Articles tagged with Business
A University of Illinois study found that relying too much on e-mail and videoconferences can lead to a lack of trust among team members, which is critical for successful collaboration. The research suggests that businesses should balance the use of technology with face-to-face meetings to recharge relationships and maintain trust.
A team of researchers, led by Christine Williams, received the Best Research Paper award for their study on state-wide interagency collaboration initiatives. The research explores differences among state public safety programs, with a focus on Public Safety Networks in the United States.
Researchers in Taiwan have devised a formula to reduce queuing time, improving customer loyalty and sales. The 'balking index' predicts the number of frustrated customers who will leave their position in the queue.
Researchers from UAF and New Mexico Tech have set up a lightning-mapping array near Eyjafjallajokull to study the volcano's electrical conditions. The team has already observed unusual phenomena, such as upward-propagated lightning into the ash plume.
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) study estimates annual Natural Capital loss to be between EUR 1.35 trillion - EUR 3.1 trillion, with coral reefs valued at US$ 172 billion annually. TEEB leader Pavan Sukhdev calls for decisive action to prevent biodiversity loss.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Tansel Yilmazer found that small business relationships with financial institutions affect loan applications and approvals. The study, published in Financial Management, suggests that good relationships can lead to lower loan rates during economic expansions.
A new study suggests that the G20 Toronto summit may not lead to significant reforms in financial regulations. The study highlights the challenges of coordinating policies among countries with diverse financial structures, making harmonization a difficult task.
A group of Tel Aviv University graduate students proposes a 'business net' project to connect Gaza with the international business community, promoting peace and prosperity. The project aims to develop a thriving industrial park in Gaza, providing a healthy protein supply and connecting the region to foreign investment.
A new study examines why brand extensions succeed or fail, highlighting the impact of competitive brands on consumer preferences. The research reveals that when a parent brand is perceived as familiar in an extension product category, it can actually lead to poorer performance.
Researchers found that exclusive licensing deals are a tool for collaboration and risk management in product development, allowing innovators to manage risks while leveraging cooperation. The study analyzed over 200 exclusive licensing deals and suggests that granting rights to a sole partner can curb risk and incentivize cooperation.
The Best Agers project aims to identify methods to keep the older generation in the workforce, as Europe faces an aging population. Nineteen organisations from eight Baltic Sea countries participate in the project, which has a budget of SEK 44 million.
The global rush to develop modern financial institutions, including stock markets, has had a negative impact on the economy. In many countries, markets were created without a solid foundation, leading to disastrous outcomes.
A new study suggests that people with high self-control tend to burn out quickly, while those who think like marathon runners can conserve energy and avoid burnout. Dr. Danit Ein-Gar's research offers tips for managing workload and achieving better performance by adopting a proactive approach.
The new ID card features an RFID chip, cryptography, and a six-digit PIN for secure access to personal data. It enables citizens to validate their identity online and use the eID function for various services like banking and shopping, promoting confidence in digital transactions.
Researchers found that businesses can reduce waiting times by up to 50% by manipulating customer perception, using techniques such as fragmented lines and distractions. By designing well-structured lines and providing enjoyable experiences, businesses can decrease the subjective waiting duration, turning a long wait into a short one.
Greg Morgan, an Associate Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, received the Derek Price/Rod Webster Prize for his paper on Rosalind Franklin's research on tobacco mosaic virus. The paper offers a new interpretation of scientific cooperation and competition in molecular biology.
A new study shows that people tend to compress time when they believe two events are connected, such as drinking caffeine and feeling energized. This effect is due to the participants' underestimation of the time-to-onset of products they have used in the past.
Dr. David Vaccari, Stevens Institute of Technology associate professor and director of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering Department, received the 2009 Educator of the Year Award from New Jersey ACEC for his positive impact on the engineering profession.
A landmark study by British and American researchers found that pension funds using decentralized management structures outperform those with balanced management structures. This is due to superior stock-selection skills and a competitive aspect among specialist managers, offsetting potential diversification issues.
Experts surveyed lawn care and landscape professionals about disease- and insect-resistant plants, finding that respondents believe these plants will increase business benefits and client satisfaction. The survey results show that fewer than 4% of respondents are concerned about the impact on their businesses.
A study published in Psychological Science shows that when distributing resources, people's ideas of fairness change depending on the item's value. Intrinsic values like food or vacation days are seen as fair to distribute equally, while market-based attitudes dominate for monetary rewards.
M.G. Prasad, a professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, received the Bharat Gaurav Award for his work in noise and vibration control. The award recognizes his efforts to inspire others towards remarkable achievement and promote global participation in India's economic development.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that religious individuals tend to rely on their own beliefs when inferring what God might believe, but are less constrained when reasoning about others' beliefs. This suggests a unique egocentric bias in believers' thinking about God's views.
A University of Illinois economist suggests reducing mail delivery to five days a week could help the USPS recover from financial losses. However, this move might also lead to a loss of lucrative business customers who rely on frequent deliveries for advertisements and promotions.
Researchers found that managers tend to downplay the significance of their past forecasting mistakes when predicting future earnings. This underestimation can influence how investors respond to new forecast announcements, contributing to persistent price drift after an earnings announcement. Further study is needed to determine if this...
Research published in MIS Quarterly found that detailed Service Level Agreements can increase trust and commitment between clients and vendors. The study suggests that overly specific clauses can actually reduce trust, emphasizing the need for flexible negotiation processes.
Thomas A. Wright, K-State professor and Jon Wefald Leadership Chair, was named a Fellow of the American Psychological Association for outstanding contributions to the field of psychology. He is also a Fellow in two other prestigious organizations, marking a rare achievement by a single scholar.
A study found that the replacement of a black manager with a non-black manager results in a significant decline in the number of blacks employed, especially in Southern stores. Black managers tend to hire people who live close to them, while non-black managers hire from a broader network.
A new study released in PLoS ONE explores the cumulative impacts of energy development on species in the West, with potential consequences for sage-grouse populations. The research highlights the need for scientifically credible conservation planning tools to balance natural resource development with wildlife conservation.
Research by McMaster University reveals that identity theft and fraud are increasing concerns for consumers, with phishing, credit card skimming, and insider theft being major threats. The study's model defines ID theft and fraud as two distinct problems, aiming to educate the public on how their personal data can be misappropriated an...
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people who sit up straight are more likely to believe positive thoughts about their qualifications and abilities. In contrast, those who slouch over have less confidence in their own thoughts. The study suggests that body posture can influence how we think about ourselves.
Kansas State University assistant professor George Cai has received a $225,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study supply chain management for the travel industry using online retail outlets like Priceline.com. The research aims to help suppliers and retailers determine optimal pricing and revenue management strategies.
A new study published in The Leadership Quarterly found that children raised with an 'authoritative' parenting style are more likely to assume leadership roles at work and in their communities. This approach allows children to learn from their parents while still testing boundaries, preparing them for future success.
The Business Intelligence Network aims to improve information management systems for business applications, enabling informed decisions using integrated and trustworthy data. The $5 million grant will facilitate collaboration between top Canadian researchers and companies in business intelligence.
52% of small business employees are uninsured or underinsured due to high premium costs and lack of transparency. Health reform provisions could alleviate these issues, providing standard benefits, eliminating lifetime maximums, and controlling premium costs.
Penn State researchers have received a $1 million stimulus grant to improve cyber security for modern data centers. The project aims to consolidate four areas of systems security research, including microscopic intrusion analysis and detection, redundancy, automatic response, and diversity-driven protection.
Researchers found that people cling to their dreams until they're clearly shown the consequences of failure. The study involved students who were told varying levels of threat to their new dreams, with those receiving the strongest threat experiencing higher self-doubt and anxiety, leading them to drop their dream.
A study analyzing business return to New Orleans post-Katrina found that 65% of businesses reopened by October 2007. The main concerns cited by remaining closed businesses were levee protection and damage to physical locations, with financing becoming a primary worry later on.
Scientists at Stevens utilize NYHOPS and firsthand knowledge to provide accurate information on water conditions, aiding emergency responders in search and recovery efforts. The forecast model proves valuable in locating downed helicopter wreckage.
The UK Innovation Research Centre has announced phase two of its initiative, focusing on substantive and exploratory research projects in areas such as financial innovations, public procurement, and environmental regulation. The £1.5 million funding will support high-quality research and knowledge hub activity.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employee emotional reactions and intentions are more influenced by actual benefits and opportunities than promised ones. Organizations should focus on delivering valuable rewards rather than investing time in making promises.
Researchers discovered that customers consistently prefer white male employees over equally performing women and minorities. This preference leads to higher salaries for white males and lower salaries for women and minorities, despite similar performance levels.
A recent study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that CFA charterholders tend to be timelier and more objective in their forecasting, but average in terms of accuracy. This suggests that the designation brings a natural edge in talent as well as acquired skills.
Neuroscientists at Duke University Medical Center used fMRI to study brain activity while participants made economic decisions. The study found that brain regions associated with rational processing were active when subjects used simplifying strategies, contradicting traditional notions of rational vs. irrational decision-making.
Promotional tests may deter top applicants, causing anxiety and negatively impacting job performance, according to a study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School. The research found that fairness perceptions were not linked to exam results, but rather with candidates' willingness to recommend the process.
A study examining employment trends in Minnesota cities with different types of clean indoor air policies found no significant economic effect on bar and restaurant jobs. Despite this, the researchers conclude that comprehensive public health policies are still beneficial for protecting employees from secondhand smoke exposure.
A new study by Dr. Yuval Kalish suggests that some networking strategies can lead to 'social potholes,' harming individuals and businesses. Filling structural holes can bring short-term gains but long-term costs, and authenticity is key for peace-builders.
A new study finds that consumers evaluate products differently based on the timing of their purchase. When considering future use, desirability is a primary factor, while feasibility takes precedence for immediate use. Reevaluating a product later can also influence judgments, with future-considered products being viewed more favorably.
A new study outlines essential elements for successful refillable packaging, including affordability without sacrificing quality. Consumer surveys revealed that environmentally-friendly concerns drive usage, while businesses see it as a way to demonstrate responsibility and reduce costs.
Canada's persistent weakness in productivity growth is attributed to business strategy choices, including inadequate investment in information and communications technologies. The report highlights the need for Canadian businesses to adopt more innovative strategies to serve customers effectively.
A novel injectable, OCR-002, directly reduces blood levels of ammonia, a toxic chemical building up during acute hepatic encephalopathy attacks. Clinical trials will begin in 2009 to develop the treatment for patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and acute liver failure.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have made significant breakthroughs in free-space optical communication by demonstrating a unique atmospheric effect called scavenging, which improves the system's performance in adverse weather conditions. The study shows that mid-infrared QCL systems can deliver up to 300% greater throug...
Researchers found that wishful bettors can contaminate beliefs throughout markets, causing investors with accurate beliefs to become overly optimistic about stock values. This contagion problem could contribute to market bubbles and other anomalies.
A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found consistently cooperative actors can shape group behavior, leading to increased productivity and economic efficiency. The findings challenge common assumptions about human cooperation in situations with short-term incentives.
A new study finds that power can cause individuals to think they have more personal control over outcomes than they actually do. Researchers discovered that those in positions of power are more likely to believe they can influence events beyond their control, resulting in unrealistic optimism and inflated self-esteem.
The state of Maryland is uniquely positioned to support the nation's foreign language needs by tapping into its abundant pool of well-educated, bilingual speakers. The task force recommends harnessing the skills of first, second, and third-generation Americans to recruit teachers and translators.
Commercial weight-loss programs create unrealistic expectations and false beliefs, highlighting the need for regulation. Governments must require accreditation of providers and supply evidence-based information for claims.
Jeffrey Sachs, director of Columbia's Earth Institute, wins the 2009 Green Book Award for his book 'Common Wealth,' which proposes solutions to extreme poverty and related global problems. The award recognizes the book's practical value in addressing environmental issues.
A study by Bertini et al. found that consumers favorably perceive products with add-ons, particularly those improving existing features, while negative impressions of optional upgrades lead to more favorable ratings. Conversely, participants tend to like downgrades over no add-ons at all.
The NYHOPS system provided real-time information on water conditions, weather, and environmental factors to aid in the rescue of 150 passengers. This enabled officials to deploy rescue assets downstream and guide the plane to a safe location.