Showing papers on "Business model published in 1985"

Control: Organizational and Economic Approaches

Abstract: Organizational design often focuses on structural alternatives such as matrix, decentralization, and divisionalization. However, control variables e.g., reward structures, task characteristics, and information systems offer a more flexible approach. The purpose of this paper is to explore these control variables for organizational design. This is accomplished by integration and testing of two perspectives, organization theory and economics, notably agency theory. The resulting hypotheses link task characteristics, information systems, and business uncertainty to behavior vs. outcome based control strategy. These hypothesized linkages are examined empirically in a field study of the compensation practices for retail salespeople in 54 stores. The findings are that task programmability is strongly related to the choice of compensation package. The amount of behavioral measurement, the cost of measuring outcomes, and the uncertainty of the business also affect compensation. The findings have management implications for the design of compensation and reward packages, performance evaluation systems, and control systems, in general. Such systems should explicitly consider the task, the information system in place to measure performance, and the riskiness of the business. More programmed tasks require behavior based controls while less programmed tasks require more elaborate information systems or outcome based controls.

Strategies for Intrafirm Transfers and Outside Sourcing

Abstract: In this article the author discusses research she carried out that examined the vertical integration strategies for corporations. She notes that the internal purchasing strategies for companies var...

The other 338: Why a majority of our schools of business administration do not offer a course in business ethics

Abstract: A recent survey indicated that the majority of schools of business administration do not offer courses in business ethics and/or the social responsibilities of business firms. The author examines the reasons for the omission of these courses, and concludes that faculty in the major disciplines and techniques of management do not recognize the complexity of ethical problems or the importance of ethical decisions in the overall management of large business organizations.

International Business Research: Past, Present and Future

Abstract: The Editors of the Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS) always try to publish the best international business research. Unfortunately, there will probably never be a simple response to the question, What constitutes excellent international business research? We might make some progress, however, if we first attempt to define international business research and then identify several noteworthy examples.

The Future of Business Education

Abstract: The business of business education is booming. But in the midst of this massive growth, business schools will need to answer questions about the relevance of their curriculum to the new organizational needs of business. As business evolves into a new organizational form—one based on network structures incorporating new technologies and new industries—business schools will have to restructure their educational approach. The need for both specialists and generalists will require a multilevel approach that offers a wider variety of programs and degrees. The problem is not that business schools are doing the wrong thing, but that they often try to do too much with a limited array of products.

A business model of enlightenment

Abstract: This article examines spiritual growth and the business career. Rather than a certain decline into workaholism or materialism, the world of business becomes a necessary step on the path of enlightenment, through the transcendant philosophical models of the Hindu householder and the Native American Medicine Wheel.

Basic Business Statistics

Abstract: This study is designed for students of business and economics for the first course in business statistics. Emphasis is placed on understanding statistics, and on concepts rather than mathematical theory. Business executives and graduate students, who need to review concepts may find this useful.

Business Plans That Win $: Lessons from the MIT Enterprise Forum

Abstract: This important book shows how even an inexperienced entrepreneur can write a solid business plan that will win investors' notice and financial help. "I am recommending it to my students and others interested in getting started in business."--Howard H. Stevenson, professor of business administration, Harvard Business School

Universities and entrepreneurs

Abstract: University business education emphasizes management rather than business and favors big business over small business. Small-business students want practical experience and, to provide it, universities must cultivate their links with the local business community. Small-business courses also have potential as either introductory or capstone courses.

The Art and Science of Planning at the Business Unit Level

Abstract: This paper attempts to relate the conditions that require different planning approaches A theoretical planning framework is presented that considers the confidence of causal linkages coupled with the extent of environmental change Prior planning research is synthesized to speculate on the appropriate leadership and decision-making styles for single-businesses, nondiversified firms, or divisions of diversified firms Examples of computational, consensual, contingency, and conceptual planning systems are also provided

The Most Important Language in International Business is that of Your Customer or is it

Abstract: This study explores whether knowledge of foreign languages is important for successful exporting and international business by US. companies, and whether the need for foreign language skills is pre...

Business policy & strategy

Abstract: Provides an opportunity to bring the tools and information gained in previous courses to the task of solving managerial problems in international and foreign environments. Focuses on an analysis of market opportunities, methods of entry in foreign business areas, and related business problems. Prerequisites: MGMT 0221 and MGMT 0231 Business Policy & Strategy http://www-old.wsc.ma.edu/plato/courses/MGMT0338bknipes.html

The Legal Profession: Views from Small Business Owner-Operators

Abstract: Establishing and operating a small business is not easy, but professional help is available to small business operators. Accountants, site location analysts, financial experts, and lawyers are among those who can provide useful advice. The research reported in this article explores the nature and extent of interactions between members of the legal profession and Oklahoma small business firms. Data were compared with results of a similar study conducted in Connecticut. An attorney's services can be valuable to small business operators in many ways. For example, legal advice is needed not only when a business is involved in litigation, but also when selecting the business organization's form (e.g., a sole propertorship or a partnership). when engaging in real estate transactions, and when conducting complicated contract negotiations. The degree of satisfaction which small business clients derive from interactions with attorneys depends in part on mutual trust and confidence. The client must trust the lawyer's expertise and discretion, and the lawyer needs to feel sure that the client has provided all of the information that is necessary and relevant to solve the problem at hand. Despite potential benefits of establishing an ongoing relationship with a lawyer, some people have unfavorable impressions of the legal profession and its practitioners. If small business operators share this perspective, they may be neglecting a valuable resource. It has been implied, for example, that there is a link between profitability and use of legal services, but this supposition has not been examined empirically. Identification of the kinds of legal services sought by small business owner/operators is a first step in the study of the contribution of the legal profession to small business. Only one researcher has attempted such an investigation at the time of this writing. One purpose of the current research is to enlarge upon this previous work. Taken together, the results of the two studies may suggest ways of conducting further research to determine whether a link does, in fact, exist between use of legal advice and business success or profits. In addition to establishing the groundwork for future research, the objectives of this study were to identify (1) owner perceptions of major business problems; (2) the degree of trust and confidence which small business operators have in the legal profession; (3) types of problems for which they seek legal services; and (4) their satisfaction with legal services received. The study was conducted in Oklahoma; results are compared with those of Davies, whose sample consisted of business owner/operators in Connecticut. METHOD Davies surveyed members of the Connecticut Small Business Federation by means of a mail Questionnaire. The authors used the same questionnaire, which assesses owner perceptions of major business problems, confidence in attorneys, use of legal services, and the types of problems for which legal services were sought. The National Federation of Independent Business agreed to provide address labels for 1,500 randomly selected members of the Oklahoma NFIB (total membership 12,000). The questionnaire was mailed to this sample, together with a cover letter explaining that the aim of the study was to discover how small business persons perceived the ability of the legal profession to assist with various problems. Of the total mailing of 1,500 questionnaires, 488 were returned, a response rate of 32.5 percent. This response rate compares favorably with that reported by Davies (20 percent). The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) subprogram CROSSTABS was used to generate two-way cross-tabulation tables. Frequency tabulations of all items and chi-square analysis of selected items were conducted, along with the cross-tabulations necessary for comparative analysis. The data were partitioned, compared, and analyzed by the following firm characteristics, in association with each variable on the survey instrument: form of business, industry type, firm size (as measured by annual sales volume and number of employees), and number of years in business. …