Articles tagged with Business
A study published in the June issue of Family Business Review found that family businesses have a significant edge over non-family firms. The research measured firm performance across various metrics, including profitability, workforce management, and economic output, concluding that family-led companies tend to excel in these areas.
Researchers at Stanford University argue that private investors can help solve global infrastructure problems with secure investments and fair returns. The Collaboratory for Research on Global Projects has discussed ways to improve infrastructure investment security and encourage private shareholders.
A one percent reduction in cancer mortality would be worth approximately $500 billion, according to a new study published in the Journal of Political Economy. The study estimates that increased life expectancy is worth more than $1.2 million for each American alive today, adding about $3.2 trillion per year to national wealth.
A report by Stevens Institute of Technology's SIM team reveals a potential skills mismatch in the IT workforce, driven by global sourcing, declining university enrollments, and baby-boomer retirements. The study highlights the need for organizations to adapt their staffing strategies and develop new skills.
Denial of joint-replacement surgery to obese patients has been a policy in some UK primary-care trusts due to financial pressures. Medical professionals argue that obesity is not a valid reason for denying care to patients, as all individuals deserve equal treatment and attention.
A study from McMaster University suggests that cutting middle managers can actually decrease a company's productivity, as one-on-one social exchanges between bosses and employees are crucial for building trust and loyalty. By investing in reciprocal interactions, employers can boost employee commitment and superior performance.
Researchers found that consumers are more likely to join and stay loyal to programs if they feel like they're making consistent progress. The study also shows that the motivation behind this effect is crucial, with fake or specious reasons often being sufficient.
A national survey found that 40% of American workers, or approximately 47 million people, experience psychological aggression at work. Publicly by customers, clients, or patients, with lesser amounts from coworkers or supervisors. This widespread issue poses significant consequences for individuals and organizations.
The 'play' model of information system design emphasizes collaboration between users and designers to accommodate diverse perspectives. By acknowledging inconsistent views, IT systems can reflect real-world complexities and avoid 'one size fits all' problems.
The US-China Standards Portal aims to facilitate US companies' entry into the Chinese market by providing translations of key national standards and information on standards systems. The portal's enhancements will support the development of timetables and actions to make the US more competitive in international standards.
Researchers from Yale University found that consumers tend to take risks with subsequent decisions when things are going well. Conversely, they opt for reliable options when the evening is off to a bad start. The study suggests that this pattern of choices applies to various goals including enjoyment and health.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers finds that market-based incentives, such as pollution taxes and emissions permits, can reduce pollution abatement costs for businesses. However, these approaches may not be effective in areas with localized pollution where the source of pollution matters.
A recent study found that people generally overestimate their abilities and health risks, leading to poor decision-making in areas such as health management, education, and the workplace. This can have serious consequences, including underestimating susceptibility to health risks and overconfidence in professional competence.
A new book argues that the WTO should prioritize sustainable development and fair trade to contribute to poverty alleviation. Professor Gary Sampson presents policy options that are both ambitious and realistic for governments to adopt.
Hebrew University researchers found that investors prefer non-liquid, low-risk assets like bank deposits over liquid, high-yielding T-bills, paying a premium for the perceived safety. This 'ostrich effect' ignores reported risks in T-bills and unreported risks in bank deposits.
Computer analysis of Inka knotted objects, known as khipu, reveals patterns supporting record-keeping and state affairs management. The findings shed light on the ancient empire's organizational system, which relied on these textile devices instead of 2-dimensional writing.
A study found that violent crime surges in low-crime areas hurt business growth and employment in retail and service businesses, while having little effect on businesses in high-crime neighborhoods. The fear of crime affects customer choices and employee willingness to work in neighborhoods with increased homicide rates.
The March of Dimes estimates that nearly half of hospital charges for preemies are billed to employers, totaling $7.4 billion annually. Premature birth also causes lost productivity, with mothers averaging 29.1 days away from work and employees losing up to $2,766 per delivery.
The National Centre for Text Mining provides a groundbreaking service for the academic community, utilizing natural language processing and data mining to uncover hidden patterns and associations. This innovative approach has already shown promise in fields like drug discovery and predictive toxicology.
A recent study published in Management Science suggests that the internet may not lead to lower prices for consumers, contradicting common assumptions. The researchers found that businesses have no incentive to undercut their rivals due to easy price monitoring on the web.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched a new web site to increase the use of voluntary consensus standards in federal regulations. The site offers a broad perspective on government standards, featuring a searchable database and links to 12 federal departments' standards information.
Researchers propose using acting techniques to enhance physician empathy. Deep acting uses imagination to generate genuine feelings, while surface acting displays behaviors that appear empathic. This approach aims to improve professional satisfaction and reduce burnout among doctors.
Researchers found that consumers tend to favor singular brands over average options, even if they don't necessarily outperform others. This phenomenon leads to higher purchasing rates when consumers feel good about the product, not just the average option.
Researchers found that higher-quality brands are less likely to be chosen after a discount is retracted, while lower-quality brands can continue to benefit. This discovery suggests that retailers should encourage in-store discounts by national brands to create an enduring advantage for their store brands.
HydroGlobe's patented water-filtration technologies will be licensed to Graver Technologies, treating potable water supplies at home and municipal levels worldwide. Stevens President Harold J. Raveché validates the acquisition as a major recognition of pioneering work in environmental technology innovation.
The TWAS Trieste Science Prize recognizes outstanding scientists from developing countries, aiming to increase their visibility and contributions to global science. The prize carries a US$50,000 cash award and will be awarded annually in various fields.
A study published by University of Toronto researchers found that Canada receives only 10% of US foreign investment, compared to over half received by Europe. To improve Canada's productivity performance and attract more investment, experts say it is a difficult challenge for policymakers and academics.
A new study by Penn State professor Stephan Goetz suggests that the presence of a Wal-Mart store in a county can lead to higher poverty rates, as the chain pays its workers relatively low wages. This can have long-term effects on the local community, including reduced civic capacity and philanthropic efforts.
Researchers studied recreational telephone conferences for socializing among elderly individuals and found they greatly valued the social contact provided. The study identified key factors of 'flow' in conversation that indicate enjoyment during socializing.
Context-aware phishing attacks could be highly successful, with success rates as high as 50 percent, by exploiting users' unique circumstances or personal relationships. Experts recommend changes in display of online information and public awareness campaigns to combat the problem.
A University of Florida study found that using ingratiating behaviors such as agreeing and complimenting can make a favorable impression on recruiters, while self-promotion tactics have no effect. The research suggests that businesses may be looking for people who fit in rather than those with unique ideas.
The Knight Center seminar features keynote speakers from top institutions discussing topics like brain development, emotions, and decision-making. Participants will gain insights into the latest research and its applications in journalism.
A new study by Dr Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor of the University of Warwick explores the strategic management implications of global terrorism on international service organizations. The research highlights the impact of terrorism on organizational learning, planning, and decision-making for both business and leisure travelers.
Researchers found that UK universities' focus on creating businesses rather than generating wealth is a significant issue. The success rate of university spin-out companies (USOs) is currently much lower than expected, with only a few spin-outs being sold or floated on the stock market.
Researchers found that Mexican workers using family and friend networks as job leads earned higher wages than those relying on paisano networks. This challenges the theory of ethnic solidarity providing advantages to immigrant workers in the US labor market.
A study of Humboldt County, California reveals that a knowledge economy requires more than just IT infrastructure. Public policy, cultural attitudes and economic initiatives must be coordinated to thrive.
The huge market demand for forest moss is causing ecological concerns, with millions of pounds being harvested annually. The removal of large amounts of moss can lead to unintended consequences, such as removing endangered species or shipping insect pests overseas.
The UK government has launched a £10 billion 10-year investment framework to boost science and innovation, with a focus on growing the knowledge-intensive sector. The plan includes annual real growth in public science funding of 5.8% over the next decade, aiming to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2017.
A study found that most people dislike yard signs due to their size, location, and content, leading to conflicts with neighbors. Cities may need to regulate these signs before they become a nuisance, especially as they become more common in neighborhoods around the country.
Maya Ahmed developed methods to construct Franklin's squares and others of the same type, with applications in computer programming. She discovered a way to reconstruct Franklin's three original squares and created new ones that obey the same rules.
Flameout in nonprofit sectors can occur when personal control structures fail to work well, leading to destructive behavior such as embezzlement or sexual misconduct. Self-regulation and board action are crucial to prevent such destruction and maintain trust in the sector.
The survey found that position locating devices were the most likely to be commercial within 3 years, with an average score of 6.8. High-speed local area networks and imaging through materials were also considered viable business applications.
The Bridging the Rift Center will study the unique ecology of the Dead Sea region, transforming a remote desert into a thriving science and technology village. The center will symbolically straddle the border, bringing together scientists from Jordan, Israel, and international partners.
A study by Cardiff University predicts a current annual shortfall of UK ex-seafarers as much as 112. This shortage could lead to higher wage bills for shipping companies, reduced quality of employment, and less incentive to train cadets. The shipping industry has traditionally supplied skilled labor to shore-based industries.
The new ATDC Biosciences Center at Georgia Tech fosters collaboration between entrepreneurs, university faculty, and investors. The center provides wet labs and integrates with the Life Sciences Complex to accelerate tech transfer and commercialization of bioscience startups.
A study by Dartmouth College finds black business owners are denied credit twice as often as similarly qualified white applicants. When approved, they typically face much higher interest rates than white borrowers.
The nTag device uses infrared links and RFID chips to connect people with common interests, alerting them to potential matches. Despite some initial issues, most delegates were impressed with the service, exchanging over 3,600 business cards during the event.
A recent study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that suburban residents felt a close sense of community with their neighbors. Despite criticisms that suburbs are cold and sterile, the study refuted these claims by showing that both traditional and suburban neighborhoods can foster strong community bonds.
Researchers aim to create a scalable, secure, and economical network with two-way symmetric data communications service at 100 megabits per second. The project will explore fundamental innovations in network design and management to support applications not yet envisioned.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $102 million in grants to small businesses for innovative research projects focused on energy, environmental, and national security. The selected companies will explore the feasibility of their proposed innovations over the next year and may apply for further funding.
Researchers at Cardiff University are launching a survey to gather detailed data on commercial and industrial waste arisings in Wales. The survey will question 2,400 businesses across the country, providing valuable insights into waste generation and management practices.
Current policies focus on enhancing skilled workers, neglecting organisational change and institutional transformation. New research highlights the importance of workplace reorganisation and structure in creating high-skills workforces.
Canadian Pacific Railway has developed a fixed-schedule operating plan that optimizes traffic patterns, resulting in reduced costs, improved service reliability, and increased profitability. The approach also enables better service for customers and sets a new standard for the industry.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed the world's first transparent transistor, made from a common compound that filters out ultraviolet light. The discovery has significant potential for various industries, including consumer electronics, transportation, business, and the military.
The University Spider connects businesses with top university experts in high-tech fields, enabling collaborative sponsored research and licensing agreements. The system also promotes heightened visibility for universities in the region.
The UK has launched a new 'global partnerships' program aimed at fostering science and technology partnerships with the US. The program, which combines expertise from three British Government divisions, has already yielded over 20 partnership projects in its US pilot program.
A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that investment banks prioritize past cooperative relationships and industry reputation when selecting underwriting partners. This challenges the conventional wisdom that talent and high returns are key factors in business dealings.
A study found that abusive supervisors lead to fewer discretionary actions by subordinates, hurting organizational effectiveness. Abused subordinates may feel obligated to perform extra-role behavior despite supervisor's abuse.
The study found that household damages were not always proportional to levels of ground motion, with average damages being almost identical in high and medium ground motion zones. The majority of damage ($913 million) occurred in the medium ground motion zone, which is where nearly 60% of Puget Sound households are located.
A recent study by Jennifer Berdahl and Cameron Anderson found that supervisors with more power can influence team decisions more than their subordinates. The researchers discovered that this can lead to subordinates underestimating their supervisors' approval and overestimating their anger, resulting in poorer decision-making.