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University of Richmond

2007

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Full-Text Articles in Business

An Alternative Strategy For Building Sales Of Computers: Generic Advertising, Min Lu, Steven M. Thompson, Yanbin Tu Nov 2007

An Alternative Strategy For Building Sales Of Computers: Generic Advertising, Min Lu, Steven M. Thompson, Yanbin Tu

Management Faculty Publications

Frequent upgrading and aggressive price-cutting have become standard practice in the computer sector. While necessitated in part by declining production costs and a highly competitive market, these strategies have also served to make computers more affordable, growing the size of the overall market. Recently downturns in the sales of computers motivate us to examine the impact of these strategies on overall sales growth. We find evidence to suggest that excessive upgrading and overly aggressive price-cutting can be detrimental to overall sales growth. We also find that the computer sector exhibits characteristics that suggest that generic advertising would be an effective …


Perspectives: Entrepreneurship Training Can Empower Students Being Left Behind, Porcher L. Taylor Iii, Catherine S. Fisher, Michael J. Caslin Oct 2007

Perspectives: Entrepreneurship Training Can Empower Students Being Left Behind, Porcher L. Taylor Iii, Catherine S. Fisher, Michael J. Caslin

School of Professional and Continuing Studies Faculty Publications

Entrepreneurial self-employment, however, would hold great promise for business-minded students, if they learn entrepreneurship in high school and can test out their innovative business plans on consumers in their own neighborhoods and beyond — especially Internet start-up ideas. The social and community networking success of MySpace opens a wide door for anyone to market a new idea or product to a myriad of potential customers instantly.


Fear And Loathing On The (Capital) Campaign Trail, James L. Narduzzi Oct 2007

Fear And Loathing On The (Capital) Campaign Trail, James L. Narduzzi

School of Professional and Continuing Studies Faculty Publications

It has been nearly five years since I wrote "Engaging Continuing Education Alumni" for this publication and several additional years prior to that since I began talking at various UCEA meetings about the fundraising potential of continuing higher education. During the ensuing period I have been through an institutional capital campaign, helped raise nearly $2.5 million dollars earmarked for school projects, succeeded in making friends and supporters beyond my wildest dreams, and failed miserably in accomplishing the fundraising goals established for the school. This article reflects on the lessons learned by a fundraising novice whose school was engaged in an …


Is The World Flat Or Spiky? Information Intensity, Skills, And Global Service Disaggregation, Sunil Mithas, Jonathan W. Whitaker Sep 2007

Is The World Flat Or Spiky? Information Intensity, Skills, And Global Service Disaggregation, Sunil Mithas, Jonathan W. Whitaker

Management Faculty Publications

Which service occupations are the most susceptible to global disaggregation? What are the factors and mechanisms that make service occupations amenable to global disaggregation? This research addresses these questions by building on previous work by Apte and Mason (1995) and Rai, Patnayakuni, and Seth (2006) that focuses on the unbundling of information and physical flows. We propose a theory of service disaggregation and argue that high information intensity makes an occupation more amenable for disaggregation because the activities in such occupations can be codified, standardized, and modularized. We empirically validate our theoretical model using data on more than 300 service …


A Field Study Of Rfid Deployment And Return Expectations, Jonathan W. Whitaker, Sunil Mithas, M. S. Krishnan Sep 2007

A Field Study Of Rfid Deployment And Return Expectations, Jonathan W. Whitaker, Sunil Mithas, M. S. Krishnan

Management Faculty Publications

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology promises to transform supply chain management. Building on previous research in information systems and supply chain management, this paper proposes a theoretical framework for RFID adoption and benefits, and tests the framework using data on U.S. firms. Our analysis suggests that there is a positive association between information technology (IT) application deployment and RFID adoption. We find that RFID implementation spending and partner mandate are associated with an expectation of early return on RFID investment, and a perceived lack of industry-wide standards is associated with an expectation of delayed return on RFID investment. These results …


An International Comparison Of Student Perceptions Of Earnings Management: Evidence Of Effects Of National Origin Between Mexico And The United States, Marshall A. Geiger, Carmen Quirvan, Alejandro Hazera Sep 2007

An International Comparison Of Student Perceptions Of Earnings Management: Evidence Of Effects Of National Origin Between Mexico And The United States, Marshall A. Geiger, Carmen Quirvan, Alejandro Hazera

Accounting Faculty Publications

Manipulating reported earnings is a temptation faced by accountants and financial professionals around the world. Manipulating, or “managing,” one’s accounting earnings takes a variety of forms and includes not only the avoidance of prescribed accounting rules but also the practice of selectively choosing accounting estimates or timing operating decisions to move reported earnings toward a desired goal. Prior research reveals wide disagreement regarding the perceived ethical acceptability of this practice. This study investigates whether national origin influences perceptions of earnings management. Participants from the United States and Mexico evaluated thirteen vignettes describing various earnings management practices (Merchant and Rockness 1994). …


Brink's Entry Into China 2007, Roger R. Schnorbus, Littleton M. Maxwell Jul 2007

Brink's Entry Into China 2007, Roger R. Schnorbus, Littleton M. Maxwell

Robins School of Business White Paper Series, 1980-2022

This case was prepared from various referenced sources and was developed solely for classroom discussion; the case is not intended to serve as an endorsement, source of primary data or an illustration of either effective or ineffective handling of a business situation.

Ron Rokosz, the President of Brink's International was both pleased and distressed as he reviewed the financial results of International operations for fiscal 2006. Revenue had increased by 14% to $1,568.6M, driven by strong gains in both EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and LA (Latin America). In addition, operating profit in International was up by 68%. (Exhibit 1) …


A Simple Model Of Interest Rate Term Structure, Tom Arnold Jul 2007

A Simple Model Of Interest Rate Term Structure, Tom Arnold

Finance Faculty Publications

Without much technical expertise, a yield curve model is presented that is very dynamic and can be easily programmed in Excel for classroom presentation or for assignments. By using the output of the model to have students find embedded rates within the yield curve, a discussion of how bond traders speculate on interest rates emerges very easily. Further, the model output can also be used for numerous exercises including the pricing of strips or for evaluating the positions of an entire bond portfolio. Within the exercises, the dynamic nature of the model can be exploited to provide sensitivity analysis.


Perceived Impact Of Paramilitary Training On Police Recruit Performance, Lauren Carol Nobles May 2007

Perceived Impact Of Paramilitary Training On Police Recruit Performance, Lauren Carol Nobles

Master's Theses

The topic of paramilitary policing within a police academy has been an exceedingly controversial topic within the Henrico County Division of Police. This study was completed to answer this research question: What is the perceived impact of paramilitary training on police recruit performance?

The controversy lies between a paramilitary structure of police recruit training and the current style of academy provided by Henrico County Division of Police. This study sought the opinions of police officers assigned to Uniform Patrol. The author wanted to reveal the style of police recruit training desired by current police officers to the Chief of Police …


An Exploration Of Effective Recruitment Sources For Norfolk Fire-Rescue, Beth Bruner May 2007

An Exploration Of Effective Recruitment Sources For Norfolk Fire-Rescue, Beth Bruner

Master's Theses

Public Safety applicants have declined nationwide over the last several years, including those individuals applying to Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR). Declining applicants can be attributed to change in generational births, effects of 9/11, and change from the 18 year old high school graduate to a midtwenty year old college student. An applicant pool decrease requires more effective recruitment efforts. This study examines the NFR 2006 hiring process from written exam through applicants' hiring. A nonrandomized survey design examined 245 surveys of all exam applicants. Measured constructs included recruitment sources and demographic data and were analyzed specifically with regard to those who …


The Evolution Of Law Enforcement : The Generational Differences Of The New Police Officer And How To Attract Them To Your Agency, Mark Anthony Banks May 2007

The Evolution Of Law Enforcement : The Generational Differences Of The New Police Officer And How To Attract Them To Your Agency, Mark Anthony Banks

Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to enhance the knowledge of the generational differences in the law enforcement profession. With this knowledge, it is hopeful that, agencies will change their current recruiting strategies and gear them towards today's new generation of law enforcement officer. The overall goal of this study was enlighten Henrico County and Chesterfield county administrators of concerns facing employee recruiting within law enforcement so proactive efforts can be taken to curb ineffective and outdated recruiting strategies and methods.


Do Leadership Development Programs Work For Strategic Law Enforcement Executives?, Brent Burnette May 2007

Do Leadership Development Programs Work For Strategic Law Enforcement Executives?, Brent Burnette

Master's Theses

There is a proliferation of leadership development programs for members of the law enforcement community. This study examined whether various leadership development programs met the needs of strategic law enforcement executives. One hundred law enforcement leaders were asked to complete and return a multi-facet survey on which they ranked their perceptions of the leadership development programs attended using a Likert rating scale. Additionally, the participants were asked to rate responses regarding post-undergraduate education in leadership. Sixteen of the one hundred participated. Participants indicated an overall satisfaction with the individual programs and indicated that each program met their individual leadership needs. …


Creating A Motivational Attendance Policy For The Henrico Division Of Fire, Cheryl A. Burns May 2007

Creating A Motivational Attendance Policy For The Henrico Division Of Fire, Cheryl A. Burns

Master's Theses

This study examines sick leave abuse within the Henrico County Division of Fire. The purpose of the study was to examine factors that might contribute to a willingness to abuse sick leave. In addition, the study reviews the literature regarding various aspects of sick leave abuse to include cost, motivational theory, and incentive programs. The research consisted of a survey administered to the Division of Fire personnel who work 24-hour shifts. The survey posed questions concerning general attitudes, awareness, and perceptions surrounding the topic of sick leave abuse. The resulting data provided some evidence that sick leave abuse was linked …


A Study Of On-Site Employee Health Care Clinics And Their Possible Return On Investment, Dale William Carter Jr. May 2007

A Study Of On-Site Employee Health Care Clinics And Their Possible Return On Investment, Dale William Carter Jr.

Master's Theses

Health care costs have accelerated at alarming rates for the last decade, outpacing wage growth and inflation according to The Kaiser Family Foundation... These costs have an impact on everyone. Since 2000, premiums have grown by 73 percent, yet wages have only grown by 15 percent (The Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005)... One alternative being evaluated by organizations is the on-site employee health clinic or OSHEC. The in-house doctor is not a new concept; however, the new approach is more comprehensive, delivering a myriad of services to employees beyond treatment of workplace injuries. The OSHEC has emerged as a more holistic …


An Anecdotal Examination Of Wellness Programs, Sean M. Greenway May 2007

An Anecdotal Examination Of Wellness Programs, Sean M. Greenway

Master's Theses

This research investigates the question whether or not Wellness Programs are available to police officers throughout Virginia. Research has shown these programs to be beneficial in reducing the health risks associated with police work. Police departments may also see a decrease in sick leave and work related injuries. In order to address the research question, a questionnaire was distributed to 150 police departments throughout Virginia. A total of 57.7 percent of the departments reported the availability of a voluntary Wellness Program. Based on a lack of data, the findings suggest that the departments are not evaluating the effectiveness of their …


A Case Study Of The Marital And Familial Relationships Of Fire-Rescue Personnel As They Relate To Marriage Survivability, Carolyn Morgan Henderson May 2007

A Case Study Of The Marital And Familial Relationships Of Fire-Rescue Personnel As They Relate To Marriage Survivability, Carolyn Morgan Henderson

Master's Theses

Marriage is considered the traditional and moral standard for all relationships. There are other relationship types that exist in the life of fire-rescue personnel, but this study explores only marital relationships. Marriage demands are many and not everyone is equipped to handle them. Marriage requires devoted energy and continuous negotiation and compromise. Firefighters and paramedics are subjected to rigorous training to obtain the skill for their respective jobs. Their training equips them for rescuing the sick, injured, and extinguishing fires. However, there is not a protocol or training manual for marriage. This study examines the probable cause and effect that …


Competencies Of The Law Enforcement Special Operator : Implications For Law Enforcement Organizations And Police Special Operations, Geoffrey C. Greene May 2007

Competencies Of The Law Enforcement Special Operator : Implications For Law Enforcement Organizations And Police Special Operations, Geoffrey C. Greene

Master's Theses

The law enforcement special operations environment is changing. Officers are faced with challenges that are increasing in complexity as weapons availability and acts of terrorism force the tactical community to respond with better training and tactics. The purpose of this study is to identify a competency model needed to successfully perform as a law enforcement special operator over the next 5-10 years. In addition, the study identifies the core competencies that formulate the Law Enforcement Special Operator Competency Model. Implications for how police organizations can use the research for professional development are also discussed. This study utilizes three distinct phases …


Leadership Model For Fire Battalion Chief In The 21st Century, Douglas Alan Jessup May 2007

Leadership Model For Fire Battalion Chief In The 21st Century, Douglas Alan Jessup

Master's Theses

This research investigation seeks to identify a leadership model for Fire Battalion Chief comprised of a set of theoretical dimensions of leadership that are required of a Fire Department Battalion Chief to successfully lead their personnel over the next 10 years. This paper also examines the roots of corporatism at national and local levels and demonstrates how the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) had significant levels of influence on policy making in the United States of America. However, at a local level longstanding corporatist partnerships between unions such as FMU and local associations like CACFOA began to break down as a …


Establishing Exit Interview Best Practices, Russell Granderson May 2007

Establishing Exit Interview Best Practices, Russell Granderson

Master's Theses

The looming retirement of the baby boom generation will increase recruiting cost and intensify the war for talent. Recent studies have shown that employee retention will be the primary business concern over the next five to ten years. The transformation of a perfunctory exit interview into a powerful recruiting and retention tool could supply a strategic advantage over competitors. Exit interviews provide an opportunity for organizations to glean valuable insight within their ranks. Prior research investigating the validity of the exit interview has shown that departing employees are uncomfortable and reluctant of revealing candid feedback during in-house interviews. The methodology …


Norfolk Fire Rescue Officers' Attitudes And Perceptions Towards Cell Phones And Email, Ronald A. Mann Jr. May 2007

Norfolk Fire Rescue Officers' Attitudes And Perceptions Towards Cell Phones And Email, Ronald A. Mann Jr.

Master's Theses

This study investigated Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) officers' attitudes and perception toward cell phones/email. What are the attitudes of NFR towards email/cell phones? What negative aspects of email/cell phones are affecting NFR? Do the negative aspects of information technologies increase with rank? Do the officers of NFR feel that classes aimed at "technological stress or information overload," would be beneficial to the department? NFR officers responded to a forced-choice survey about negative impact of cell phones/email focusing on use patterns, perceptions of negative impact, and attitudes towards cell phones/email. NFR officers are very supportive of email/cell phones, despite the negative affects …


Stressors On The Detectives Of The Prince William County Police Department, William P. Mackay May 2007

Stressors On The Detectives Of The Prince William County Police Department, William P. Mackay

Master's Theses

Law enforcement is a highly stressful occupation, with law enforcement officials facing critical incidents such as violent crime scenes and potential loss of life. These incidents, however, are not a daily occurrence. The most common daily stressors associated with law enforcement originate from the law enforcement organization itself, the daily interactions with coworkers, the usage or misusage of the assigned equipment, and the individual's perception of the work environment. This study collected survey data to analyze the prevalence and effects of the daily stressors perceived by the detectives of the Prince William County Police Department. This study identified three areas …


The Effect Of Technology In The Workplace : An Investigation Of The Impact Of Technology On The Personal And Work Life Of Mid Level Managers Of The Fairfax County Police Department, Paul G. Mitchell May 2007

The Effect Of Technology In The Workplace : An Investigation Of The Impact Of Technology On The Personal And Work Life Of Mid Level Managers Of The Fairfax County Police Department, Paul G. Mitchell

Master's Theses

This study addressed the effects of technology on our work and personal lives. Focusing on communication tools the investigation sought to determine what issues are created by this constant ability to communicate. A survey was conducted of mid-level managers within the Fairfax County Police Department to determine the effects technology had on their work and personal lives. In addition to the survey, interviews and observations where used. The results revealed that technology doesn't have a negative affect on those surveyed. The majority of data collected shows a positive response toward communication devices. Technology allows for speed and ease of task …


Police Perceptions : External Influences Affecting Work Satisfaction, Ryan Wayne Morgan May 2007

Police Perceptions : External Influences Affecting Work Satisfaction, Ryan Wayne Morgan

Master's Theses

There are many individuals that apply for police officer positions. Some of those hired find the job challenging and rewarding, others leave unexpectedly. The newly hired that separate from the organization early in their career can have a negative impact on the police department. It is believed many of newly hired officers that leave unexpectedly may have not had an accurate perception of what the job entailed from the beginning. To gauge where police applicants from their perceptions of police work, newly hired police officers in Fairfax County were surveyed. The study was designed to take into account common perceptions …


Perceptions Of Performance And Behavior Of College Educated Police Officers, Paul Edmund Nagosky May 2007

Perceptions Of Performance And Behavior Of College Educated Police Officers, Paul Edmund Nagosky

Master's Theses

Good police applicants are becoming scarcer and many agencies have lowered their hiring standard to fill academy classes. In this labor pool environment is it worth having a college education requirement? Is the performance of college educated officers superior to that of non-college educated officers?

An opinion survey was issued to officers and sergeants of the Chesterfield County Police Department regarding how they felt toward college education and its effect, if any on several aspects of police performance.

In some aspects of performance or behavior, such as sensitivity to minorities, authoritarianism, and use of force, there were slight tendencies for …


Is Alternative Transport A Viable Option For Norfolk Fire-Rescue?, Nicholas Edward Nelson May 2007

Is Alternative Transport A Viable Option For Norfolk Fire-Rescue?, Nicholas Edward Nelson

Master's Theses

Emergency medical providers transport 911 patients who do not warrant emergency room (ER) transport via ambulance. This study's purpose was to determine if prehospital care providers, using established protocols, could identify patients accurately to be seen by a physician but require ambulance transportation. Fourteen agencies have initiated emergency medical service (EMS refusal). Alternative transport options would free paramedics to respond to life threatening emergencies, while allowing low acuity patients ER access. Ninety-three study patients were enrolled and transported to emergency departments (ED) via taxi. EMS determined eleven patients met enrollment criteria though refused participation in the study. Nine taxi transported …


Competencies Of High-Performing Correctional Officers Of Jails And Prisons : Developing Tomorrow's Officers, Douglas Woodfin Murphey Ii May 2007

Competencies Of High-Performing Correctional Officers Of Jails And Prisons : Developing Tomorrow's Officers, Douglas Woodfin Murphey Ii

Master's Theses

Correctional facilities continue to be built to hold an ever-growing inmate population that must be managed by competent correctional officers. This study utilized three subject-matter expert groups to create and validate the core competencies required to be a high-performing correctional officer. The first group of eight high-performing correctional officers from the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office created the initial list of competencies. The second group of eight expert correctional consultants rated the competency list. The third group of sixteen senior correctional administrators from outstanding sheriffs offices and correctional facilities in the United States also rated the competencies. The core competencies were …


The Impact Of Positive Reinforcement And Noncash Rewards: A Study Of How Its Implementation Can Affect An Employee's Level Of Motivation And Performance, Michael Benjamin Young May 2007

The Impact Of Positive Reinforcement And Noncash Rewards: A Study Of How Its Implementation Can Affect An Employee's Level Of Motivation And Performance, Michael Benjamin Young

Master's Theses

The most powerful forms of motivation cost little or nothing at all. Though nominally effortless, the proper rewarding of excellent performers has become sorely underutilized. As a result, employees are feeling less appreciated and becoming more unmotivated. A review of the literature found three reverberating observations: it is a fallacy that money motivates; recognition, such as positive reinforcement and praise motivate; and tangible, low-cost, noncash rewards can motivate. The anecdotal data in this current research tends to support the salient findings provided by scholarly researchers. Additionally, this current research aims to illuminate the pressing need to make a more concentrated …


Recruitment And Retention Challenges For Law Enforcement Agencies : Identifying The Reasons For High Turnover Rates Of New Recruits, Scott A. Kearns May 2007

Recruitment And Retention Challenges For Law Enforcement Agencies : Identifying The Reasons For High Turnover Rates Of New Recruits, Scott A. Kearns

Master's Theses

The problem addressed in this study is the challenge to police agencies to

recruit and retain police officers. The Prince William County Police Department

(PWCPD) has experienced the challenges of filling sworn positions as we

continue to sustain our fully authorized staffing levels. This is a phenomenon

many agencies across the nation are experiencing. A survey was used to identify

the reasons for selecting the PWCPD for employment and what can be done to

retain employees to ensure a positive return-on-investment. A multi-step process

was followed in creating, distributing and analyzing the survey. Results lead to

the following conclusions: knowing …


Leveraging Knowledge Across Geographic Boundaries, Stephen Tallman, Anupama Phene Apr 2007

Leveraging Knowledge Across Geographic Boundaries, Stephen Tallman, Anupama Phene

Management Faculty Publications

This paper examines knowledge flows within and across geographic boundaries of clusters and nations in the biotechnology industry. We hypothesize that these flows are characterized by various factors relating to the knowledge itself and by firm innovativeness and the presence of prior knowledge flows at the firm level. Surprisingly, our findings suggest that geographic proximity does not matter in some instances, while in others it has a decidedly nonlinear effect opposite to that hypothesized. The pattern of findings points to the greatest contrast in the comparison of between-cluster and between-country flows and presents an opportunity to reevaluate the role of …


Releasing Individually Identifiable Microdata With Privacy Protection Against Stochastic Threat: An Application To Health Information, Robert Garfinkel, Ram Gopal, Steven M. Thompson Feb 2007

Releasing Individually Identifiable Microdata With Privacy Protection Against Stochastic Threat: An Application To Health Information, Robert Garfinkel, Ram Gopal, Steven M. Thompson

Management Faculty Publications

The ability to collect and disseminate individually identifiable microdata is becoming increasingly important in a number of arenas. This is especially true in health care and national security, where this data is considered vital for a number of public health and safety initiatives. In some cases legislation has been used to establish some standards for limiting the collection of and access to such data. However, all such legislative efforts contain many provisions that allow for access to individually identifiable microdata without the consent of the data subject. Furthermore, although legislation is useful in that penalties are levied for violating the …