Business Commons^™

The Design Of An Order Processing System, Michael Montrose

Theses

The writer of this thesis was once involved in the order processing function with the company studied and recognized that there is a need for a better method of processing customer orders that could be applicable to other companies.

The company studied is considered a "high tech" company, meaning that it is engaged in the design; manufacture, and sale of the latest state of the art products that employ modern computer technology. It is ironic that this company, on the leading edge in its field; is in great need of reform in the office methods used to order its products. …

An Inventory Model For The Specialty Chemical Industry, Paul Murchison

Theses

The specialty chemical industry is a unique segment of the chemical industry. This industry produces chemical intermediate products for the pharmaceutical, agricultural, cosmetics, and other chemically related industries. Most of the products that are produced are covered by patents or involve proprietary know—how. The specialty chemical products are a minor part of a total formulation but contribute unique properties to the end product. This feature of specialty chemicals gives the manufacturer unusual pricing power compared to producers of commodity chemicals. This industry has proven to be very competitive, profitable and in the forefront of the present automation revolution over the …

Technology Transfer Between Developed And Developing Countries, Tenny Oghogho Ogbomo

Theses

The problems arising from technology transfer, in general, are not new. The problems of the East-West technology transfer, for example, are based on the risk that such transfers will enhance the military capability, or at least the military potential, of the trading partner. In the case of United States trade with the Soviet Union, it can be said that any accretion in the Soviet military capacity weighs against the United States in an overall world-wide balance of power. The restrictions and/or prohibition of such transfer of technology are problems themselves.

The North-South technology transfer, in other words, the technology transfer …

Human Factors In The Design Of Computer Application Software, Curtis Springstead

Theses

The use of computers in business has expanded tremendously over the past two decades. This expansion has been possible due to increasing economies within the computer industry, and in spite of the lack of consideration shown for the users of such data processing systems. The popularity of computers has compelled users to expand their list of requirements from a computer system so that it includes ease of use.

This thesis attempts to bring together many widely dispersed studies and principles that can affect the ease of use of interactive computer systems. The material has been organized according to five components …

Cybernetic Theory Applied In Production Control, Ding-Hsin Fang

Theses

There are many theories for the control of production. Also. there are many successful cases for each of the different theories.

Cybernetic theory is quickly evolving as a design basis for management control systems. Cybernetics is the science of self-regulation and its basic tenents are control, or the ability to direct action toward a predetermined goal, and communication, or the ability to send and receive information.

The objective of this thesis is to identify and discuss this theory applied to the management techniques of production control for a Far Eastern textile firm and to investigate the extent that the firm …

Applications And Evaluation Criteria For Robotic Systems, Brijan Shirish Badshah

Theses

The robot industry is one of the fastest growing industries. In almost every area of manufacturing, robots are being considered for one or more tasks, but the success of any commercial industrial undertaking has to be measured in terms of financial performance.

To help practitioners in the manufacturing area, an economic analysis and investment appraisal technique for robotic systems is developed, especially to assist managers in making the crucial decision about utilizing an industrial robot. An interactive microcomputer program is developed which performs the economic analysis for cost justification and helps managers to decide whether the implementation of a robot …

How To Organize A New Bank In The State Of Virginia, Andrew J. Callahan

Master's Theses

The purpos'E of comprehensive, this paper is to provide the user with a step-by-step procedures manual for the organization and opening of a state-chartered, Federal Reserve member community bank in the Commonwealth of Virginia 1 • This paper is written under the assumption that the organizers of a new bank have limited experience in the processes of organizing an effective Board of Directors, assembling a management team, selling stock in a new venture, gaining regulatory approval and opening the doors of a new commercial bank. This manual will attempt to address the strategic issues such as market analysis and financial …

Leading The Electronics Industry Into Total Automation, George P. Rossi

Theses

The introduction of an automated PCB facility in today's technological society still includes a people-oriented facility. The main thrust should be to develop Artificial Intelligence, then the incorporation of LANS, CAD, ICAM, and CIM.

The ability to lace all the functions together is by far the biggest obstacle. The hardware of the equipment is not so much the obstacle to the chemical process and knowledge as the software. Software, which is the capability to talk from the computer to the equipment, is the greatest stumbling block because there is no standardization in the language format.

The method which a computer …

Hedging Interest Rate Risk With Financial Futures, Jerry M. Stai

Theses and Dissertations

In the period of volatile interest rates since 1979, many businesses have sought to lower their exposure to interest-rate risk, which is the probability that profits and values will be adversely affected by changes in market interest rates. The thrift industry has particularly been damaged by interest-rate risk. By borrowing short-term and lending long-term, liabilities repriced or matured faster than assets, which cause a classical earnings squeeze. The Federal Home Loan Bank, the regulatory agency for the thrifts, has set into law regulations authorizing individual thrifts to utilize financial futures as a tool to reduce interest-rate risk. The central issue …

Preferred Provider Organizations: Developmental Indicators, Marcia Anne Guida

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine what factors, if any, led to the development of a preferred provider organization and if these factors were related to sponsorship. A survey instrument was developed and mailed to a random sampling of 90 existing preferred provider organizations' executive directors for their completion. A Two-Factor Contingency Table Analysis was compiled. Chi-square, and the Contingency factor, C, were computed and tested at the .05 level of significance. First and second preference analyses were done on the responses to developmental indicators. Mean percentages were tallied for: sponsorship, tax status, alternative delivery systems in the …

Urban Economic Development And Small Business In Virginia, Muriel Johnson Murray

Master's Theses

This study explores, by a survey of available published materials, the role of city economies in the national economy, the role of entrepreneurial small business in the economy of the city in which it is located, and the means available for promotion of small business in urban economic development initiatives undertaken by government and private sector organizations. In addition to a survey of the literature, investigation included interviews with key personnel concerning efforts being made, both in the past and in the present, in the private sector and by various local, state, and federal government instrumentalities to foster the development …

Perception Of Effectiveness As A Factor In Schedule Management System Usage In Industries Involved In Department Of Defense Development Programs, Lyle Adelbert Wolcott

Dissertations

The extent to which a schedule management system is used in day-to-day program management operations may depend upon how useful the individual manager perceives the system to be. This study attempts to identify system-manager relationships that impact their usage by management personnel.

The study had two purposes. The first objective was to isolate attributes of the company schedule system and determine the significance of their relationship with manager opinion of the system. The second objective of the study was to investigate selected operational conditions that may impact the schedule management system and determine the significance of their relationship with manager …

An Exploration Of Worker Participation-Ownership As A Social Process: Toe Impact Of Worker Participation On Occupational Injury Rates, Daryl Kelley

Dissertations

Work is an everyday activity which is a normal part of life. A sociological analysis combined with a historical orientation allows for an examination which goes beyond surface appearances in order to examine the social relationships embedded in the organization of the labor process. An adverse manifestation of the social relationships contained in the labor process is occupational injuries.

The review of historical research explicates the social construction of the labor process which is an outcome of the struggle between capital and labor. Research also documents that the organization of work which emerged has created problems in the workplace. Worker …

Tourism In The Chattanooga Area, Donald W. Cambron

Honors Theses

This paper deals with tourism in the Chattanooga area. It has three main focuses. First, a profile is developed for the typical visitor and his or her economic impact in the local economy. Second, the travel industry in Chattanooga is studied by an analysis of several reports compiled by Carrier & Associates for the Lookout Mountain Attractions . Third, two questionnaires are developed and tested for use by the attractions.

A Justification For Implementing A Monetary Incentive Plan For All Salaried Employees, Peter N. Pastore Jr.

Master's Theses

The current organizational status of the hunan resource has undergone significant changes. Recent technological advances and increased global competition are causing a shift from labor intensive to capital intensive production in the industrialized nations, with an accompanying emphasis on product quality. Concomitantly, (1) the quality of the machinery depends on the hunan variable in the producing company; and (2) while machines can be sped up to increase the quantity produced, the calibration of that equipment, for example, is left up to the human factor. Since these technological advances are projected to continue, more and more emphasis will be placed on …

The Application Of Inventory Control And Purchasing To A Small Retail Business, Juanita M. Rendon

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to address the problem of inventory control of a small retail clothing business. An examination was made of the retail inventory control system and the open-to-buy purchasing method. Illustrations using hypothetical figures were presented in the application of these methods to a small retail clothing business.

Several advantages and values of utilizing these methods were cited and illustrated. This study concludes that the implementation of these methods are highly recommended to the management of a small retail clothing business. Information obtained from these methods of inventory control would aid management in making successful merchandising decisions, and …

Investigation Into The Feasibility Of Burning Hazardous Waste In Utility Boilers, Reuben Steinberg

Theses

Disposal of hazardous waste is of major concern in recent years in this country. Declining availability of landfills together with more stringent State and Federal regulations has necessitated the need to consider alternative means of hazardous waste disposal. It was suggested that burning hazardous wastes in presently operating utility boilers might be beneficial to the utilities and offer a solution to this social problem.

This thesis investigates the feasibility of this alternative given the technical, economic and regulatory considerations involved and discusses the findings of adopting this technology for hazardous waste disposal.

Based on the results of this study it …

A Teacher Training Program Focusing On Communicative Methodology For Brazilian Teachers Of English As A Foreign Language, Alberto De Paula Santos

MA TESOL Collection

This project is the result of efforts to set up a teacher­ training program for the Centro Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos de Curitiba in Brazil. It is especially designed for teachers who have been using teacher-centered classroom techniques and the traditionally structured approaches to teaching, and who are willing to change to a student-centered communicative approach to teaching English.

In chapter one, I give a general overview of the program Iset up and a short description of the Centro. I also state the reasons why I decided to set up this teacher-training program for the Centro.

In chapter two, I describe …

Satellite Remote Sensing And Fisheries Applications, Holly M. Turton

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

Satellite remote sensing has the capacity to aid the three major components of a fishery: research, management, and the fishing industry. An evaluation of the potential of satellite-derived data to the fishery is based upon six case studies which are presented as evidence of the capabilities of satellite-borne sensors. Peripheral applications pertaining to the marine environment and possible applications for the future are reviewed. Three basic categories of remote sensing programs related to the fishery are defined: one to test the applicability of the technology to the field of fisheries; another to employ the technology to fisheries research; and a …

Beginning An Esl Program: Underlying Issues And Site-Specific Recommendations, Jonathan D. Reasoner

MA TESOL Collection

This paper examines the issues involved in starting up an English as Second Language program. The range of issues discussed is limited to three major areas: assessment of language needs in a community; curriculum considerations for the target student group; and teacher training. There are two separate parts within the paper: Part I, a consideration of underlying issues involved in beginning an ESL program in general; and Part II, potential plans for program start-up at an actual site--the First Baptist Church of Flushing, New York.

Planning for a new program at the specific site serves to focus the general discussion …

English For Operating A Small Business, Joseph Thomas Mcbride Jr.

MA TESOL Collection

This materials development project is a course program designed for owners, operators, and managers of small businesses, who are non-native English speakers. Emphasis will be on business terms and the language used in operating a "family owned" or a small business. Topics covered include typical conversations with accountants, lawyers, insurance agents, bankers, suppliers, creditors, customers, and employees.

Advertising In Saudi Arabia, Sulaiman Nafeesi

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

The Alternate Incentive To Early Teacher Retirement, Vernon Dean Guinn

Masters Theses

The major emphasis of the study was to formulate an answer to the question being asked by the study group under the Illinois Project for School Reform, "How to improve the quality of teachers within the school system?" Specifically, this study analyzed the results of a study done by the Planning and Research Department of the State Board of Education, prepared in April 1977. Under this study's proposal, four areas of substantial disincentives were identified as reasons for teachers not taking early retirement. The age discrimination effect has since been overcome with early retirement incentives now being offered in many …

Anatomy Of A Strike, Elizabeth Ann Johnson

Masters Theses

This field experience is a historical examination of events and conditions leading up to and including the strike of 1982 between the teachers and the Paris, Illinois School District 195. A review of the literature parallels many of the conditions that led up to and were present in the Paris strike and its settlement. It also emphasized the relationship of unionism with the rise of teacher militancey.

This field study consists of six chapters. Chapter one is concerned with the overview of the problem. Chapter two reviews the historical background of labor unions, and the rise of teacher unions from …

An Empirical Investigation Of The Perceptions Of The Successful Woman In Management, John P. Gavin

Master's Theses

This research paper is an empirical study of the perceptual differences of male management and the female professional employee population at Philip Morris U.S.A. Operations. The female professional employee population has been further categorized into two groups, "successful" (grade 10 and above) and all other exempt females (those who have yet to attain the stated level to be considered successful).

The perceptual differences between the three groups was determined by responses to a survey administered to a statistically valid representative sample of the male management and female populations (2).

The data from the survey was examined for significant differences from …

Preliminary Urban Land Use Planning, Robert H. Harris Jr.

Master's Theses

The purpose of this report is to create a primer of basic real estate development principles and practices pertaining to preliminary urban land use planning. The report is directed toward the decision maker who is oftentimes not a sophisticated real estate professional. Normally, the decision maker is the owner of the property or a small developer who selects the land use based upon his limited experience.

A methodology is developed for performing a preliminary site plan analysis, and rules of thumb for development are embodied in a use compatibility analysis to aid the decision maker in seiecting the feasible alternatives …

The Assessment And Application Of Patient Satisfaction Variables In Marketing A Psychiatric Practice, Donald E. Christensen

Master's Theses

As the health care industry becomes increasingly more competitive, marketing functions will take en increasingly more importance. At the core of the marketing concept is the pursuit of customer satisfaction, or, for medical services, patient satisfaction. This study reports en the administration of a 33- item patient satisfactien questionnaire to the consumers of services in four outpatient offices of a large, group private psychiatric practice. Data are analyzed descriptively and recommendations are made for improvements of service delivery based on the findings of the survey.

An Evaluation Of The Examination Process Of State Chartered Credit Unions In Virginia, George H. Latham

Master's Theses

State chartered credit unions in Virginia are by Statute incorporated and regulated by the State Corporation Commission of the Commonwealth. Part of the regulatory process is a periodic examination of the books and records of each credit union to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as the safety and soundness of depositors' funds. The quality and effectiveness of this examination process has never been measured, nor has it been empirically evaluated to determine its strengths and weaknesses. This study identifies areas of the examination report which can be improved in order to make it a more useful …

A Strategic Plan For Mis At James River Corporation Of Virginia, Kent C. Bowling

Master's Theses

The objectives of this paper are (1) to present a methodology for developing an M.I.S. strategic plan, and (2) to recommend a M.I.S. organizational structure for James River Corporation of Virginia. The paper begins by describing the five businesses of James River and then describes a process for developing a strategic plan for a M.I.S. function. The next two sections define a desired future state for M.I.S. in James River and present guidelines for implementing this future state. The fifth section defines a method of implementing the strategy across the five diverse businesses of the corporation.

Management Of Personnel Systems, James P. Ward

Theses

The "Management of Personnel Systems" course (BA-332), taught at Lindenwood College in Spring 1986, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding key components in personnel and industrial relations. Designed for graduate-level students, the course emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications of human resource management. Its core objective is to equip students with the philosophy, skills, and experiential learning necessary to operate effectively within the personnel function of organizations.

The syllabus covers a broad spectrum of topics, including job analysis and design, staffing and recruitment, equal employment opportunity, performance appraisal systems, compensation and benefits, labor relations, collective bargaining, organizational development, safety …