Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Wasfi AL Salamat Author-Name: Walid Masadeh Author-Name: Ebrahim Mansour Title: MACROECONOMICS, FIRM-SPECIFIC FACTORS AND EXCESS RETURN: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION FROM AMMAN STOCK EXCHANGE Abstract: This study identifies the determinants of excess stock returns for all industrial firms in Jordan during the period 2007-2014. We use multiple regression model and an unbalanced panel design for obtaining results and analyzing data. The results show that excess stock return is positively and significantly affected by turnover ratio, market to book ratio, return on assets, market return, and dividend yield. It is negatively and significantly affected by financial leverage, and gross domestic product Classification-JEL: E44 Keywords: Excess Stock Return, Excess Market Return, Macroeconomics Variables, Firm-Specific Variables, Industrial Firms, Panel Data, ASE Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 1-16 Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v10n4-2016/GJBR-V10N4-2016-1.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:10:y:2016:i:4:p:1-16 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jo-Ting Wei Author-Name: Iou-Ming Wang Title: ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE, INVESTORS’ INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS OF THE CREDIBILITY OF MANAGEMENT Abstract: A majority of studies use archival files to examine the effect of environmental disclosure on the stock markets and may thus lead to inconsistent findings. This paper adopts an experimental method to examine the effects of environmental disclosure on investors’ investment decisions and further examines their perceptions of the credibility of management in the setting of Taiwan. Particularly, environmental disclosure with different extent is examined. The results show that environmental disclosure has positive effects on investors’ stock purchase decisions and their perceptions of the credibility of management no matter the extent of environmental disclosure is. The findings have essential policy implications for security regulators and encourage firms in emerging countries to implement environmental management well and enhance environmental disclosure transparency Classification-JEL: G11, M10, M14 Keywords: Environmental Disclosure, Investment Decisions, Credibility Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 17-25 Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v10n4-2016/GJBR-V10N4-2016-2.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:10:y:2016:i:4:p:17-25 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Venus C. Ibarra Author-Name: Corazon A. Cosico Title: AWARENESS OF HUMAN RESOURCE ACCOUNTING PRACTICES AND COSTING: EVIDENCE FROM THE PHILIPPINES Abstract: This study focused on the awareness of the Human Resource Accounting Practices and Costing (HRAC) of companies located in Carmelray Industrial Park 1 (CIP 1), Canlubang, Calamba City. The respondents were 8 human resource managers, 18 human resource supervisors, 8 finance officers, 9 chief accountants, and 5 accounting supervisors of the forty-eight (48) companies of CIP 1. The researchers used a questionnaire to collect the data. The study disclosed that the companies were not aware of the HRAC Cost Based Approach Models. The results also revealed that CIP 1 companies used the traditional or conventional accounting for human resources, where costs incurred for human resources were charged to expenses. The level of awareness and acceptance of the forty-eight companies of CIP 1 is very low. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended an accounting system that the companies might be able to use Classification-JEL: M40, M41, M48 Keywords: Awareness, Human Resource Accounting Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 27-42 Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v10n4-2016/GJBR-V10N4-2016-3.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:10:y:2016:i:4:p:27-42 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Tareq N. Hashem Title: HOW DO CUSTOMERS DIGEST PICTORIAL ADS FROM A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE? Abstract: The current research aims at identifying the degree of understanding that customers may hold for nonverbal advertisement based on the picture that the ad represents. The variables of the study consisted of non-verbal skills which are observational skills, attending behavior, empathy, and body language. A mixed approach between qualitative (open ended questions) and quantitative (questionnaire) was distributed to a convenience sample of 56 individuals. The author retrieved 56 properly filled questionnaires. The results of the study showed a positive influence of the four variables on the degree of understanding non- verbal advertisements among participants. In the quantitative part, the most influential variable was the attending behavior followed by empathy. In the qualitative element it appeared that observational skill was more apparent in the answers of respondents. This finding can be attributed to the visual rhetoric scheme that might have taken place within the pictures presented Classification-JEL: M3 Keywords: Non-Verbal Ads, Communication, Marketing, Pictorial Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 43-54 Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v10n4-2016/GJBR-V10N4-2016-4.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:10:y:2016:i:4:p:43-54 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jose Andres Flota Rosado Author-Name: Luis Ernesto Ocampo Figueroa Title: THE SOCIAL REWARDS FOR MISSION-DRIVEN BUSINESS: AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH Abstract: Many companies, considered successful models worldwide, are mission-driven business whose purpose is both profit generation and producing an impact on different aspects of human life. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between companies that include a social mission in their strategy, and act consistently with it, to create a sustainable competitive advantage. This advantage is expressed directly and indirectly in benefits for the company. In general, the relationship between mission and financial objectives of missiondriven businesses provides them the opportunity for better economic performance because they can leverage relational intangibles generated. This conclusion relies on three propositions made based on an integrative theoretical analysis Classification-JEL: L21, M19 Keywords: Mission-Driven Business, Social Reward, Resource-Based View Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 55-65 Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v10n4-2016/GJBR-V10N4-2016-5.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:10:y:2016:i:4:p:55-65 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Evans Sokro Author-Name: Ruby Melody Agbola Title: THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PERFORMANCE ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY: EVIDENCE FROM GHANA Abstract: This study investigates the impact of corporate social responsibility performance on customer loyalty in Ghana’s telecommunication in industry. Analysis of survey data collected from 588 customers revealed that there has been a surge in corporate social responsibility activities by telecom firms in Ghana in recent years. The results show that corporate social responsibility initiatives of the telecom firms are associated with community development and support through the provision of clean borehole water, education, and health services. Environmental issues, on the other hand, receive minimal attention from the telecom companies despite the fact that most of these companies are known to have sited telecom masts close to residential communities with severe health implications for residents. Also, poor quality of service provided by all networks casts doubts upon the genuineness of their philanthropic gestures. The paper includes recommendations for government to institute stringent measures to ensure telecom firms improve their services and provide value for money as part of their corporate citizenship. In addition, corporate social responsibility activities should be regulated to ensure firms engage in projects that have real impact on people‘s lives rather than those meant for mere publicity Classification-JEL: M140, M160 Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Customer Loyalty, Telecommunication, Ghana Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 67-82 Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v10n4-2016/GJBR-V10N4-2016-6.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:10:y:2016:i:4:p:67-82 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Alimagdiel Samuel Colunga Urbina Author-Name: Victor Manuel Molina Morejon Author-Name: Maria del Carmen Armenteros Title: DETERMINANT FACTORS FOR SUCCESS IN SELFSUSTAINING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY CENTERS Abstract: Technological Research and Development Centers (CTID) play a crucial role along with the State and private sector in technological development policies, innovation and competitiveness. This occurs both in country and for regional development. Their scientific and technological activities are essentially oriented to applied research through technology development projects, training and specialized training of human resources as well as technological services. The aim of this study is to identify and validate the determinant factors for the success and competitiveness of self-sustainable CTID. We use focus groups and exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation to gather the CTID determinant factors for success and competitiveness. The inquiry covered a sample of 55 experts from research centers that constitutes 80% of the population able to respond this instrument given its expertise in these subjects. Results show that most valuable key factors in CTID are: Customer Focus, Technology Management Model, Projects Management and Business Culture Classification-JEL: O32 Keywords: Determinant Factors, Core Competencies, Mexican Research and Development Technology Center, Self-Sustainability, Sustainable Competitive Advantage Journal: Global Journal of Business Research Pages: 83-93 Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v10n4-2016/GJBR-V10N4-2016-7.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:10:y:2016:i:4:p:83-93