Business Commons^™

Chart: Top 10 Global Producers Of Chickens & Chicken Meat (2012)

Agribusiness Reports

No abstract provided.

Chart: Top 10 Global Producers Of Hen Eggs (2012)

Agribusiness Reports

No abstract provided.

Chart: Top 10 Global Producers Of Pigs & Pig Meat (2012)

Agribusiness Reports

No abstract provided.

Equine Welfare As A Mainstream Phenomenon, Bernard E. Rollin

Equine Husbandry and Welfare Collection

The 20th century has witnessed a bewildering array of ethical revolutions, from civil rights to environmentalism to feminism. Often ignored is the rise of massive societal concern across the world regarding animal treatment. Regulation of animal research exists in virtually all Western countries, and reform of “factory farming” is regnant in Europe and rapidly emerging in the United States. In 2012, a series of articles in The New York Times focused welfare attention squarely on the horse industry. Opponents of concern for animals often dismiss the phenomenon as rooted in emotion and extremist lack of appreciation of how unrestricted animal …

Sustainable Solutions For Human Security And Anti-Corruption: Integrating Theories And Practices, Marco Tavanti, A Stachowicz-Stanusch

Public and Nonprofit Administration

Corruption is a real issue affecting the understanding and practices promoting human security. This article introduces the frameworks of sustainable human security in relation to anticorruption. Human security is explored in its historical evolution and the more recent expansion of its frameworks, including the sustainability and systemic elements. The notion of sustainable human security is examined in relation to corruption and anti-corruption, as expressed in the current challenges and opportunities on sustainable development and human international development.

Developing Effective Mechanisms That Promote Fiscal Sustainability, Mark Pisano, Richard Callahan

Public and Nonprofit Administration

State and local governments will likely continue to face the stress and shortfalls caused by the Great Recession for an extended period. Three years of research on fiscal sustainability in local government in Southern California identifies strategies that can be used to address this stress, including options for the executive, budget, and finance functions of these jurisdictions.

Evidence-Based Management And Leadership, R B. Briner, Neil D. Walshe

Organization, Leadership, and Communication

Organizations can be led and managed in many different ways and there is no shortage of perspectives, models, and frameworks for thinking about how such tasks can be accomplished. This chapter focuses on one such perspective: evidence-based management (EBMgt). At its core is the idea that when managers and organizations make decisions, evidence of various types should be collected, critically appraised, and taken into account. Put this way, EBMgt does not appear to be either new or radical. However, as we shall go on to discuss, recent attempts to elaborate and flesh out this idea show that while some of …

Portfolio Optimization With Correlation Matrices: How, Why, And Why Not, Manuel Tarrazo

Finance

Correlation is used frequently both in the classroom and in professional environments to illustrate and summarize investment know-how, especially with regard to diversification. Pedagogically, the initial build-up on correlation, which reaches its climax while describing a hypothetical two-variable optimization case, abruptly disappears when the discussion reaches optimizations of several securities, thereby stopping short of running a full-fledged, correlation-based optimization. Why is that so? We offer some explanations. First, correlations initially seem to provide clarification of the workings of the optimization, specifically with respect to how security risk-relations affect optimal weights. However, the variable transformation required changes coordinates, thus making correlation-based …

Uses And Misuses Of The Black-Litterman Model In Portfolio Construction, Ludwig B. Chincarini, Daehwan Kim

Finance

The Black-Litterman model has gained popularity in applications in the area of quantitative equity portfolio management. Unfortunately, many recent applications of the Black-Litterman to novel aspects of quantitative portfolio management have neglected the rigor of the original Black-Litterman modelling. In this article, we critically examine some of these applications from a Bayesian perspective. We identify three reasons why these applications may create losses to investors. These three reasons are: (1) Using a prior without "anchoring" the prior to an equilibrium model, (2) Using a prior and an equilibrium model that conflict with one another, and (3) Ignoring the implications of …

Exchange Rate Adjustment And Output In South-East Asia, Kamal P. Upadhyaya, Robert Ranish, Neetu Kaushik, Rabindra Bhandari

Finance Faculty Publications

This paper studies the effect of currency devaluation on aggregate output level in South- East Asian countries using panel data from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines for a period from 1980 to 2010. An empirical model that includes monetary, fiscal and exchange rate variables is developed. Two versions of the model, one with real exchange rate and another with nominal exchange rate and foreign-to-domestic price ratio are estimated. An error correction model is developed and the time series properties of the panel data are diagnosed before estimating the model. The estimated results suggest that currency devaluations are contractionary in …

Building Sustainable Organizational Capital: The Global Leadership Challenge, Khadija Al Arkoubi, Elizabeth Davis

Management Faculty Publications

Building social capital (SC) is increasingly recognized as essential for organizational and social growth. However, there is a scant amount of literature on how leaders are expected to develop SC as an individual and organizational competence. While this article develops new frameworks for both SC and global leadership (GL), it offers practical suggestions to practitioners in human resource development and management on how they can set up strategies for developing both GL and SC.

The Huntsman Post, January 2013, Usu Jon M. Huntsman School Of Business

Jon M. Huntsman School of Business Huntsman Post Issues Collection

Monthly newsletter for the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.

Embodying Mallorquinness Through Performativity And Narration Of Mallorquin Dance, Linda Dankworth

Journal of Tourism Consumption and Practice

The Mallorcan dancers' sense of embodying Mallorquiness as stylistic qualities of their stage performances, produces in them a sense of representing a double identity: one for themselves in social contexts performing improvised dances as a contemporary image to each other, and another that is more ancient and projects the romantic nationalism associated with the dances' origins in stage presentations for tourists. It is the stage presentations that are a focus of this paper, where an ancient identity is created in the visual imagery of the Mallorcan dancers’ performances as a reconstruction of their past. This paper explores the relationship between …

Methodological Craft: Comparing The Hunches And Assumptions Behind Social Change, Sarah Schulman

Social Space

Social innovation labs are emergent spaces for naming social challenges, testing hypotheses, developing and spreading interventions. Despite the common denominator of experimentation, they vary in methodology. Dr Sarah Schulman makes explicit her observation of the hunches and assumptions embedded in the current social change methodologies.

Guidebook To Creating A Collaborative Environment Between Airport Operations And Maintenance, James C. Delong, Steve Wareham, John Duval, Hana Rocek, Lori Beckman, Jaime Guillen, Jane D. Parent, Rose Agnew, Steve Loper, Michael Nichols, Kenzie Rodriguez

Management Faculty Publications

ACRP Report 92: Guidebook to Creating a Collaborative Environment Between Airport Operations and Maintenance provides tools and strategies that can be used to increase and improve collaboration between operations and maintenance staffs at airports. The tools include exercises, case studies, and other resources. The report also provides methods to identify warning signs of collaboration issues between operations and maintenance staffs. This guidebook will be useful to front-line supervisors, managers, or senior leaders who wish to increase or improve collaboration between operations and maintenance departments. The tools and strategies are applicable to be applied with other departments as well.

The Equivalence Of Internet Versus Paper-Based Surveys In It/Is Adoption Research In Collectivistic Cultures: The Impact Of Satisficing, Jiaming Fang, Chao Wen, Victor Prybutok

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

An increasing proportion of information technology (IT)/information system adoption research collects data using online surveys. However, a paucity of research assesses the equivalence of paper-based versus Internet-based surveys in collectivistic cultures. Furthermore, no theoretical or empirical research investigates how cultural differences between collectivistic and individualistic cultures influence the measurement equivalence (ME) of these survey modes. To explore these issues, online and paper-based surveys with comparable samples were carried out in both an individualistic (the USA) and a collectivistic culture (China). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the ME across both survey modes in these different cultures. Results indicate that …

The Equivalence Of Internet Versus Paper-Based Surveys In It/Is Adoption Research In Collectivistic Cultures: The Impact Of Satisficing, Jiaming Fang, Chao Wen, Victor Prybutok

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

An increasing proportion of information technology (IT)/information system adoption research collects data using online surveys. However, a paucity of research assesses the equivalence of paper-based versus Internet-based surveys in collectivistic cultures. Furthermore, no theoretical or empirical research investigates how cultural differences between collectivistic and individualistic cultures influence the measurement equivalence (ME) of these survey modes. To explore these issues, online and paper-based surveys with comparable samples were carried out in both an individualistic (the USA) and a collectivistic culture (China). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the ME across both survey modes in these different cultures. Results indicate that …

Detecting Deception In Client Inquiries, D. Kip Holderness Jr.

2013

Auditors frequently gather information by conducting client inquiries (Bennett and Hatfield 2013; Hirst and Koonce 1996; Trompeter and Wright 2010). When clients are attempting to hide frauds and irregularities, auditors need to be alert during inquiries to verbal and nonverbal cues emanating from clients that might be indicative of intentional deception. This dissertation consists of two studies investigating the detection of deception in client inquiries. The first study provides a summary of extant literature examining deception detection, with an emphasis on those studies that have implications for client inquiries. I propose several avenues for future research that will contribute to …

Essays On The Digital Divide - Explorations Through Global, National And Individual Lenses, Maria Skaletsky

2013

The Digital Divide has emerged as an important research and policy issue during the past thirty years. The divide exists at different levels, such as global, regional and individual levels. While extensive research already exists on this subject, the complexity of the issue presents opportunities for further research. In particular, there is ample scope for significantly contributing to the literature by leveraging recent analytics techniques, all the more since most of the literature on the Digital Divide relies on descriptive methods or on simple or multiple regression models. Therefore, the motivation for this study is two-fold. First, the Digital Divide …

The Reality Of Digital Currency As A Financial Medium Of Exchange, Dale H. Shao, Lawrence Shao, Ralph E. Mckinney, Duane C. Rosenlieb

Management Faculty Research

This paper presents a discussion of the requirements for the long term acceptance of digital currency as a financial medium of exchange through the examination of fundamental criteria associated with common tender and the examination of selected digital currencies. According to the U.S. Treasury, digital currencies are subject to regulation if that digital currency has a substitutive purpose for facilitating exchanging goods and services (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, 2013). Although governments can place stipulations on currencies, users of common tender, such as digital currencies, expect at least three basic privileges for a digital currency to evolve from conception to realization. …

Challenges And Opportunities In Business Higher Education, Dale H. Shao, Lawrence Shao, Ralph E. Mckinney

Management Faculty Research

The catchphrase “Today’s Challenges Lead to Tomorrow’s Opportunities” succinctly describes the environment currently relevant to the area of business higher education. The future of business higher education in the 21st Century will involve dramatic changes that will lead to a vastly different business education environment than we have today. By recognizing opportunities and preparing strategies to embrace these changes, business schools will be better able to prepare for what lies ahead. There will be new opportunities to try strategic initiatives that could not have been previously attempted. Business schools must look for new alternatives and utilize a proactive approach for …

Valuing New Random Genetically Modified (Gm) Traits In Corn, Sumadhur Shakya, William W. Wilson, Bruce Dahl

College of Business Faculty Publications and Presentations

Numerous genetically modified (GM) traits are currently under development. Those currently being developed for corn include traits for drought tolerance, cold tolerance, and nitrogen use efficiency, among others. The value of these traits is random and sporadic, creating challenges in assessing its ex ante value. This study estimates the ex ante value of a GM trait in corn with random characteristics. A real option model is developed to capture risks and returns associated with the traits, and estimates are derived for drought tolerant corn. Base case results indicate a slight chance that the option value would be out-of-the-money during the …

Ada News Convention Daily - 2013 Day 1, American Dental Association, Publishing Division

ADA News

The ADA News Daily (also called the ADA News Convention Daily) is a special edition of the ADA News published each day during American Dental Association Annual Sessions.

Communicating Product Sustainability: Consumer Responses To Sustainability Labeling In A Retail Laboratory Environment, Siqi Feng

Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal

In effort to enhance sustainable development, manufacturers and retailers have collaborated to develop a standardized sustainability index based on supply chain life cycle information. However, it is unclear whether this index will help consumers make more sustainable purchases. Research conducted in a retail laboratory addresses consumer attitudes, purchase intentions, and product choices with and without a credible standardized sustainability index, and with or without provision of background sustainability information. Results from a pilot study and two mixed design experiments indicate that, on average, consumers focus more on brand equity than on sustainability levels when they make brand choices. While the …

The Influence Of R&D Investment And Dividend Payment Tax Incentives On Corporate Dividend Policy, Mary Catherine Cleaveland

Faculty Articles

Although much research on corporate dividend policy exists, the evidence is far from conclusive. Understanding how dividend taxes affect firm-level decisions is crucial to evaluating dividend imputation credits which provide shareholder-level tax credits for dividends received or decreased shareholder-level dividend tax rates, which reduce the double taxation of dividends. Using changes in New Zealand and Australia's tax regimes, this paper provides new insight into the corporate dividend policy views. The results support the double taxation and tax irrelevance corporate dividend policy views in dividend-paying firms operating in a tax regime with dividend imputation and capital gains taxes. By documenting a …

Macroeconomic Impact Of Remittances And The Dutch Disease In A Developing Country, Fazle Rabbi, Mamta B. Chowdhury, Mohammad Zahid Hasan

Business Papers and Journal Articles

The magnitude of the flow of remittances to a developing country like Bangladesh and their rate of growth has become a significant factor in its economy. The huge flow of remittances affects the production sector and employment structure, as well as the scale of external trade competitiveness of the economy as measured by the real exchange rate (RER). Movement of the RER from its equilibrium position is very important and is also crucial in identifying the factors most influencing this movement. Using Johansen cointegration and Vector Error Correction models, this study has found that the flow of remittances is appreciating …

A State-Sponsored Approach To Quality Improvement In Nursing Homes: Insights From Providers, Kathleen Abrahamson, Priscilla Arling, Greg Arling

Scholarship and Professional Work - Business

In 2006, the Minnesota Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) was launched to fund provider-initiated quality improvement (QI) projects addressing a wide range of persistent quality issues in nursing homes (eg, falls, pain, mobility, psychotropic medication reduction, care transitions). In this article, the authors describe the perceptions of nursing home providers who participated in a PIPP-funded QI project and completed a survey addressing a variety of QI-related concerns. Respondents noted the importance of support from top leadership, reported being challenged by resource constraints, and generally thought that their project positively impacted quality within their facility. These findings highlight the importance of …

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 54 Number 4, Spring/Summer 2013, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

12 - KEEP THE DOOR OPEN By Jeff Zorn. For teaching and advising and a ministry that's blessed this place for 48 years-a colleague pays tribute to Charles Phipps, S.J.

16 - IN THIS TOGETHER By Mitch FINLEY '73. For folks retired but not at rest, Companions in Ignatian Service and Spirituality offers a way to do and be more.

18 - WALK ACROSS CALIFORNIA By Jesse Hamlin-with images by Robert Boscacci '14, Frederic Larson, and Edward Rooks. An epic journey in which one foot is put in front of the other to discover, up close and personal, who and …

Framework For Communication, Certified Equity Professionals Institute, Terri L. Griffith

Management & Entrepreneurship

Communication of appropriate information and employee understanding are both required to achieve the best return on investment for equity compensation. There are three major steps to providing communication that is likely to be understood as presented: • Assessment of the situation • Combination of media and message • Follow-on evaluation of the communication's effectiveness

The Five Practices Of Exemplary Leadership: How Ordinary People Make Extraordinary Things Happen, James M. Kouzes, Barry Z. Posner

Management & Entrepreneurship

Our leadership framework has its origins in a research project we, the authors, began in 1983. We wanted to know what people did when they were at their "personal best" in leading others. We devised a Personal-Best Leadership Experience Survey consisting of 38-item open-ended questions. In our initial research, we collected and analysed more than 550 of these surveys, each requiring 1 to 2 hours to complete. We reviewed an additional 80 short-form versions of the questionnaire and conducted 42 in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis of the leadership cases revealed clusters of behaviors that we identified as the Five Practices …