research quality perceptions of research suppliers and users within the focus group process. The findings revealed numerous instances of similarities between research suppliers and users regarding their views on focus group research and the quality challenges thereof. Following the research findings, a number of management guidelines were developed that research practitioners could employ to improve the standard of focus group research in South Africa.
International Equity Markets Co-movements And Contagion: A Novel Perspective
Authors: Kaabia Olfa
Published: February 2016

Our paper conducts an asset pricing perspective to investigate OECD equity markets co-movements and contagion during different crises. The paper aims at distinguishing between changes in cross-markets linkages during a crisis, on the one hand, and strong but stable cross-markets linkages and permanent shifts in these linkages, on the other hand. Our empirical setting relies on the three factor model of Bekeart and al. (2005, 2011) and differs by testing the co-movements in their double dimensions: interdependence and contagion during the Asian, the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) and the Global Financial crises in different regions. Our results highlight the existence of cross-sectional patterns both in regional and USA market correlations with OECD equity markets. Evidence of contagion exists during the ERM and the Global Financial crisis, but no contagion caused by the Asian crisis. Our findings lead to an international diversification opportunity and suggest that contagion effects are not strongly related to high levels of global integration.
An Investigation Of The Relation Between Corporate Governance And Liquidity: Empirical Evidence From France
Authors: Karmani Majdi , Ajina Aymen , Boussaada Rym
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the impact of corporate governance effectiveness on the market stock liquidity. It is innovative, since we study, on an order driven market, the global effect of corporate governance and the effect of specific governance sub-indexes. Drawing on a sample of 287 French firms from 2007 to 2012, we find that corporate governance is a significant determinant of stock liquidity. Indeed, companies with an effective corporate governance have a narrower spreads. Thats mean that corporate governance may alleviate information asymmetry and improve the market stock liquidity of French companies. Our results are remarkably robust to other set of measures of liquidity as the effective spread measure and illiquidity ratio. These results suggest that firms may improve stock market liquidity by adopting best practices of corporate governance that mitigate informational asymmetries.
International Diversification, Corporate Social Responsibility, And Corporate Governance: Evidence From Korea
Authors: Cho Eunho , Chun Sungbin , Choi Donseung
Published: February 2016

We examine how multinational corporations (MNC) international diversification (ID) is related to their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the domestic market. We also investigate whether corporate governance, specifically the conglomerate (chaebol) structure, affects the relationship between ID and CSR activities in the domestic market. We perform empirical analysis using a sample of 606 firm-year observations of Korean-listed manufacturing MNCs from 2005 to 2010. We find that ID is negatively associated with CSR, and that this relationship is stronger for chaebol firms. These results are robust after controlling for various factors that affect measurements of ID. Our findings suggest that ID related to market diversification through exports and foreign affiliates appears to push MNCs to perform fewer CSR activities in the domestic market. Our findings also indicate that the effect of chaebol firms on the relationship between ID and CSR is greater than that of non-chaebol firms in Korean market. Our study contributes to the ID and CSR literature as the first study to provide empirical evidence on the association between ID and CSR activities in the domestic market for Korean firms using three aspects of ID measurement. Given that empirical evidence on this issue is very limited, our findings have implications for academics, practitioners, and policymakers in understanding the relationship between ID and CSR strategy.
Functional Characteristics Of Banking Websites And Customer Loyalty: The Mediating Role Of Online Trust
Authors: Berraies Sarra , Chtioui Rached , Yahia Karim Ben
Published: February 2016

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between the websites functional characteristics, online trust and customer loyalty in banking sector. Our research required the testing of twelve hypotheses with a sample of 286 Tunisian banks customers. The data were analyzed by structural equations modeling using the AMOS software. The results of our research highlighted the significant and positive effect of the websites functional characteristics on online trust among customers, which in turn has been proven to be a key driver of their loyalty to their banks. Our study pointed also the mediation role played by online trust between websites functional characteristics and customer loyalty.
Organizational Behaviour: Exploring The Relationship Between Ethical Climate, Self-Efficacy And Hope
Authors: Swanepoel Sonia , Botha Petrus , Rose-Innes Rusty
Published: February 2016

This article explicates the extent to which ethical climate, self-efficacy and hope are related. The objective of the study was to determine if a relationship exist between ethical climate, hope and self-efficacy. The relationship between these constructs has not been researched previously. This research will add to the body of knowledge. Three questionnaires, namely Victor and Cullens Ethical Climate Questionnaire (ECQ) (1987), the State Hope Scale (SHS) developed by Snyder, Sympson, Ybasco, Borders, Babyak and Higgins (1996), and the Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) of Sherer, Maddux, Mercandante, Prentice-Dunn, Jacobs and Rogers (1982), were combined into one questionnaire and used to measure 97 participants responses. Various sources were compared using the Grounded Theory (GT) method. Descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistics were applied to determine the relationship between ethical climate, hope and self-efficacy. The Bravais-Pearson product-moment-correlation denotes a significant relationship between the ECQ, SHS and SES. The results demonstrate the plausibility of the integrated organizational behaviour model, which provides a new perspective on the influence of hope and self-efficacy on ethical climate.
Financing Human Capital Development By Increasing The Minimum Wage: Evidence From Canada
Authors: Askari Mahmoud Yousef
Published: February 2016

This study provides empirical evidence that using the minimum wage as a tool to generate extra taxes to establish a fully publically-funded higher education system is a harmless approach to boost funding for human capital development without changing governments spending priorities or raising current tax rates. The paper proposes a method to finance human capital development through higher education by generating more income taxes from a higher minimum wage and through an effective link of the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Canada. The paper also argues that indexed minimum wage adjustments will help in fighting poverty, maintain an acceptable living standard for minimum wage workers, reduce dependence on government subsidies, and make-work more attractive. The paper concludes that using minimum wage adjustments as a tool to generate tax revenues and fund higher education could be an effective fiscal tool and could be considered a safe political instrument.
The Behavior Of The Bank Repurchase Agreement Market: 1981-1983
Authors: Kutner George W.
Published: February 2016

This paper investigates the bank repurchase agreement (repo) market over the period 1981 to 1983. Individual bank repo rates were, on average, 200 basis points less than the closely related federal funds rate. The effects of the Drysdale Securities, Penn Square, and Lombard-Wall failures were investigated. Although no immediate effect was found, repo rates did increase 100 basis points relative to the federal funds rate approximately six months after the first such incident and immediately following the October, 1983 change in monetary policy.
Strategic Planning For Churches
Authors: Armitage Jack
Published: February 2016

In recent years the field of strategic planning has expanded greatly, but very little has dealt with strategic planning for churches. The purpose of this paper is to examine strategic planning at the local church level. A business and church comparison is made identifying the similarities and differences between these two organizational forms and a strategic planning process that can be implements by a local church is presented.
An Uncommon Source Of Financing May Precipitate New Disclosure Requirements
Authors: Schiff Jonathan B.
Published: February 2016

Large and small holding companies have been raising large amounts of cash by selling off portions of subsidiaries to an eager investing public, according to recent reports in the financial media. Reintroducing a technique made popular in the late 1960s known as carving out subsidiaries, corporations are tapping an uncommon source of financing-their equity in wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Entry Prevention Through Strategic Capacity Expansion And Pricing
Authors: Rosenbaum David I.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, market and cost data from the titanium dioxide industry are used to analyze firm limit pricing. One firm in that industry had a cost-reducing technological advantage over all others. By strategically expanding its own capacity, this firm could have established an equilibrium market price or limit price that would have prevented its rivals from expanding. The method of achieving this goal and the methods feasibility are discussed.
The Regulatory History Of Business Combinations
Authors: Sanborn Robert H.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the legal and accounting history of business combinations. The economic development of guidelines governing current combinations is traced through legislation, court precedents, political events, recording methods, and accounting pronouncements. This examination indicates that the consistently applied accounting principles have been the only unchanged environmental factor during the current round of business combinations. Although the accuracy of the accounting principles in describing economic events cannot be claimed as a harbinger of merger activity, the consistency of those rules would seem, at least, to be a stimulant to merger activity.
The Use Of Duration In Economic Loss Cases
Authors: Davis Harry M.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of duration to legal cases involving economic loss. To determine the economic loss, future cash flow payments must be discounted at the rate on long-term bonds. Unfortunately, this rate does not eliminate the reinvestment risk associated with the different maturity structure of the long-term government bond and the time period of economic loss. The application of duration to the procedure of determining the value of economic loss will eliminate the distortion caused by reinvestment risk.
On The Day Of The Week Effect: An Examination Of Intraday Prices For The S&P 500 Futures Contract
Authors: Sweeney Robert J.
Published: February 2016

Research into the day of the week effect focuses on systematic price movements from close to close in the cash market and from settle to settle in the futures markets. This research investigates the day of the week effect using a variety of intraday data in determining price movements. The following results demonstrate that the conclusions from day of the week effect research predicate on the measurement interval and may, therefore, be spurious.
The Impact Of Static Core Values On O.D. Theory And Practice
Authors: Margulies Newton , Krull Amy
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to make an assessment of the field as it currently stands in order to raise the level of awareness of those directly involved with OD (organizational development). To achieve this, our analysis will demonstrate that an important aspect of OD seems to be excluded from the body of critical literature, i.e., the impact of static core values on ODs ability to change.
Isolating Instability In Money Supply Forecasts
Authors: Brocato Joe , Smith Kenneth L.
Published: February 2016

Previous studies present conflicting evidence on the rationality and efficiency of weekly money supply forecasts. Many studies have found that these forecasts meet the criteria of the Rational Expectations Hypothesis of unbiasedness, efficiency, and consistency. However, other research has found biasedness in the 1979-1982 period. We utilize a battery of tests to assess these criteria for money market survey data from September 1977 through October 1984. By breaking the available data set into six month subperiods we identify the 1980-1981 period as one of market turbulence producing biased and inefficient money supply forecasts. This evidence is supported by employing the Brown-Durbin-Evans cusum of squares statistic. A plot of his statistic indicates structural instability in the relationships tested in 1980. Factors which may have contributed to this turbulence in 1980 were the Federal Reserves shift from an interest rate target to an M1 target in late 1979, the Monetary Control Act of 1980, the imposition of credit controls in 1980, and the volatility in the velocity of M1 in 1980-1981. Importantly, even though the U.S. monetary environment remained turbulent over the 1979-1982 period, our results show the weekly forecasts of money market dealers reachieving statistical rationality after 1980.
Impact Of The Tax Reform Act Of 1986 On The Housing Industry
Authors: Clute Ronald C. , Holdren Don P. , Moody George E.
Published: February 2016

The focus of this paper is on the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The provisions of this act are reviewed as they apply to real estate both in the single family and the multi-family housing areas to determine the economic impact and policy implications in the housing industry. Much of the information for this report was derived from testimony submitted in 1985 to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Ways and Means Committee. It includes such sources as the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of Realtors, and the National Multi-Housing Council.
The Financing Of Current Assets By U.S. Corporations: Some New Evidence
Authors: Kleiman Robert T. , Shulman Joel M.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the working capital policies of U.S. corporations by analyzing the responses of 113 Chief Financial Officers to a 20 item questionnaire. The results of this survey indicate that most companies do not employ the matching principle in financing their current assets requirements. Instead, the majority of respondents indicated that their firms followed an aggressive approach, which may increase the financial risk of the firm. Cross-tabulations suggested a number of explanations for this practice, including the lower cost of short-term debt and the ease of negotiating/renegotiating short-term debt.
Electronic Funds Transfer Systems: An Empirical Analysis Of User Interests
Authors: Eckrich Donald W. , Moore James R. , Bhasin Vijay
Published: February 2016

Electronic Funds Transferring Systems have imposed a new dimension on bank marketing decision makers. An industry-wide trend toward greater automation in bank operating systems has not been as favorable received by consumers as first anticipated. Thus, as a first step toward improved decision making in the banking industry, the bank marketing function must be considered. A large innovating Midwestern consumer bank became the first in a 70 mile radius to implement a 24-Hour EFTS service. A total of 1728 users of this EFTS service provided the basis for this research to further explore consumer transaction interests and values attached to select service attributes.
Market Utilization Of Price Adjusted Earnings
Authors: Cheng Joseph M.
Published: February 2016

The degree of market utilization of price adjusted earnings is examined in this paper by constructing a statistical model which estimates the market weights or the degrees of emphasis which the market places on current cost and constant dollar earnings. The market weights for these price adjusted earnings are found to be significant at the 99% level, implying that the market does utilize current cost and constant dollar data in assessing the values of firms.
The Possibility Of Zero Industry By Adopting Japanese Production Line Methods
Authors: Kurtulus Ibrahim
Published: February 2016

The paper comments on the possible mistakes that an executive can make in applying Japanese production line methods in USA. The differences in the two cultures, the geographic proximity of Japanese firms to each other versus our own geographic dimensions and industrial heritage are discussed. Just-in-time production philosophy and the Kanban system are analyzed from the perspective of what it will require in USA to implement them successfully. Performance of MRP and order point inventory control systems are also discussed. Paper ends with a summary of what would happen if MRP is implemented when conditions required for a successful implementation of a just-in-time system are satisfied.
The Impact Of Defeasance On Bond Prices
Authors: Seifert James A. , Mielke David E.
Published: February 2016

This study reports on the financial markets reaction to the defeasance of corporate debt and whether the market perceives a changes in risk as a result of this activity. The prices of seventeen bonds both before and after defeasance were analyzed using t-tests to determine if any significant price changes related to the act of defeasance occurred between these two time periods. Contrary to what might be expected no significant differences were found.
The Small Business As A Community Communications Center
Authors: Ward William A. , Gomokla Eugene G.
Published: February 2016

This paper explores the community communications function of small businesses, a role which has not been previously explored. A case study details the impact which a small business can have in its community, and points to a model for future study.
What U.S. Businesses Can Learn From Political Marketing
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Nicholas , Holbrook Morris B.
Published: February 2016

Political marketers might have something to each those who promote commercial products with some of the same characteristics.
Extraction Of Information From Predictive Statements Of Federal Tax Leaders
Authors: Hopkins Debra M. , Hopkins Raymond F.
Published: February 2016

Past studies indicate numeric data contains information. This study focuses on extraction of information from language, a critical feature in taxation, since tax law is usually conveyed in nonnumeric formats. Respondents differing in tax education levels were tested on ability to extract information from tax leaders predictive statements. Non-tax students found all statement significant. Tax students and professionals attached significance only to directly quoted statements.
Managerial Decisions, Internal Organization Structure, And Agency Considerations
Authors: Tsetsekos George
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with issues related to productive inefficiencies that occur at a divisional level of a multinational firm. More specifically, the paper introduces an additional consideration in the agency relationship, namely, the internal organization structure. It is argued that the internal organization structure imposes restrictions on the behavior of divisional managers resulting in financial decisions characterized by short-term orientation and risk aversion. These suboptimal financial decisions generate organizational costs, called managerial regulatory costs, which should be distinguished from agency-type costs.
Applying An Opportunity Cost General Rule For Transfer Pricing
Authors: Benke, Jr. Ralph L.
Published: February 2016

Many different rules, procedures, and techniques have been proposed for determining transfer prices. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an opportunity cost general rule for transfer pricing can be applied in several types of economic markets.
Competition In A Regulatory Environment
Authors: Fuhr, Jr. Joseph P.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the difficulty which exists in allowing competition in a regulatory environment. We examine how AT&T formerly was able to use the regulatory process as a barrier to entry in the long distance and terminal equipment market but how presently the regulatory process is putting AT&T at a competitive disadvantage in the long distance market.
An Efficient Algorithm For Calculating Yields And Durations
Authors: Hawley Delvin D. , Johnson Larry J.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an algorithm for the computation of yields (or internal rates of return) which offers several important advantages over traditional computational algorithms. The method described here is extremely efficient in zeroing in on the correct discount rate or yield in a remarkably small number of iterations. It is particularly useful in the calculation of internal rates of return for projects with erratic cash flows.
The Convergence Of Economic And Accounting Concepts Of Income
Authors: Fellows James A.
Published: February 2016

One of the most disputed areas of contention between professional accountants and economic theorists is the divergence between their respective definitions of income. Generally, an economist views any accretion to net worth as income, while the accountant defines income to include only those increases in net worth that result from a realization event, i.e., a sale or exchange. Recently, however, the professional accounting community has begun an attempt to redefine its own measure of income. The following article reviews the controversy, as well as analyzing the struggle for a new measure of accounting income.
The Pricing And Competitive Strategies Of U.S. Airlines
Authors: Douglas Evan J.
Published: February 2016

This paper argues that price competition is inevitable in the airline markets because passenger air service is a search good. For the same reason, the optimal long run competitive strategy for the airlines is cost leadership, although qualitative advantages should be exploited by a differentiation strategy in the short run. The airlines have devised a variety of creative pricing strategies which are analyzed for their economic content.
Discriminant Analysis: Applications In Finance
Authors: Bramhandkar Alka J.
Published: February 2016

This paper begins by defining and briefly explaining what discriminant analysis is. After noting the advantages and drawbacks of this statistical technique which is very similar to the regression analysis, the paper summarizes a number of important studies reported in the finance area during the last twenty years, using this technique. Some of the interesting efforts involve prediction of corporate bankruptcies, identification of conglomerate targets, prediction of bond rating, etc. The majority of the studies have relied on discriminant analysis to classify firms into two distinct groups. Few studies (e.g., studies on bond ratings) have used multiple discriminant analysis to identify more than two groups. Varying levels of accurate classification rates are reported depending on how the matched group was selected and which statistical procedures were used to select the independent, explanatory variables.
Business Opportunities In The Elderly Consumer Market
Authors: Davis Brian
Published: February 2016

The elderly market has received increased attention in recent years as the business community recognizes the size and buying power of this group. The diversity of the elderly population poses challenges for managers who wish to develop an understanding of this unique consumer group. A segmentation perspective is offered as a means to integrate divergent research findings by considering retail patronage motives of three groups of older shoppers. Recommendations are suggested to guide retail marketing efforts aimed at each of these segments.
Target Marketing To Newscast Audiences: An Exploratory Segmentation Analysis
Authors: Granzin Kent L. , Valentin E. K.
Published: February 2016

To evaluate the efficacy of any television show as an advertising vehicle or the effectiveness of sponsors promotional messages, managerially useful ways of depicting audience segments must be found. Results from this exploratory investigation into characterizations of audiences of locally-produced news programs suggest sponsors should consider measures of viewers interests, opinions, and behaviors, as well as receptivity to various program attributes. Viewing behavior patterns also may be informative. But demographics, despite their popularity, seem of little value.
Occupational Stress And The Gender Gap: An Issue Of Control?
Authors: Ryland Elisabeth , Levy Steve
Published: February 2016

This study examined gender differences in reported stress levels among 245 employees occupying similar Positions. Male employees reported significantly lower stress levels than did female employees. Among females, but not among males, stress levels were related to the Desire for Control. The results suggest that low control constitutes a particular stress factor for women.
Evolving American Investing Attitudes: The Hybrid Shift In Mutual Fund Distribution
Authors: Fitzpatrick Brian D. , McWilliams Ethan , Vicknair David B.
Published: February 2016

This paper studies the dramatic evolution in the way American investors choose to invest in the mutual fund industry. The industrys change from direct-to-shareholder model to a third-party distribution model is discussed, as well as the implications for future mutual fund investors. Ever since the first recorded asset and debt managers arose in the 14th and 15th centuries in Europe, investing has grown into a tug-and-pull type of system that the human mind seems drawn to. The way that Americans choose to invest their money is changing as we enter the 21st century and the new methods and procedures are having a greater impact than many of us realize. In the U.S., trillions of dollars each year are invested in mutual funds, but more and more investors are taking a less-involved route by allowing financial analysts to choose where their money is invested. In the following pages, we will take a closer look at the mutual fund market and its basic components, the ways that mutual funds have been viewed and traded in the past, and the revolutionary changes that are happening right under our noses that the average American may not even be aware of. With the help of many credible sources, such as the Investment Company Institute, Reflow Investments LLC, and the Financial Planning Journal, the change from direct-to-shareholder mutual fund distribution to third-party intermediary distribution will be explained and the effects these changes has on the average investor will be explored.
Renegotiation Of Waste Disposal Services In Key West, Florida
Authors: Mannix Annalise , Candy Val , Forrer Donald A.
Published: February 2016

Effective planning of a solid waste recycling program is a substantial challenge for the current waste management system in Key West, Florida. Solid waste management strategies have to be reorganized in light of the social and economic recycling, recovery, and reuse philosophical approaches which are dramatically changing consumer behaviors across the globe. The growing concern for environmental issues and the goal of local sustainable development have moved the management of solid waste to the forefront of the public agenda. This paper focuses on efforts to agree upon a city-wide initiative to increase waste diversion within the prevailing political, environmental, and economic climate in which waste disposal activities had dominated the market. It discusses how the traditional two-party solid waste hauling contract was altered by the addition of outside third-party interests forcing a multi-party negotiation processes.
Are Your Personal Financial Characteristics Healthy?
Authors: Yates Dan , Ward Chris
Published: February 2016

This study set out to discover the key personal financial areas or personal financial characteristics that individuals should have a basic knowledge of as well as their ability to manage their personal finances. Once these areas were determined, a self-assessment survey was created. Upon completion of the survey, a total score can be determined to assess ones degree of personal financial healthiness. The study is important because the instrument can help identify problems areas that people have in managing their own personal finances. The self-assessment survey could be used by financial planners or financial counselors as they work with clients in becoming better stewards of their financial resources. The instrument also provides an action planning area to be used to identify areas for improvement.
Automotive Bolts Tightening Analysis using Contact Stress Simulation: Developing An Optimal CAE Design Approach Model
Authors: Onodera Takehiro , Amasaka Kakuro
Published: February 2016

In recent years, enhancing computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis is the most pressing issue facing companies seeking to implement development design that results in high quality and shortened delivery times. This paper presents an Optimal CAE Design Approach Model that can be used to reform the business processes associated with development design. The model consists of the following steps: (1) defining the problem, (2) conducting prototype testing, (3) visualizing the problem, (4) employing the CAE technological element analysis model, (5) conducting a two-dimensional CAE analysis, (6) conducting a three-dimensional CAE analysis, (7) carrying out a predictive evaluation, (8) optimizing the design, and (9) verifying the results. As a specific application for this process, the authors focused on the ongoing problem of bolt loosening at automakers, using the model to explain the loosening mechanism by analyzing the contact stress at the bearing surfaces in bolted parts and gain new knowledge.
Advertising Budget And Sales Paths Under The Dynamics Of The Student Work Control Problem And Regularity Requirements
Authors: Hibshoosh Aharon
Published: February 2016

Consider a firm promoting a product in a fast expanding industry by using advertising as its single promotional tool. The firms objective is to minimize the overall cost of advertising necessary for reaching certain target sales of the product by the end of a given planning period. We adopt the Student Work Control problem (SWC) framework for modeling this marketing context, in general, and the advertising-sales response function, in particular. We compare the SWCs optimal control budgeting principle with the solutions of equally effective, alternative advertising budgeting principles, which require strong regularity conditions on the path of either the advertising outlays or sales. In contrast to the other principles, SWCs optimal sales path is highly convex to the point that the firm may deliberately accept decreasing sales at the earliest periods. However, its optimal solution requires the firm to advertise in every period and to continue to accelerate its advertising outlays. The resulting Advertising Sales Response function, too, may therefore have a convex section with declining sales, a finding contributing to an optimization-driven explanation of threshold in advertising effect on sales.
A Model Of Cournot Competition With Lobbying
Authors: Wachsman Yoav , Zhou Jie
Published: February 2016

Lobbyingplays an integral part in the American political process. This paper utilizesgame theory to examine the lobbying efforts of a duopoly that is competing fora government contract. We first examine a model with a general probabilityfunction and then solve a model with a specific probability function. We findthat if the probability function is concave, then there exists a globally-stableNash-Cournot equilibrium. Furthermore, total lobbying will increase with thesize of the contract and the ease in which policymakers can be influenced andis likely to decrease with an increase in one of the firms costs.
Is Corporate Disclosure Behavior Really Sticky?
Authors: Yang Jing-Wen
Published: February 2016

This study examines whether corporatedisclosure behavior is sticky and if so, why. From the Company IssuedGuidance database created by Thompson First Call, 1,085 firm-years in which afirm skips a year of earnings forecast are identified. Based on a logit analysis, three potentialreasons for that skip are explored: 1) the company missed its earnings targetin the prior year, 2) they experienced more earnings volatility than expected, and3) they received incoming bad news. The results show that a firm is morelikely to skip if it missed its earnings target by a large margin in the prioryear. The results also suggest that thisoccurs in cases where a firm experiences higher earnings volatility. Incoming bad news is not a factor.
Does Fiscal Stimulus Stimulate?
Authors: Benabess Najiba
Published: February 2016

The recession of 2008-2009 - one of the longest and deepest since the Great Depression - has made the effectiveness of fiscal stimulus packages one of the most prominent policy debates in economics today. These packages typically attempt to smooth out business cycle fluctuations through a combination of increased government purchases of goods and services and tax cuts. Unfortunately, the existing empirical evidence on the size of the spending multiplier is limited. This paper investigates the impact of changes in personal income on consumers spending. The result is that the spending multiplier shrunk. This paper shows that consumers are less responsive to an increase in their disposable income and, in turn, it makes the fiscal stimulus programs less effective and therefore creates slow recovery. This paper can provide a useful benchmark in thinking about the design and effectiveness of fiscal stimulus program.
The Task Scheduling Problem: A NeuroGenetic Approach
Authors: Agarwal Anurag , Colak Selcuk , Deane Jason , Rakes Terry
Published: February 2016

This paper addresses the task scheduling problem which involves minimizing the makespan in scheduling n tasks on m machines (resources) where the tasks follow a precedence relation and preemption is not allowed. The machines (resources) are all identical and a task needs only one machine for processing. Like most scheduling problems, this one is NP-hard in nature, making it difficult to find exact solutions for larger problems in reasonable computational time. Heuristic and metaheuristic approaches are therefore needed to solve this type of problem. This paper proposes a metaheuristic approach - called NeuroGenetic - which is a combination of an augmented neural network and a genetic algorithm. The augmented neural network approach is itself a hybrid of a heuristic approach and a neural network approach. The NeuroGenetic approach is tested against some popular test problems from the literature, and the results indicate that the NeuroGenetic approach performs significantly better than either the augmented neural network or the genetic algorithms alone.
New Accounting Guidance For Business Combinations
Authors: McConnell Allen W. , Cox Bill D. , Elsea John E.
Published: February 2016

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 Business Combinations in June 2001.  SFAS 141 supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 16 Business Combinations and SFAS No. 38 Accounting for Preacquisition Contingencies of Purchased Enterprises.  APB Opinion 16 created two acceptable methods of accounting for a business combination, the purchase and the pooling of interests methods.  These two different methods often resulted in very different financial results for economically similar transactions.
The Gendered Construction of Interpersonal Power in Political Office
Authors: Kimmel Sara Beth , Miller Lane Chasteen , Butler David , Grubbs M. Ray , Olson Shirley , Phelps Ray , Ryan Maureen , Semko Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

This study examines the use of interpersonal power by women in elected political positions. Power relationships, access to power, and the way in which power is perceived and wielded, are heavily influenced by the individuals gender schema. Gender schema, by nature of its social construction and reliance on individual cognition, is influenced by the power relationships that the individual engages in. At the hub of the schemas attempt to evaluate and organize information are interaction and the reinforcing power that is achieved through social acceptance of the individual. The basis of interaction, then, becomes the gender appropriate use of power. The analyses of data test a single hypothesis: H1: Female and male political leaders will differ in their uses of interpersonal power. Strong support is seen in the findings for the gendered construction of interpersonal power in political office. The differences between males and females identified in the findings indicate that females receive different information than males about the acceptability of their roles and that females both process information differently from males and employ different sources and levels of interpersonal power to achieve their goals. Males are more likely to rely on both coercion and expert power, while females are more likely to rely on connection power, the power of important relationships. This reliance on social network suggests a direct linkage between gender and the formation of interpersonal power.
Enhancing The Effectiveness Of HR Through The Integration Of IT
Authors: Ramlall Sunil J.
Published: February 2016

There is little doubt that technology is reshaping the way business in conducted in todays society. The goal of a business remains as an organized effort of individuals to produce and sell, for a profit, products and services that satisfy societys needs, but with greater utilization of technology to effectively compete in the global economy. Given the shift, this paper examines the relationship between Human Resource (HR) and Information Technology (IT) and their convergence in creating and sustaining competitive advantages. The paper addresses the major aspects of the HR function and how IT can be integrated in creating value for the organization.
Structure Of Demand And Equilibrium In Oligopolistic Models With Piecewise Quadratic Cost Functions
Authors: Kalashnikova Natalia I.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we consider an oligopolistic model with conjectures concerning the price variations depending upon the agents production increase or increase. By introducing the notion of an interior stable equilibrium, we analyze the behavior of groups of consumers with different consumption abilities. The proposed techniques allow us to make a qualitative description of dependence of the market price upon the active demand component.
Women Working in the IT Industry: Challenges for the New Millennium
Authors: Von Hellens Liisa , Nielsen Sue , Beekhuyzen Jenine
Published: February 2016

Despite increased female participation in the workforce, including some non traditional areas such as law and medicine, female participation in the Information Technology (IT) industry is declining. A longitudinal study (WinIT) commenced in 1995 has explored Australian students and working womens perceptions and experiences, and the factors which have influenced them to enter and persist in the IT field. This paper reviews recent research and describes the latest results from the authors' study of professional women in the Australian IT industry, focusing on the contradictions in the way that women represent their experiences. These contradictions indicate that polarised views of gender in the IT workforce are being undermined, but also that IT personnel have difficulty reconciling their personal and work lives and coping with the rapid rate of change in the industry. The implications for human resources management in the volatile IT industry as well as some possible solutions to the problem are also discussed.
Internet Security And The Tragedy Of The Commons
Authors: Rose Chris , Gordon Jean
Published: February 2016

The size, complexity and growth of the Internet have caused numerous security problems for the average user because of the seemingly insurmountable task of securing their computers. Internet security has traditionally been thought of as requiring formal security solutions such as cryptography, firewalls and prescribed security models, but in fact most Internet security problems continue to be caused by users of the system who have no incentive to modify their behavior. Internet security is a shared resource and as such it is affected by the tragedy of the commons whereby inactions by some users cause their computers to consume more Internet resources and this causes further deterioration of the network. For example, why should the rest of the Internet continue to suffer because some users have yet to patch their computers from the Code Red worm of many years ago? We propose that the cost of Internet security should be the responsibility of the individual users and a sum of money should be held in deposit for every user of the Internet before they are allowed to join the network and this should be forfeited if inaction from these users then cause network degradation.
Maturing Capitalism And Economic Stabilization: International Evidence
Authors: Chauvet Marcelle , Popli Gurleen K.
Published: February 2016

Recent literature has found that the US business cycle has experienced a substantial decrease in volatility since the mid-1980s. Most authors have considered this as a recent phenomenon particular to the US, which narrows the search for potential causes. In this paper we go one step further and investigate whether this recent change is unique to the US and a phenomenon particular to the 1980s alone or if this is part of a long run trend in volatility shared by several countries. In particular, we examine whether maturing capitalism has engendered a continuous stabilization of business cycles in eleven industrialized countries over time. We do not try to quantify changes in volatility pre and post-War, which could be compromised by differences in the quality of the data. Instead, we focus on examining structural changes in the long run trend of volatility in these countries. Recursive stabilization tests are applied to examine breaks in the volatility of production in these countries, assuming that their dates are unknown. We find strong evidence of multiple structural breaks leading to more stability in these countries over time, and that the recent decrease in US output volatility is part of a broader long-term trend shared by all industrialized countries studied.
Casino Gambling As An Income-Based Leisure Activity: Evidence From The Gambling Impact And Behavior Study
Authors: Zimmerman Jason
Published: February 2016

Over the past two decades, 28 states have joined Nevada and New Jersey in legalizing casino gambling. This paper examines patterns in casino gambling using a nationally representative survey conducted as part of the National Gambling Impact Study Commissions research, focusing on socioeconomic determinants of gambling incidence and expenditures. Analysis shows that gambling is positively linked to income, a finding consistent with the view of gambling as a relatively innocuous leisure activity.
Global Corporate Governance: Implications For A Functionally Harmonized Legal Infrastructure
Authors: Blodgett Mark S. , Kane Stephen A.
Published: February 2016

As developing and centrally planned economies shift toward decentralized market economies, they will revise their corporate governance rules to attract foreign investors and foster economic growth.  However, the expansion of firms internationally creates the immediate problem of cross-border bankruptcy and policy makers will eventually have to turn to functional harmonization of national bankruptcy laws as well as other means of corporate governance to maintain fairness and to facilitate a freer flow of cross-border investment.   We propose three major changes to global governance:  (1) a functionally harmonized system of bankruptcy laws that supersede national bankruptcy laws  (2) contractual corporate governance via securities exchange listing and (3) arbitration as a means to enforce global recourse.