Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Albert D. Spalding Title: FAITH-BASED ARBITRATION CLAUSES AS A GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE TO DISPUTE RESOLUTION Abstract: DynCorp International, LLC, a U.S. company, and Aramco, a Saudi-owned corporation, entered into a contract for a computer system which was to be manufactured in the U.S. and installed at Aramco’s facilities in Saudi Arabia. The contract contained a choice of law provision requiring the application of Saudi Arabian law even though the contract was entered into and significantly performed in the United States. The contract also contained an arbitration clause, requiring that any disputes be resolved using Sharia law as implemented through an arbitration panel. When a dispute over the ownership of funds arose, DynCorp attempted to bring the matter into the Texas judicial system. In its opinion in the matter (In re Aramco Servs. Co., No. 01-09-00624-CV, 2010 Tex. App. LEXIS 2069, 2010 WL 1241525, Tex. App. Houston 1st Dist. Mar. 19, 2010), the Texas court refused to take up the matter, and effectively upheld the arbitration clause. This paper explores the increasing use and enforceability of faith-based arbitration clauses in international contracts and transactions in light of the Aramco case. The paper concludes that global finance is augmented when parties learn about other faiths (in particular, Islam) so that they can effectively negotiate and, where appropriate, adopt such clauses as a way of making use of alternative dispute resolution. Classification-JEL: K2; K12; K41 Keywords: Faith-Based, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, Contracts, Sharia Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 1-8 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-1.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:1-8 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Amod Choudhary Title: SMARTPHONES AND THEIR IMPACT ON NET INCOME PER EMPLOYEE FOR SELECTED U.S. FIRMS Abstract: For the last few years, the number of smartphone users has been on a remarkable rise. The number of users increased from 62.6 million in 2010 to 115.8 million in 2012, and expected to increase to 192.4 million by 2016. This increased usage of smartphones by employees poses a dilemma for organizations. Since smartphones can do almost all the tasks (email, internet, and run applications of popular Microsoft software) of a traditional desktop computer, laptop, and phone; smartphone users are expected to be able to do more work outside their normal working hours. Therein lies the possibility that the employees instead of carrying out organizational tasks, may be instead wasting time by of texting, shopping, and using social media. This paper looks at the impact smartphones have on net income per employee at selected U.S. firms. My research shows that use of smartphones has a positive impact on a firm’s net income per employee ratio. Alternatively, use of smartphones at these selected U.S. firms does not negatively affect a firm’s Net Income per Employee ratio. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Productivity, Smartphones, Net Income per Employee Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 9-17 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-2.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:9-17 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ma Enselmina Marín Vargas Author-Name: Virginia Guadalupe López Torres Author-Name: Luis Ramón Moreno Moreno Title: THE SUSTAINABILITY OF A NATION´S ECONOMY: AN ANALYSIS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERNATIONAL INDICATORS Abstract: This paper examines sustainability performance of the Mexican economy from the perspective of three international indexes. Information were gathered from reports published by: Environmental Performance Index, Global Green Economy Index, Carbon Monitoring for Action and the National and Latin- American indexes. The objective was to determine Mexico’s levels of performance in each index analyzed and contrast these performances with research results obtained in the northern part of the country. This research used an exploratory and descriptive approach to analyze information obtained from databases. Among the main conclusions, is identification of the most important programs and polices needed for the improvement of the country´s sustainability performance. Classification-JEL: O44 Keywords: Sustainability Performance, Economy, Measurement Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 19-26 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-3.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:19-26 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Carlos Fong Reynoso Author-Name: Moisés Alejandro Alarcón Osuna Author-Name: Luis Ernesto Ocampo Figueroa Title: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN JALISCO: THEIR EVOLUTION, AND STRATEGIC CHALLENGES Abstract: The business structure in Jalisco, Mexico is primarily composed of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Thus, it is fundamentally necessary to understand the dynamics, evolution and above all, the strategic challenges of this sector in order to understand the state’s economic performance and the possibilities for future development in Jalisco. As a result, this study analyzes the evolution of the SMEs (known as PyME, in Spanish) in Mexico and Jalisco by using data from the Economic Censuses of 1999, 2004 and 2009 as well as sources such as the Mexican System of Business Information (Sistema de Información Empresarial Mexicano, or SIEM, in Spanish). This analysis includes the distribution of companies by sectors and size. It also makes a comparison between the observed trends at both national and state levels, allowing the identification of significant differences in productivity and the challenges that these small and medium-sized companies face as they seek to modernize and consolidate. We also propose a strategy to boost the performance of SMEs. The following variables are included in this analysis: The number of establishments; Gross fixed capital formation; Gross total production; Gross value added census; Personnel employed; Salary levels; and Hours worked. Classification-JEL: L11, L25, M13 Keywords: SMEs, Performance, Development Strategy Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 27-43 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-4.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:27-43 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ryszard Piasecki Author-Name: Erico Wulf B Title: FISCAL POLICY RULES: EVIDENCE FROM CHILEAN ECONOMY Abstract: This paper analyzes, structural budget surplus (SBS) rule evidence for the Chilean economy. We examine its effect on macroeconomic variables, such as credit worthiness, output volatility, policy effectiveness ,and welfare level gains over time due to economic growth. Thus, SBS becomes a public good with undeniable positive externalities which government authorities are called to provide. Moreover, countries depending upon commodities exports, must deal with the implications of associated prices increases and impact on expectations about spending; the risk of inflationary pressures; internal and external imbalances . Fiscal rules instead, provide a safety net for public income fluctuations, keeping stable cyclical adjusted spending , and saving the surplus due to higher public incomes. Classification-JEL: H5, E62 Keywords: Rules, Budget Surplus, Policy Coordination Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 45-54 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-5.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:45-54 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Peter Géczy Author-Name: Noriaki Izumi Author-Name: Kôiti Hasida Title: ANALYTICS-BASED MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS Abstract: Information technologies penetrate virtually every division in contemporary organizations. Organizations deploy a spectrum of information technologies with aim of alleviating operating efficiency. Knowledge workers increasingly depend on deployed information systems to accomplish their tasks. Well-deployed and managed information systems have a potential to increase effectiveness and efficiency in organizations; whereas poorly deployed and managed systems may have significant negative impact. Strategic deployment and management of information systems play the key roles in attaining beneficial impacts for organizations. Conventionally, information technology managers have relied primarily on tacit knowledge. Such knowledge and experiences have been accumulated over a number of years. However, information technologies progress at a rapid pace and early adopters gain considerable strategic advantages. Information technology managers cannot afford spending years accumulating tacit knowledge. Viable solution to this problem is to adopt an analytics-based management. We explore pertinent aspects of analytics-based management of information systems in organizations. Classification-JEL: M15; M21; O32; O33; O22; O43; L15; L21; L25; L86 Keywords: Information Technology Management, Analytics-Based Management, Information Systems, Actionable Knowledge, Tacit Knowledge, Explicit Knowledge. Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 55-65 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-6.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:55-65 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Juan Carlos Alicea Rivera Title: METAPHORS OF ORGANIZATIONAL CREATIVITY: FROM SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM AND CONSTRUCTIVISM Abstract: We used metaphors to explain several processes in organizations over the years. The metaphorical analysis allows us to transfer concepts from one domain of knowledge to another, improving our understanding of organizations. As a psychological process, we analyzed creativity through the lenses of particular abilities of certain people. But, is it possible to personify organizations and consider them as creative entities? How powerful had been the use of metaphors to explain creativity as organizational process in the past? The purpose of this conceptual work, based on discourse or textual analysis, is to explain how two recent developed metaphors could be used as to increase our understanding of the creative process exhibited in organizations: from conceptual ideas of the symbolic interactionism, the creativity as a role; from theory of constructivism, the creativity as a zone of potential development. Classification-JEL: D21, D23, M14, M54 Keywords: Creativity, Organizational Culture, Organizational Climate Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 67-74 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-7.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:67-74 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jerrold Van Winter Title: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONAL BUYER BEHAVIOR Abstract: The primary goal of this qualitative research was to gather information from practitioners about the buying process used by companies in the United States and Germany when purchasing customized software. Before using a popular organizational buyer behavior process model for an international study the author believed it was important to examine whether companies in the countries in the study actually used each step of the model. A multiple-case study design was chosen, since it allowed both for a better understanding of the actual software buying process used by companies and for a comparison of buying processes between companies. The author observed and interviewed individuals at four company’s corporate headquarters, two companies in the United States and two companies in Germany. The study found that both Americans and German companies do, to varying degrees, go through each stage of a widely used organizational buyer behavior model. It was also observed, however, that the amount of time and effort dedicated to different stages of the model varied by country. The study also identified differences between buyers in the United States and Germany in regard to the perceived importance of certain vendor selection criteria, which provides support for future empirical studies. Classification-JEL: M16, M31 Keywords: International Organization Buyer Behavior, International Vendor Selection Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 75-83 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-8.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:75-83 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Arthur L. Centonze Title: THE IRISH BANKING CRISIS Abstract: The 2007 financial crisis led to a steep decline in the supply of capital to organizations around the world. As liquidity dried up, countries such as Ireland with fragile and overextended credit environments, overpriced asset markets, and accommodative regulatory systems were vulnerable to the resulting shock waves. This case explores Ireland’s economic and financial circumstances before and during the crisis, and its response to the crisis in the face of mounting pressure from the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF for action that would help bring Ireland and other stressed euro zone countries back from the brink. At the close of 2010, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan Jr. needed to decide whether to accept financial assistance from Europe and the IMF or have Ireland go it alone. The case has a difficulty level appropriate for masters’ level or upper level bachelors’ students in finance or economics. It is most effectively taught to students who have been exposed to macroeconomics and introductory finance. The case is designed to be taught in 1.5-2 class hours and should require 2-4 hours of outside preparation by students. Classification-JEL: E44, G01, G21 Keywords: Financial Crisis, Property Bubble, Banking Crisis, Government Policy Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 85-108 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-9.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:85-108 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nadia Shuayto Author-Name: Paul A. Miklovich Title: CREATING ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY IN SOCIAL ENTERPRISES: THE USE OF EVIDENCEBASED POSITIONING AND MARKET ORIENTATION Abstract: Social enterprises represent the evolution of the private sector with the social and public sector. The focus of this paper is to examine social enterprises and the creation of organizational sustainability through the use of the key marketing concepts of positioning and orientation. Evidence-based practices are studied as a means to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the two strategies. A key theme of the paper is the impact of stakeholders on the creation of organizational sustainability. Classification-JEL: M00, Q56 Keywords: Social Enterprise, Organizational Sustainability, Positioning, Market Orientation, Evidence-based Practices, Legitimacy, Competitiveness Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 109-115 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-10.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:109-115 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Eric L. Prentis Title: DEREGULATION & PRIVATIZATION: TEXAS ELECTRIC POWER MARKET EVIDENCE Abstract: The electric power industry is moving away from a regulated utility model, toward a deregulated marketbased model—thereby intending to improve system efficiency by reducing generation costs and customer prices, while at the same time improving capital expenditures and service reliability. This paper is the first in the literature to statistically test Texas’ electricity prices, relative to U.S. electricity prices—and use energy emergency alerts and reserve margin forecasts to determine Texas’ power system reliability—since deregulation in 2002. Implementation of suggested reforms will help ensure the market-based design succeeds. Recommendations are offered for future research. Classification-JEL: G31, G38, H44, K23 Keywords: Texas Electricity Market, Deregulation, Privatization, Reserve Margins Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 117-126 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v5n2-2014/RBFS-V5N2-2014-11.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:5:y:2014:i:2:p:117-126