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The Effect of Eco-Designing on the Development of New Products in High-tech Firms: An Empirical Study
Yi-Chan Chung, Yau-Wen Hsu, Chih-Hung Tsai |
403 |
The Effect of Eco-Designing on the Development of New Products in High-tech Firms: An Empirical Study
Yi-Chan Chung
Ta-Hwa Institute of Technology, Taiwan
Yau-Wen Hsu
Ta-Hwa Institute of Technology, Taiwan
Chih-Hung Tsai
Ta-Hwa Institute of Technology, Taiwan
This research studies the impact of executive involvement in eco-design activities and executive implementation of eco-design activities on the effectiveness of new product development. The effects of industry affiliation and size on these impacts are also examined. The research is guided by a model of the factors involved based on a review of the literature. The sample of the study was high-tech firms in the Hsinchu Science-Based Industrial Park in Taiwan. Environmental managers from each firm completed a specially-developed questionnaire. Results show that in these firms both the degree of executive involvement in eco-design activities and the degree of executive implementation of key success eco-design factors had significant influences on the effectiveness of new product development in their firms. These influences were not affected by the industry to which the firm belonged or the size of the firm.
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Relationship between Consumer Information Exposure, Product Knowledge, and Impulse Purchasing Behaviour: An Empirical Analysis
Ying-Ping Liang, Jin-Long Liang, Yi-Shiang Duan |
418 |
Relationship between Consumer Information Exposure, Product Knowledge, and Impulse Purchasing Behaviour: An Empirical Analysis
Ying-Ping Liang
Ta Hwa Institute of Technology, Taiwan
Jin-Long Liang
Vanung University, Taiwan
Yi-Shiang Duan
Kainan University, Taiwan
Using consumer information exposure as independent variable, product knowledge as intervening variable and impulse purchasing behaviour as dependent variable. We also add in four control variables (price consciousness, deal proneness, sex and age), so that we could purify the relationship between information exposure and impulse purchasing behaviour. Results from a hierarchical multiple regression analysis of 419 university students showed that the higher the consumers’ degree of information exposure, the higher product knowledge and impulse purchasing behaviour.
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Using the Six Sigma System Approach to Reduce Core Process Times at a Manufacturing Plant
Yi‑Chan Chung, Yao‑Wen Hsu, Tien‑Min Yen |
431 |
Using the Six Sigma System Approach to Reduce Core Process Times at a Manufacturing Plant
Yi‑Chan Chung
Ta‑Hwa Institute of Technology, Taiwan
Yao‑Wen Hsu
Ta‑Hwa Institute of Technology, Taiwan
Tien‑Min Yen
Ta‑Hwa Institute of Technology, Taiwan
When facing severe global competition, firms need to improve the quality of their products or services and to reduce their overall costs and expenses if they are to compete effectively. Motorola and General Electric are two firms that used the Six Sigma approach to achieve this goal and to become world‑class firms in consequence. The main purpose of the Six Sigma approach or set of activities is to reduce defects or errors in business, to improve reach product quality, raise efficiency, lower costs or expenses, reduce process times and, as a result, to maximize profits and customer satisfaction. The present research applied the Six Sigma approach to improve business processes at a ceramics manufacturing plant in Taiwan. Process Mapping, Pareto Charts, Simul8 simulation software were employed to investigate the processes at the plant, to identify the main problems responsible for slow work times and errors and to suggest improvement measures. By following the recommended measures, the ceramic plant was able to reduced core process times as well as costs and expenses and to increase their production capacity.
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The Development and Testing of a Modified Diffusion Model for Predicting Tourism Demand
Li-Chang Hsu, Chao-Hung Wang |
439 |
The Development and Testing of a Modified Diffusion Model for Predicting Tourism Demand
Li-Chang Hsu
Ling Tung University, Taiwan
Chao-Hung Wang
Ling Tung University, Taiwan
This study attempts to apply the Bass model to predict tourism demand. Price, income, and distribution channel of tourism are integrated into a general diffusion model of tourism industry. Empirical results for several modified Bass models are reported. Theoretical research results demonstrate that the univariate diffusion model remains robust with the inclusion of other variables for a variety of multivariate models. Alternative diffusion models were empirically assessed and compared by employing data for Taiwan’s outbound travelers. Empirical research findings verify that price and income improve the diffusion model; distribution negatively affects prediction.
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Effects of Managerial Racial and Gender Diversity on Organizational Performance: An Empirical Study
Amy McMillan-Capehart, Roy L. Simerly |
446 |
Effects of Managerial Racial and Gender Diversity on Organizational Performance: An Empirical Study
Amy McMillan-Capehart
East Carolina University
Roy L. Simerly
East Carolina University
We propose a U-shaped relationship between racial and gender diversity in middle and lower level management and organizational performance. In a sample of service firms identified from Compact Disclosures and Scheshunoff’s Financial Database,
we contacted HR managers and requested diversity information as provided in the EEO-1 rating form. Organizational performance was assessed by measures of ROE and employee productivity. Results show that the proposed U-shape relationship was not present for the relationship between gender diversity and organizational performance. For racial diversity, the posited relationship was supported, with firms with homogeneous and highly heterogeneous management groups outperforming firms with moderately heterogeneous ones.
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The Development of a Two‑Stage Knowledge Management System for Electronic and Electrical Engineering Manufacturers
Jenn Tang |
452 |
The Development of a Two‑Stage Knowledge Management System for Electronic and Electrical Engineering Manufacturers
Jenn Tang
Taipei College of Business, Taiwan
The effective management of knowledge provides business wuith a competitic advantage, especially in the current business world. This paper examines how knowledge is managed by electronic and electrical manufacturers with ISO9001 quality standard certification. In an investigation of how knowledge management (KM) is affected by the three factors of amount of assets, number of employees and period of establishment, we found that KM divides itself into two stages, those of installation and of maintainence. KM was found to be affected by amount of assets, but not by length of establishment. It is argued that firms should pay careful attention to how they manage knowledge, more so when they are growing than when they are not. A number of suggestions are made for electronic and electrical manufacturers to develop developing effective KM systems.
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Improving the Experience of Visitors to Public Museums: A Managerial Perspective
K. M. Cheng, S. Y. Hsu, S. W. Lin, C. H. Hung, I. S. Chen |
467 |
Improving the Experience of Visitors to Public Museums: A Managerial Perspective
K. M. Cheng
National Taiwan College of Physical Education, Taiwan
S. Y. Hsu
Asia University, Taiwan
S. W. Lin
National United University, Taiwan
C. H. Hung
National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taiwan
I. S. Chen
National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taiwan
Visits to museums can promote lifelong learning. However, the extent they do so is strongly influenced by the quality of the museum guides, especially their narration. In this study we examine aspects of such narration using a 10-quality questionnaire completed by 114 visitors to public museums in Taiwan. The findings suggest specific strategies for managers to improve narration (of guides) and so make museum visits more beneficial and worthwhile.
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Application of the S-plus Approach to Stock Market Portfolio Optimization: An Empirical Study
Wen‑Chin Wei |
480 |
Application of the S-plus Approach to Stock Market Portfolio Optimization: An Empirical Study
Wen‑Chin Wei
National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, Taiwan
This study uses the S‑plus approach derived from the FinMetrics risk control model and the NuOPT portfolio optimization model under constrained and unconstrained nonlinear optimization conditions to estimate four financial outcomes (optimal investment weights, expected mean returns, expected returns and standard deviation of efficient frontier) for fifty companies, from a variety of industries, listed on the Taiwan stock market. The data for the study were the 137 monthly closing prices of the shares of these companies over a 16 month period. The application of the S‑plus approach yielded a rate of return higher than the stock market indexes.
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Factors Affecting the Adoption of Radio Frequency Identification Technology by Logistics Service Providers: An Empirical Study
Chieh-Yu Lin |
488 |
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Radio Frequency Identification Technology by Logistics Service Providers: An Empirical Study
Chieh-Yu Lin
Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan
The factors influencing RFID technology adoption by logistics service providers from the perspective of technology, organization and environment is studied. The data came from a questionnaire survey on logistics service providers in Taiwan, and 142 companies. According to the survey results, about 60% of logistics service providers are interested in RFID technology, but only about 17% of them have the experience of adopting RFID technology. Each of the factors had a positive influence on the adoption of RFID technology. The following factors were found to be significantly related to the adoption of RFID technology by the companies in the sample; explicitness and accumulation of technology, organizational encouragement, quality of human resources, and governmental support.
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The Development of Off-Shore Shipping Centres: A Managerial Perspective
Ya-Fu Chang, Chuen-Yih Chen |
500 |
The Development of Off-Shore Shipping Centres: A Managerial Perspective
Ya-Fu Chang
Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan
Chuen-Yih Chen
Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan
Owing to political confrontation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait beginning in 1949 and the resultant ban on direct navigation, Hong Kong became the primary third place for the conduct of sea transportation involving Taiwan and Mainland China. But with Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, Taiwan began to establish an offshore shipping center at Kaohsiung Harbour as a transshipment hub for seaborne cargo between the two sides. Meanwhile, Mainland China opened Xiamen and Fuzhou as harbours for navigation to and from the offshore shipping center. However, because of differences in the direct navigation policies adopted by the governments on Taiwan and the Mainland China, foreign shipping companies have had difficulty entering the emerging sea transportation market. This paper reviews the changes of direct navigation policies adopted by the two governments and the operation of offshore shipping centers at Kaohsiung harbour. In addition, recommendations for improvements to the current situation regarding cross-Taiwan Strait navigation are provided.
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Supply and Demand Determinants: An Empirical Study of Residential Properties in São Paulo, Brazil
Luiz Paulo Lopes Fávero, Claudio Felisoni de Angelo, Patrícia Prado Belfiore |
512 |
Supply and Demand Determinants: An Empirical Study of Residential Properties in São Paulo, Brazil
Luiz Paulo Lopes Fávero
Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Claudio Felisoni de Angelo
Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Patrícia Prado Belfiore
Centro Universitário da FEI, Brazil
This paper applies hedonic pricing models in a sample of 1,860 residences launched in 2005, situated in districts of low, middle and high income of the São Paulo Metropolitan Area. Using Box-Cox transformations applied at stage two of Rosen’s equations, the model identifies attributes that influence supply and demand real estate conditions and compares the relative importance of each of these attributes whenever there are changes in social classes. Based on this analysis, we conclude that an understanding of consumers and players behaviors relative to real estate attributes can improve strategies for each kind of real estate.
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Competition between Emerging Market and Multinational Firms: Wal-Mart and Mexican Retailers
Dante Di Gregorio, Douglas E. Thomas, Fernán González de Castilla |
532 |
Competition between Emerging Market and Multinational Firms: Wal-Mart and Mexican Retailers
Dante Di Gregorio
University of New Mexico
Douglas E. Thomas
University of New Mexico
Fernán González de Castilla
University of New Mexico
We analyze how competitive dynamics within the Mexican retail sector have shifted following the entrance and ascendance of Wal-Mart, and how Mexican retailers have responded individually and collectively to Wal-Mart’s dominance. We discuss implications for strategic management and international business research as well as for managers of emerging market firms that face dominant foreign competitors. Within fifteen years of entering Mexico, Wal-Mart has become the dominant retailer and controls a larger market than all its rivals combined. Rival Mexican retailers have responded collectively via legal action and a purchasing cooperative as well as individually via heterogeneous individual responses, which include focusing on entering the United States market, altering positioning in the Mexican market, and identifying ways to become more competitive in terms of prices and localization of offerings.
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Foreign Investor Herding on the Taiwanese Stock Market
Yi-Chein Chiang |
546 |
Foreign Investor Herding on the Taiwanese Stock Market
Yi-Chein Chiang
Department of International Trade, Feng Chia University, Taiwan
Herding occurs when investors intensively buy or sell the same stock at the same time. This study examines foreign investor herding on the Taiwan Stock Market from 2001 to 2005 using quarterly stock returns and changes in foreign ownership. Our results show that foreign ownership-change is not mean-reverting, and that foreign investor herding impacts stock prices. Foreign investors follow positive-feedback trading, and they are not better informed than other investors.
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Analyzing Cross‑Cultural Adaptability among Business Students: An Empirical Investigation
Dean Elmuti, Benjamin Tück, Friederike Kemper |
551 |
Analyzing Cross‑Cultural Adaptability among Business Students: An Empirical Investigation
Dean Elmuti
Eastern Illinois University
Benjamin Tück
Eastern Illinois University
Friederike Kemper
Eastern Illinois University
Cross‑cultural adaptability is crucial in gaining competitive advantage in the global market. This paper provides both an empirical study and a conceptual discussion of cross-cultural adaptability and its impact on American business students (domestic) and international business students in the United States, with implications for global managers. The survey was conducted at a midwestern university in the United States. The sample comprised a random selection of 100 international students and 100 domestic U.S. students. The results show significant differences between domestic and international students' cross ‑cultural awareness, and suggests a need for cross‑cultural training in the USA.
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Organizational Learning as a Moderator of the Effect of Strategic Planning on Company Performance
Luis G. Flores, Ralph F. Catalanello, Devaki Rau, Narsingh Saxena |
569 |
Organizational Learning as a Moderator of the Effect of Strategic Planning on Company Performance
Luis G. Flores
Northern Illinois University
Ralph F. Catalanello
Institute for Strategic Learning, Las Vegas
Devaki Rau
Northern Illinois University
Narsingh Saxena
Northern Illinois University
Many firms across multiple industries use strategic planning even though research indicates that only some firms benefit from this exercise. How can firms increase the performance effect of strategic planning? This study uses a learning perspective to examine this question. We adopt Huber’s (1991) definition of organizational learning as the acquisition of knowledge by any of the units of an organization that the organization recognizes as potentially useful. This definition implies that organizations differ in their learning to the extent that they differ in the gathering and processing of information in, and about, themselves. We examine whether organizational learning moderates the relationship between strategic planning and performance. We measure organizational learning with a six-item scale from the Strategic Readiness Audit. The responses from CEOs and CFOs of 124 U.S. manufacturing and service firms indicate that planning positively influences performance, but only at low to moderate levels of organizational learning.
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The Perceived Social Role of Multinational Corporations: A Study in the United States and Saudi Arabia
Ahmed S. Maghrabi |
578 |
The Perceived Social Role of Multinational Corporations: A Study in the United States and Saudi Arabia
Ahmed S. Maghrabi
King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia
This study compares the perceptions of United States and Saudi Arabian students of the social roles of multinational corporations (MNCs). The 450 U.S. students and 348 Saudi students rated the extent to which MNCs should follow or pursue seven different roles in society (e.g. serving the public interest, concern for the welfare of others, private goals like maximizing profits). There were significant differences in the perceptions of the two samples as measured by the same 23-item scale. The Saudi students believed that MNCs have a more important public role than did the U.S. students, but both believed this role to be important for MNCs. Results are discussed in terms of the competing claims made on MNCs in the world today.
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Japanese Management Approaches: The Fit for Project Management
Jonathan C. Lee, David McCalman |
584 |
Japanese Management Approaches: The Fit for Project Management
Jonathan C. Lee
University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
David McCalman
University of Central Arkansas
The last twenty years have shown increased interest in and appreciation for Japanese management principles and practices. While management literature has gained and appropriated a number of insights from Japanese practices, project management has yet to sufficiently recognize the benefits that can accrue from Japanese practices. This article highlights the needs of project management, and shows how the particular needs of this discipline are particularly well-suited for Japanese approaches. Japanese emphases on teams, informal relationships, role flexibility and dynamic structures fit the peculiar needs of project management.
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