Digital Commons Network^™

Cross-Cultural Training Of Chinese Managers And Workers By U.S. Companies: A Comparative Cultural Analysis Of The Problems Reported By U.S. Trainers, Linda Vick

Dissertations and Theses

As Western business increases in China and China acquires more technology from the West, the need to effectively train the Chinese workforce becomes more important. Identifying and understanding the perceived problems that Western corporate trainers encounter when they train Chinese may lead to more effective and efficient training programs. This study examines the experiences of trainers, working for American companies, who have designed and implemented training programs for Chinese from the People's Republic of China. The purpose of the study is to identify perceived problems the trainers encounter and to determine whether differences between Chinese and American cultures may account …

Protocol Conformance Test Generation Using Circular Uio With Overlapping, Sesharao Patchipala

Theses

The purpose of the protocol conformance testing is to ensure that protocol implementations are consistent with their specifications. After the U-method was introduced, several test methods based on the Unique Input/Output (UI0) sequences which were the main concept in the U-method have been proposed, namely, the RCP-method, MUIO-method, MUIO with overlapping method, B-method, C-method. A good test sequence must be short and have wide fault coverage. By comparing the test sequences generated by the above test methods based on experimental results, reveals that the test sequences by the MUIO with overlapping method are the worst in quality but their lengths …

Computer Implementation Of Mason's Rule And Software Development Of Stochastic Petri Nets, Xiaoyong Zhao

Theses

A symbolic performance analysis approach for discrete event systems can be formulated based on the integration of Petri nets and Moment Generating Function concepts [1-3]. The key steps in the method include modeling a system with arbitrary stochastic Petri nets (ASPN), generation of state machine Petri nets with transfer functions, derivation of equivalent transfer functions, and symbolic derivation of transfer functions to obtain the performance measures. Since Mason's rule can be used to effectively derive the closed-form transfer function, its computer implementation plays a very important role in automating the above procedure. This thesis develops the computer implementation of Mason's …

Systems Integration In Pharmaceutical Industry Using Object-Oriented Expert System Technology, Korrapolu Reddy

Theses

SPHINX is an object-oriented expert system addressed to solve the burning problems of pharmaceutical industry. SPHINX stands for Systems integration in PHarmaceutical INdustry using object-oriented eXpert system technology.

Various problems that American pharmaceutical industries are facing have been explained. Using the revolutionary object-oriented concepts and the powerful expert systems technology, it has been shown how a prescription can be written to solve all the problems of pharmaceutical industries. A problem "Minimizing the wastage of Interferon" has been taken to demonstrate the power of Object-oriented Expert System technology.

A Study Of Individual And Group Incentives In Total Quality Management Organizations, Nina Leigh Moll

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Rise And Fall Of New Bedford Whaling, As Documented By The Whalemen's Shipping List And Merchants' Transcript, Michael J. Tighe

Theses and Major Papers

The purpose of this study is to document the rise and fall of the New Bedford whaling industry-which was, in effect, the American whaling industry-through the pages of the Whalemen's Shipping List and Merchants' Transcript. This analysis will proceed int he following ways. First, this study will detail the origins of the American whaling industry and it development up to the first issue of the Whalemen's Shipping List and Merchants' Transcript on March 17, 1843. Whaling developed in colonial American because many of thos first settlers previously worked in the English and Dutch whaling fleets. This section also will include …

Real Estate Development For Tourist Attractions, Daniel J. Dickman

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Real estate development has a profound impact on many aspects of our lives. It obviously determines the type of environment in which we live and work, but it has less obvious impacts as well. Whether a site is developed as a factory, townhouse, or amusement park will drastically change the appropriate uses of adjacent land, and hence affects the local economy. Developers must work as partners with government, business, and individuals alike to achieve optimal land use and maximize economic gain for the community.

Volumes may be written about development's economic influences. My thesis focuses, however, on development's influences on …

The Role Of Business In Sustainable Development: Proactive Environmental Initiatives And Reciprocal Relationships, Jennifer Halupnik

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

A paradoxical dilemma currently faces the entire globe: industry is both the problem and the answer to the future of the earth's environmental health. Business is often blamed above all other forces as the primary cause of the planet's current environmental woes. At the same time, however, business is the only institution with the capital, technology and innovation necessary to develop solutions to the world's environmental problems. This senior thesis investigates the corporation's role in the environmental equation. Sustainable development is the buzzword of the decade. The concept means development or progress that "meets the needs of the present without …

Having It All - Fact Of Fiction?: The Effects Of Marriage And Motherhood On The Career Patterns And Earnings Of Women Accountants, Holly R. Mahan

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

This study evaluates the effects of marriage and children on the earnings and career patterns of women accountants. Data was obtained from 116 questionnaires completed by women accountants who were employees of a large public accounting firm. The analysis suggests that neither marriage nor children have an effect on current salary levels while having children appears to have a negative effect on average annual salary growth. Having tenure with the firm and possessing a master's degree are positively related to earnings levels. The data also indicate that more rapid promotions within the firm lead to higher average salary growth rates …

Mentoring Relationships In The Real Estate Industry: A Descriptive Analysis, Angela Jacqueline Sweeney

Masters Theses

Mentoring is an old phenomenon which dates back to ancient Greece. It has recently gained the attention of researchers in organizational and business settings. The study examines mentoring relationships in the real estate industry. The purpose of this study was to identify whether mentoring takes place in a particular occupation, specifically real estate, and to further investigate the functions and qualities of the mentoring relationships. Sixty-three questionnaires were distributed to local real estate agents. Twenty-seven were returned yielding a response rate of 42%. Six follow-up interviews were conducted to compliment the quantitative data from the questionnaire. Results indicated that 80% …

Determinants Of Accounting Policy For Identifiable Intangible Assets, Yuan Chew

Theses : Honours

This research replicates with modifications the previous study by Coombes, Otto and Stokes (1993) which examines the economic determinants of the amortisation of identifiable intangible assets (lIAs). The study focuses on the published consolidated annual reports of a sample of top 150 listed Australian companies, ranked by market capitalisation, as at June 1989, over the period 1989 to 1990, whereas the previous study by Coombes et al. (1993) concentrates on the top 150 listed Australian companies, ranked by market capitalisation, as at 30 June, 1988, over the period 1986 to 1989. The empirical evidence of the present research using contracting …

The Influence Of Cohesive Groups On The Ethical Behavior Of Public Employees: An Analysis Of An Urban University, Patricia Bellin Strait

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

Ethics problems permeate all aspects of public agencies. This is especially true in urban areas where public workers have frequent interactions with large numbers of civilians. The results of unethical behavior often have very tangible effects with perhaps the most serious consequences being the deterioration of public services and the destruction of public trust.

This dissertation explores Milton Fisk's Group Ethics Theory which states that ethical behavior varies according to cohesive group membership. In order to investigate Fisk's theory, an ex post facto study was performed within a single urban university. The primary independent variable was group membership. Data was …

Asset Impairment: A Comparison Of Recognition Criteria, Tanya S. Chapman

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

In December of 1990, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a Discussion Memorandum (DM) entitled Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Identifiable Intangibles. This DM was the direct result of pressure from other accounting bodies. The Accounting Standards Executive Committee (AcSEC) of the AICPA, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) of the FASB, the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC), the Financial Executives Institute (FEI), and the National Association of Accountants (NAA) all examined the issue of asset impairment prior to the FASB's study of the issue. After several recommendations by the FASAC, the FASB added impairment …

Condemnation And 'Just Compensation' For Business, Timothy F. Hogan

Theses

Since the beginning of time man has always searched for justification in the acquiring of private property to serve some public need. In this endeavor, three explanations for this justification have evolved. They are 'higher law', 'sovereignty' and 'eminent domain', and each of these explanations has been used to forcefully take land from private individuals.

In the beginning land was taken without compensation, and this was justified by the concept of 'divine rule' and the inherent power of the state. Later in man's development, compensation was a stipend paid to the owner of the land in accordance with the prevailing …

The Impact Of Decision Style On Decision Quality, William E. Niedringhaus

Theses

This thesis focuses on the study of decision style and the effects each styles characteristics has on decision quality.

Each personality style exhibits specific characteristics unique to t hat particular style . These characteristics in conjunction with the decision makers cognitive abilities form a unique problem solving or decision style. Characteristics of each style have been operationalized by the Myers-Biggs Type Indicator.

Decision quality is measured, for purposes of this paper, in terms of the impact the decision maker's style has on the decision outcome . Decision quality is measured separately from decision success since successful decisions require more than …

Research And Analysis Of A 19th Century Portrait Of George Washington, Marbeth A. Erickson

Theses

The subject of this research project is a half length portrait of George Washington, oil on canvas, 30" in length and 25" in width . The painting is owned by Mr. Maurice Silverman of Silverman Galleries, Alexandria, Virginia.

When Mr. Silverman acquired the painting in 1962, the canvas was damaged so a restorer cleaned it, relined it, and inpainted the bare spots . After the restoration, Mr. Silverman researched the painting to discover who painted the portrait . Mr. Silverman felt strongly that it might be an original painting by Gilbert Stuart as there was a painting very similar to …

The Self-Concept And Symbolic Consumption; Their Effect On Consumer Behavior, Cory L. Dobbs

Theses

A major issue confronting consumer researchers and other investigators of social-psychological phenomena is whether individuals are motivated to purchase products that symbolically are congruent with their self-concept.

This issue is of particular importance to consumer and marketing researchers, since much of their data and resulting actions depend on the decision processes leading up to the consumer's choice of product for consumption. Examining the relationship between the self and consumption through congruence of self-images and images of owned or desired products reveals that the consumer regards his or her consumed products as expressive of themselves.

Perception plays a critical role in …

The Examination And Identification Of A Valley Of Virginia Chest Of Drawers And Its Conservation And Restoration, William A. Fones Jr.

Theses

This thesis examines the appraiser's considerations as a consultant in exploring options for the conservation and restoration of a Valley of Virginia walnut chest of drawers. circa 1800-1810. The physical characteristics of the chest of drawers and its "backcountry" styling are explored , and the chest's approximate age and place of origin are determined. Emphasis is placed on combining the personal property valuator's broad understanding of connoisseurship with a knowledge of the physical characteristics present in a specific object.

Development of a monetary value for the chest of drawers under consideration is not a primary function of this project and …

The Design And Implementation Of A Business Plan For A Neighborhood Inn, Edward L. Beck

Theses

This project will focus on the study of the eating and drinking establishment industry. Information was gathered for the purpose of constructing a business plan for The Haven.

Research has indicated that the owner of an inn must be concerned with several factors associated with the successful operation of an inn, those being: industry data, specific company data, financial data, and marketing data. The Haven inn's business plan was formed by utilizing information from each of these areas.

Once The Haven's business plan was completed, two members of the eating and drinking establishment industry were chosen to judge the plan's …

The Impact That An Aging American Population Has On Financial Institutions, Jerry M. Bladdick

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of America's aging population and the impact this population has upon financial institutions and the services and products these institutions provide.

Research has shown that real estate and cash are the primary sources of wealth for the majority of older adults. Banking institutions realize that with the ever-increasing size of this _population. special programs, incentives, and services may need to be provided in order to maintain the loyalty of older clients.

In recent years, financial institutions have hired management consulting firms to confirm that the older banking consumer of the 1990s will dramatically …

Strategic Planning: The Long And Short Of It, Linda Ann Flynn

Theses

This thesis will focus on corporate strategic planning, its stages and the impact that the planning process has on organizations.

Over the yea.rs corporate America has deemed it necessary that not-for-profit organizations should include time for planning in their management efforts. Research has shown that the management of any not-for-profit can be at best difficult. With the help of strategic planning, however, even not-for-profits can be better off in the future with time well spent today.

Time taken to understand the planning process and to follow the steps will help top management to solicit the commitment from both board members …

The Development Of The Business Plan For Baker Accounting And Tax Service, Marsha P. Baker

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of developing a business plan for a small home-based accounting and tax service .

Statistics indicate that the failure rate for new businesses is high. Research indicates that the main reason for the high rate of new business failures is lack of planning . Specifically, many entrepreneurs feel that preparing a formal business plan is not necessary and thus fail to plan for significant factors that impact their businesses.

The purpose of this study is to research all aspects of beginning a home- based accounting and tax service in preparation for writing a …

The Changing Work Environment: A Challenge For Corporate America, Angela D. Hamilton

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of change in the work environment, and the impact change has on American corporations and workers. Predictions foretold a changing workplace, workforce, and global economy. As a result, there are specific challenges to corporations, workers, and the country.

Research has attributed the lack of worker training and development to a decline in the importance of training. Most human resources planning in American corporations has played second fiddle to other business decisions; judgments are made and human resources follow. So it becomes necessary to focus more clearly on the American business environment and the …

How Cultural Values Affect Valuation, Joel Jon Forman

Theses

The purpose of this study is to describe the factors which affect numismatic appraisals, particularly from a valuation perspective. One of the most important considerations is the role culture played in helping determine value. Much of our knowledge of the ancient world (China, Babylon, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Rome, Persia, India and other civilizations) is derived from the surviving coinage. The coins from these bygone eras reveal the cultural, religious and moral values which played an incredible role in shaping our modern high technological society. Some of these ancient values are reflected in present day coinage.

This study will carefully examine …

Job Attribute Preferences Of The Workforce In Polish High Technology Enterprises, Florian Michael Sisavic

Dissertations and Theses

A key precept in work place motivation theory is that management knows what job attributes are valued by the employee. Management can benefit by asking employees what they want from their work experience (i.e., job attribute preferences), rather than assume they know. This is particularly important to Polish high technology companies that are in transition to a free-market economy and to Polish workers who must be appropriately motivated to compete globally.

This study attempts to better understand the job attribute preferences of Polish managers and workers, the potential gaps between Polish managers' perception of their workers' preferences (system), and how …

Factors Affecting Commitment Among Graduate Nurses In Cairo, Cheherezade Ghazi

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Telemarketing Supervisor's Reference Manual To Humanistic Skills, Andrea K. Gubitz

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of telemarketing management and the need for a telemarketing management guide. A reference manual will be developed to help a supervisor understand the skills needed to be an effective supervisor. This manual will also be a reference to help the supervisor evaluate their skills and give them the information needed to increase their skills as well as develop new skills.

Telemarketing Supervisor training usually consists of how to give evaluations and explaining company goals. Supervisors are not usually given an overview of the proactive humanistic skills needed; communication, interpersonal leadership, etc. The humanistic, …

An Investigation Into Some Of The Factors Having A Bearing On Interviewer Bias In The Western Australian Market Research Industry, Daniel N. Edwards

Theses : Honours

The market research industry, like most industries operating in a highly competitive environment, is faced with a myriad of challenges. One of the foremost challenges is to deliver sound recommendations to clientele based on quality data on the market. One factor having a bearing on data quality is the problem of interviewer bias; interviewers introducing their own source of error into the survey. This dissertation uses a mass-administered, selfreport technique in a study of the interviewing staff of four Western Australian market research firms in an attempt to investigate the factors that constitute interviewer bias. The three broad areas of …

An Arts-Employment Analysis : The Effect Of Government Funding On Employment At Deck Chair Theatre And Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, Lance Bennett

Theses : Honours

It is important for governments to recognise employment generation resulting from public expenditure. Funding alternatives that are a cost effective way of generating employment are key objectives in public finance. One funding alternative is the arts. The arts have to compete with other economic activities for a share of government funding. As a result of increased competition, the economic contribution of the arts has become an important issue in arts advocacy. Therefore, it is important that the measure of employment generated by arts funding is accurate and reliable. Arts employment data is generated by cultural organisations applying for public funding …

A Case Study Examining Factors Influencing Loan Pricing Within The R&I Bank, Yawar Zoeb

Theses : Honours

This paper sets out to examine the influence of variables that affect the pricing of commercial loans within the context of the R&I Bank. This will be achieved by collecting financial information on past business loan pricing decisions from a specific R&I Bank branch selected. The information so collected would be analysed from the viewpoint of understanding the pricing of risk. Of specific interest is the examination of loans in a branch to find out the distribution of loans across the spread of credit risk premiums. A credit risk premium, also referred to as the interest rate margin (IRM), is …