Business Commons^™

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 50 Number 2, Fall 2008, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

10 - MEET MOUNTAIN By Lisa Taggart. A Q&A with SCU women's basketball coach Jennifer Mountain.

12 - KATRINA AT THREE By Pat Semansky '06. A New Orleans photo essay.

16 - THE MEDDLING PRIEST FROM OZ By Emily Elrod '05. An interview with Australian Jesuit John Brennan, S.J.-lauded as a "national treasure" and an "ethical burr."

18 - 20/20 VISION By Robert M. Senkewicz. How has the presidency of Paul Locatelli, S.J., transformed the University-as a place-and as an idea?

28 - GO WITH YOUR HEART By Francisco Jimenez. An exclusive excerpt from his new memoir, Reaching Out.

32 …

Chronic Disease, Homeland Security, And Sailing To Where There Be Dragons, David M. Hassenzahl

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Research

The five papers in this special issue share the perspective that attitudes toward risk are strongly shaped by social context, and that understanding context can help us understand how risk decisions are made, and thereby how to make them better.

Understanding Evolution In Technology Ecosystems, Gediminas Adomavicius, Jesse Bockstedt, Alok Gupta, Robert J. Kauffman

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The current environment of information technology can be a complex place for analysts and firms to navigate, especially when making decisions about new product development, technology investment, and technology planning. Many industry analysts recognize that it is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately predict future technological advances. However, successful firms need to understand the nature of technological change and evolution in order to accurately forecast and take advantage of investment and market opportunities. For example, although RFID has been in the news for the past decade as the potential distribution and retail "killer technology", uncertainties about its future technical capabilities, …

Spreadsheet Data Resampling For Monte-Carlo Simulation, Thin Yin Leong, Wee Leong Lee

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The pervasiveness of spreadsheets software resulted in its increased application as a simulation tool for business analysis. Random values generation supporting such evaluations using spreadsheets are simple and yet powerful. However, the typical approach to Monte-Carlo simulations, which is what simulations with stochasticity are called, requires significant amount of time to be spent on data collection, data collation, and distribution function fitting. In fact, the latter can be overwhelming for undergraduate students to learn and do properly in a short time. Resampling eliminates both the need to fit distributions to the sample data, and to perform the ensuing tests of …

Engineering Management Framework In Support Of Modeling & Simulation Application For Domain Specific Procurement, Thomas Guy Litwin

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A strategic process is desirable for project-based organizations in order for them to be efficient and effective when developing Modeling & Simulation (M&S) systems. This thesis proposes an overarching process that combines traditional M&S and Engineering Management methodologies in a new framework to support M&S organizations during the procurement process.

This thesis proposes both a Strategic Project Management Process (SPMP) and a systems engineering process for M&S federation development projects. The systems engineering process utilizes the artifacts of Model Driven Architecture (MDA) to support building M&S federations driven by operational requirements. Detailed research of this systems engineering process revealed a …

Testing Diffusion Processes For Non-Stationarity, Jeff Hamrick, Murad S. Taqqu

Master of Science in Analytics (MSAN) Faculty Research

Financial data are often assumed to be generated by diffusions. Using recent results of Fan et al. (J Am Stat Assoc, 102:618–631, 2007; J Financ Econometer, 5:321–357, 2007) and a multiple comparisons procedure created by Benjamini and Hochberg (J R Stat Soc Ser B, 59:289–300, 1995), we develop a test for non-stationarity of a one-dimensional diffusion based on the time inhomogeneity of the diffusion function. The procedure uses a single sample path of the diffusion and involves two estimators, one temporal and one spatial. We first apply the test to simulated data generated from a variety of one-dimensional diffusions. We …

Ua35/1 Doers & Deeds Vol. 7, No. 6, Wku Provost

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by the WKU Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs to highlight the activities of faculty, staff and alumni.

Evidence On The Role Of Supplier-Retailer Trading Relationships And Practices In Waste Generation In The Food Chain, Carlos Mena, Peter Whitehead

Business Faculty Publications and Presentations

This report presents the results of the project entitled “Evidence on the role of supplier-retailer trading relationships and practices in waste generation in the food chain” commission by Defra (Project Code SFFSD0705) and undertaken by Cranfield University and IGD between July 2008 and June 2009.

The overall aim of the project was to provide a qualitative analysis of the food and packaging waste arising from the link between food manufacturers and retailers in the UK. The specific objectives of the project were:

• To identify the root causes of waste between suppliers and retailers in the UK
• To assess the magnitude …

Tuning Into The Digital Channel: Evaluating Business Model Fit For Internet Firm Survival, Robert J. Kauffman, Bin Wang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

More than 5,000 Internet firms have failed since the beginning of 2000. One common perception is that the downturn in the economy drove many firms out of business. But then, why have some firms survived? In this research, we provide an empirical analysis by examining how the business model characteristics of an Internet firm affect its survival. We analyze a panel data set of 130 public Internet firms using two different techniques: non-parametric survival analysis, and the semiparametric Cox proportional hazards model. We characterize the survival rates throughout the lifetimes of the public Internet firms in our sample. Our results …

Software Nightmares, Manoj Thulasidas

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

To err is human, but to really foul things up, you need a computer. So states the remarkably insightful Murphy’s Law. And nowhere else does this ring truer than in our financial workplace. After all, it is the financial sector that drove the rapid progress in the computing industry – which is why the first computing giant had the word “business” in its name. The financial industry keeps up with the developments in the computer industry for one simple reason. Stronger computers and smarter programs mean more money — a concept we readily grasp. As we use the latest and …

Relative Importance, Specific Investment And Ownership In Interorganizational Systems., Kunsoo Han, Robert J. Kauffman, Barrie R. Nault

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Implementation and maintenance of interorganizational systems (IOS) require investments by all the participating firms. Compared with intraorganizational systems, however, there are additional uncertainties and risks. This is because the benefits of IOS investment depend not only on a firm's own decisions, but also on those of its business partners. Without appropriate levels of investment by all the firms participating in an IOS, they cannot reap the full benefits. Drawing upon the literature in institutional economics, we examine IOS ownership as a means to induce value-maximizing noncontractible investments. We model the impact of two factors derived from the theory of incomplete …

Do Online Reviews Affect Product Sales? The Role Of Reviewer Characteristics And Temporal Effects, Nan Hu, Ling Liu, Jennifer Zhang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Online product reviews provided by consumers who previously purchased products have become a major information source for consumers and marketers regarding product quality. This study extends previous research by conducting a more compelling test of the effect of online reviews on sales. In particular, we consider both quantitative and qualitative aspects of online reviews, such as reviewer quality, reviewer exposure, product coverage, and temporal effects. Using transaction cost economics and uncertainty reduction theories, this study adopts a portfolio approach to assess the effectiveness of the online review market. We show that consumers understand the value difference between favorable news and …

Developing A Virtual City For Emergency Preparedness Planning And Training, Jon K. Morgan

Theses

Existing techniques for emergency preparedness planning and training fail or lack the ability to convey training on a broad scale and timely fashion. Skill sets that are required for planning, mitigation, response and recovery issues are lost through information overload or failure to identify other channels in which to convey the information. In order to resolve some of the issues with currently existing methods such as tabletop training exercises (TTX), instructional video learning and full-scale exercises we can turn to virtual environments.

In a virtual environment teams can interact with their surroundings from the comfort of the office without having …

Research On Development Of Yangshan Bonded Logistics Park, Qing Fan

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Research On Union Mode Of E-Waste Reverse Logistics In China, Hewei Kong

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Development Research On Chinese Third-Party Cold Chain Logistics, Tianqing Wang

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Methods For Z Company To Deal With Single Hull Vlcc, Chen Ye

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Analysis Of Shanghai Broad Shipping Company's Development Strategy, Lu Zhang

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Research On Construction Of Agri-Products Logistics System In Wenzhou, Yiqi Ye

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Panel I: Earning More By Using Less: Businesses, Efficiency, And Renewable Energy, Janet Napolitano, Jim Murren, Jon Creyts, Michael Yackira, Rhone Resch

National Clean Energy Summit

Panel discussion Moderator: Randolph Townsend, Nevada State Senator

E-Transcript Web Services System Supporting Dynamic Conversion Between Xml And Edi, Myungjae Kwak '11, Woohyun Kang '14, Gondy Leroy, Samir Chatterjee

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

As XML becomes a standard for communications between distributed heterogeneous machines, many schools plan to implement Web Services systems using the XML e-transcript (electronic transcript) standard. We propose a framework that supports both XML e-transcript Web Services and existing EDI e-transcript systems. The framework uses the workflow engine to exploit the benefits of workflow management mechanisms. The workflow engine manages the e-transcript business process by enacting and completing the tasks and sub-processes within the main business process. We implemented the proposed framework by using various open source projects including Java, Eclipse, and Apache Software Foundation’s Web Services projects. Compared with …

The Pricing Strategy Analysis For The Software-As-A-Service Business Model, Dan Ma, Abraham Seidmann

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model is a novel way of delivering software applications. In this paper, we present an analytical model to study the competition between the SaaS and the traditional COTS (Commercial off-the-shelf) software. The main research goal is to analyze the pricing strategy of the SaaS in a competitive setting. The model captures the most salient differences between the SaaS and COTS, including their distinct pricing structures, user initial setup costs, system customization levels, and delivery channels. We find that the two could coexist in a competitive market in the long run, and more importantly, we show how the …

Relationship Preserving Auction For Repeated E-Procurement, Park J., Lee J., Lau H.

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

While e-procurement auction has helped firms to achieve lower procurement costs, auction mechanisms that prevail at present in procurement markets need to address an important issue that concerns the ability to maintain long term relationships with the partners, especially in repeated e-procurement settings. In this paper, we propose a Relationship Preserving Auction (RPA) mechanism that augments the conventional auction mechanism with a bidder relationship scoring model. Our proposed mechanism gives increased chances of winning to the bidders who have bidden at relatively competitive price but had comparatively less wins so far. Keeping these bidders in the auction over time will …

Learning Outcomes For A Business Information Systems Undergraduate Program, Joelle Elmaleh, Steven Miller, Paul S. Goodman

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

We present a learning outcomes framework for an Information Systems (IS) undergraduate program. This framework includes a supporting software application that goes beyond any other attempt reported to date to integrate learning outcomes into program-wide and course-wide curriculum development, ongoing curriculum redesign, and student learning support. The Learning Outcomes Management System (LOMS) described here is a first-of-a-kind information system created as part of implementing a program-wide learning outcomes framework in a university setting. Our learning outcomes framework is distinct in that 1) it is based on a three-level hierarchically structured definition of learning outcomes that consistently apply to both the …

Securing Network Data, Robert E. Holtfreter

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Business

The purpose of this article is to present the major issues regarding threats to the security of network data, define internal/external intrusion and provide a list of the common methods of detection and significant established intrusion preventive practices for maximizing Internet network data security.

A Simplex Model For Layered Niche Networks, Philip Fraundorf

Physics Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 50 Number 1, Summer 2008, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

10 - SPEED RACERS An interview by Gwen Knapp. Cycling legend Greg LeMond talks ethics and doping in sports.

14 - MEET THE NEW FATHER GENERAL By Steven Boyd Saum. Introducing Adolfo Nicols, S.J., the new Superior General of the Society of Jesus.

16 - NO SIMPLE HIGHWAY By Juan Velasco. The Casa de la Solidaridad is less a place than a journey—one that offers a new understanding of solidarity. And a new meaning of home.

22 - EXILES By Ron Hansen. A tale of a shipwreck, a priest, and a poet. Hansen tells the story behind his new novel, …

Optimizing Product Line Designs: Efficient Methods And Comparisons, Alexandre Belloni, Robert Freund, Matthew Selove, Duncan Simester

Business Faculty Articles and Research

We take advantage of recent advances in optimization methods and computer hardware to identify globally optimal solutions of product line design problems that are too large for complete enumeration. We then use this guarantee of global optimality to benchmark the performance of more practical heuristic methods. We use two sources of data: (1) a conjoint study previously conducted for a real product line design problem, and (2) simulated problems of various sizes. For both data sources, several of the heuristic methods consistently find optimal or near-optimal solutions, including simulated annealing, divide-and-conquer, product-swapping, and genetic algorithms.

Does The Corn/Soybean Farmer Have Time For Alternative Crops? [Abstract], Lori A. Hoagland, Laurie Hodges, Glenn A. Helmers, James R. Brandle, Charles A. Francis

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Diversification of traditional row-crop farming in the Corn Belt is seen as advantageous in providing a wider economic base, decreasing economic risk associated with the link between commodity grain and cattle, increasing net farm income, and increasing biodiversity in the region. As farm size has increased to provide sufficient farm income, farm operations during the critical planting and harvesting windows are seen as limits to additional on-farm enterprises.

Spreadsheet Modeling Of Equipment Acquisition Plan, Thin Yin Leong, Michelle L. F. Cheong

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Excel spreadsheets have been used in many classrooms to teach modeling and analysis of real business problems. This can be done with relative ease but often the modeling approach may be inappropriate and the analysis results not easily implemented. In this article, we illustrate these difficulties with the modeling of the number of equipment required in future years, given demand (historical and projected) and the amount of equipment held. We show how the desired output can be, and needs to be related to the given input. For this purpose, we apply the TREND function to predict data into future years. …