Business Commons^™

The Valuation Of Minority Interests In A Closely Held Corporation, Richard Houlihan

Theses

According to the 1990 Statistical Abstract of the United States, approximately 17 million businesses exist in the U.S. They are comprised of over 3.4 million corporations, 1.7 million partnerships, and more than 12 million sole proprietorships. Furthermore, the United Shareholders Association reports that there are approximately 47 million minority shareholders in approximately 10,000 U.S. public companies. It is logical to infer from this data that millions of minority shareholders also exist in closely held companies - that is, non-publicly traded companies.

A minority interest is an interest which has no meaningful control over the day-to-day operations of a business, as …

Shareholder Value For Esco, Kelley A. Hullihen

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study and use of Shareholder Value Analysis as a technique to be implemented as a measure for business performance. Using the Al car software to perform the financial modeling for ESCO this thesis will prove that ESCO is undervalued and why. The financial models were built and based upon management's forecast and expectation trends.

Shareholder Value Analysis enables managers to evaluate alternative strategies in terms of changes in corporate value. The approach provides a uniform yardstick, a measuring tool for comparing one business plan to another in order to see which creates the most …

An Analysis Of The Consumer's Perception Of Pricing At Save-A-Lot Food Stores, Walter S. Jones

Theses

This study focused on Save-A- Lot retail grocery stores and why consumers shop at these types of stores.

Save- A- Lot stores are limited- assortment retail grocery stores. In todays fast-paced society, with many two-income households, consumers are always on the go. Many shoppers are looking for one- stop shopping capabilities, service departments, and stores that are open late hours. If this is the case, then it would be logical to believe that consumers would not shop at Save-A-Lot stores. Save-A-Lot stores offer very little service, shorter hours than conventional stores, and they claim to only offer the consumer 90% …

Management Decision Making And Political Viability Criteria In Large Corporate Organizations, Kalman J. Kovach

Theses

This thesis focuses on the magnitude of political viability in managerial decision making in large corporate organizations . Political viability ls defined as perpetuating shrewdness to flourish one's career within an organization.

Recent economic conditions and global competitiveness have forced corporations to examine their traditional managerial roles. As a result, many corporations have totally revamped goals and objectives in an attempt to present a clear and unobstructed vision of their mission.

Over the last decade research done by organizational psychologists, consultants, independent ·think· tanks, and decision experts have bombasted corporations with many management philosophies . Decision making is an integral …

Effective Disciplinary Process In Management, Ying-Lung Teng

Theses

The application of discipline is the punitive behavior by the employer to suppress the employee's undesired behavior in the work place. However, there are many considerations have to be concerned when applied discipline.

An organization has to support the supervisor when applying discipline because it gives the supervisor the great power in dealing with problem workers. Organizational policy has to specify the degree of discipline and timing of discipline in order to make the supervisor and the employee have an idea about discipline.

The employee becomes satisfied with supervision when the supervisor uses good leadership skills to manage. In order …

The Legal Status Of Strikers And Replacement Workers, Chun-Shu Su

Theses

On labor-management dispute, each party to the negotiation seeks to protect its economic interests by extracting concession from the other. Both union and management back up their demands with the threat of pressure tactics which would inflict economic harm upon the other party. If the negotiations reach an impasse, a labor union's most powerful weapon at the bargaining table is the credible threat of a strike, a protected right under the National Labor Relations Act. On the other hand, the management may use lockouts or hire new employees to replace those striking workers to force concessions.

Hiring permanent replacements has …

A Proposed Model For Comparing The Performance Of Neural Networks And Statistical Approaches In Predicting Project Profits Of An Asphalt Paving Company, Josephine Giaimo

Theses

It is currently assumed that the performance of a model for predicting project profits of an asphalt paving company varies with an unknown number of parameters. An earlier study indicates that the parameters are not well understood (Berry, 1990). A search of the literature suggests that the available models usually are described by those who develop and use them as universally reliable and valid tools for solving complex problem (Allman, 1989; Bumke, 1988; Clark, 1988; Cohen & Howe, 1988; Fillon, 1989; Kling, 1990; Lawrence, Petterson, & Hartzberg, 1990; Marose, 1990; Pollak, 1988; Reynolds, 1988; Sullivan & Reeve, 1988; Thurber, 1988). …

Manufacturing Automation Protocol Implementation Guide, Richard H. Infantino

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a starting point for individuals seeking information on the Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP) Specification. This thesis is designed to be as comprehensive as possible, yet, still basic enough to be understood by an individual who may not be familiar with computers and networks, and how they function. The intent is to progress gradually from basic networking concepts and characteristics, to defining network requirements, and finally to network design and installation. At the conclusion of the paper is an Organized Method Approach to MAP network design and installation that could serve as a …

Cascading Of Ever Adaptive Variation Of Lzw Algorithm With Arithmetic Coding Method, Ramesh Vishwanatham, Ketan Tejani

Theses

Two known compression algorithms appropriate for communication are LZW and the Arithmetic Coding method. Both algorithms are adaptive and require no extra communication from the encoder to the decoder. We have considered a variation of LZW algorithm known as Online version which result in better compression. Here we present a scheme to cascade Online LZW with Arithmetic algorithms into an Ever Adaptive data compression algorithm which achieves higher compression ratio and is appropriate for communication.

The Use Of Self-Managed Teams In Service Industries, Henry F. De Mena

Theses

Self-managed teams in business and industry are groups of workers assigned to perform a complete function in the operation of their company. ream members, when well-trained and multi-skilled, are flexible enough to rotate between positions as needed and to perform the various tasks which compose the complete function. The teams are autonomous, in that they manage themselves. Team leaders are resource persons, not directors. The organizations in which they are used are flat (managerial-wise) since little middle management is required.

Such teams are not uncommon in manufacturing industries. As yet, however, they are less frequently found in service industries, even …

International Technology Transfer : America Via China, Lijie Dong

Theses

Momentous changes continue to occur in China. The high priorities now accorded economic modernization and improved global relations present a sharp contrast to the years of the Cultural Revolution and earlier. But what happened last year, the June 4 Tiananmen Square massacre, brought about great confusion and uncertainty over China's future course. China may be a constructive trading and strategic partner, or it may choose a more divergent path. U.S. decisions on technology transfer will be an important determinant of which path is followed and the implications for the world.

The Accreditation Of Professional-Technician Occupations, Michael William Allgaier

Theses

This study investigates the relevance of different elements of accreditation as applied to professional and technical occupations. The impact of essential elements of typical accreditation programs on the outcome of the credentialing process is studied. The credentialing process is viewed in the context of how it affects the public safety, health and well being of society. The health, legal, engineering, and educational professions are analyzed to form a conventional professional base of comparison with the emerging professional-technical occupations in the nuclear industry, especially nondestructive examiners.

Nurses, attorneys, engineers, and teachers accreditation programs are analyzed for their strengths and areas for …

The Role Of Multinational Corporations In Nigeria : A Case Study, Eteng Bassey Eno

Theses

Multinational corporations in Nigeria are as old as Nigeria itself. This section has been recognized as an important area of economic activity which is capable of having both positive as well as negative economic implications regarding employment, technology transfer, international capital investments and other sociocultural issues in Nigeria. In Nigeria multinationals corporations (MNC) have virtually dominated such industries as cement, beer brewing, tobacco products, soap and cosmetics, chemicals, pharmaceutical, machinery, electric equipment and assembly activities ie. motor vehicle and bicycle. However, much as the host country is aware of the inherent danger posed by direct investment by transnational corporations, the …

The Effectiveness Of Computer-Based Training On Management Skills Development, Donna Lisa Leonard

Theses

This paper evaluates the impact of Computer Based Mediums on training in management skills. The research explores current literature and technology developments of training functions in organizations. The paper involves some currently used methods and examines how they apply to the traditional training function. The information source's focus mainly on future trends, professional literature, academic texts, and interviews with professionals in the field of training, Human Resources, and technology. This paper examines the problems as well as the benefits of Computer applied HR and training functions.

The objective of this presentation is to clarify the idea of computerized technology in …

Cascading Of Arithematic Coding Method With The Lzw Algorithm, Venkat R. Maram, Nageshwar R. Kadakuntla

Theses

Two known compression algorithms appropriate for communication are the LZW algorithm and the Arithmetic Coding method. Both algorithms are adaptive and require no extra communication from the encoder to the decoder. We present a scheme to cascade these algorithms into an adaptive algorithm which achieves higher compression ratio and is appropriate for communication.

Office Automation's Impact On Organizations, Hasan Mentes

Theses

The impact of office automation in today's business environment has a variety of major and minor effects on individuals from top level executives to middle management to secretarial and clerical workers. This effect also varies dramatically from corporation to corporation according to many factors. Such factors, as size, organizational philosophy, management structures, employee participation, educating practices and competitive boundaries, can cause diverse effects and reactions on organizations.

In order to ascertain an accurate awareness of the impact of office automation on organizations and its people, it was necessary to investigate a group of corporations of varied sizes, with different employee …

Evaluating The Feasibility Of A Vendor Certification Program For A Mid-Sized Pharmaceutical Company, Clarice P. Johnson

Theses

To compete effectively in the global market-place of the 1990's, manufacturers and suppliers must give up the orthodox practices of the past and create more innovative, quality oriented partnerships. One way to do this is through vendor certification.

The implementation process is examined with particular emphasis upon total management involvement and commitment. A case study approach utilizes a literature search, questionnaires from a limited number of pharmaceutical companies in New Jersey, and questionnaires from primary and secondary component suppliers.

It is confirmed that the implementation of a vendor certification program is a slowly evolving process whose success is not dependent …

The Role Of African Women In Informal Industry : A Case Study, Ayorkor Eulalie Deganus

Theses

The informal industrial sector has in recent years been recognized by development agencies as an important area of economic activity which is capable of creating employment opportunities. This sector is also growing faster than its formal counterpart.

In developing countries, women dominate the informal sector by virtue of their traditional and unique roles in food processing, pottery and* basketry, alcholic beverage brewing, handicrafts, clothweaving, cosmetic manufacturing and a host of manufacturing activities. However due to a general misconception about the actual economic roles of women in society, very little attempt is made by development planners and agencies to improve their …

Concept And Analysis Of The Application Software Development Pool, Paul Walter Bette

Theses

This study investigated a new organizational structure within the data processing field. In an attempt to curb job turnover and improve job satisfaction within a typical application software development environment, the concept of the Application Software Development Pool (ASDP) was developed. To identify differences and employee reactions to implementing ASDP's organizational structure versus a more conventional data processing organizational structure, 15 employees participated in a conventional DP group and 15 were assigned to the ASDP group. Job satisfaction questionnaires were distributed both before and after the six month implementation period. Data analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups. The …

The Relationship Of Life-Script Decisions To Occupational Interests, Jacqueline Holler

Theses

This study considered the relationship of life-script decisions to an individual's occupational interests. A variety of definitions and functions of work were discussed, and the influences or early family parenting styles and mode-ling were explored.

The theory of Transactional Analysis was used as the basis tor explaining emotional and psychological needs of individuals. The origins of the three ego states, Parent, Adult, and Child, were described and defined The life script, or life plan, of individuals, developed from decisions: which are based on messages and modeling from parental figures, was used to determine the executive ego states of the subjects. …

The Relationship Between The Number Of Sexual Harassment Incidents Reported In The Manufacturing Industry And Personnel Administrators' Knowledge Concerning The Problem, Brenda J. Willenborg

Theses

This thesis focuses on sexual harassment in the workplace and how it relates to personnel administrators' knowledge thereof.

As sexual harassment claims rise, businesses suffer tremendous financial loss. However, most researchers believe that many claims could be prevented if businesses implemented strong anti-sexual harassment policies, in addition to education and training for all employees. Personnel administrators are often assigned these difficult tasks without much thought as to how well-informed they may be about sexual harassment. If not very knowledgeable themselves, how practicable will their prevention programs be?

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship …

The Impact Of Product Line Management For Women's Services In Healthcare, Jill M. Skyles

Theses

This paper will focus on the problem of poor utilization of resources in women's health care and how product line management may allow for a cost effective means of providing quality care with optimal use of resources.

In the past decade, hospitals have had to adjust to changes in the payment system. This has forced hospital executives to develop and implement innovative management strategies to continue to provide quality patient care, while keeping costs at a minimum.

Research has attributed the lack of product line management in health care to a basic misunderstanding of product line management. In the past, …

Inconsistencies And Turnover, Lori A. Strawhun

Theses

In any organization, turnover is inevitable - employees come and employees go. A great deal of research has been devoted to exploring the causes of turnover as well as turnover's costs and benefits. There is much to say about turnover. It is a complicated phenomenon affected by many variables and having many effects itself.

To better- understand turnover, several formulas have been created to quantify this phenomenon in terms of percentages. These formulas are presented and one formula was used to examine a company referred to in this text as "Company X". There is little agreement on how much turnover …

An Investigation Into The Resistance Factors Associated With The Use Of Computers In Office Automation, Norman L. Davis

Theses

This thesis will investigate the resistance factors associated with the use of computers in automation.

Primary and secondary research has shown that high level employees and low level employees resist the use of computers in their work milieu. By studying the use of Electronic Mail, it has been shown that those employees who rank themselves as upper management resist using the computer resources available to them and those employees who rank themselves as lower management also demonstrate resistance. Those employees who rank themselves as middle management do not demonstrate such resistances.

This investigation, and the research that has preceded it, …

The Impact Of Implementin Effective Employee Communication To Manage The Evolving Work Force, Michelle K. Bray

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of implementing effective employee communications to manage a diverse work force.

Over the years the practice of public relations has struggled to establish a niche for itself by justifying its existence to corporate America, mainly upper management. As an increasing number of chief executive officers recognize the need for effective communications professional communicators are being strategically placed to best serve the organizational objectives. Unfortunately, the area of internal communications is often neglected.

Research has attributed the lack of effective, open, two-way communications to the false presumption that employees are loyal 10 their employer …

The Use Of Quality Cost Measurement Systems For Improving Profitability, Daniel J. Boehm

Theses

The focus of this study was to determine if t he use of a quality cost measurement system will allow companies to track and analyze costs and provide a means of improving profitability. Focusing on the philosophies and theories developed by W. Edwards Deming, J .M. Juran, and Philip Crosby, three of the leading authorities in the quality control field, a quality control system can be designed to track and analyze quality costs. Quality costs have been grouped into three categories : Prevention costs, Appraisal costs, and Failure costs. Prevention costs are those associated with preventing poor quality such as, …

Designing And Implementing Participative Management Within The Corporate Sector: A Primer, Robert R. Appel

Theses

The focus of this thesis is the study of participative management, in particular the use of quality circles in the corporate sector. After thoroughly researching the information available on quality circles t here will be developed a manual to be utilized to provide information to the managers and potential circle members of a company preparing to implement quality circles.

Research has shown that over fifty percent of the quality circle programs implemented in the United States failed. One of the major causes of this failure rate is the lack of information provided to the employees concerning quality circles.

After a …

Early Retirement, Julie L. Brown

Theses

The purpose of this study was to show the increasing rate of early retirement offered by corporations as a means of reducing the work force today. The study was also conducted to point out that more and more employees are opting for early retirement and taking the buyout.

A survey of 11 questions was administered to 22 participants from various age groups and employers for the study. The data analysis consisted of the measures of central tendencies: mean, median and mode, along with cross tabulations to test early retirement hypothesis.

The survey results were rather interesting. It was discovered that …

The Motivation Of A Collegiate Level Educator Is Mobility Within The Profession, Andrew V. Carter

Theses

For as long as there have been Colleges and Universities, graduates have been making career decisions. The decision one makes to become a collegiate level educator has been made by thousands since this time. Due to this, the motivations these educators have felt are quite interesting.

This project will examine the motivations of the collegiate level educator. It will attempt to prove that the mobility within education is the greatest motivator.

The reader will become familiarized with history of the educator and the motivations that are present.

After the reader has been brought up to date, the author will attempt, …

The 1986 Tax Reform Act And Its Effect On The Office Building Market In St. Louis County, Pat P. Clark

Theses

Prior to the 1986 Tax Act , the real estate industry enjoyed privileged status granted by the Economic Recovery and Tax Act of 1981 . Because of flagrant abuse of the provisions of the 1981 Act, Congress passed the 1986 Tax Reform Act in order to curtail certain activities in the real estate market that had become unhealthy for the economy of the United States . Therefore, it is the intent of this project to show its readers that the 1986 Tax Reform Act had a negative impact on the office building market in St. Louis County.

The following pages …