Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Alex Osadchyy Author-Name: Jon Webber Title: A PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE EFFECTIVE USE OF OFFSHORE SOFTWARE PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES Abstract: A qualitative, grounded theory research was conducted to explore and deepen the understanding of how middle and low level managers can initialize and manage information technology (IT) outsourcing projects. The study involved 17 managers and leaders working in Ukraine in offshore software development companies. A grounded theory was utilized to analyze data from participants to identify the interrelationship among seven core categories including: (a) project communication, (b) employee training, (c) flexible organization, (d) strategic communication, (e) team unit, (f) transparent management, and (g) vendor adaptability. The study results indicate that applying a combination of concepts in the new theory as strategies allow managers to overcome barriers and achieve the realization of opportunities beyond traditional benefits in outsourcing. Such opportunities include achieving value-added results, vendor motivation, improved software quality, efficiency and timely delivery, organizational growth potential. The study highlighted the importance of referring a practical management system with characteristics of easily understandable and imaginable management approaches. The study also raised public awareness of the specific outsourcing landscape in Ukraine formed by that country’s cultural, technological, and political situation. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge on a practical management system in outsourcing although its scope was constrained by limited resources Classification-JEL: M11, M12, M53, M54 Keywords: Offshore, Outsourcing, Software Development, Natural Approach, Opportunities, Benefits, Ukraine, Management, Motivation, Training, Project, Product, Expertise, Social Network Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 1-17 Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v7n1-2016/RBFS-V7N1-2016-1.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:1-17 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Iman Seoudi Author-Name: Salma Mahmoud Title: PUBLIC POLICY FOR VENTURE CAPITAL: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EMIRATES, SAUDI ARABIA AND EGYPT Abstract: This study presents an integrated public policy framework for supporting the emergence of a venture capital industry, from both supply and demand perspectives. The framework is applied to the case of venture capital evolution in three Arab countries, namely United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In each country case study, five public policy mechanisms are analyzed using both primary and secondary information. Comparative analysis of the country case studies shows that the three countries have made varying levels of progress on company registration procedures and development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. More work is needed to simplify bankruptcy and other regulatory obstacles to venture capital funds, such as the limited partnership structure and the use of convertible stock. The three countries have limited venture capital supply from a few government and private venture capital funds, primarily due to demand side weaknesses and a meager flow of investible enterprises. Strengthening the demand side should form the primary focus of government reforms in the near future, in addition to demonstrating successful and profitable venture capital investment. The latter is a key step in putting together the pre-conditions for the emergence of active venture capital industries in the three countries Classification-JEL: K2, O17, O250 Keywords: Venture Capital, Arab Countries, Dubai, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Public Policy Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 19-42 Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v7n1-2016/RBFS-V7N1-2016-2.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:19-42 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Narendra Ramgulam Title: EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR: A CASE STUDY OF TRINIDAD VERSUS TOBAGO Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide an understanding of employee participation in the hospitality industry of Trinidad and Tobago. It will also seek to compare/contrast levels of employee participation on both islands. This paper discusses the concept of employee participation and captures the impact of employee engagement in the hospitality sector. It examines the viability of engaging employees as it relates to decision making in Trinidad versus Tobago, and makes recommendations, which includes policy propositions for the future. Additionally, an examination of global participation strategies in the hospitality sector are presented to determine whether Trinidad or Tobago can espouse these and embrace sustainable employee engagement in the future of its hospitality sector. From this qualitative study utilizing a thematic analysis, it was determined, that employee participation was beneficial to employee morale, and played a key role in employee output. It also justified in some cases where employee participation can be used to create and stimulate creativity in organizations. The findings also revealed that there was a conceptual difference between employee participation in Trinidad versus Tobago, and the extent of employee participation in these two islands differ culturally. It also embraces the notion of sustainable employee participation as the way forward and proposes an employee engagement model for the way forward Classification-JEL: M1 Keywords: Hospitality Sector, Employee Participation, Sustainability, Trinidad, Tobago, Levels of Employee Engagement, Global Participation Strategies, Employee Engagement Model Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 43-58 Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v7n1-2016/RBFS-V7N1-2016-3.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:43-58 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Duha Sami Alsanad Author-Name: Refaat Hassan Abdel-Razek Title: MAPPING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: METHODOLOGY AND IMPLEMENTATION Abstract: Technological innovation is the underlying driving force of economic development, both in a nation's economy and in an organization's competiveness. The first objective of this paper is to map the innovation space available in the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation, one of the largest petrochemical companies in the Middle East. The second is to suggest modifications to an innovation mapping tool and apply the modified tool to the same company. First, data were collected over a three-year period. They were analyzed and mapped using the 4Ps innovation mapping model. Second, modifications were suggested to eliminate the weaknesses associated with this model. The results showed that the company introduced a total of forty four innovations that were all incremental; the majority fell in the product and process. The implementation process of the 4Ps model showed that it has deficiencies in some cases, due to not having clear dividing lines between pure and combined innovations. It does not allow for mapping innovations that combine product-with-process or position-with-paradigm innovations; furthermore, radical and incremental innovations cannot always be clearly positioned. A modified model was developed that overcomes these weaknesses. A modified model was developed and successfully implemented to map the innovation space in the same company. Classification-JEL: O32 Keywords: Innovation Management, Innovation Assessment, Innovation Measurement, Mapping Innovation, Modeling Innovation Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 59-67 Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v7n1-2016/RBFS-V7N1-2016-4.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:59-67 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Juha Kettunen Title: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MISSION STATEMENT AND SCOPE OF BUSINESS: EVIDENCE FROM FINLAND Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the connection of a business’ mission statement to its corporate strategy. The literature review presents the concepts of the core competence, the mission statement, focus strategy and competitive advantage. The findings of the literature review indicate that these concepts have consistent contextual linkages and can be placed in the perspectives of the balanced scorecard. The case study reveals the complexities and details that illustrate the role of the mission statement, focus strategy and competitive advantage. Empirical evidence is presented from Neste Oy which aimed for growth with new products and customers, but failed to diversify. The results of this study are useful for those who are involved in the strategy process, want to define a mission statement and succeed with diversification Classification-JEL: L1, N7 Keywords: Strategic Management, Core Competence, Mission Statement, Diversification, Competitive Advantage Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 69-78 Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v7n1-2016/RBFS-V7N1-2016-5.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:69-78 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mayanyn Larrañaga Moreno Author-Name: María Teresa Ortega Flores Title: IDENTIFICATION OF INNOVATION CAPABILITIES FOR MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES IN MORELOS, MEXICO Abstract: Innovation is usually associated with the use of new technology or with important research and development departments, leaving micro and small enterprises (MSE) lacking. Our research shows that MSE can find success by doing things differently, better, quicker and more cost efficiently. Unfortunately, the innovation level of MSEs is hard to evaluate because most innovation models have been developed for medium and large enterprises. This paper’s main objective is to determine indicators that can efficiently measure innovation in MSE in Morelos, Mexico dedicated to service and commerce activities. Three innovation models were analyzed: Innovating for the next three billion report by Ernst & Young, Measurement of basic processes and innovation enabling and The Innovation Kite Model. From this analysis, and after the identification of the characteristics and needs presented by the Mexican commerce and service MSE, we stablished 12 innovation capabilities to measure innovation levels Classification-JEL: M10, M16 Keywords: Innovation, Micro and Small Enterprises, Innovation Capabilities Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 79-92 Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v7n1-2016/RBFS-V7N1-2016-6.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:79-92 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Thomas A. Buchman Author-Name: Peter Harris Author-Name: Michelle Liu Title: GAAP VS. IFRS TREATMENT OF LEASES AND THE IMPACT ON FINANCIAL RATIOS Abstract: As of January 1, 2013, most of the world financial market economies are using International Reporting Standards (IFRS) as the required framework for financial statements. A non-comprehensive listing includes the European Union Countries, Canada, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. In the United States, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is still required but adoption of IFRS has support of many accounting firms and professional organizations and is under consideration by the SEC. This case study focuses on differences in the treatment of leases and the impact of these differences on financial statements and selected financial ratios. Students take GAAP financial statements and prepare an IFRS based balance sheet, cash flow statement and income statement. It is necessary to understand both GAAP and IFRS rules regarding leases to address this case study. This case study is suitable for use at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. It may be used in an Intermediate Accounting II, Accounting Theory, Financial Statement Analysis or an International Accounting class, as well as an Investment Finance course. The case can be offered as an individual case study or as a group project Classification-JEL: M4, M41, M42, M48, M49 Keywords: US GAAP, IFRS, Capital Lease, Operating Lease, Financing Lease, Ratios Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 93-104 Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v7n1-2016/RBFS-V7N1-2016-7.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:93-104 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Drew Procaccino Author-Name: Maria H. Sanchez Title: A REAL WORLD CASE OF IDENTITY THEFT Abstract: This case examines a real world case of identity theft from start to finish. The case details the victim’s experience from the day he was told he had insufficient funds in his bank account and realized that he had been the victim of fraud until the resolution of the fraud. By completing the case, students will learn steps to prevent identity theft and also actions they can take if they do become victims of identity theft. The case was designed to be used in either undergraduate or graduate level classes. It is suitable for an Introduction to Business, an Ethics or a Fraud Detection and Deterrence course. Students typically require one to two hours outside of class to complete the case. The instructor should budget approximately one hour of class time to go over the case in class Classification-JEL: M40, M19 Keywords: Identity Theft, Fraud Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 105-111 Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Year: 2016 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v7n1-2016/RBFS-V7N1-2016-8.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:105-111