Business Commons^™

Cultural Value Orientations As An Antecedent To The Formation Of International Interfirm Relationships: The Developmentof Cultural Value Dimensions In A Business Context, Susan Forquer Gupta

Doctoral Dissertations

With the importance of international interfirm relationships increasing, it becomes critical to understand the antecedents and consequences of relationship formation. Difficulty in relationships occur when firms with differing cultural value orientations attempt to engage in exchange. Culture affects the international firm in several ways: 1) difficulty in establishing a single organizational culture when a firm is comprised of multi-national employees; 2) difficulty in serving the market when cultural differences exist in the consumer; and 3) difficulty in establishing interfirm relationships across cultural boundaries. Individually, these problems are difficult to resolve, combined they can lead to failure. The first two have …

Southern University Business Majors Understanding The Stock Market, Edwin W. Lawrence

Electronic Dissertations and Theses

This study analyzes the amount of knowledge that the business students at Southern University obtained concerning the stock market. The study reveals that while many students feel that it is important to understand the stock market, when considering their major, the majority feel that they are not as well versed on the stock market as they should be. A random sampling was performed in order to draw conclusions about the business students and to determine just how many students are knowledgeable of the stock market.

The Influence Of Education On Tax Compliance, Trina N. Ruth

Electronic Dissertations and Theses

This thesis will explore the effect that education of income tax laws would have on the increase of taxpayer compliance. It will attempt to show that with proper education and information about their income tax reporting an increase in compliance would be the result. The research that will be used for data and statistical purposes will be in the form of a survey. The survey targets Beauty Salons, Barber Shops, and Beauty Schools. This survey will serve as the medium to research the notion of how much income taxpayers actually report. Other social and economic factors such as age, sex, …

The Detection Of Fraud In Financial Reporting: Did The Treadway Commission Make A Difference?, Michael Williamson

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

A Preliminary Study Of Using The Sei's Capability Maturity Model To Set Statistical Control Bounds On Dod Contractor Cost And Schedule Performance, Jeffrey A. Schaefer

Theses and Dissertations

Current methods for monitoring the performance of Department of Defense (DOD) software development contractors have not been successful in reversing the current trend of over budget and behind schedule software development. The DOD has adopted the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI's) Capability Maturity Model (CMM) as a method of determining the process maturity of a software developer with the idea that a more mature process will lead to improved cost and schedule performance. The goal of this research was to determine if a model based on the CMM rating level of a contractor could be developed and used in conjunction with …

Whose Information Is It Anyway? An Argument For Information Stewardship, Trevor W. Plant

Theses and Dissertations

Information is an important resource for businesses and government, with information quality influencing decision quality, and highlighting our need to manage our information well: as a resource. Information Resource Management (IRM) has as its goal the management of information as a resource, but has not been implemented with the level of success expected. Problems with the implementation of IRM are indicated by the presence of redundant or inconsistent data, inability to share information across systems, and difficulty finding the information on systems. We propose that these difficulties are related to behaviours linked to perceived ownership of corporate information by organisational …

A Community Divided: Coping With A Locally Unwanted Land Use, Robert H. Hamblen

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

Locally Unwanted Land Uses constitute a phenomenon peculiar to twentieth century industrialized countries. LULUs, as they have become known, are a facility or development that is perceived by citizens, communities, regions, or states as undesireable, so much so that effort and resources sufficient to end the threat of the facility being built in a location that will significantly impact those citizens, communities, regions, or states will be expended. This scenario has been replayed time and again in the country and others, in response to uses such as halfway houses, generating plants, and landfills.

How A Service Company Expanded From A Regional Into An International Operation?, Hannah Alper

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

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Some Empirical Evidence On The Non-Normality Of Cost Variances On Defense Contracts, Robert J. Conley Iv

Theses and Dissertations

This study tested the hypothesis that defense cost variances reported on the Cost Performance Report are normally distributed. The DOD requires that all defense cost variances which breech a pre-specified threshold be investigated. The present variance investigation model has been criticized because it can prompt frivolous investigations. In theory, statistical models could reduce the number of frivolous investigations, but they are not used because they require too much information about the cost variance, including its distributional form. Often such models assume a normal distribution, but researchers have shown that the models do not work properly if the assumption is fallacious. …

Empirical And Theoretical Analysis Of Foreign Exchange Markets : A Case Of Belgium, Germany, And The Netherlands, Ozan Akyureklier

Theses

The paper uses an efficiency specification model of the spot and forward foreign exchange markets and tests the random walk, the general efficiency, and the unbiasedness hypotheses by utilizing a regression estimation and many different specification and diagnostic tests for the series and the error terms.

The paper discusses the important aspects of efficiency, expectations, and risk in the foreign exchange market. First a brief presentation of the existing single-equation structural models of exchange-rate determination is given. An efficiency specification model of the spot and forward foreign exchange markets applied to test the random walk, the general efficiency, and the …

The Path To Globalizing Procurement Operations: Organizational, Cultural & Strategic Change For World Class Effectiveness Case Study: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation, Boca Raton, Florida, Charles S. Maltrotti

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

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Measuring Organizational Climate For Diversity, Amy L. Vick

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The Climate for Diversity Index measures three dimensions associated with the ability of organizations or units to create an environment that allows members of all sociocultural backgrounds to participate and fully develop. The climate for diversity impacts individual outcomes such as general job satisfaction, affective commitment, identification with a psychological group/department, organizational citizenship behavior, and the intent to turnover. Several structural models depicting the relationship between the climate for diversity and the individual outcome variables were examined. Significant differences in perceptions of the climate for diversity are predicted by ethnicity, disability, and position. Data were provided by 319 members of …

The Impact On The U.S. Of The General Agreement On Tariffs And Trade, Sean-Stephan Pfaff

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

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Integration Of The Distribution And Repair In Variable Environments (Drive) Model Into Micap Policy, Bradley E. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force has implemented the Distribution and Repair In Variable Environments (DRIVE) Model to a limited degree for a limited range of items, and policy makers seem unsure as to the proper level of DRIVE utilization. New asset release sequences and policies have been proposed without evidence to support those decisions. The purpose of this study is to explore different levels of DRIVE implementation relating to proposed asset release policies in order to provide some evidence on which policy could best support Air Force weapon systems. A second purpose of this study is to show how the …

Privatization-In-Place And The Impact On The Department Of Defense Depots: A Case Study At Newark Afb, Mark Luttschwager

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to document the change in organizational structure when military jobs and production are transferred to civilian corporations under privatization in place (PIP). Privatization-in-place is a new concept that is being implemented, at Newark AFB, as a result of base closure and the desire to maintain as many jobs as possible in the local community. In the course of this research, it is shown how the new civilian management structure compares to the existing military structure and functions. The purpose was to provide insight into what changes would occur under private management as opposed to …

An Analysis Of Foreign Military Sales Follow-On Logistics Support And Industry's Future Role, Curtis L. Wilken

Theses and Dissertations

This research describes how Foreign Military Sales follow-on support will be provided for in the future based on changes currently taking place in the Department of Defense, Air Force, and industry today. Information on the current system was gathered through a thorough review of the literature. Interviews were used extensively To determine the future plans of industry. In the Department of Defense, outsourcing and privatization, most notably depot privatization will affect the way that follow-on support is provided in the future. Due in large part to shrinking arms sales, private industry is increasing the emphasis placed on providing follow-on support …

A Model For Successful Reutilization Of A Military Installation: A Case Study Of Gentile Air Force Station, Maria L. Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research concerning base closure and reutilization focused on the roles of government agencies and the assistance they provided. This study looks at the community and the impact of installation closure. The process of planning for reuse of an installation is difficult and confusing. The guidance provided by the government has changed drastically since the first closures announced in the 1988 Base Realignment and Closure Committee recommendations. This study focuses on the strategy employed by Kettering, OH to successfully reuse Gentile AFS upon closure. As the final part in a longitudinal study, the research focus was lessons learned and implementation …

The Design Of A Financial Management Database System, Edward G. Leszynski

Theses and Dissertations

This research led to the design and development of a financial management database system for the Aeronautical Systems Center (AS C) Environmental Management (EM) Systems Program Office (SPO), which has the responsibility of managing the environmental contracts for the Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) plants that are owned by the Air Force. This thesis investigated the various 'development strategies' and 'methodologies' described in the Management Information Systems literature in order to devise an end-user development strategy capable of meeting the EM SPO's requirements. In addition, the information requirements, conceptual design and prototyping, and procedures phases of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) …

An Exploratory Study Of The Benefits Received By Wright Laboratory (Wl) From Technology Transfer Activities, Clinton J. Braun

Theses and Dissertations

The allocation of resources should be a rational decision making process where alternatives can be compared based on their estimated costs and benefits to the organization. In order to justify technology transfer activities, a sound methodology must be developed that will document the benefits derived from transfer activities. The risks or uncertainties associated with those benefits must also be estimated and analyzed. By detailing the costs, benefits, and uncertainties associated with technology transfer activities, decision makers will have a logical framework that can be used to determine the cost effectiveness of technology transfer. Leaders within the technology transfer arena are …

An Evaluation Of U.S. Air Force Aviation Fuel Consumption Factors To Accurately Predict Aviation Fuel Costs By Aircraft Mission, Design, And Series, Jodi A. Clayton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to undertake a systematic, scientific study of the accuracy of Air Force published fuel factors to estimate fuel costs at MAJCOM level by mission, design, and series (MDS) since the implementation of the Fuels Automated Management System (FAMS) under the current environment of decentralized aviation fuel (AVFUEL) funding. The research found that, at MAJCOM level, the use of USAF published AVFUEL factors in estimating out-year costs would have overstated costs in both fiscal year (FY) 1994 and FY 1995 by $2.5 M (FY 1994), by $.25 M (FY 1995), and may potentially understate costs …

Factors For Effective Facilitator Training Evaluation, Mark I. Wade

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the TQM facilitator training course at Wright-Patt Campus, Wright-Patterson AFB. One-hundred sixty-two civilian and military trainees completed a 113 item survey containing 7 outcome scales based on Kraiger's (1993) cognitive, skill based and affective training outcomes. Additional criteria, including experience, training, attitudinal, personality, and organizational support factors, were evaluated for their influence on training outcomes. Results from intercorrelational and hierarchical regression analysis strongly supported the theoretical model of effective facilitator training and suggest that the Wright-Patt Campus does provide effective TQM facilitator training. This study also identified several factors that appear to contribute to improved facilitator effectiveness: …

An Analysis Of Third Party Logistics And Implications For Usaf Logistics, Thomas J. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to determine the current trends in third party logistics. The Air Force Material Command Lean Logistics office sought information for improving USAF logistics support. The purposes of this study were to report results of third party logistics use, determine characteristics of successful third party relationships, and to discuss the implications for USAF logistics managers. A qualitative research methodology was chosen using multiple case studies. Logistics managers from eight third party users and ten third party providers were administered an extensive research protocol. The results revealed an industry which is growing rapidly. While the momentum for third …

Prioritization Schemes Of The Air Force Logistics Reparable Pipeline, Brigham K. Briggs

Theses and Dissertations

This study describes the prioritization schemes utilized in the Air Force logistics reparable pipeline. The reparable pipeline is defined and illustrated with flowcharts. A literature review examines previous research conducted on the reparable pipeline, including analytic and conceptual pipeline models, and pipeline management studies. In addition, the topic of prioritization as defined in the production/operations management academic discipline is reviewed. Prioritization schemes of the reparable pipeline are reported in tabular format in addition to descriptions of the various prioritization schemes. Recommendations for pipeline improvement and further research form a basis from which pipeline operation may be improved. p9

The Effects Of Managerial Succession On Air Force Members, Todd M. Young

Theses and Dissertations

Managerial succession causes disruption that impacts the incoming leader and members of the organization. Yet, surprisingly, there has been little research investigating the effects of succession on Air Force members. This study investigated four typical reactions to succession that seemed likely to be experienced by most employees. They included changes in: (1) member's attitudes about their job, (2) member's attitudes about their leader's behavior, (3) member's behavior on the job, and (4) the leader's behavior (as observed by the members). The mean responses of workers from organizations that had recently experienced succession (i.e., the supervisor has been in place for …

Consolidation And Realignment Of Base-Level Support Equipment Maintenance, James C. Katrenak

Theses and Dissertations

The adoption of the 'Objective Wing' organization in the U.S. Air Force has realigned many base-level maintenance functions. Support equipment is currently maintained and accounted for by several units under the Logistics Group Commander. This research determined the feasibility and consequences of consolidating or realigning maintenance of powered and non-powered AGE, MMHE, engine trailers, and vehicles into one consolidated maintenance shop or unit per base. This study consulted many sources, ranging from occupational survey reports and career field education and training plans to actual field observations of maintenance processes and unstructured interviews of personnel and supervisors. This study determined that …

The Implementation Of An Enhanced Activity-Based Costing Model At The Defense Supply Center Columbus, James A. Neice Jr., Vernon L. Scribner

Theses and Dissertations

This research explored the problems with ABC implementation at a government service organization. ABC implementation efforts within other government organizations were examined to determine what caused different organizations to implement ABC. Next a case study analysis was performed, following the implementation of an expanded ABC model within a government service organization. The research used unstructured open-ended interviews, on-site visits, and archival analysis to conduct the case study. The study examined how the organization developed its initial model and subsequently introduced an enhanced model. The enhanced ABC Model had not been implemented at DSCC as of the conclusion of this case …

A Statistical Analysis Of Variables Related To Officer Retention, Gerald A. Scheuchner

Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this research effort was to statistically analyze survey responses which indicate the extent to which exiting officers say different variables affected their decision to separate. Two surveys were utilized for this analysis. These surveys were administered by the Air Force Personnel and Survey Branch in 1991 and 1993. The first analysis tested whether significant differences existed between rated and non-rated officers with regard to how strongly they feel about each of the variables with respect to their separation decision. The second analysis tested whether significant differences existed between the rated and the non-rated officers respectively, with …

A Survey Of Activity-Based Costing (Abc) Practices Within The Department Of The Army, Seon-Mook Lee, David S. Ryder

Theses and Dissertations

Activity-Based Costing (ABC) does not appear to have been as readily accepted within the Department of the Army as within private industry (Kehoe et al., 1995). Barely able to accomplish their missions at current resource levels, military resource managers know historically that identified efficiencies and savings often are translated into self inflicted budget and manpower cuts. Yet, it is almost universally accepted that the benefits of using Activity-Based Costing are real and obtainable, but not yet worth the effort required with the perceived risk being taken. Current conventional wisdom is for Army Resource Managers to wait and see what benefits …

A Study Of Defense Logistics Agency Inventory Classifications: Application Of Inventory Control Methods To Reduce Total Variable Cost And Stockage Levels, Wayne C. Goulet, Michael L. Rollman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes the financial impact of applying a single inventory requirements model to three separate classes of inventory at the Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) Defense Supply Center-Columbus (DSCC) commodity management facility. DLA' 5 blanket application of its variation of the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) requirements model may not be appropriate for all levels of demand, possibly suboptimizing DLA's desire to minimize inventory costs while still providing an appropriate level of customer service. Simulation analyses of the DLA EOQ requirements model, the Silver-Meal heuristic, and Periodic Order Quantity models were conducted to examine which dynamic lot-sizing model is more effective …

A Follow-On Study Of University Efforts To Provide Students With The Ability To Comprehend And Apply Total-Quality Principles In Their Fields Of Study, Joseph J. Koizen, Michael D. Allen

Theses and Dissertations

This follow-on research investigated the educational processes employed by universities to enable their students to comprehend and apply Total Quality principles. The results of this research are intended to be used by Department of Defense institutions of higher education as a current guide to help them adopt practices which will enable their students to comprehend and apply Total Quality in their future assignments. Using a source list of schools from Quality Progress (Sept. 1995), contact individuals were interviewed at several civilian and military universities across the United States. Investigative questions were developed and asked concerning the specific educational processes of …