Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

The Ethical-Religious Framework For Shalom, Michael E. Cafferky

Faculty Works

This paper explores the ancient Hebrew Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, a traditional ethical-religious framework for business conduct, in terms of its contribution to well-being. Some elements of the Decalogue align with what contemporary scholars believe are generally-accepted moral principles expected of businesses. This paper addresses the question of how all the elements of the Decalogue contribute to the Hebrew concept of Shalom. The purpose of the Decalogue is established in the context of a covenant community of believers. Each of the Ten Commandments is evaluated in terms of its contribution to Shalom.

Stock Market Overreaction And Unnecessary Risk, Todd M. Yost, Dr. Steven Thorley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The original hypothesis behind this study was that the stock market would overreact to news events. So when positive news about a specific company develops the stock price would increase more than would be rational. Conversely when the news was negative the price would decrease more than is warranted. To test the hypothesis, I took several trials consisting of the best and worst performers from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq stock exchange. I then followed the stock prices for several weeks to see if the price adjusts to reflect the real value of the information.

Report On Status Of Mycobacterium Ulcerans (Buruli Ulcer), David R. Nielsen, Dr. Warner Woodworth

Journal of Undergraduate Research

First discovered in 1947 in a small community in Australia, the Buruli Ulcer (Mycobacterium Ulcerans) has become the third largest mycobacterial disease in the world, next to leprosy and tuberculosis. Dobos et al. estimate that the severity of the Buruli Ulcer will soon reach that of leprosy. In a 10-year study conducted in Ivory Coast, villages were surveyed to assess the degree of infection. In some communities, the rate was shown to be as high as 16%, with current estimates as high as 22%.

The Economic Development Of Laos And Its Future Membership In The Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Sean C. Luangrath, Dr. Stanley E. Fawcett, Brent D. Wilson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In 1997, Laos was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This membership in a free-trade area has accelerated Laos’ economic growth but only to a certain extent—free trade is limited to only Southeast Asian countries. The two main economic groups in Southeast Asia are the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Many people argue that these associations are too bureaucratic and protectionalistic to be effective. How has Laos benefited since its admission into ASEAN in July 1997? Should Laos pursue membership in APEC? How economically effective is APEC? What are …

The Effects Of Extreme Market Volatility On Option Trading, Bradley D. Heitmann, Dr. Steven Thorley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

An in-depth understanding of financial-markets volatility and how it relates to option prices is of prime importance for any options professional. Volatility is a key variable of the various option-pricing models, the Black-Scholes model being the most widely applied, that have evolved over the past twenty years. Volatility can be thought of as the standard deviation of return for the prices of the asset underlying an options contract. Generally speaking, volatility is positively correlated with options prices. This is fairly intuitive, for a long position in an option is a position with limited downside risk and unlimited upside potential. If …

Consumer Perceptions Of Retail Service Quality In Bulgaria, Marious D. Tcherpokov

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project was Intended to provide Insights into refining and enriching of SERVQUAL, an existing service-quality instrument constructed by Parasuranam, Berry, and Zeithaml (1991), with respect to its applicability to (1) a global assessment of service quality and (2) in particular, to the retail sector. The description, objectives, methodology, and research results of the project are described in the following sections.

Direct Marketing, Igor Skender, Dr. Kristen B. Detienne

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Direct marketing, as a profit making tool, was introduced in the United States and Europe just a few decades ago. It became widely spread in our society with its presence especially accentuated in the advertising field. This type of marketing has forever revolutionized the way consumers shop as well as the business world as a whole.

Applying The Kano Model To Service Recovery Quality, Jeremy Stowell, Dr. Kristie Seawright

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Successful firms that practice TQM have adopted the philosophy “the customer is king.” (2) Service firms would like to provide their customers with quality service in every transaction. However, mistakes in service related businesses are inevitable because of the high degree of customer contact.

Summary Of Analysis And Marketing Plan Prepared For A Haitian Handicraft Company, Christian Syphus, Dr. Christopher Meek

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The economic and political instability of Haiti has rendered it “the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and its only least-developed country” (1). Familiar with social unrest due to military takeovers and high unemployment, Haitian leadership has struggled to provide consistency for its citizens since Haiti became the first black independent nation in 1804. The future of Haiti depends on the ability of its leaders to discover solutions to bring it successfully into the 21st century.

What Is Socially Responsible Business?, Kevin Pestinger

Journal of Undergraduate Research

It is becoming increasingly apparent in the world of business that companies have to address the issue of social responsibility. Consumers have begun to demand, with both their purchases and their investment dollars, that companies start to account for their impacts on numerous social issues such as poverty, unemployment, the environment, and world peace. As information becomes readily available to the masses, people recognize the disparity between those whom business should serve and those whom business does serve. The future of business does not lie in the maximization of profits for the owners at the expense of society, but rather …

A Retail Location Spreadsheet Simulation, Todd Mccauley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The key to success In retail is a good store location. Several models have been developed to help retailers determine optimal store locations. This project is a store location simulation for a QuatroPro spreadsheet. The model is based on the Huffs Gravity Model, a well-known retail model, which states-in part-that a store’s revenues are based on its proximity to population centers.

Reducing Conflict And Violence In Hospitality Establishments., James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Bar owners and staff members must be more concerned about safety and security issues. This is the result of a variety of factors, most notably recent legislative changes at national and international level and the subsequent high costs of assaults (including costs relating to litigation and compensation). Poor health, safety and security standards place staff members and customers at risk of serious injury if not death; employers suffer in terms of lost productivity and potentially higher premiums and the morale of the staff, as well as the industrial relations climate in the bar, can be adversely affected. At a minimum, …

Creation Of An Instruction Manual In Portuguese To Teach Principles Of Computer Aided Design, Richard Kendall

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The financial support awarded to me helped contribute to one of the greatest experiences of my life. My main goal for my project was to effectively help an architectural company by teaching them the techniques of computer-aided design (CAD).

Waste Management And Energy Recovery: A Significant Business Issue, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

Waste Management and energy recovery has become a significant business issue for hospitality establishments in recent years. Hospitality establishments have to be more concerned about waste in their businesses and be able to adopt systems to reduce, reuse and recover waste. This challenge is the result of a variety of factors, most notably the charges involved in waste removal and cost of every businesses energy needs. Costs have grown dramatically, landfill capacity has become increasingly scarce and expensive. Stringent legislation has been introduced around the world to ensure optimum waste management and energy recovery practices in hospitality businesses. Opportunities have …

Developing Craft Beer Sales Opportunities: The Beer Tasting Experience, James Peter Murphy

Conference papers

The aim of this special presentation was to offer advice to delegates and members of the hospitality and retail licensed trade industries, amateur beer appreciation clubs and tasting groups, in relation to what preparations are necessary and what pitfalls to avoid when you are organising beer tasting events for their businesses.

2014-02-07 General Education Council Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate., General Education Council.

Faculty Senate Records

General Education Council meeting minutes from February 7, 2014.

John R. Wooden, Stephen R. Covey And Servant Leadership: A Commentary, Barry Z. Posner

Management & Entrepreneurship

Ralph Waldo Emerson observed that "consistency was the hobgoblin of little minds" and that insight well underscores the challenges associated with accurately describing the leadership philosophy (and actions) of anyone - from coaches like John Wooden, leadership gurus like Steve Covey and Peter Drucker, philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates, or you and me. They are not always perfectly consistent, evolving, and even changing as situations and setting shift in both anticipated and unpredictable ways.

An Indian Healthcare Company’S Foray Onto The World Stage, Singapore Management University

Perspectives@SMU

Fortis Healthcare expanded from one hospital to over 70 in a dozen years. It is now consolidating to focus on what it does best: saving lives.

Managers Need To Be Less Controlling, Singapore Management University

Perspectives@SMU

Being so can motivate employees better than material incentives.

The Dark Side Of Leadership: Dealing With A Narcissistic Boss, Thomas W. Camm

Mining Engineering

Some of the defining characteristics of narcissists include a grandiose sense of self-importance, preoccupation with success and power, a sense of infallibility, and a supreme confidence in their ability and intelligence. Ironically, many of these characteristics are rewarded in business organizations, which may explain why there seems to be so many narcissists in management positions. Assuming we will be dealing with narcissists throughout our career, it makes sense for us to understand what makes them tick, and more importantly what we can do to work with them in a constructive manner.

The Joy Of Business With Soul: Fast & Furious Reaction To Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium, Mr. Martin Gaerlan

Center for Business Research and Development

Last October 30, 2013, Forbes revealed its 2013 World’s Most Powerful People with a very confident opening statement: “There are nearly 7.2 billion people in the planet. These are the 72 that mattered.”1 Just eight months on the job, the then 76 years old Pope Francis, former janitor and son of an accountant, found himself ranked 4th World’s Most Powerful – more powerful than 68 other individuals including 27 CEO’s and 28 billionaires.

2014 Q1 Private Capital Access Index Report, Craig R. Everett

Pepperdine Private Capital Access Report

The Pepperdine Private Capital Access Index (PCA) is a quarterly indicator produced by the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University, and with the support of Dun & Bradstreet. The index is designed to measure the demand for, activity, and health of the private capital markets. The purpose of the PCA Index is to gauge the demand of small and medium sized businesses for financing needs, the level of accessibility of private capital, and the transparency and efficiency of private financing markets.

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: March 21, 2014, Eric Thompson, William Walstad, Shannon Mcclure, Mihdi Vahedi

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The Leading Economic Indicator – Nebraska (LEI-N) increased by 0.99% during February 2014. The increase in the LEI-N, which predicts economic growth in the state six months in the future, suggests moderate growth in the Nebraska economy during the summer of 2014. Four of six components of the leading economic indicator grew during February. Manufacturing hours and airline passenger counts both rose modestly. Initial unemployment claims dropped significantly in February, a positive sign for the labor market. There was also a solid improvement in business expectations. Respondents to the Survey of Nebraska Business predicted an increase in sales and employment …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: February 21, 2014, Eric Thompson, William Walstad, Shannon Mcclure, Mihdi Vahedi

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The Leading Economic Indicator – Nebraska (LEI-N) decreased by 0.95% during January 2014. The decrease in the LEI-N, which predicts economic growth in the state six months in the future, follows a strong increase in December 2013. Taken together, LEI-N results for the last two months suggest continued improvement in the Nebraska economy, specifically moderate growth in mid-2014. Five of six components of the leading economic indicator declined during January. There was a decline in building permits and airline passengers. Initial unemployment claims increased slightly in January, a negative sign for the labor market. There was a modest decline in …

Revisiting Action Research, Paul J. Antonellis Jr.

Management Faculty Publications

Purpose: The focus of this paper is to examine what is action research, how it is different from scientific research and how each can contribute to the body of knowledge, while emphasizing that one does not replace the other.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The trajectories of action research are reviewed in this paper.

Research Findings: Findings suggest action research brings about significant contributions to social change. Further, action research investigators are in a prime position to determine the best method for action research depending on the research issue(s).

Research Limitations/Implications: This paper is limited to a general review of action research in the …

Regional Infrastructure Department Implementation Plan: Prepared For The Towns Of Wenham And Hamilton, Massachusetts And The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District, Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center For Public Management, University Of Massachusetts Boston

Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management Publications

The purpose of this Organizational Assessment is to: a) quantify the resources needed to establish a new regional public works department; b) assess whether those resources are available or could be made available; c) prepare a recommendation of those functions to be merged; and d) make recommendations on an organizational structure and governance process.

Achieving A Competitive Advantage Through Ethical Business Practices An Ethnographical Case Study, Valarie Denney

Publications

Ethical leadership can be a key driver of corporate behavior but it is an individual’s sense of ethics that has an impact on business success. The specific problem was that despite the plethora of academic, government, and industry studies, it remained unclear whether investing in ethics provided a competitive advantage for businesses. The purpose of this qualitative, ethnographic case study was to examine how the internal stakeholders in a single business defined and applied ethics and what elements of the business culture and competitive environment affected decision-making. The research was a practical application of the stakeholder theory, normative ethics and …

Privatization Of Agriculture In Post-Soviet Russia: A Model Of Transitioni, Joseph Brian Gross, Dr. Phillip J. Bryson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This research began as in inquiry into the general causes for the failure of modern rural reforms in Russia. This study traces the development of rural trends from the abolition of serfdom in 1861, through the Soviet era of centralized planning and collective farming, up until the post- Soviet era of privatization. This study identifies and categorizes the modern incentives and obstacles that have stymied organizational restructuring of Russia’s rural sector.

Economic Yields To Time Spent In A Microfinance Bank; An Econometric Analysis, Jeffery C. Tanner, Dr. Gary M. Woller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Microfinance is a growing instrument of poverty alleviation in the field of poverty alleviation, wherein a presumeably poor client borrows money to us as seed capital in starting or growing a small business. In continuation with the ongoing debate surrounding microcredit impact, this paper submits data and analysis showing returns to time spent in a village bank.

Dissecting Bulls And Bears, Stephen Piccolo, Dr. Robert Crawford

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Everyone who invests his or her resources in the stock market wishes to have definitive answers to the following questions: