IE University

About: IE University is a education organization based out in Segovia, Castilla y León, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Corporate governance & Context (language use). The organization has 527 authors who have published 1709 publications receiving 64682 citations.

An Analysis Of Three Confronting Theories To Explain Franchising Supply

Abstract: In this article, we have analyzed one of the most relevant lines of research in the franchising literature - the creation of a franchising system. Three confronting theories are reviewed and presented in this paper to explain the franchising phenomenon; namely, the resource scarcity theory, the agency theory, and the plural from theory. The conclusion of our analysis is that probably none of them is able to explain the full franchising occurrence, but each theory explains different parts of the franchising phenomenon, so they should be perceived as complementary theories.

Disclosure Strategies and Cost of Capital

Abstract: Theoretically, companies disclosing more voluntary information will benefit from a lower cost of capital, although empirical research provides inconclusive results. Our study aims to analyze the influence of the disclosure of forward-looking information on the cost of capital, because this information is extremely useful for investors. Results show that only specific information on actions, programs, decisions, and/or quantitative financial information helps toward the reduction of cost of capital. This evidence has direct economic implications, because it enables regulators and managers to focus on those disclosure strategies that are effective in the reduction of cost of capital. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Concentración en el Mercado de Auditoría en España: Análisis Empírico del Período 1990–2000

Abstract: RESUMENEl objetivo de este trabajo es examinar la estructura del mercado de auditoria en Espana durante el periodo 1990–2000. A tal fin hemos calculado distintas medidas de concentracion utilizando una muestra de 5.510 informes de auditoria de empresas registradas en la Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores. Los resultados indican que el mercado de auditoria espanol presenta una estructura oligopolistica con claro dominio de las Grandes Firmas. Aunque en el periodo 1990–1995 se produce una ligera reduccion de la concentracion, a partir de 1995 los indices de concentracion de mercado han seguido vina trayectoria creciente. El estudio discute las posibles razones de los niveles de concentracion asi como algunas consecuencias de la fusion de Andersen y Deloitte & Touche. Por ultimo, los resultados obtenidos se han comparado con otros estudios previos sobre el mercado espanol y con investigaciones realizadas en el ambito internacional.

Information Technology and the Ambidexterity Hypotheses: An Analysis in Product Development

Abstract: We investigated ambidexterity, defined as the capacity to simultaneously achieve exploration and exploitation activities at a product development level. Building on the knowledge management literature, we argue that information technology - defined by a combination of the convergent and divergent dimension - facilitate ambidexterity. Further, ambidexterity mediates the relationship between IT and performance. We found strong evidence that ambidexterity mediates the relationship between the IT that encourage these activities and subsequent performance in product development. Data collected from 80 product developments supported our hypotheses.

Ulmus laevis in the Iberian Peninsula: a review of its ecology and conservation

Abstract: European white elm (Ulmus laevis Pallas) populations are scarce, small and fragmented in the Iberian Peninsula. Due to these characteristics the indigenous status of the species in the region has been questioned, whilst the species’ role in Iberian riparian forest ecology has been neglected. Herein we review past studies regarding this species’ distribution and ecology in the Iberian Peninsula, with special emphasis on the establishment of conservation priorities. We first present a collection of palaeogeographic, historic and genetic data suggesting that the Iberian Peninsula was a glacial refuge for U. laevis. Secondly, we analyse U. laevis distribution in relation to soil physico- chemical properties and water availability in Spain. Following this, we focus on the reproductive biology of the species, and investigate the effect of masting and empty seed production on predation and regeneration establishment. Finally, based on this knowledge, we propose conservation policies for U. laevis in the Iberian Peninsula.