Business Commons^™

An Analysis Of The Academic Fleet Insurance Program, Emma Rose Dieter

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The academic research fleet is experiencing an increase in the cost of operations. Some members of the fleet are feeling a dramatic rise in operational costs in the area of marine insurance and a decrease in the availability of insurance. The academic fleet is referred to as the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet. It is composed of 25 ships which are operated by 18 institutions. The vessels are owned outright or operated under a charter party agreement from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The National Science Foundation and ONR are also the …

The Importance Of Management Philosophy To The Success Of Pay-For-Knowledge Systems: An Empirical Test, Timothy P. Schweizer

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, pay-for-knowledge compensation systems have received serious attention from practitioners and organizational researchers. Some have hypothesized that the specific mechanics of pay-for-knowledge systems are critical to success while others have suggested that contextual factors determine whether or not these systems will be successful. Empirical research has not been very supportive of these hypotheses, however.

Another hypothesis is that management philosophy is important to the success of pay-for-knowledge systems. The purpose of this study is to test this hypothesis by addressing three questions: 1) Are the components that make up management philosophy related to the successes experienced by companies …

Preschoolers' And Third Graders' Sorting Preferences And Strategic Knowledge Of Taxonomic Associative And Perceptual Organizational Strategies, Helene Ann Hembrooke

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated strategic use and metamemory concerning taxonomic, associative, and perceptual organizational strategies. Preschool and third grade children were asked to sort stimuli which varied orthogonally along three dimensions; taxonomically, associatively, and perceptually. Free recall was assessed. Each child also completed one of two metamemory tasks; a paired comparison or a peer teaching task. The order of the memory/metamemory tasks was counterbalanced within age groups. The results showed that older children sorted by taxonomic and associative attributes while younger children exhibited no sorting preference. Older children recalled significantly more pictures, although no significant age differences in recall clustering were …

Team Development Is An Industry Management Tool Whose Time Has Arrived, Jacquelyn Jean Smith

Theses

This study examines the evolution and practice of participative management within the General Motors Wentzville Assembly Center, with a focus on team development, labor–management relations, and organizational communication. The research situates the Wentzville plant as a case study in the broader context of the U.S. automotive industry’s efforts to implement participative programs during the late 20th century, including quality circles, team-based structures, and employee involvement initiatives.

The thesis highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by both management and the United Auto Workers (UAW) in adopting cooperative approaches to decision-making and problem-solving. Key themes include the role of trust and transparency …

Informal Housing In Cairo: Legislation Concerning The Housing Process, Its Problems, Approaches And Options, Angela Hoisington Ibrahim

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Changing Role Of The Electric Utility Rates Manager, Richard J. Tutela

Theses

The Changing Role of the Electric Utility Rates Manager will examine the rapidly changing functions of the electric utility rates and regulatory affairs executives. It will explore the changing attitudes, responsibilities, concerns, and required resources of the incumbents. Moreover, it will project and examine the issues which will be of major concern before the turn of the century.

Expectations are that the future functions associated with managing electric rates will soon be significantly different than those in recent past. Further, expectations are to find that if some specific issues which are projected to be of major concern are not properly …

Micro Cad/Cam System Selection And Implementation, Christian Georg Haas

Theses

The rapid growth of the computer market in the last four decades causes difficulties in evaluating the various systems and configurations of this complex market.

This thesis focuses on graphics capable microcomputers in the computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) field. The thesis emphasizes the technical possibilities such a system offers in terms of hardware, software and applications. Each hardware and software component is detailed to give a new-comer the opportunity to update him or herself in this high technology field. Technical information, as well as installation and implementation are described. Also, provided are lists of several …

The State And Future Of Televised Professional Training Systems, Robert Michael Brady

Theses

This paper investigates the topic of televised professional training -- that is training and educating managers and technical professionals via live or videotaped television broadcasts. The investigation begins with a description of how some typical educational networks operate; it then goes on to analyze in a strictly theoretical sense, some of the advantages and disadvantages that such a system would have compared with the traditional methods of offering continuing education; it then discusses the results of two specially prepared surveys -- one addressed to the administrator/manager, and one addressed to the student. These areas are then united in a final …

A Model For The Determination Of Market Based Pricing Of Telecommunication Products, Katherine J. Sullivan

Theses

The deregulation of AT&T, has impacted telecommunication product pricing in the U.S. market. Previously, pricing had been based on cost plus mark-up, as stipulated by regulatory commissions. Now, pricing decisions require consideration of the competitive impact, consumer demand for the product, corporate pricing objectives and marketing strategies. This paper proposes a pricing process that is relevant for this new environment which enables the product manager to price properly.

The method proposed utilizes microeconomic theory and takes into account the product test price, unit cost, opportunity cost, nonprice factor cost and consumer demand. Incorporating a number of different pricing strategies, it …

Utilization Of The Theory Of Constraints Approach For Improving A Manufacturing Enterprise Profitability : A Case Study, Yaron Chaut

Theses

The past two decades have been a difficult period for the U.S. as it lost its dominant position in one manufacturing industry after another to Japan. The American worker was initially blamed for this phenomenon - he was too expensive, was less productive, and produced lower quality products then the Japanese worker. The opening of factories in the U.S. managed by Japanese with American workers proved this claim to be wrong, as their products were competitive and often even better then the original Japanese products. It also indicated that the Japanese production planning and control methods are the primary reason …

A Methodology For Evaluating Prospective Investments In Flexible Automation, Werner A. Eikenbusch

Theses

The flexible automation of production systems (FA) provides the technology necessary for competitive success. However, the use of traditional budgeting methods has proved unsatisfactory when evaluating this type of investment, primarily because of the inadequate consideration being given to the resultant strategic benefits.

A methodology considered suitable for evaluating FA investments is proposed together with an illustrative application. To determine its industrial usefulness, manufacturing managers of North American and West German companies were surveyed both via interviews and via questionnaires. Their response confirms the merit of the procedure, despite the differences in competitive foci found between the American and the …

Determinants Of The Components Of A State's Tourist Image And Their Marketing Implications, Zafar Uddin Ahmed

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A state's image as perceived by its actual and potential tourists plays a significant role in determining its competitiveness as a tourist destination. A state's image influences a tourist's vacation destination decisions. A tourist's image of a given state is influenced by numerous factors including his amount of touring experience within that state, geographical affiliation, demographic profile, vacation characteristics, and the amount and source of tourist information used.

Utah was used as a case study to test the viability of the proposed research model. A mail questionnaire requested information concerning 1) attributes of Utah's tourist image considered when choosing a …

Cost Control And Pricing Methods For The Small Business, Mikel S. Brantley

Theses and Dissertations

An important part of the American dream is the ability to start and own a business. Hundreds of thousands of new firms are started each year. Small business is the heart of the American economic system and essential to its overall well-being. The failure rate of small businesses, however, is a major concern to businessmen and government at all levels. It causes economic losses to both individuals and taxpayers through increased business loan rates and the costs of bankruptcy filings. A lack of management education is often cited as a direct cause for business failures. Chief among management problems is …

The Tax Reform Act Of 1986: Its Effect Business And Individuals, Kelly Ragan Green

Theses and Dissertations

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 represents the most massive revision in the history of tax law. It provides for major reductions corporations. in the top tax rate for both individuals and The individual top rate for 1988 will be the lowest since 1931. The tax burden on corporations has become stiffer after being relaxed for 20 years. In addition, the Act repeals or limits many of the tax credits and deductions that encourage certain kinds of investment, particularly those that taxpayers use to avoid paying taxes. The new tax code no longer uses steeply progressive tax rates, and therefore, …

Thrift Competition And Its Impact On Financial Institution Mergers And Acquisitions In The Richmond, Virginia Rma, Kenneth W. Vance

Master's Theses

Commercial banking has been subject to antitrust review for only a few decades. In 1948, the Transamerica Corporation was charged by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System with a violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act when it acquired controlling interest in several independent banks in California ⁽¹⁾. At the time of the acquisitions, the banks in question were in direct competition with one or more oof the banks already controlled by Transamerica Corporation. Moreover, Transamerica Corporation held a major interest in Bank of America. This unique case ignited a fear of probable banking concentration …

Patco Strike: A New Beginning For Labor Relations, Michael H. Grine

Theses and Dissertations

While the actual events of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) strike against the federal government have faded into history, the results of the strike will live forever in the new management/labor relationship that exists, not only in the federal government, but all levels of government and civilian enterprise. The results of the disastrous failure of the strike destroyed thousands of careers and left all levels of organized labor to foresee their now limited options available for negotiations with management.

This independent study will attempt to inform the reader of the causes of the PATCO disaster and the miscalculations …

Gainsharing, Terry A. Bach

Theses and Dissertations

Many companies are implementing gainsharing plans to help reve1:se the declining productivity in the United States. This study examines the recent u9swing in companies adopting these plans. It describes the six most common gainsharing plans in use today and discusses what is necessary in order for an organization to enhance its chances for a successful plan. Details of the various roles involved in implementing and controlling a plan are presented. The specific roles include those of the supervisors, managers, and the unions.

The results from three surveys are shown that indicate how the companies receive the gainsharing concept and how …

Thermador/Waste King Product Quality : A Post-Purchase Evaluation By Customers, David B. Browe

Master's Theses

Thermador/Waste King manufactures a specialty built-in kitchen appliance line that bases its appeal on styling, innovative features and performance. The appliance market has changed significantly in recent years, both in distribution channels and number and relative strength of competitors. If we are to continue to maintain and develop our niche position, we must maintain an external orientation to our business. We must introduce new product that satisfies the dimensions of quality sought by our customers and insist that the marketers in our distributjon channels offer an augmented product that enhances our efforts. This survey of recent 'customers' perceptions of Thermador/Waste …

The Role Of The Central Agency For Organization And Administration In Training Senior Administrators, Omayma Kamal El Dean Mohammed El Shaaer

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Quality Circle Participation: Influences On Quality Of Work Life, Job Satisfation And Self-Esteem, Lawrence Scott Blair

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Realistic Job Previews On Turnover, Susan Janet Hartshorn Black

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

New Dimensions Of Organizational Commitment: Effects Of Perceived On-The-Job Support And Exchange Ideology On Absenteeism, Clare Elizabeth Sharafinski

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Public Administration Of Police/Security Interface, John Richard Carroll Rundel

Theses

Was there a relationship between local police control of private security and tension and misunderstanding between them? Did the above tension and misunderstanding interfere with positive police/ security interface? It was hypothesized that there was a relationship between local police control of private security, tension, and misunderstanding between them which interfered with positive police/security interface.

The central idea of this thesis was : tension and misunderstanding between police/security could be lessened or eliminated by the passage of uniform state legislation. One purpose of this paper was to provide food for thought and further research in contrast to providing definitive answers. …

Regression Based Allowance Policy Determination Procedures In A General Job Shop: An Evaluation In Terms Of Completion Inaccuracy Penalties, Edward S. Gee

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the problem of setting due dates to minimize completion inaccuracy penalties in a general job shop environment. In this simulation study, lateness penalties are generated by four defined functions: lateness variance, mean squared lateness, mean absolute lateness, and semi-quadratic lateness. Each of these functions assigns positive penalties to both early and late job completions.

The study proposes and demonstrates the benefits of an iterative simulation-regression procedure in determining allowance policies. Advantages of operation-based dispatching rules over job-based dispatching rules, as well as improvements to traditional methods of setting operation due dates, are demonstrated. Characteristics and benefits of …

Main Problems With Management Information Systems And Their Relationship To Critical Mis Success Factors, Thomas Schmitt

Masters Theses

Most companies do not exploit all potential benefits of Management Information Systems (MIS). To enhance the understanding of how MIS might be better managed, a nationwide mail-survey among 280 randomly selected chief MIS executives of Corporate 1000 firms was conducted.

The first part of the thesis investigated the areas of importance for MIS success and performance ratings of the 85 participating managers on the issues. In the second part relationships between these variables and the success of the MIS operations were established to derive critical success factors.

The findings indicate that there is a shift towards an increased strategic importance …

Sovran Financial Corporation Competitive Analysis, Don Kierson

Master's Theses

Competitive theories attempt to describe, analyze, rationalize and predict behaviors when two or more people want the same thing. Competition appears to come naturally to humans. We have evolved over vast number of generations in response to changes in our environment. Our early struggle for existence led to a highly developed tendency toward aggressive behavior. The process of natural selection depended on this trait to ensure that the strongest members of our species flourished. If unchecked, however, aggression would have eventually destroyed mankind. V.C. Wynne-Edwards²⁹ theorized that societies of higher animals have developed "conventional competitions" which encourage aggression while …

Evaluation Of A Computer Simulation Of The Radiant Heat Curing Process For Primary Urd Electrical Cable, Grover L. Stell

Master's Theses

It is the intent of this paper to compare the predictions of an in-house developed computer model, of the radiant heat curing process for plastic insulated electrical cable, with data gathered both from trials in a pilot facility and from actual production in a full scale manufacturing plant. First, background explanations of the product and the manufacturing process are given. Then the thermodynamic and chemical basis of the computer model are discussed in some detail. The model predictions of product temperatures during processing are then compared to the results obtained during trials at the pilot facility. Next, degree of cure …

The Development Of A Material Management Program For Hankins & Johan, Inc., R. M. Johann

Master's Theses

This research paper was conducted in an effort to develop a better material management program for Hankins and Johann, Inc. Some simple models such as the two bin system, and more sophisticated models, such as manufacturing resources planning (MRP II), were investigated. Although it became apparent that the sophisticated models were currently not necessarily applicable to the Hankins and Johann situation, the research of these models helped to uncover the primary goal of all such models: To maximize the economic use of available resources in the day to day operation of a company. To move Hankins and Johann in this …

Contingent Time Off : An Incentive Approach To Office Productivity Increases, Larry F. Cluff

Master's Theses

Productivity gains in a clerical setting on the order of ten to twenty-five percent can be achieved through the use of contingent time off (CTO) incentives. To test this hypothesis, four clerical groups who performed routine repetitive tasks were given productivity goals of 25% over their respective group's average weekly productivity level. If a group achieves the weekly goal before the end of standard 40 hour work-week, the group of employees will be given time off with full pay based upon a specified formula. Results of the study indicate that CTO can result in productivity increases ranging between 13 and …

Diversification In The Cigarette Industry In The 1980'S, Hector Alonso

Master's Theses

This study is a comparative analysis of the diversification strategies of the six domestic cigarette manufacturers in the 1980' s. It uses financial analysis to look at how the different cigarette manufacturers have invested the cash generated by the tobacco businesses, and how the companies rank in terms of their ability to generate profits and stockholder wealth in non-tobacco businesses.