Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: James Tanoos
Title: INDUSTRY-BASED FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AROUND STATE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM THE UNITED STATES
Abstract: American governors acquire enhanced regulatory and decision-making powers for economic development, the prevalence of statewide business scorecards and other factors are prompting voters to make these politicians and their agents responsible for the financial well-being of their states. Consequently, governors are expanding their policymaking authority and have gone to greater lengths to entice global executives to commit their increasingly mobile capital to their locales in efforts to increase jobs. More than any other sector, manufacturing is the area in which American incoming foreign direct investment is concentrated or what this study will refer to as international industry investment. Data has been collected from three global-manufacturing related Bureau of Economic Analysis datasets, namely FDI in the US- Employment of Nonbank U.S. Affiliates, by State, FDI in the US- Manufacturing Employment of Majority-Owned Nonbank U.S. Affiliates, and Gross Property, Plant, and Equipment of Nonbank U.S. Affiliates, by State. Based on a cross-sectional analysis of this information and gubernatorial tenure, it has been determined that global executives are most likely to devote their industry-based capital to a state in the year after the reelection of a governor and in the second term of an administration.
Classification-JEL: A11, B22, C21, D72, D73    
Keywords: Administration, Agents, Politics, Capital Mobility, Communication, Competitive
Advantage, Economic Development, Election, Foreign Direct Investment, Trade
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 1-18
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-1.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:1-18

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Jui-Ying Hung
Title: A STUDY ON THE ESTABLISH AND EVALUATION OF ADULT DAY CARE SERVICE CENTERS
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to aid in planning for the provision of adult welfare and care services, and to ensure that strategies are in place to effectively cope with the aging society. This investigation aims to review an operating assessment system for the execution of long-term care within Nantou County,
Republic of China. Based on theoretical considerations and a hierarchical model of perspectives, the Balanced Score Card (BSC), was used to evaluate management. We also used a fuzzy Delphi method, and a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), to assess nonprofit organizations which manage senior day care centers. The model includes financial, customer, internal business process, and learning and growth perspectives. The results show the level of importance of the perspectives was: Internal business process perspectives; Customer perspectives; Learning and growth perspectives; and Financial perspectives. The performance assessment system provides an accurate representation when used to assess long-term care services. The various indicators can guide organizations to continuously improve their services, in order
to provide the best possible service for the adults.
Classification-JEL: I11; L31   
Keywords: Adult Day Care Service Center, Balance Score Card, Fuzzy Delphi Method, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 19-34
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-2.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:19-34

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: María de la Paz Toldos Romero
Title: DIMENSIONS OF BRAND PERSONALITY IN MEXICO
Abstract: The principal objective of this study was to develop an exploratory investigation of the dimensions of brand personality in Mexico. Furthermore, the brand personality dimensions were compared to study the differences between males and females. An estimated 400 undergraduate students participated. They were given a questionnaire to measure brand personality divided into two sessions (six brands of think products in one session and six brands of feel products in another session). However, not all the students attended class on both days, so some completed only one of the two sessions. In the end, 313 participants completed the questionnaire on the six brands of think products and 320 completed the questionnaire on the six brands of feel products. A total of seven factors were extracted from the brand personality scale: Success, Hipness/Vivacity, Sophistication, Sincerity, Domesticity/Emotionality, Ruggedness and Professionalism. The women rated the brands higher for Success and Hipness/Vivacity, while the men rated the brands higher for Domesticity/Emotionality, Ruggedness and Professionalism. The author discusses the implications of the research for marketing practice and the meaning of these brand personality dimensions in the Mexican cultural context.
Classification-JEL: M310  
Keywords: Brand personality, gender differences, product category, personality traits
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 35-47
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-3.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:35-47

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Cheedradevi Narayansamy
Author-Name: Athena Hashemoghli
Author-Name: Rasidah Mohd Rashid
Title: VENTURE CAPITAL PRE-INVESTMENT DECISION MAKING PROCESS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN MALAYSIA
Abstract: Venture capital is an alternative source of funding for SMEs in Malaysia. Recognizing the importance of this industry toward economic growth, the Malaysian government has initiated various strategic plans. Despite promising growth of the venture capital market, past empirical findings reveal that the performance of venture capital backed companies (investee companies) over long run has been relatively poor, especially after venture capitalist exit. Thus, there is a need to understand the decision-making process practiced by Malaysian venture capitalists. Most decision making processes evolve from classical decision-making models. The current study purports to find disparity between the current practice and the classical venture capital decision-making model. The current study incorporates an exploratory research survey of 16 venture capitalists. Findings reveal significant similarities in the decision making procedure and investment criteria used to select investment with the classical model. As for investment criteria, greater importance is given to management integrity and exit opportunity rather than to the business idea. Findings also reveal that VCs experience does not correspond to expertise in decision -making.
Classification-JEL: G24, M13, D81, L20  
Keywords: Venture capital decision making process, investment criteria, investment stage, investment sector, investment timing.
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 49-63
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-4.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:49-63

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Peng He
Title: OPTION PORTFOLIO VALUE AT RISK USING MONTE CARLO SIMULATION UNDER A RISK NEUTRAL STOCHASTIC IMPLIED VOLATILITY MODEL
Abstract: This paper calculates option portfolio Value at Risk (VaR) using Monte Carlo simulation under a risk neutral stochastic implied volatility model. Compared to benchmark delta-normal method, the model produces more accurate results by taking into account nonlinearity, passage of time, non-normality and changing of implied volatility. Two parameters in the model: the correlation between underlying and the at –the-money implied volatility and the volatility of percentage change of the at- the-money implied volatility, can explain market skew phenomena quite well.
Classification-JEL: C63, G13, G17  
Keywords: Stochastic Implied Volatility Model, Value at Risk, Market Skew Phenomena
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 65-72
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-5.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:65-72

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Nagib Salem Bayoud
Author-Name: Marie Kavanagh
Title: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DISCLOSURE: EVIDENCE FROM LIBYAN MANAGERS
Abstract: This paper explains the importance and benefits for Libyan companies of engaging in corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD). Libya, as a developing country, was chosen by the researchers as it has undergone many changes over a short period of time in terms of economic, environmental and social changes. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data relating to CSRD in Libyan companies. Perceptions of financial managers interviewed as part of the study reveal that CSRD is important for company performance. The paper reveals that CSRD in the annual reports is very important in terms of attaining company objectives to: satisfy the interests of stakeholders; protect employees’ interests; clarify the extent of contribution of the company in both CSR activities and CSRD;
and assisting investors to make appropriate investment decisions. The perceived primary benefits of CSRD were enhanced company reputation, and increased financial performance. It also improves ability to attract foreign investors, and results in higher consumer satisfaction leading to commercial benefits.
Secondary benefits include demonstration of compliance with the law and improved employee commitment.
Classification-JEL: M14, M41, L11, K21  
Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (CSRD); Financial Performance; Corporate Reputation.
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 73-83
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-6.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:73-83

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Perrine Ferauge
Title: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INNOVATION
Abstract: Innovation and sustainable development are major contemporary issues. Innovation represents an important tool for achieving corporate social responsibility while sustainable development is a challenge for business and emphasises the direction that innovation activities can take. The objective of this contribution is to specify innovation and social responsibility outlines and to propose a conceptual framework of their complementarity in a small and medium enterprise perspective. This approach enables us to reflect on the role of innovation in responsible entrepreneurship by illustrating a scheme which brings together these concepts in an integrated approach.
Classification-JEL: M10, M14, O32   
Keywords: Sustainability, CSR, Innovation, Small business
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 85-96
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-7.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:85-96

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Tony Mutsune
Title: WHAT IS PROPELLING THE AMERICAN WORKER TO GO THE WAY OF THE HORSE?
Abstract: In today’s increasingly dynamic global economy, many industrialized nations are developing comparative advantages that are derived from human effort rather than natural status in their export industries. This is evidenced by a global pattern of shifting man-made comparative advantages over time. Empirical evidence seems to lend support to Wassily Leontief’s findings that would later contradict the previously accepted predictions of the factor endowment theory, which suggested that nations traded internationally based on their resource dispensations (Leontief, 1954). This study is a preliminary effort aimed at identifying meaningful factors that propel the development of human-based comparative advantages, and exploration of a testable theoretical framework that will aid a better understanding of
the disposition of such factors for the United States exporting firms. Five intellectual property-intensive sectors are sampled. Primary findings indicate that the degree of economic freedom, patents enforcements and domestic lending rates may be important factors that help shape human-based advantages that lead to gains in export market share.
Classification-JEL: F1; L1; E0  
Keywords: exports, innovation, workforce anatomy, transformation, comparative advantage
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 97-105 
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-8.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:97-105

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Jon K. Webber
Author-Name: Gregory W. Goussak
Author-Name: Elliot M. Ser
Title: COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP: EVIDENCE FROM SENIOR LEADERS
Abstract: The purpose of this study is call for further academic conversations into how to recognize common sense leadership as it relates to the 21st century organization. This qualitative study was performed from July 29th through December 7th, 2010, which involved 26 participants from across the United States who were identified as senior leaders in their organization. These executives indicated that common sense leadership is a multi-pronged approach that requires flexibility to address both the needs and desires of the organization in conjunction with those of the members of the organization. Participants concluded that common sense decision making requires a sense of morality that sometimes supersedes organizational performance and profitability. Finally, study participants strongly believe that employee
motivation that encompasses goal attainment and decision making, through a sense of morality, are important benchmarks in being a common sense leader.
Classification-JEL: M1  
Keywords: Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Common Sense
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 107-117
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-9.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:107-117

Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Mengsteab Tesfayohannes
Title: ISSUES WITH INTRODUCING GENERIC OPTIMIZATION MODELS INTO SMEs IN SUBSAHARAN AFRICA
Abstract: Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) play a vital role in the sustainable industrial development of the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SMEs can benefit from use of productivity and efficiency enhancement optimization models. Even the simplest mathematical model application has the potential to help SMEs promote their competiveness and sustainable growth. The application of optimization models has a proven supportive role in streamlining strategic and operational planning processes. This paper discusses conceptually the feasibility and problems of applying generic optimization methods in the operational planning of SMEs in the SSA nations. This will increase the awareness of SME entrepreneurs of how simple optimization models can help SMEs’ improve their efficiency and effectiveness in scarce resources utilization activities. The paper develops generic optimization models with the topologies of suitable applications’ modes operandi. Practical application will be subject to further research.
Classification-JEL: 014  
Keywords: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Economic Development Optimization Models, Sub-Saharan Africa, Decision Sciences, Production Planning
Journal: Global Journal of Business Research
Pages: 119-130
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
Year: 2012
File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/gjbres/gjbr-v6n5-2012/GJBR-V6N5-2012-10.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:6:y:2012:i:5:p:119-130