Business Commons^™

A Study Of The Stock Market Crash Of October 1987, Jonathan D. Rudman

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the situation surrounding the stock market crash of 1987. The research was conducted in current literature and government reports. The goal of the study is to provide a background on the operations of the stock markets, examine factors leading to and contributing to the crash of 1987, and compare the crash of 1987 to the crash of 1929 in order to provide possible insight to weaknesses in the market system.

The conclusions support specific recommendations that are designed to correct market inefficiencies. These recommendations include increasing margin requirements on index futures, monitoring the performance of specialists, and …

An Analysis Of The Academic Fleet Insurance Program, Emma Rose Dieter

Theses and Major Papers

The academic research fleet is experiencing an increase in the cost of operations. Some members of the fleet are feeling a dramatic rise in operational costs in the area of marine insurance and a decrease in the availability of insurance. The academic fleet is referred to as the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet. It is composed of 25 ships which are operated by 18 institutions. The vessels are owned outright or operated under a charter party agreement from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The National Science Foundation and ONR are also the …

The Importance Of Management Philosophy To The Success Of Pay-For-Knowledge Systems: An Empirical Test, Timothy P. Schweizer

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, pay-for-knowledge compensation systems have received serious attention from practitioners and organizational researchers. Some have hypothesized that the specific mechanics of pay-for-knowledge systems are critical to success while others have suggested that contextual factors determine whether or not these systems will be successful. Empirical research has not been very supportive of these hypotheses, however.

Another hypothesis is that management philosophy is important to the success of pay-for-knowledge systems. The purpose of this study is to test this hypothesis by addressing three questions: 1) Are the components that make up management philosophy related to the successes experienced by companies …

Determining The Word Processing Software To Meet The Needs Of The Business User, Bernice B. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Computerized word processing with computer software packages is common throughout industry today. However, selection of the appropriate software is a complicated procedure and requires a careful examination and comparison of the complexity of the software (features available) with the ease of learning to use the software. With the wide variety of products that run on IBM PC's and the IBM compatibles, it is possible that the business manager can find one that adequately fills both needs. When selecting an appropriate word processing software package, one must first determine how the product will be used so that the purchaser can weigh …

Informal Housing In Cairo: Legislation Concerning The Housing Process, Its Problems, Approaches And Options, Angela Hoisington Ibrahim

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Model For The Determination Of Market Based Pricing Of Telecommunication Products, Katherine J. Sullivan

Theses

The deregulation of AT&T, has impacted telecommunication product pricing in the U.S. market. Previously, pricing had been based on cost plus mark-up, as stipulated by regulatory commissions. Now, pricing decisions require consideration of the competitive impact, consumer demand for the product, corporate pricing objectives and marketing strategies. This paper proposes a pricing process that is relevant for this new environment which enables the product manager to price properly.

The method proposed utilizes microeconomic theory and takes into account the product test price, unit cost, opportunity cost, nonprice factor cost and consumer demand. Incorporating a number of different pricing strategies, it …

Determinants Of The Components Of A State's Tourist Image And Their Marketing Implications, Zafar Uddin Ahmed

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A state's image as perceived by its actual and potential tourists plays a significant role in determining its competitiveness as a tourist destination. A state's image influences a tourist's vacation destination decisions. A tourist's image of a given state is influenced by numerous factors including his amount of touring experience within that state, geographical affiliation, demographic profile, vacation characteristics, and the amount and source of tourist information used.

Utah was used as a case study to test the viability of the proposed research model. A mail questionnaire requested information concerning 1) attributes of Utah's tourist image considered when choosing a …

The Tax Reform Act Of 1986: Its Effect Business And Individuals, Kelly R. Green

Theses and Dissertations

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 represents the m::>st massive revision in the history of tax law. It provides for major reductions corporations. in the top tax rate for both individuals and The individual top rate for 1988 will be the lowest since 1931. The tax burden on corporations has become stiffer after being relaxed for 20 years. In addition, the Act repeals or limits many of the tax credits and deductions that encourage certain kinds of investment, particularly those that taxpayers use to avoid paying taxes. The new tax code no longer uses steeply progressive tax rates, and …

Cost Control And Pricing Methods For The Small Business, Mikel S. Brantley

Theses and Dissertations

An important part of the American dream is the ability to start and own a business. Hundreds of thousands of new firms are started each year. Small business is the heart of the American economic system and essential to its overall well-being. The failure rate of small businesses, however, is a major concern to businessmen and government at all levels. It causes economic losses to both individuals and taxpayers through increased business loan rates and the costs of bankruptcy filings. A lack of management education is often cited as a direct cause for business failures. Chief among management problems is …

Thrift Competition And Its Impact On Financial Institution Mergers And Acquisitions In The Richmond, Virginia Rma, Kenneth W. Vance

Master's Theses

Commercial banking has been subject to antitrust review for only a few decades. In 1948, the Transamerica Corporation was charged by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System with a violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act when it acquired controlling interest in several independent banks in California ⁽¹⁾. At the time of the acquisitions, the banks in question were in direct competition with one or more oof the banks already controlled by Transamerica Corporation. Moreover, Transamerica Corporation held a major interest in Bank of America. This unique case ignited a fear of probable banking concentration …

Patco Strike: A New Beginning For Labor Relations, Michael H. Grine

Theses and Dissertations

While the actual events of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) strike against the federal government have faded into history, the results of the strike will live forever in the new management/labor relationship that exists, not only in the federal government, but all levels of government and civilian enterprise. The results of the disastrous failure of the strike destroyed thousands of careers and left all levels of organized labor to foresee their now limited options available for negotiations with management.

This independent study will attempt to inform the reader of the causes of the PATCO disaster and the miscalculations …

Gainsharing, Terry A. Bach

Theses and Dissertations

Many companies are implementing gainsharing plans to help reve1:se the declining productivity in the United States. This study examines the recent u9swing in companies adopting these plans. It describes the six most common gainsharing plans in use today and discusses what is necessary in order for an organization to enhance its chances for a successful plan. Details of the various roles involved in implementing and controlling a plan are presented. The specific roles include those of the supervisors, managers, and the unions.

The results from three surveys are shown that indicate how the companies receive the gainsharing concept and how …

Thermador/Waste King Product Quality : A Post-Purchase Evaluation By Customers, David B. Browe

Master's Theses

Thermador/Waste King manufactures a specialty built-in kitchen appliance line that bases its appeal on styling, innovative features and performance. The appliance market has changed significantly in recent years, both in distribution channels and number and relative strength of competitors. If we are to continue to maintain and develop our niche position, we must maintain an external orientation to our business. We must introduce new product that satisfies the dimensions of quality sought by our customers and insist that the marketers in our distributjon channels offer an augmented product that enhances our efforts. This survey of recent 'customers' perceptions of Thermador/Waste …

The Role Of The Central Agency For Organization And Administration In Training Senior Administrators, Omayma Kamal El Dean Mohammed El Shaaer

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Effective Performance Appraisal: A Review, Implications, Recommendations And Case Study, Brenda P. Johnson

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Contingent Time Off : An Incentive Approach To Office Productivity Increases, Larry F. Cluff

Master's Theses

Productivity gains in a clerical setting on the order of ten to twenty-five percent can be achieved through the use of contingent time off (CTO) incentives. To test this hypothesis, four clerical groups who performed routine repetitive tasks were given productivity goals of 25% over their respective group's average weekly productivity level. If a group achieves the weekly goal before the end of standard 40 hour work-week, the group of employees will be given time off with full pay based upon a specified formula. Results of the study indicate that CTO can result in productivity increases ranging between 13 and …

The Development Of A Material Management Program For Hankins & Johan, Inc., R. M. Johann

Master's Theses

This research paper was conducted in an effort to develop a better material management program for Hankins and Johann, Inc. Some simple models such as the two bin system, and more sophisticated models, such as manufacturing resources planning (MRP II), were investigated. Although it became apparent that the sophisticated models were currently not necessarily applicable to the Hankins and Johann situation, the research of these models helped to uncover the primary goal of all such models: To maximize the economic use of available resources in the day to day operation of a company. To move Hankins and Johann in this …

Diversification In The Cigarette Industry In The 1980'S, Hector Alonso

Master's Theses

This study is a comparative analysis of the diversification strategies of the six domestic cigarette manufacturers in the 1980' s. It uses financial analysis to look at how the different cigarette manufacturers have invested the cash generated by the tobacco businesses, and how the companies rank in terms of their ability to generate profits and stockholder wealth in non-tobacco businesses.

Evaluation Of A Computer Simulation Of The Radiant Heat Curing Process For Primary Urd Electrical Cable, Grover L. Stell

Master's Theses

It is the intent of this paper to compare the predictions of an in-house developed computer model, of the radiant heat curing process for plastic insulated electrical cable, with data gathered both from trials in a pilot facility and from actual production in a full scale manufacturing plant. First, background explanations of the product and the manufacturing process are given. Then the thermodynamic and chemical basis of the computer model are discussed in some detail. The model predictions of product temperatures during processing are then compared to the results obtained during trials at the pilot facility. Next, degree of cure …

Sovran Financial Corporation Competitive Analysis, Don Kierson

Master's Theses

Competitive theories attempt to describe, analyze, rationalize and predict behaviors when two or more people want the same thing. Competition appears to come naturally to humans. We have evolved over vast number of generations in response to changes in our environment. Our early struggle for existence led to a highly developed tendency toward aggressive behavior. The process of natural selection depended on this trait to ensure that the strongest members of our species flourished. If unchecked, however, aggression would have eventually destroyed mankind. V.C. Wynne-Edwards²⁹ theorized that societies of higher animals have developed "conventional competitions" which encourage aggression while …

Development Of Maritime Administration In Somalia, Jilaow

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Regression Based Allowance Policy Determination Procedures In A General Job Shop: An Evaluation In Terms Of Completion Inaccuracy Penalties, Edward S. Gee

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the problem of setting due dates to minimize completion inaccuracy penalties in a general job shop environment. In this simulation study, lateness penalties are generated by four defined functions: lateness variance, mean squared lateness, mean absolute lateness, and semi-quadratic lateness. Each of these functions assigns positive penalties to both early and late job completions.

The study proposes and demonstrates the benefits of an iterative simulation-regression procedure in determining allowance policies. Advantages of operation-based dispatching rules over job-based dispatching rules, as well as improvements to traditional methods of setting operation due dates, are demonstrated. Characteristics and benefits of …

The Effects Of Realistic Job Previews On Turnover, Susan Janet Hartshorn Black

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

A Faster Way: A Recommendation To Machinery And Equipment Appraisers, Gerald L. Huether

Theses

Unavailable.

New Dimensions Of Organizational Commitment: Effects Of Perceived On-The-Job Support And Exchange Ideology On Absenteeism, Clare Elizabeth Sharafinski

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Quality Circle Participation: Influences On Quality Of Work Life, Job Satisfation And Self-Esteem, Lawrence Scott Blair

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Main Problems With Management Information Systems And Their Relationship To Critical Mis Success Factors, Thomas Schmitt

Masters Theses

Most companies do not exploit all potential benefits of Management Information Systems (MIS). To enhance the understanding of how MIS might be better managed, a nationwide mail-survey among 280 randomly selected chief MIS executives of Corporate 1000 firms was conducted.

The first part of the thesis investigated the areas of importance for MIS success and performance ratings of the 85 participating managers on the issues. In the second part relationships between these variables and the success of the MIS operations were established to derive critical success factors.

The findings indicate that there is a shift towards an increased strategic importance …

The Effect Of Interpretive Theatre On Children In The Museum Setting, Douglas Stuart Miller

Legacy ETDs

This study consisted of research conducted at The Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) and The Georgia Southern Museum (GSM). Research at SMM consisted of exploratory research involving an unobtrusive observation of interpretive theatre programs performed at that museum and the effect of interpretive theatre on museum visitors. Particular attention was paid to the influence of theatre on children as the sample population for continued research at GSM was children ages 8-12. Subjects for this study were selected at random from the entirety of the sample population visiting the museum during the times of observation. Data recorded at SMM was compiled, …

Funding Of Women's Programs By Minnesota Foundations, Suzanne E. Runte

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this thesis was to determine how much money Minnesota foundations contributed to programs for women. The study examined the grants awarded by a representative sample of 12 Minnesota foundations over a four year period (1980-1983). Data was collected from foundations' annual reports or 990 tax forms. The amount of funding each foundation contributed to women's programs and the type of services founded were recorded.

Results from the study indicated that programs for women do not received much of the total amount of funding given by these Minnesota foundations. The four year average percentage of funding to women …

Management Stress And Its Impact On Marital Dysfunction, Thomas J. Kemper

Theses

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the occupational and life stressors suffered by managers and the relationship between this stress and the marital dysfunction of these managers.

The relationship between employee's work lives and their nonwork lives has undergone a number of investigations over the years . One area that has received particular attention is the area of occupational stress, its causes and effects. Occupational stress is something that is no longer suffered by air traffic controllers and top executives Lower level managers are becoming distressed because of the pressures placed on them by corporations to perform, and …