Articles tagged with Business
Researchers at UT Arlington have found that collaboration among programmers can lead to better results, while using design patterns improves the quality of software programs and programmer productivity. The study suggests firms can speed up software programming without sacrificing quality.
The Rowan Venture Fund will provide seed money for research ideas, accelerating growth and innovation at the university. With a focus on engineering, medical education, health sciences, and business, the fund aims to commercialize technologies and invest in startups.
A study published in Current Biology found that men are more likely to co-author publications with same-sex assistant professors, regardless of their own rank. In contrast, women tend to cooperate less frequently with colleagues of higher or lower rank.
Researchers analyzed UK wind farms and found that turbines produce three-quarters of their original output after 19 years, compared to a third after ten years. The study suggests that wind farms are an effective long-term investment and can help the UK tackle future energy challenges.
A study published in Psychological Science found that almost 59% of participants cheated on a task, leading to increased creative thinking on a subsequent task. Cheating seemed to encourage creativity by priming people to be less constrained by rules.
Two UK start-ups, AdFerTech and Straw Fuels, have won €20K Climate-KIC prizes for their innovative solutions to mitigate climate change. AdFerTech's technology converts waste liquor into organic fertiliser, while Straw Fuels produces eco-friendly fire logs made from straw.
Researchers found that older male workers are more likely to become self-employed due to a willingness to take risks and access to financial resources. In contrast, female workers may be forced into self-employment due to financial necessity, having fewer economic resources and less access to pensions.
Columbia Business School professors Ilyana Kuziemko and Emi Nakamura have been selected as 2014 Sloan Research Fellows. They will receive $50,000 to further their research in economics, with a focus on inequality, macroeconomics, and industrial organization.
A study by Amanda Sharkey of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that books wining prestigious awards receive lower ratings from readers than their non-award winning counterparts. This shift in ratings is attributed to a larger audience drawn to award-winning books due to their association with prestige.
A new study has modelled the relationship between variations in leasing and selling market prices using almost 10 years of data from the US. The researchers found that when selling prices go up, leasing rates tend to decrease, highlighting the need for a more accurate pricing approach for lease vehicles.
Consumers experience heightened emotional attachment to a brand while watching a scary movie on their own, a new UBC study reveals. The study, led by Lea Dunn, finds that fear stimulates people to report greater brand attachment.
A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business suggests that freelancers who exhibit movement in their past history, taking on similar jobs, are more likely to get hired. The findings aim to better understand the dynamics of virtual labor markets and prepare freelancers to demonstrate their credibility to employers.
New research suggests private exchanges like dark pools can actually improve price discovery in public markets by attracting less-informed traders. Well-informed investors may be unable to fill their orders quickly, prompting them to return to public exchanges for better liquidity.
A new study published in Personnel Psychology found that narcissists are more likely to emerge as group leaders, but excessive narcissism undermines effectiveness. Moderate levels of narcissism achieve a balance between self-confidence and negative traits.
A study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that transformational leaders can curb cynicism and improve employee commitment to change. Correctional officers who worked for 'transformational' leaders showed reduced cynicism and higher levels of individual commitment towards change.
The American Chemical Society's year-in-review issue highlights key developments in organic chemistry, sustainability, and spectroscopy. Researchers made progress in creating biomedical compounds and developing solar-powered sterilizers for safe water and medical instruments.
A new Oxford study reveals that individuals tend to maintain a limited number of close relationships and allocate their communication efforts accordingly. Despite advances in mobile technology and social networking, people's capacity for emotionally close relationships remains finite.
Archaeologists at the University of Cincinnati have uncovered a more complex picture of life in ancient Pompeii, finding that the poor did not scrounge for scraps but instead enjoyed a range of affordable food options. The research, led by Steven Ellis, reveals exotic spices and meats were part of non-elite diets.
A study of over 20,000 Kickstarter campaigns found that entrepreneurs who emphasized their own projects were more likely to succeed than those who focused on themselves. The research also suggests that this approach is particularly effective for artistic ventures.
A six-year study by University of Warwick researchers found that companies mentioned more frequently in the Financial Times tend to have higher trading volumes and changes in stock prices. The study used daily print issues from 2007-2012 to analyze the relationship between financial news and market movements.
A study by Columbia Business School found that office holiday parties often highlight racial differences, leading to discomfort and disconnection among employees. Racially dissimilar colleagues may feel obligated to attend despite feeling uncomfortable, but this does not improve workplace relationships.
A study by Mathew S. Isaac and Robert M. Schindler found that moving just two spots up or down a ranked list can greatly influence consumer perception. The researchers analyzed data from the Graduate Management Admissions Council, finding that rank changes near round-number group borders are the best predictors of increased applications.
A new mathematical model can help business owners and policymakers determine the optimal locations for wholesale distributors to minimize transportation costs and maximize producers' and retailers' benefits. The model considers factors like distributor size, road conditions, and gas prices to identify ideal hubs in various supply chains.
A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to make decisions that are not swayed by unrelated emotions. This allows them to assess risks more accurately and make more informed investment choices.
Researchers found a strong correlation between the number of Hurricane Sandy-related photos on Flickr and atmospheric pressure in New Jersey. The study suggests that online indicators like Flickr photos could help measure disaster impact.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology shows that calmness affects test performance and job outcomes. Candidates who experience high anxiety tend to underperform, while those with motivation score higher on both tests and in their roles.
A new paper by Tim Lemper argues that the Supreme Court's decision in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius established new limits on Congress' power to regulate commerce and use federal funds to coerce states. The court's decision placed groundbreaking limits on federal regulation, setting a precedent for future cases.
A new study finds that women are more sensitive to mobile phone use during business meetings than men, with significant regional and age differences. The research highlights the importance of understanding social expectations around polite smartphone behavior in the workplace.
Research found STEM graduates who participated in arts and crafts were eight times more likely to have patents or businesses than non-participants. Musical training was also crucial, with 93% of STEM graduates reporting involvement in musical activities.
Researchers found that institutional mutual fund investors prioritize companies with independent boards over others, despite lack of evidence supporting better performance. This trend may lead to missed opportunities for better returns.
White-collar criminals report fewer problems with cell mates, feelings of safety, and difficulties in prison compared to other populations. The study found that they were more likely to make friends in prison and had lower rates of safety concerns.
A study by Western University found that cardiac rehabilitation programs lead to a 31% reduction in hospital readmission rates and a 26% drop in cardiovascular mortality. The program's cost savings exceed $400,000 over two years, making it a financially viable option.
A study in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers develop strong emotional attachments to commercial spaces when they experience familiarity, authenticity, and security. This attachment leads to loyalty and willingness to make sacrifices to support their favorite businesses.
Researchers found that realistic stories with identifiable characters and plots lead to 'narrative transportation,' a phenomenon where consumers mentally enter the story. Five characteristics - familiarity, attention, fantasizing ability, higher education, and female gender - contribute to this effect.
Researchers found that expansive postures, like standing up and spreading arms, make people feel powerful across cultures. However, some postures that violate cultural norms, such as putting feet on desk, have little effect on individuals from East Asia.
C-Voltaics, a University of Houston nanotech company, has won the $50,000 Goradia Innovation Prize for its commercially viable nano-coatings that protect various products from environmental hazards. The company's win is confirmation of market demand for its product, which was launched this fall in the Energy Research Park.
A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that employees who had autonomy over their lunch activities were less tired at work. Relaxing activities freely chosen by workers led to reduced fatigue, while socializing with colleagues increased it.
A major transportation company survived Hurricane Sandy by adopting flexible strategies to meet customer demand and ensure personnel safety. The company's schedulers bypassed normal communication channels to speed up information exchange, relying on face-to-face conversations instead.
A federal study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has shifted daytime delivery truck traffic to off-hours, reducing congestion and improving supply chain management. The program benefits businesses, delivery companies, and the environment, with estimated annual emissions reductions of over 100 tons.
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that independent and financially-literate audit committees lead to higher firm values and less diversion of resources. The study suggests that regulators should maintain flexibility around rules requiring high-quality audit committees, particularly for smaller firms.
The CARRE Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) for an in-depth genomic investigation into MSA. TGen's research will utilize whole genome sequencing and family-based investigations to uncover novel genetic associations with MSA.
Researchers warn of an 'economic time-bomb' in the Arctic due to thawing permafrost, which could trigger catastrophic climate change with a global cost of $60 trillion. The release of methane from the East Siberian Sea alone would have a mean global impact of this value.
A new study reveals that sports fans are willing to sacrifice brand loyalty for a chance at winning, as they build associations between product use and desired outcomes. Despite knowing there's no rational support for superstition, fans continue the behavior.
A new approach to designing visual notations has been proposed, challenging conventional wisdom that experts should design these notations. The approach, which involves naive users in the process, increases semantic transparency by almost 300% compared to existing notations.
Research reveals that people with individualistic mindsets prioritize an item's inherent value, while those with collectivist mindsets focus on the relationships between items. This difference in mindset affects consumer decision-making, including choices about favorite sets and purchasing decisions.
Researchers develop a self-contained toilet unit that can treat 1200 users' daily fecal waste using supercritical water oxidation technology. The process produces clean water, heat, and excess energy, making it a sustainable solution for communities in developing countries.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that avoiding dwelling on problems can actually help individuals manage multiple role responsibilities, such as work, family, and school. This 'mind break' allows people to detach from their concerns and increase their satisfaction.
Researchers found that exposure to images of Chinese culture impairs English fluency, with higher recognition of literal translations and faster processing times. This disruption occurs due to the automaticity of frame-switching, which sometimes interferes with second-language performance.
A new study finds that individuals in expansive physical environments are more likely to exhibit dishonest behavior, such as stealing and cheating. The research suggests that subtle postural shifts can influence thoughts and feelings, leading to a state of power that elicits dishonest actions.
A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that caregiving dads are treated disrespectfully at work due to non-traditional gender roles. The study suggests that employees who violate traditional gender norms, such as men doing less caregiving and domestic tasks, face harassment in the office.
Research from the University of Sheffield reveals a decline in Europe's undeclared economy from 22.3% to 18.4% of GDP between 2003 and 2012. The study found an east-west divide, with southern European countries having larger undeclared economies.
Dr. Matt Huentelman and Dr. Glen Weiss are among the 40 Under 40 honorees recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal for their contributions to genomic research, including TGen's MindCrowd project and lung cancer studies. The recognition highlights the institute's advancements in understanding human genetics and developing new treatments.
A recent study by Columbia Business School professors found that using precise dollar amounts in negotiations can lead to more favorable outcomes. The researchers discovered that people making precise offers are perceived as more informed, causing their counterparts to concede more value.
A recent study by Brigham Young University found that employees who exhibit a strong belief in a brand's mission or cause become more influential in important company circles. Those who simply focus on their job performance without being invested in the organization's mission tend to be less influential.
A recent study by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott S. Wiltermuth found that segmenting rewards into arbitrary categories increases motivation. Participants worked longer on tasks when rewards were separated into categories, as they felt they would miss out on potential benefits if they didn
A new study found that consumers are more likely to endorse certain responses on agreement scales when labels are familiar to them. This can lead to biased survey results if the labels are not equivalent across languages. Researchers recommend paying closer attention to response category labels to avoid such biases.
Research by Kwanho Suk found that relying on general information about teams' performance improves prediction accuracy, while incorporating detailed information does not.
Researchers from MIT found that individuals with strong connections to successful people in their online networks are more likely to succeed. Affiliation with prominent academic institutions like ETH Zurich also plays a significant role in predicting success.
Royal Holloway has been awarded a multi-million pound grant to host a new Centre for Doctoral Training in cyber security, aimed at boosting PhD graduates with relevant skills. The grant will fund ten PhD scholarships and secure industry backing from prominent organisations like IBM and McAfee.
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management and the Bank of Canada found that shorter lists of available investment options prove to be of higher quality than longer ones. The study used mathematical models and analysis of U.S. pension plans in 2007 to reach this conclusion.