Business Commons^™

Year-End Individual Taxation Report, Annette M. Nellen, E. Cook, K. Fava, E. Gershman, J. Hagy, J. Horn, D. Moore, D. Newman, T. Newman, K. Rubin

Faculty Publications

Several actions by Congress and the IRS aimed to reduce improper claims of the earned income tax credit by increasing preparer penalties and due diligence procedures. * Litigation over restricted stock-based compensation focused on the proper date of the stock's market valuation and the effect of company and SEC restrictions on disposition of the stock. * The Tax Court applied the IRS's recent practice of allowing professional gamblers to deduct ordinary and reasonable nonwagering business expenses over their gambling winnings, overturning a 1951 case holding. * The Tax Court also held that limited partners of a limited partnership who perform …

Social Burden, Social Venture Or Social Responsibility? A Reflection On Csr In China And Csr Strategy Suggestions For Multinational Companies In China, Mantian Wang, Rongming Ren, Guiyi Hu, Hongyong Lu, Ilan Alon

Faculty Publications

Thirty years into its reform and opening, the People’s Republic of China (referred to as China) has become aware of many international practices, including corporate social responsibility (CSR). Yet FOR Chinese enterprises, CSR seems similar to the heavy social burdens of THE state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The “cradle-to-grave” welfare system, notorious but standard in THE planned economy, played a role in the failure of most SOEs to compete with the new, burgeoning private sector. Although laws were promulgated to free the SOEs from their “social burdens,” the new township enterprises set a different example. Some of the latter even profited from …

Alignment Within The Software Development Unit: Assessing Structural And Relational Dimensions Between Testing And Development, Jasbir Dhaliwal, Colin Onita, Robin Poston, Xihui Zhang

Faculty Publications

Just as business-IT alignment has received significant focus as a strategic concern in the IS literature, it is also important to consider internal alignment between the diverse subunits within the IT organization. This study investigates alignment between developers and testers in software development to understand alignment within the IT unit. Prior evidence of tension between these sub-groups (and others as well) suggests that all is not necessarily well within the IT organization. Misalignment within the IT unit can certainly make it difficult for the IT unit to add strategic value to the organization. This study is an important initial step …

Science Diplomacy With Swissnex China: A Swiss Nation Brand Initiative, Flavia Schlegel, Olivier Jacot, Marc Fetscherin

Faculty Publications

Switzerland has a long tradition of expertise in the fields of science, research and education, with “science diplomacy” (SD) now assuming an important role for innovation economies. Past experience shows that international scientific cooperation can have valuable outcomes for the involved countries and complements traditional foreign policy and diplomacy. In Switzerland, a worldwide network of science and technology outposts under the auspices of the Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER) in cooperation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) was established in 2000. The very swissnex network around the world defines one of those established science diplomacy …

Evolutionary Variations In Service Trade Barriers In Banking And Their Impact: The Case Of The Asean+3, Ilan Alon, Xiaobing Feng

Faculty Publications

Although there has been extensive research on the ASEAN+3 countries, which reveals a synchronisation of economic policies, including exchange rate management policies, research on the regional pattern of trade policies in the banking sector is limited. We evaluate the trade barriers in banking and their evolution, using data from three sequential surveys conducted by the World Bank and surveys by other international organisations. We find that the country dispersions in trade-restricting policies are stable over time. Moreover, we find no evidence of moves in the direction of liberalisation in the sector. The economic modelling undertaken provides an indication of the …

Medical Travel Facilitator Websites: An Exploratory Study Of Web Page Contents And Services Offered To The Prospective Medical Tourist, Dan Cormany, Seyhmus Baloglu

Faculty Publications

The growing trend of traveling outside of one's country for medical services, commonly known as “medical tourism” is expected to continue to grow exponentially in the next ten years (Keckley, 2008). With multiple destinations from which to select, and available information representing this type of travel being of variable reliability, many prospective medical travelers turn to the use of a “medical tourism facilitator”, who perform a variety of trip coordination responsibilities for the medical traveler. These medical tourism facilitators, themselves a new phenomenon to support travel to various global regions, may operate within the traveler's home country or the destination …

Consumption Behavior Of Chinese Urban Residents During Economic Transition: Intermittent And Cyclical Fluctuations, Xiaotong Jin, Shengliang Deng, Ilan Alon

Faculty Publications

Although in recent years researchers have attempted to examine the consumption behavior of Chinese residents during economic transition, there still exists a clear gap in the literature to adequately explain the consumption behavior of Chinese urban residents during economic restructuring. This paper, attempting to shed some light on this relationship, proposes a hypothesis of Chinese urban resident consumption behavior during economic transition in China and examines the hypothesis using quantitative models. The conclusion suggests that the consumption of Chinese urban residents is guided by traditional Chinese civilization, and this results in intermittent and cyclical fluctuations in consumption behavior during systemic …

Overview And Guidance On Agile Development In Large Organizations, Jordan B. Barlow, Justin Scott Giboney, Mark Jeffrey Keith, David W. Wilson, Ryan M. Schuetzler, Paul Benjamin Lowry, Anthony Vance

Faculty Publications

A continual debate surrounds the effectiveness of agile software development practices. Some organizations adopt agile practices to become more competitive, improve processes, and reduce costs. Other organizations are skeptical about whether agile development is beneficial. Large organizations face an additional challenge in integrating agile practices with existing standards and business processes. To examine the effects of agile development practices in large organizations, we review and integrate scientific literature and theory on agile software development. We further organize our theory and observations into a framework with guidelines for large organizations considering agile methodologies. Based on this framework, we present recommendations that …

Achieving The Air Force’S Energy Vision, Frederick G. Harmon, Richard D. Branam, Doral E. Sandlin

Faculty Publications

The US Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, spending 9 billion in 2008 to fuel aircraft and ground vehicles as well as provide energy to installations.¹ In that same year, the Air Force s fuel bill of 7 billion amounted to more than half of the US government s total fuel cost.² Because of the critical and central role that energy plays in completion of the Air Force’s mission, the secretary of the Air Force has developed an Air Force energy plan supported by three pillars Reduce Demand, Increase Supply, and Culture …

Assessing Audit Risk, Annetta M. Gibson

Faculty Publications

Presentation for the General Conference Auditing Service meeting, San Diego, California, June 20, 2011.

Individual Taxation: Digest Of Recent Developments, Ellen Cook, Edward A. Gershman, Janet Hagy, Jonathan Horn, Daniel T. Moore, Annette Nellen, Kenneth L. Rubin

Faculty Publications

The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 extended the current individual income tax rates on ordinary income and the rates on qualified dividend and capital gains income for two years through 2012. * The IRS, changing its long-standing position, ruled that debt on a mortgage loan used to acquire, construct, or substantially improve a qualified residence, to the extent it exceeds $1 million, qualifies as home equity indebtedness, and thus the interest on up to $100,000 of that debt is deductible as an itemized deduction. * The Tax Court held that the Sec. 121 exclusion …

An Examination Of College Students’ Computer Self-Efficacy As Related To Various Demographic Characteristics, Debbie D. Dufrene, Timothy W. Clipson, S. Ann Wilson

Faculty Publications

Despite extensive computer exposure, today’s students vary in their judgments of their capabilities in using technology, referred to as computer self-efficacy (CSE). A survey of university students revealed highest CSE in word processing skills followed closely by file management and presentation skills. Students reported moderate ability levels in spreadsheet skills and less than moderate skill levels in database management, webpage design, and computer programming. Females tended to report higher CSE in file management and word processing applications, whereas males indicated higher CSE in web page development. Students whose parents did not attend college were likely to have lower CSE in …

Perceived Or Real Risks Using Smartphones, S. Ann Wilson, Michael York

Faculty Publications

Smartphones have blurred the line of capability usually prescribed to traditional telephones by their becoming the premier multi-tasking devices of today‘s world. Since current smartphones have their own dedicated operating system, Bluetooth capabilities, and constant network connection, PC connectivity, and internet capability, smartphones are experiencing security risks just as computer systems have done for many years. This paper will examine the history of mobile technology and its integration into people‘s daily lives. Furthermore, smartphone capabilities will be investigated for their potential vulnerabilities due to lack of consumers‘ precautions and smartphone usage.

Cash Flow Management For Sda Organizations, Annetta M. Gibson

Faculty Publications

A presentation on managing cash flow in SDA organizations. Given to the East Central Africa Division on March, 2011.

Internal Controls For Sda Organizations: Conferences, Unions And Churches, Annetta M. Gibson

Faculty Publications

A presentation on internal control systems, presented to the East Central Africa Division in March of 2011.

The Care And Keeping Of Inventory And Fixed Assets, Annetta M. Gibson

Faculty Publications

A presentation on managing inventory and fixed assets given to the East Central Africa Division in March, 2011.

Firm-Specific Assets, Multinationality, And Financial Performance: A Meta-Analytic Review And Theoretical Integration, Ahmet H. Kirca, G. Tomas M. Hult, Kendall Roth, S. Tamer Cavusgill, Morys Z. Perryy, M. Billure Akdeniz, Seyda Z. Deligonul, Jeannette A. Mena, Wesley A. Pollitte, Jessica J. Hoppner, Joseph C. Miller, Ryan C. White

Faculty Publications

Through a meta-analysis of 120 independent samples reported in 111 studies, we test the predictions of internalization theory in the context of the multinationality-performance relationship. Findings indicate that multinationality provides an efficient organizational form that enables firms to transfer their firm-specific assets to generate higher returns in international markets. In addition, the results delineate the conditions under which firm-specific assets have the strongest impact on the multinationality-performance relationship. Meta-analytic evidence also suggests that multinationality has intrinsic value above and beyond the intangible assets that firms possess, given analyses controlling for firms' international experience, age, size, and product diversification.

The Effect Of Technology Type On The Adoption And Effectiveness Of Global Environmental Standards, Ben William Lewis, Glen W. S. Dowell

Faculty Publications

We describe the role of technological change and technology type in affecting environmental performance. We argue that one of the key constraints on a firm’s ability to improve its environmental performance is the technology in which it is embedded. We develop hypotheses regarding the influence of technology type on a firm’s global environmental strategy, and test these hypotheses using a panel of MNEs. We find that technology type does influence a firm’s global environmental strategy, and the financial return associated with using a global environmental standard.

Sponsorship Effectiveness In Ultimate Fighting Championship [Abstract], Jason D. Reese, Gregg Bennett

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Required Donations: Prospect Theory & Framing Of Per-Seat Contributions In Intercollegiate Athletics [Abstract], Jason D. Reese, Gregg Bennett

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Pillar For Successful Business School Accreditation: Conducting The Curriculum Review Process A Systematic Approach, David E. Gundersen, Susan Evans Jennings, Deborah Dunn, Warren Fisher, Mikhail Kouliavtsev, Violet Rogers

Faculty Publications

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) describes their accreditation as the hallmark of business education. According to information at BestBizSchools.com (n.d.), AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Being AACSB accredited means a business school is able to continuously pass a strict set of standards that ensure quality. As of December 2010, only 5%, or 607, of the academic business programs globally were accredited by AACSB. This number represents schools in 38 countries where the majority of programs incorporate both undergraduate and graduate education covering business, accounting, or both. An institution must …

Mergers And Beliefs, Todd A. Brown, Thomas Zorn, Geoff Freissen

Faculty Publications

We study the combined effects of managerial optimism and market overvaluation on merger premiums and the chosen form of payment. Our empirical results are consistent with market overvaluation and the target manager‘s optimism as having the most influence on mergers. The observed form of payment corresponds to the acquiring manager‘s preferences, suggesting that the acquiring manager dictates the method of payment. Lastly, our model demonstrates why cash mergers are more likely to be hostile, and provides an explanation for why a combination of cash plus stock may be optimal.

Basic Concepts In Forest Valuation And Investment Analysis: Edition 3.0, Steven H. Bullard, Thomas J. Straka

Faculty Publications

This book was originally intended to supplement lectures in forestry economics at the undergraduate level. It’s currently used for that purpose in ‘Forest Resource Economics’ courses at several universities. The book is also intended, however, to serve as a basic reference for foresters with experience in valuation and investment analysis concepts and methods. It has proven to be a valuable resource in forest valuation and investment analysis workshops for practicing foresters, landowners, and others interested in forestry investments.

Fasb/Gasb Recognition And Reporting Differences: A Nonprofit Sector Perspective, Treba Marsh, Mary Fischer

Faculty Publications

The financial statement users’, investors’, donors’ and academic researchers’ understanding of current accounting recognition and reporting guidance affect their ability to compare financial information issued by nonprofit universities, hospitals, fund-raising organizations and government agencies. The financial results reported by public nonprofit organizations is different from that reported by private nonprofit organizations. This study discusses the events that brought about the divergence in nonprofit financial accounting recognition and reporting,and illustrates specific differences.

Environmental Risks: Doing Business In China, Jack R. Ethridge, Treba Marsh, Esther Bunn

Faculty Publications

Planning and conducting the audit of financial statements involves understanding the entity and the environment in which it operates. First and foremost this requires identifying the risks faced by the entity. Identifying these risks can be a complex and difficult task since the auditor needs to not only understand the entity’s risk process but also independently understand the risks facing the firm. Tackling this task will involve a comprehensive review of the external and internal factors affecting the business. It is possible many identified business risks are related to financial reporting risk and ultimately to audit risk. Therefore, the auditor …

Enterprise Risk Management For Fishing Tournaments, George Louis Hunt, Jack R. Ethridge, Violet Rogers

Faculty Publications

The fishing tournament industry is confronted with many of the same risks as other industries (such as financial statement misstatements), share some risks specific with others (such as cheating in casinos), and face some unique risks (such as the risk of competitors adding weight to fish).

This teaching case explores some of the risks inherent in the fishing tournament industry. Students are given background information about a how a tournament operates and then asked to perform an overall risk assessment using the COSO enterprise risk management framework. Elements of the assignment include assessing the internal environment, setting of objectives, and …

A Contingency Theory Approach To Market Orientation And Related Marketing Strategy Concepts: Does Fit Relate To Profit Performance?, Richard A. Heiens, Larry P. Pleshko

Faculty Publications

With a focus on the financial services industry, the current study takes a contingency theory approach to the relationships between market orientation and a variety of marketing strategy concepts, including profitability, a firm’s Miles and Snow strategy type, market growth, service growth, service focus, market coverage, the Porter strategy group, and strategic marketing initiative. Data for the study were gathered from a survey of chief executives from credit unions in the U.S. The results of the study are mixed. In particular, the findings suggest that despite the perceptions of management, it is the less aggressive and less costly approaches to …

Firm And Industry Effects In Accounting Versus Economic Profit Data, Matthew J. Holian, Ali M. Reza

Faculty Publications

This article presents estimates of firm and industry fixed-effects on profit rates for large US corporations, using both Economic Value Added (EVA), the popular measure of profits produced by Stern Stewart and Company, as well as simple (unadjusted) accounting measures as the dependent variable. We find that the improvement in explanatory power of the fixed-effect model is substantially greater when using EVA than has been documented with alternative measures.

Creating Online Brand Value Through Online Discussion Site, David Czerwinski, M Merz, U Herbst

Faculty Publications

This paper discusses the implications of the new evolving Service-Dominant (S-D) logic in marketing on brand value creation. Furthermore, it introduces the concept of online brand value and examines whether online discussion sites constitute a means for firms to co-create, together with a firm's customers, online brand value. Moreover, a conceptual framework of online discussion sites is proposed. Finally, the results of an exploratory empirical analysis of two discussion sites are presented. The findings provide initial support for the hypothesis that online discussion sites can be used to create online brand value. Moreover, the findings suggest that firm-generated discussion sites …

Effective Customer Relationship Management Of Health Care: A Study Of Hospitals In Thailand, Howard W. Combs, B. Laohasirichaikul, S. Chaipoopirutana

Faculty Publications

This article investigates the effects and the relative importance of the four perceived service quality dimensions on corporate image, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty. To obtain results, factor analysis and multiple regression techniques are applied to data collected from 500 Thai outpatients of the five largest private hospitals in Bangkok. The findings indicate that the four dimensions significantly affect corporate image, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty. More specifically, the doctor concern dimension is the most important factor affecting customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The tangibles dimension is the most important factor affecting corporate image.