Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Business Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2009

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 2251 - 2280 of 2551

Full-Text Articles in Business

Pets In Print Advertising - Are We Seeing More Of Rover And Fluffy? A Content Analysis Of Four Popular Magazines, Charles M. Mayo, Donna T. Mayo, Marilyn M. Helms Jan 2009

Pets In Print Advertising - Are We Seeing More Of Rover And Fluffy? A Content Analysis Of Four Popular Magazines, Charles M. Mayo, Donna T. Mayo, Marilyn M. Helms

Faculty Articles

This content analysis of advertising in four popular magazines investigates whether the role of pets-specifically dogs and cats-has changed as they have grown in popularity and power in American culture. Analysis of print advertisements from 1994 and 2004 suggests that although the frequency with which household pets appear in print advertisements has declined slightly, portrayals of "Rover" and "Fluffy" have changed to reflect society's growing fascination with and devotion to our furry family members.


Does Fair Trade Deliver On Its Core Value Proposition? Effects On Income, Educational Attainment, And Health In Three Countries, Eric J. Arnould, Alejandro Plastina, Dwanye Ball Jan 2009

Does Fair Trade Deliver On Its Core Value Proposition? Effects On Income, Educational Attainment, And Health In Three Countries, Eric J. Arnould, Alejandro Plastina, Dwanye Ball

Department of Marketing: Faculty Publications

Alternative trade organizations (ATOs) based on philosophies of social justice and/or environmental well-being are establishing new channels of trade and marketing. Partisans promote ATOs as systems to transfer benefits from consumers in the wealthy northern hemisphere to producers in the poor southern hemisphere. The central public policy question is whether the well-being of poor agricultural producers in the southern hemisphere is actually being improved by fair-trade practices, or are consumers who buy products on this premise deceived? The research reported here partially answers the question whether participation in a fair-trade coffee marketing channel delivers benefits to smallscale producers in Latin …


Psychological Ownership: Theoretical Extensions, Measurement, And Relation To Work Outcomes, James B. Avey, Bruce Avolio, Craig Crossley, Fred Luthans Jan 2009

Psychological Ownership: Theoretical Extensions, Measurement, And Relation To Work Outcomes, James B. Avey, Bruce Avolio, Craig Crossley, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Viewing psychological ownership as a positive resource for impacting human performance in organizations, the present study investigated the components of an expanded view of psychological ownership. Confirmatory factor analyses on a proposed measure of psychological ownership provided support for a positively-oriented, ‘‘promotion-focused’’ aspect of psychological ownership comprised of four dimensions: self-efficacy, accountability, sense of belongingness, and self-identity. In addition, territoriality was examined as a unique and more ‘‘prevention-focused’’ form of ownership. Practical implications and suggestions for future research on psychological ownership and positive organizational behavior conclude the article.


Inquiry Unplugged: Building On Hackman’S Potential Perils Of Pob, Fred Luthans, Bruce Avolio Jan 2009

Inquiry Unplugged: Building On Hackman’S Potential Perils Of Pob, Fred Luthans, Bruce Avolio

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

In this rejoinder to Hackman’s counterpoint piece on positive organizational behavior (POB), we again take a positive, inquiry approach. We address and build out each of his identified potential perils with the aim of accelerating the journey of POB understanding, research, and application.


Team Level Positivity: Investigating Positive Psychological Capacities And Team Level Outcomes, Bradley J. West, Jaime L. Patera, Melissa K. Carsten Jan 2009

Team Level Positivity: Investigating Positive Psychological Capacities And Team Level Outcomes, Bradley J. West, Jaime L. Patera, Melissa K. Carsten

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

The movement toward positive psychology has uncovered the important role that positivity plays in both individual and organizational success. Given that work teams are becoming increasingly embedded in organizational structures, it is surprising that few researchers have investigated positivity at the team level. The present study examines the emergence of team level positive psychological capacities and their relationship with team outcomes (e.g., cohesion, cooperation, coordination, and conflict and team satisfaction) during two team sessions. Results from 101 teams suggest that team optimism is an important predictor of team outcomes when teams are newly formed, whereas team resilience and team efficacy …


Operations Research Methodology Life Cycle Trend Phases As Recorded In Journal Articles, Marc J. Schniederjans, A. M. Schniederjans, D. G. Schniederjans Jan 2009

Operations Research Methodology Life Cycle Trend Phases As Recorded In Journal Articles, Marc J. Schniederjans, A. M. Schniederjans, D. G. Schniederjans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

This paper applies life cycle concepts to forecast and explore trends in the publication rates of operations research (OR) methodology journal articles. The confirmatory part of this study seeks to show the accuracy of life cycles to forecast a trend for a single OR methodology. The exploratory part of this study extends the use of life cycle forecasting to a broader collection of OR methodologies. This part of the study entails a collection of keywords for OR methodologies from over 8,000 journal articles. The results show a life cycle can be used to forecast a trend in OR journal article …


Religious Discrimination And Racial Harassment: What Ever Happened To Marshawn Demur? -- Instructor’S Manual, Gwendolyn Combs Jan 2009

Religious Discrimination And Racial Harassment: What Ever Happened To Marshawn Demur? -- Instructor’S Manual, Gwendolyn Combs

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Case Learning Objectives:
Establish the basis for and recognition of potential d nn isparate treatment and disparate impact situations in the workplace.
Analyze the legal requirements for employers in considering and/or accommodating employee religious beliefs and preferences in the workplace.
Examine the interface of judicial precedent, legislative intent, Title VII and organizational policy/managerial decision-making.
Recognize the roles and responsibilities of human resource (HR) professionals in addressing these issues.

Target Audience: Undergraduate and graduate level students who have a basic background in HR management and equal employment/diversity issues.

This case works best in conjunction with the study of equal employment opportunity, …


Organizational Narcissism And Virtuous Behavior, Dennis Duchon, Brian Drake Jan 2009

Organizational Narcissism And Virtuous Behavior, Dennis Duchon, Brian Drake

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Extreme narcissistic organizations are unable to behave ethically because they lack a moral identity. While such organizations are not necessarily unethical intentionally, they become self-obsessed and use a sense of entitlement, self-aggrandizement, denial, and rationalizations to justify anything they do. Extreme narcissistic organizations might develop formal ethics programs, but such programs will have little effect on behavior.


Using The World Wide Web To Educate And Inform The Public About Risk And Agricultural Biotechnology, Douglas A. Golick, Robert D. Peterson, Leon G. Higley Jan 2009

Using The World Wide Web To Educate And Inform The Public About Risk And Agricultural Biotechnology, Douglas A. Golick, Robert D. Peterson, Leon G. Higley

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

The University of Nebraska and AgBios, Inc. launched the AgBiosafety website (http://agbiosaftzy.unl.edu) with the purpose of educating the public about agricultural biotechnology risk and safezy issues through science-based content. This article discusses the creation ofthe website, its components, and data gathered from usage statistics and a web-delivered survey. Also included is a discussion of the results ofdata gathered and recommendations for future web-based educational efforts in biotechnology safety and risk assessment.


P/E Changes: Some New Results, Thomas S. Zorn, Donna M. Dudney, Benjamas Jirasakuldech Jan 2009

P/E Changes: Some New Results, Thomas S. Zorn, Donna M. Dudney, Benjamas Jirasakuldech

Department of Finance: Faculty Publications

The P/E ratio is often used as a metric to compare individual stocks and the market as a whole relative to historical valuations. We examine the factors that affect changes in the inverse of the P/E ratio (E/P) over time in the broad market (S&P 500 Index). Our model includes variables that measure investor beliefs and changes in tax rates and shows that these variables are important factors affecting the P/E ratio. We extend prior work by correcting for the presence of a long-run relation between variables included in the model. As frequently conjectured, changes in the P/E ratio have …


Promoting Consumerism In West Germany During The Cold War: An Agency Perspective, Frauke Hachtmann Jan 2009

Promoting Consumerism In West Germany During The Cold War: An Agency Perspective, Frauke Hachtmann

College of Journalism and Mass Communications: Faculty Publications

This historical study attempts to explore how advertising, from the perspective of the J. Walter Thompson (JWT) Agency, contributed to the development of consumerism in West Germany during the Cold War (roughly the early 1950s until the late 1980s). The article describes how West Germany rebuilt its economy and eventually developed into the largest exporting country in the world. It also illustrates how advertising as an institution contributed to a functioning consumer society and chronicles the agency’s development in the U.S. and expansion to Germany. Finally, it explores the agency’s insights into consumer behavior in West Germany during the Cold …


Corporate Social Responsibility Of Architectural Design Firms Towards Sustainable Built Environment In South Africa, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman Jan 2009

Corporate Social Responsibility Of Architectural Design Firms Towards Sustainable Built Environment In South Africa, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman

Architectural Engineering

The construction industry makes a vital contribution to the social and economic development of every country. Buildings provide their users with places for housing, education, culture, medication, business, leisure and entertainment. None of these buildings will perform its function unless supported with efficient road networks, superlative telecommunications facilities, water and electricity. On the other hand, the construction industry has major impacts on the environment. It is a very large consumer of non-renewable resources, a substantial source of waste, pollution, land dereliction and energy consumption. This highlights the responsibility of present generations to use the available resources in a way that …


Chaos And Uncertainty, M. Thulasidas Jan 2009

Chaos And Uncertainty, M. Thulasidas

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The end of 2008 in the finance industry can be summarized in two words – chaos and uncertainty. The subprime crisis, where everybody lost; the dizzying commodity price movements; the pink slip syndrome; the spectacular bank busts; and the gargantuan bail-outs all vouch for it.


Egypt's Information Society Strategy: A Critical Lexicography, Neil Mcbride, Bernd Carsten Stahl Jan 2009

Egypt's Information Society Strategy: A Critical Lexicography, Neil Mcbride, Bernd Carsten Stahl

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

The development of ICT policies within developing countries in the past ten years has opened up a new area for study. These documents chart the ambitions of the countries for the use of ICT to promote rapid development. As such they are intercultural documents, developing at the interface between the culture of the country and western economic culture. This paper develops a critical approach to understanding these documents and studying their message. The approach involves the preparation of a critical dictionary which identifies relevant terms within the ICT policy document and reflects on their multiple meanings. The approach was applied …


Usability Investigation Of E-Business Web-Based Forms, Gerald V. Post, Albert Kagan, Betsy Page Sigman Jan 2009

Usability Investigation Of E-Business Web-Based Forms, Gerald V. Post, Albert Kagan, Betsy Page Sigman

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Usability on Web sites is critical because almost no training is provided for users on commercial sites. Instead, Web design relies on standards and consistency across sites. Traditional usability results indicated that computer forms should follow paper-based forms. Yet, Web paradigms have evolved that are quite different from paper-based forms. Specifically, this study reveals that users commit fewer errors and prefer simple forms limited to a single concept per screen. This conclusion significantly alters the recommendations for designing business forms.


Formal Verification Of Urban Traffic System Using The Concept Of Fuzzy Workflow Simulation, Manuj Darbari, Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Sanjay Medhavi Jan 2009

Formal Verification Of Urban Traffic System Using The Concept Of Fuzzy Workflow Simulation, Manuj Darbari, Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Sanjay Medhavi

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Modeling complex urban traffic system requires extensive use of workflow methodologies which can simulate almost real time traffic situations. Number of studies were done in the field of Urban Traffic Simulation like PLOTS, NETSIM and PALAMICS but none of them could provide a real formal solution. Our paper proposes a methodology using Fuzzy Petri nets for modeling real time traffic system. Fuzzy Petrinets are also visualised and tested by using Flow- Charter and HPSIM software packages. These packages help in providing successive iterations of process model for further refinement.


Supporting The Virtual Community: Social Bookmarking As A User- Based Classification Scheme In A Knowledge Library, Nicole Lytle, Tony Coulsom Jan 2009

Supporting The Virtual Community: Social Bookmarking As A User- Based Classification Scheme In A Knowledge Library, Nicole Lytle, Tony Coulsom

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Knowledge libraries hold the promise of widespread access to information available anywhere, anytime, freeing patrons from the geographical and temporal boundaries that currently exist. The classification of materials and subsequent searching of knowledge library content is an overall problem with many complex parts. Relevant classification is important for optimal information retrieval. This is especially important for the virtual communities that exist with extended organizations. Rooted in the virtual community and digital library literature, this paper develops a theory for improving the information classification and retrieval process of knowledge libraries that support virtual communities by applying social bookmarking techniques.


Rapid Development Of Multimedia Instructional Modules For Information Technology Education, Nanda Ganesan Jan 2009

Rapid Development Of Multimedia Instructional Modules For Information Technology Education, Nanda Ganesan

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

A multifaceted learning model was developed for implementing e-learning in a largely commuter campus. The primary objective of the model was to build a flexible learning environment that combined the learning effectiveness of in-class learning with the flexibility and accessibility of online learning. One of the components of the model was the multimedia instructional modules produced to teach various Information Technology courses. Several different types of modules were produced representing chalk-and-talk type of lectures, PowerPoint presentations and software tutorials. The chalk-and-talk type of lecture modules and the software tutorials that emulated the in-class learning experience contributed positively towards enhancing the …


Can Information Systems Foster Emotional Intelligence? A Design Theory-Based Approach, Richard J. Burkhard, Thomas A. Horan, Brian N. Hilton, Michael Leih Jan 2009

Can Information Systems Foster Emotional Intelligence? A Design Theory-Based Approach, Richard J. Burkhard, Thomas A. Horan, Brian N. Hilton, Michael Leih

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Researchers in Information Systems (IS) have conducted extensive research into various kinds of collaboration systems over the last twenty-five years. A parallel stream of inquiry in psychology and management has developed research in organizational Emotional Intelligence, which contributes to the effectiveness of group interactions by increasing cooperation and reducing conflict. Collaboration systems present a special opportunity to introduce soft management functions such as Emotional Intelligence because they are designed as an intelligent channel of interaction between group members. This research used an Information Systems Design Theory approach to guide the integration of Emotional Intelligence functions into collaboration systems. Two artifact …


Business Risks: When Is Fails To Detect Circumvention Activities, Stanley X. Lewis Jr., J. Scott Magruder, Eddy J. Burks, Carl Smolinski Jan 2009

Business Risks: When Is Fails To Detect Circumvention Activities, Stanley X. Lewis Jr., J. Scott Magruder, Eddy J. Burks, Carl Smolinski

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

A business must recognize and address various risk factors when establishing and maintaining its information system. The overall risk to management is that the control environment does not protect proprietary business data and the financial reporting system that produces financial statements and other information used by investors, creditors and regulatory agencies. These risks require that management implement efforts to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of control procedures over business activities while being aware of additional system issues such as failing to adequately consider other risks which are more business-oriented including the risk of failing to prevent or detect fraudulent or …


Performance Impacts Of Extent Of Information Technology Usage, Adam S. Maiga, Fred A. Jacobs Jan 2009

Performance Impacts Of Extent Of Information Technology Usage, Adam S. Maiga, Fred A. Jacobs

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

The link between IT investment and firm performance is indirect due to the effect of moderating variables. Employing a sample of 589 manufacturing firms based in the U.S., building on resource- and knowledge-based theories and the marketing literature, we use structural equation modeling to investigate the relationship between firm extent of IT usage, knowledge acquisition from customers and suppliers, competitive advantage and firm financial performance. Our results indicate that firm extent of IT usage positively impacts both knowledge from both customers and suppliers, which positively affect firm competitive advantage that, in turn, positively impacts firm financial performance. Further, our results …


A Practical Information Technology Program, Bijan Mashaw Jan 2009

A Practical Information Technology Program, Bijan Mashaw

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

This paper discusses the challenges facing business in the 21 st century and the dramatic changes in the use of computers and application development process. These challenges, as well as the increase of global economy, coupled with the demand for the business technology workers indicate the need for redesigning the Information System Curriculum. The proposed framework for an Information Technology (IT) Program in this paper offers a pragmatic curriculum model to accommodate the needs and challenges of the 21st century. The framework provides a fundamental IT education for the graduates of such a curriculum, as well as allowing an area …


Strategies For Manufacturing In Southern China, Hilda M.S Lai, Domenic Sculli Jan 2009

Strategies For Manufacturing In Southern China, Hilda M.S Lai, Domenic Sculli

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

This paper investigates the structure of industrial and business network strategies in the global manufacturing environment based on empirical data from 87 manufacturing firms in the Pearl River Delta of Southern China. Relevant data was collected using a questionnaire approach and analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to devise taxonomy for industrial network strategies. Three distinct clusters were identified: Network Integrators, Network Learners and Network Conformists. Results indicate that the former two clusters, though differing in the extent of scale, adopt a holistic approach in developing both intra- and inter-firm strategies and that the third cluster …


Investigating The Factors Influencing Customers’ Adoption Of Online Banking In The United Arab Emirates, Samar Mouakket Jan 2009

Investigating The Factors Influencing Customers’ Adoption Of Online Banking In The United Arab Emirates, Samar Mouakket

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

The goal of this paper is to increase the awareness of the exogenous factors that influence customers’ attitude in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) towards online banking in the light of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study investigates the effect of three exogenous factors namely computer self-efficacy, security issues, and website features on the TAM. The proposed modified TAM model has been tested with a survey sample of 461 which has been distributed among different customers in the UAE. The data has been analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to evaluate the strength of the hypothesized relationships. The results …


Pentral: Pattern Based Logic Language, Manuj Darbari, Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Sanjay Medhavi Jan 2009

Pentral: Pattern Based Logic Language, Manuj Darbari, Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Sanjay Medhavi

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

The article focuses on the urban traffic representation using patterns which are specifically developed for traffic situations. The framework PENTRAL (PEtri-Net TRAnsportation Language) provides conversion of these patterns into algebraic format. These formats are saved as an XML file following the three tier architecture of urban Traffic system.


Machine Translation In A Multilingual Electronic Meeting, Milam Aiken, Mina Park Jan 2009

Machine Translation In A Multilingual Electronic Meeting, Milam Aiken, Mina Park

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Electronic meetings can be more efficient and effective than traditional, oral discussions, but until only recently, groups with no common language could not benefit from machine translation. Although it is possible for linguists or other staff members using machines to translate comments during a multilingual discussion, the research presented here shows that this is not feasible for large groups speaking many languages. As a solution, we propose a fully automated multilingual meeting system, and an example of its use in a meeting with Chinese, Korean, and English comments shows its potential to reduce multinational communication barriers.


Using Gps To Provide Prayer Times Onboard An Airplane While In Motion, Zakaria Saleh Jan 2009

Using Gps To Provide Prayer Times Onboard An Airplane While In Motion, Zakaria Saleh

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

The Global Positioning System GPS, while originally a military project, has significant applications for the civilian industry. Civilian applications benefit from GPS signals by utilizing one or more of three basic components of the GPS location, relative movement, and time. Muslims around the world perform five prayers a day. The five prayers are based on astronomical position of the sun. Many systems have been developed to serve as prayer time providers but none of these systems provide the time for users that are traveling onboard an aircraft from one country to another, where (depending on the speed and directions of …


Using Computer Resources For Personal Activities At Work: Employee Perceptions Of Acceptable Behavior, Troy J. Strader, Lou Ann Simpson, Suzanne R. Clayton Jan 2009

Using Computer Resources For Personal Activities At Work: Employee Perceptions Of Acceptable Behavior, Troy J. Strader, Lou Ann Simpson, Suzanne R. Clayton

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Employees use computer resources at work for personal activities and the implementation of countermeasures has not reduced this behavior. In this study we investigate the extent to which an employee’s ethical orientation and supervisory role have an impact on their perceptions regarding these behaviors. We find that employees assess acceptability using a utilitarian orientation. The more money and time involved in an activity, the more employees perceive them to be unacceptable. We also find that supervisors view these activities as less acceptable than do non-supervisor employees. Demographics have little to do with explaining perceptions. Research and managerial implications are discussed.


A Metaheuristic For The Pickup And Delivery Problem With Split-Loads And Its Extension, Dai Yao Jan 2009

A Metaheuristic For The Pickup And Delivery Problem With Split-Loads And Its Extension, Dai Yao

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In this dissertation, we study improvements in the Pickup and Delivery Problem that can be achieved by allowing multiple vehicle trips to serve a common load. We explore how costs can be reduced through the elimination of the constraint that a load must be served by only one vehicle trip. Specifically, we investigate the problem of routing vehicles to serve loads that have distinct origins and destinations, with no constraint on the amount of a load that a vehicle may serve at a time. We develop a metaheuristic to solve large scale practical size problems in this form and apply …


Acquisitions Driven By Stock Overvaluation, Leming Lin Jan 2009

Acquisitions Driven By Stock Overvaluation, Leming Lin

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Overvaluation might drive a firm to use its stock to acquire another firm whose stock is not as overpriced. Though hypothetically desirable, these acquisitions create little, if any, value for acquirer shareholders. Two factors impede value creation for acquirer stockholders from these transactions (despite large differences in relative overvaluation at announcement): acquirers paying large premiums to targets, and investors' correction of acquirer overvaluation during the bid period. Furthermore, acquirer CEOs obtain a large amount of new stock and option grants after acquisitions and realize a net gain in wealth, further suggesting that equity overvaluation increases agency costs and the resulting …