Business Commons^™

The Impact Of The Computer On The Choice Activity Of Decision Makers: A Replication With Actual Used Of Computerized Mis, Robert Koester, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

University of Nebraska-Lincoln A previous study on the impact of computer generated information on the choice activity of student subjects found that those with computer experience were less influenced by computer generated information than they were by information presented in a more traditional mimeograph format. Subjects who had little, if any, computer experience were more influenced in their choice activity by computer generated information than by the identical information presented in the more traditional mimeograph format (Luthans & Koester, 1976). The results of that study seemed to have definite implications for users of computerized information systems, suggesting that computer generated …

The Maine Coast : Issues Considered, Maine Coastal Program

Maine Collection

The Maine Coast : Issues Considered - A Report to the Governor by his Advisory Committee on Coastal Development and Conservation

Maine Coastal Program, Maine State Planning Office

Augusta, Maine (31 October 1978)

Contents: Introduction / Summary of Committee Recommendations / Fisheries / Port Development / Heavy Industry Siting / Travel and Tourism / Cumulative Impact of Development / Natural Resource Information Transfer

The Reality Or Illusion Of A General Contingency Theory Of Management: A Response To The Longenecker And Pringle Critique, Fred Luthans, Todd I. Stewart

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

In April 1977, we introduced the concept of a General Contingency Theory (GCT) of Management and proposed for its development a conceptual framework to integrate and synthesize diverse process, behavioral, and management science concepts and techniques (3). In their critique of GCT, Longenecker and Pringle (2) have argued that the concept of a contingency-based general theory of management is illusory, too ill-defined and nebulous to serve as a truly viable general theory. Our response is offered to clarify some of the points they raise and stimulate a continuing dialogue over the GCT construct which will hopefully contribute to the development …

Incorporating Time-Lag Effects Into The Expectancy Model Of Motivation: A Reformulation Of The Model, Bronston T. Mayes

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Of cognitive theories of motivation, the most intensively researched in recent years is the Valence-Instrumentality-Expectancy (VIE) theory. A recent review of VIE research (9) shows the valence model to be reasonably predictive of occupational preference, job satisfaction, and valence of performance. The behavioral choice model has not fared so well; although it moderately predicts self-ratings of job effort, its efficiency in predicting criteria measured by other then self-ratings is questionable. When the behavioral choice model is used in research, the following findings are typical:

1. Intrinsic outcomes (feelings of accomplishment, etc.) are better predictors of satisfaction and performance than are …

Breadbox Water Heater Designs, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

Integral solar water heaters (batch, breadbox, ICS) provide the most economical and reliable means of heating water. Simple designs can perform well and provide service for decades. Basic design principles include box insulation, orientation and control of heat loss.

Interorganizational Considerations In Coastal Management: The 1976 California Legislative Experience, Herman L. Boschken

Herman L. Boschken

Among coastal management programs, most states have found the question of appropriate administrative structure difficult to cope with. The dilemma of decision trade-offs caused by the dual governmental needs of "efficiency" and "representation" has led to some alternative patterns of administration. For complex issues that transcend local boundaries, the choice between trade-offs means adopting either (a) some form of consolidated bureaucracy or (b) some system of concurrent jurisdictions. Both alternatives have their inherent benefits and disadvantages but, considering the degree of environmental complexity and array of competing interests involved in coastal resource use, the most appropriate administrative form would seem …

Some Boundary Considerations In The Application Of Motivation Models, Bronston T. Mayes

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

From the actor's perspective, a behavioral environment can be typified by two continuous dimensions, knowledge of potential outcomes and knowledge of causal relationships among environmental elements. These dimensions determine the situational ambiguity perceived by the actor. Expectancy, equity, operant conditioning, and attitude theories of motivation are considered in such ambiguous environments. Propositions are set forth which allow the researcher to select the most predictive motivation model

Toward A Definition Of Organizational Politics, Bronston T. Mayes, Robert W. Allen

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Viewing organizations as political entities is not a recent phenomenon. March (7) suggested that organizations are political coalitions in which decisions are made and goals are set by bargaining processes. Other writers stressed the utility of taking a political perspective when studying organizations (1, 6, 9, 22). Anyone associated with almost any form of organization eventually becomes aware of activities that are described by employees as "political", but what is termed political by one observer may not be viewed as political by another. To understand the nature of political processes in organizations, some agreement as to what constitutes political behavior …

A General Contingency Theory Of Management, Fred Luthans, Todd I. Stewart

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Recent formal recognition of situational influences on the management of complex organizations has led to an increasing number of contingency models, but a comprehensive and integrative theoretical framework for contingency management has been lacking. A General Contingency Theory (GCT) of Management is introduced as an overall framework that integrates the diverse process, quantitative and behavioral approaches to management; incorporates the environment; and begins to bridge the gap between management theory and practice

The Sfa Business Review Vol. 2 No. 2, M. Dudley Stewart, Ralph L. White, John H. Lewis, Danny R. Arnold, John D. Whitt, Patsy Spurrier, Janelle C. Ashley

SFA Business Review, 1975-1978

No abstract provided.

Planning For Energy Conservation, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

City planning can provide multiple benefits by considering energy conservation, solar orientation and local resource harvesting. Narrower streets reduce construction costs, reduce urban heat island impacts and are safer. Above ground drainage reduces costs and returns rainwater to groundwater.

The Impact Of Computer Generated Information On The Choice Activity Of Decision-Makers, Fred Luthans, Robert Koester

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Computerized information systems have a tremendous impact on management decision-making in all modern organizations. Electronic data processing (EDP) departments generate, coordinate, and disseminate much of the information that is used in modern management decision-making. How much influence is this computer generated information per se having on the choice activity of the human decision-maker? To date, very little is known about the answer to this question. Yet, if management is to improve the effectiveness of the decision-making process, the implications of computer generated information must be better understood. Organizationally, there is evidence that the computer has changed traditionalline- staff relationships. In …

The Resources Management Movement (The Coming Death Of Production Management Education), Richard J. Schonberger

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Production management, taught in nearly all colleges of business administration, is not a popular course. One reason it is not popular is that it does not relate to the typical young student's life experiences. This typical student has for 18 years or more been a social animal, and thus he can relate to college courses in the sociopsychological realm. The rare student who has considerable work experience is the only one likely to appreciate and perhaps even enjoy a course in production management (or operations management, as it is called in some schools).

But this kind of problem is found …

Testing A Planning And Control Model In Nonprofit Organizations, Charles A. Reimnitz

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

This study utilizes a planning and control model abstracted from the conceptual framework of general management knowledge to test the relative efficiency of administrators in three educational service organizations. The hypothesis that subordinates' perceptions of administrators' relative proficiency will be a function of the administrators' education, training, experience, and conscious use of management techniques appears to be substantiated.

Fertilising Quota Wheat Crops, N J. Halse

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

BEFORE wheat quotas were introduced, a farmer had to make two major decisions on fertilisers for wheat crops each year—what area to crop; and how much fertiliser to use.

Evidence On The Validity Of Management Education, Fred Luthans, James W. Walker, Richard M. Hodgetts

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

The authors feel that more attention should be given to the empirical validation of management education. In order to determine what effect a college degree and the academic major have on promotability, 3,202 marketing personnel of a major petroleum corporation were analyzed.

What effect does a college education have on executive success? Does the major area of study make any difference? Does any kind of management education or development yield tangible returns to an employing organization? In other words, have management formal education and development been empirically validated? Many organizations are seriously beginning to ask these questions. The current body …

Managerial Analysis Of Doctoral Candidates And Professors: Research Attitudes And Interpersonal Relations, Fred Luthans, Richard M. Hodgetts

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

The authors feel that managerial analysis can contribute to the better understanding of many problems facing the modern university. This study, in analyzing the staffing problems of colleges of business administration, utilizes the research attitudes and interpersonal relations between doctoral candidates and their professors. The body of management knowledge is usually associated with business organizations. However, many other types of organizations in modern society have utilized management knowledge to solve their problems. Government organizations, hospitals, and the military draw from and add to the general body of management knowledge.

Leadership Techniques In The Project Organization, Richard M. Hodgetts

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Project managers, because of their inherent "authority-gap", have developed a handful of techniques for supplementing their authority. The importance of these techniques will often vary with the dollar-size of the undertaking. The project organization has been in use for thousands of years. Its precise origin is unknown, but the pyramids and Roman aqueducts bear witness to its long history. In recent years a new impetus has been given to the project organization through its application in such areas as aerospace, chemicals, and state government, to mention but a few. One major problem has been cited consistently in studies made of …

Faculty Promotions: An Analysis Of Central Administrative Control, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Very little significant research has been conducted on the university as an organized activity. This study helps to fill solve of this void. The concept of central administrative control is used as a framework to empirically analyze faculty promotion policies and practices. The universities of today are recognized as extremely important organizations in our society. Faculty members conduct significant research which advances knowledge in their particular fields of study. For instance, in the management departments of our universities, professors devote most of their research efforts to developing knowledge and insights into industrial organizations. In a few cases these professors have …

Rural Statistics : Why They Are Needed, A Mckinnon

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

IN March or early April you should receive two copies of a Statistical Form A.P.7, one of which should be completed and forwarded to the Deputy Commonwealth Statistician with particulars of your farm, orchard or station.

An Inquiry Into The Buildings And Grounds Department Of The University Of New Mexico, Raymond P. Lutz

Anderson School of Management Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the Buildings and Grounds Department of the University of New Mexico. This examination will consist of two major facets. The first will be a broad evaluation of the maintenance program as it presently exists and a comparison of this program with those of other universities around the country. The second major section will be an investigation of the feasibility of subcontracting some of the maintenance functions now performed by the Buildings and Grounds Department to see whether this would be advantageous to the University.