Showing papers in "Journal of Management Policy and Practice in 2011"

E-Accounting Practices among Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana

Abstract: This study explores the e-accounting practices among SMEs in Ghana. The study also looks at the expectations, realities and barriers in adopting e-accounting. The research design is based on a survey methodology using a sample of systematically selected SMEs throughout the country. The findings reveal that SMEs put in place accounting softwares to generate their financial information. The main value of this paper is the discussion of e-accounting practices of SMEs in Ghana.

Opportunity and Necessity Entrepreneurship: Local Unemployment and the Small Firm Effect

Abstract: Low-ability entrants to self-employment are “necessity entrepreneurs” forced into self-employment by adverse circumstances, while high-ability entrants are opportunity entrepreneurs attracted by a promising idea. Effects of local unemployment rates on the propensity of low-ability and high-ability workers to transition into self-employment are tested using two samples from the PSID. The results show a positive correlation between local unemployment rates and entry into self-employment for low-ability workers, but not for high-ability workers. Including firm-size to eliminate possible distortions in the results indicates that the positive association between unemployment and self-employment among low-ability workers is in fact driven by the effect of employer size. Moreover, a negative association between unemployment and self-employment among high-ability workers is observed.

Comparing the Perceived Quality of Private and PublicHealth Services in Nigeria

Abstract: In several countries services offered by private hospitals are considered to be superior to those of public hospitals. Research on the service quality in hospitals in developing countries is scarce ...

A Comparison of Employee Job Satisfaction in the Service Industry: Do Cultural and Spirituality Influences Matter?

Abstract: Globalization and technology have fueled great growth in the services sector. Job satisfaction in services is a desirable outcome for employees and firms, yet the factors associated with it remain elusive. Much of the original and subsequent research on employee job satisfaction and motivation has occurred in the United States, but few studies have qualitatively assessed job satisfaction across other cultures. This research incorporates Hackman and Oldham’s Job Diagnostic Survey and Hofstede’s dimensions of culture in a study of employees in the global services industry. Managerial insights related to culture and spirituality in the workplace are also given.

The Road Ahead: Micro Enterprise Perspectives on Success and Challenge Factors

Abstract: The United States and the world at large are currently trying to recover from a housing bust and a financial meltdown. Small businesses, with their creativity and innovation, have the potential to reverse the course for any economy. The largest percentages of entrepreneurs are micro enterprises which may hold the key to economic revitalization. This study focused on the success and challenges facing these emerging businesses. The study found several interesting and statistically significant differences based on gender, ethnicity, sales volume, years in operation and type of business. Not surprisingly, given the current economic malaise, the national economy was perceived to be both the most important success and challenge factor. Perhaps most surprising was healthcare which was ranked fifth. The study emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship to any economy, especially the United States, in their revitalization efforts.

The Effect of Service Failure and Recovery on Airline-Passenger Relationships: A Comparison Between South African and United States Airline Passengers

Abstract: South African airline passengers’ relationship length with airlines as well as their satisfaction with airlines’ service recovery efforts was used to determine the effect of a service failure on their relationship with airlines as well as their willingness to recommend airlines to others following a service failure. The results are compared with the findings from a similar study among United States airline passengers. The comparison reveals while relationship length influence the effect of service failures on U.S. passengers’ relationship with and their willingness to recommend an airline, South African passengers are more influenced by their satisfaction with airlines’ service recovery efforts.

Short-Term Study Abroad: An Exploratory View of BusinessStudent Outcomes

Abstract: Acknowledging the importance of fostering global perspectives in students, business educators stress the role that international study plays in increasing interpersonal skills, and broadening knowledge of global business practices. Traditionally offered as semesteror year-long programs, today’s programs are more often short-term in nature, raising questions about student outcomes of abbreviated tours. This longitudinal study of students who participated over a nine-year period examines the benefits and limitations of short-term tours. Results suggest that schools of business give careful consideration to desired student outcomes, learning objectives and how these might best be accomplished if delivered in a compressed time frame.

The Evolution and Conceptualization of Market Orientation:What Managers Ought to Know

Abstract: Market orientation, viewed mostly as an implementation of the marketing concept, is probably one of the most studied areas of marketing. Some argue that it is a philosophy, or way of being, while others argue that it is a set of business practices to be implemented. Others argue that it is a combination of these two, aligned with the strategic mandate of the firm. To fully understand market orientation and its importance, one must be able to trace its development and subsequent research contributions. This paper provides such an over-view.

Team Management by Objectives: Enhancing DevelopingTeams' Performance

Abstract: The objective of this investigation was to determine if Drucker’s management by objectives (or MBO) could be merged with Tuckman and Jensen’s stages of group development. We achieved our objective by examining relevant literature and found that these theories are somewhat dated, but deserve further examination. When combined, they resolve many pitfalls of managing teams for improved performance. MBO meshes well with the team development stages to provide novel insights about managing developing teams. The resulting perspective is called team management by objectives (or TMBO). We discuss the limitations and implications of this work, and suggest possibilities for future research.

Understanding Strategic Alliances: An Integrated Framework

Abstract: This paper will examine the literature on strategic alliances and propose an integrated framework of strategic alliances based on the reviewed material. The paper will examine two theoretical models of strategic alliances, suggested by Vyas et al. (1995) and Osland and Yaprak (1993), respectively. This paper will also investigate literature concerning advantages and disadvantages of entering into a strategic alliance. Finally, the author will suggest an integrated framework of strategic alliances, which includes the motives for forming, the process of forming, and the result of forming a strategic alliance.

Scenarios and Strategic Decision Making

Abstract: Scenarios provide the basis for effective strategic decisions in the 21 century. They describe the possible futures in which one must compete. By tracking the increasing or decreasing probability that a particular scenario will become reality, leaders can evaluate the possible consequences of their decisions. The global scenarios for 2025 developed by Shell International Limited, the U.S. National Intelligence Council, and the World Economic Forum identify possible futures for global trends. This can help leaders make strategic decisions now as well as providing information for developing individual company scenarios. Three possible scenarios for a fictional company are provided.

Are Public Hospitals Responding to Tangible and Reliable Service-RelatedNeeds of Patients in the New South Africa?

Abstract: Understanding the determinants of healthcare satisfaction will lead to the improvement of healthcare quality in developing countries. In this study, in-patients and out- patients’ expectations, perceptions and satisfaction related to services’ reliability and tangibility provided by public healthcare in South-Africa are measured by using SERVQUAL. The major findings were that all patients demand excellent levels of response, but none of these are currently being met, resulting in dissatisfaction. The findings of this study could be used to guide public hospitals to render healthcare programmes that are more patient-centred; and to increase their efficiency in the context of scarce resources.

Human Resource Development and the Contemporary Challenges of the World

Abstract: Amid the start of the twenty first century, the world has been confronted with a new set of challenges that have greater impact on global development. Since 1990, annual Human Development Reports (HDR) have explored world challenges including poverty, gender, democracy, human rights, cultural liberty, globalization, water scarcity, climate change, and human mobility and development. In the recent HRD literature, many authors have argued that HRD has been unable to face the emerging challenges of the world. This paper reviewed HRD literature to critically discuss about the capability of HRD and its potentials to address the new development challenges.

Rethinking the Case Method

Abstract: The case method was introduced into business education almost a century ago with the assumption that to be effective, learning must reflect actual practice. This paper argues that the case method rests on an outdated model of decision-making, one better suited for the simple and relatively stable environments of the post-war era. To regain its relevance and value, a fundamental rethinking of its purpose, theoretical underpinnings, and means of production is required. This is the impetus for Case 3.0, a nascent social enterprise whose aim is to build entrepreneurial capacity, both in the classroom and out in the field.

Statistical Analysis on Relation between Workers’ Information SecurityAwareness and the Behaviors in Japan

Abstract: This paper discusses the relationship between information security awareness and behavior by analyzing data collected from a Web-based survey on information security measures in Japan. First, it is found that individuals would not have problematic behavior from the viewpoint of information security measures if the individual’s awareness is higher. Next, it is found that the awareness of individuals who have problematic behavior despite being totally prohibited in the enterprise is different from individuals who do not have problematic behavior, and the awareness of individuals in the latter group is larger than the awareness of individuals in the former group, with a slightly higher probability.

Levels of Involvement and Retention of Agents in Call Centres: ImprovingWell-Being of Employees for Better Socioeconomic Performance

Abstract: This study analyzes call centres in relation with their socioeconomic performance. The main problem these organisations have to deal with is the retention of their agents. Management staff underlines the difficulty they have to retain the agents they have trained. Turnover rate is often over 70%. The agents don't wish to stay and don't feel involved in the organization, which impacts on the quality of services. The study explores the factors and the ways to improve implication and retention of agents in this type of organisation.

Performance Appraisal Systems: Procedural and ImplementationIssues in Papua New Guinea

Abstract: With almost all organizations worldwide using a performance appraisal system, it continues to be a subject of importance and interest among human resource specialists. Although it is generally accepted as a western practice, performance appraisal now features in the management repertoires of organizations in countries around the world, both developed and developing nations. Yet, despite the apparent popularity of these systems, there is a dearth of information about their uses and implementation in non-western environments according to previous studies. This paper therefore, reports some of the results of a study on performance appraisal in Papua New Guinea, a non-western developing country.

Examining the Construct Validity of the Lockwood Goal Orientation Scale Using the General Hierarchal Model: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine the psychometric properties of the individual goal orientation construct using the Lockwood, Jordan, and Kunda (2002)18-item scale. After a series of confirmatory factor analyses, a final scale is obtained composed of ten items; five items measure promotion orientation, and five measure prevention orientation. The two dimensions had good discriminant validity. To further test whether promotion and prevention orientations are two dimensions of the same construct or two different constructs, the nomological network for promotion and prevention is investigated using the general hierarchical model (GHM). According to this model, if the promotion and prevention dimensions have different antecedents and consequences, they should be treated as separate constructs. The results support the prediction that goal orientation is in fact two different constructs because the results reveal that the predictors and outcomes of goal orientation are different. For example, three of the antecedent constructs were significant predictors for the prevention orientation construct: introversion, consciousness, and emotional instability. On the other hand, two constructs were significant predictors for the promotion orientation construct: the needs for material resources and for body resources. Research limitations and future research are also discussed.

Test of a Theory: An Empirical Examination of the ChangingNature of Investor Behavior

Abstract: This study accomplishes four objectives. First, it supports the behavioral finance literature as to how investors make decisions. Second, we hypothesize that investors utilize technical and fundamental analysis in their investment decisions which are also influenced by economic conditions. Third, we test that assertion empirically and find that there is less reliance on fundamental analysis and that investors are using past stock prices as the dominant criteria for investment. Fourth, our results suggest that investors rely most heavily on economic factors and stock price trends for making their decisions. The influence of cable television and the Internet is also explored.

A Concept Map for Management Control System Design

Abstract: Design is a central and defining task of management accountants. Robert Kaplan, upon receiving his award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Accounting Association noted that: “Accounting Systems, like engineering designs are constructed, not natural phenomenon....Nobel-laureate Herbert Simon observed....’design is the core of all professional training’” (Kaplan, 2006; Simon, 1996). In this paper, I use Concept Mapping as a platform to support the design task as it relates to Management Control Systems: a sub-discipline of Management Accounting.

An Assessment of the Static Trade-off Theory of Capital Structure UsingGhana Stock Market Data

Abstract: The study, employing a multiple regression method, sought to examine whether the Static Trade theory had any impact on Ghanaian companies in their decisions about capital structure during the period 2001-07. Among the study findings were, that there was negative relationship between leverage and size, and between leverage and profitability, contrary to theoretical prediction; that the firms with tangible fixed assets would employ high levels of leverage since tangible fixed assets have a high collateral value, and firms with growth opportunities would take on debt to finance growth, but large and profitable firms would use less debt or no debt at all in their capital structure, which is inconsistent with theory; and that, most of the companies did not employ long-term debt. These have important implications for policymakers in their quest to develop the debt market for access to long-term finance by Ghanaian companies.

A Decision Support Model for Contractor Selection in a GovernmentProcurement Supply Chain: Evidence from an Emerging Market

Abstract: This paper employs the decision support system, such as the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) methodology to model contractor selection problem in a government procurement supply chain. The proposed methodology used a set of criteria for the selection and evaluation of the best contractor. A case study of a government Ministry in Ghana is used to illustrate contractor selection problem. The AHP model is used because it allows different types of contractor capabilities to be examined. The result findings indicate that contractors’ experience is the most important followed by manpower resources, financial stability, and relevant equipment for contractors’ selection in Ghana.

Internships and Small Business: A fruitful Union? A Conceptual Approach

Abstract: Despite the popularity of internships among firms and educational institutions, our understanding of how they could help small businesses strategies and operational aspects remains insufficient. This paper argues that the specific attributes and needs of small businesses maximize the potential positive effects of internships on their performance, beyond the classic recipes and good practices founded in the “successful internships” literature. This paper explores these attributes and needs, identifies where and how internships can provide significant benefits to small businesses, and suggests a path for future research based on two theoretical directions: firm strategy and the resource-based view, and managerial cognition.

Public Sector Reforms and Democracy: The Case of Fiji

Abstract: In Fiji, the public sector reform process began in 1985 and went through a number of stages that were closely tied to largely political re-directions and attendant imperatives. When it resumed in 2001 a number of initiatives increasingly brought into question one of the key assumptions of NPM: that the country has a democratic framework of governance. This paper first establishes the theoretical link between NPM and democracy and then analyzes a number of key reforms in order to centralize and discuss the importance of a functioning democratic framework and attendant institutions of control for successful reforms in Fiji.

Integration of Myanmar Domestic Agricultural Marketing into ASEAN

Abstract: The study of domestic marketing clarifies the role of various traders and processors to identify the marketing channels and major trade flows that provide on an inventory of the physical marketing infrastructure. This paper focuses mainly on the marketing efforts of farmers and collectors for wholesale trade in the major markets of Yangon and Mandalay. Market-oriented policy reform measures that had a major positive influence on the agricultural sector were the lifting of restrictions on private sector participation in trade. The strategic objective of ASEAN Free Trade Area or AFTA is to integrate the ASEAN economies into a single production unit and to promote the greater economic efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

Study of Oral Narrative Provides Preliminary Evidence of Entrepreneurs'Use of Story Telling

Abstract: Do entrepreneurs use storytelling to exchange important information? This study reports the analysis of oral histories of 32 entrepreneurs and describes the ways in which entrepreneurs use storytelling to exchange information. The study found evidence that entrepreneurs use storytelling to exchange important information including the processes of: organizing, opportunity identification, sales and financing. Entrepreneurs may find that development of specific skills for the use of storytelling could lead to improved performance in each of the functional areas. Entrepreneurship scholars may find the ability of entrepreneurs to tell stories provides a unique means for differentiating between entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs.

Mixing Blood and Books – Killings at Universities:Campus Violence – What Are The Options?

Abstract: Killings at Virginia Tech, killings at Northern Illinois State University, and killings at The University of Alabama-will your University be next? But killings at The Appalachian School of Law were stopped quickly BEFORE the police arrive. With these deadly facts as reality, past research shows that the nationwide economic downturn and recession has caused cities and governmental organizations to lay off police and law enforcement personnel. Even prisons are being shut down! Likewise research analysis has shown the impact on business safety resulting from the recession. There are fewer jobs, less money, less police/law enforcement, less prisons, and more crime. More firearms are being purchased by members of the business community and citizens in general. Layoffs of police impact college and university communities who have always relied on local police and law enforcement to assist in the security challenges faced by the University community. The research following details options for continued campus safety in an age of police and law enforcement layoffs. Options vary from doing NOTHING to turning the University into an armed camp!!! Constitutional rights of the Second (2) Amendment are discussed in the context of community and university safety. The dynamics of 2 Amendment constructionism are analyzed.

Economic and Behavioral Influences on Small Businesses Bankruptcy

Abstract: This paper focuses on small business activity in United States, and an analysis of the economic and behavioral influences on recent small business bankruptcy levels. The resulting conclusions might prove useful to academics, and to both private sector and government policy makers focused on promoting small business growth. The results show some of the causes of small business bankruptcy are related to one or more of the following: the form of proprietorship, borrowing costs, related industry factors (employment figures of major sectors), and to overall consumer sentiment.

Disease Management Initiatives and the Ability to Reduce Costs of Chronic Care

Abstract: With approximately sixty-three million people suffering from a chronic illness in 2005, accounting for 78% of total health spending currently (Bodenheimer, Chen & Bennett, 2009), the prevalence of and cost burden associated with chronic illnesses are projected to continue rising, unless something is done to control costs and manage the prevalence of these chronic illnesses. Through disease management efforts, the plan of care is structured to encourage prevention of complications through evidence-based practices, such as patient education and self-care. However, the question becomes whether or not CMS’s Medicare Health Support (MHS) initiative actually has the ability to reduce health care costs related to certain chronic illnesses.