Progress towards data sharing
Recent progress towards data sharing is discussed in PLOS Medicine articles, focusing on public health emergencies and clinical trials. The need for recognition of researchers who share data remains a challenge.
Corporations
Articles tagged with Corporations
Embracing negative comments can help corporations increase consumer trust
A recent study found that corporations can enhance their trustworthiness by embracing both positive and negative comments on social media. By addressing both self-serving and public-serving motives, companies can reduce perceived negativity and increase perceived altruism.
Rotman professor receives award for the study of employee ownership
Professor Francesco Bova has received a major award from Rutgers University's School of Management and Labor Relations for his groundbreaking research on the link between corporate governance issues and employee share ownership. The two-year financial support will enable him to explore other pioneering directions in this field.
Zuckerberg or Buffett -- Is youth or experience more valuable in the boardroom?
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia analyzed data from 2,143 firms to find that accumulated job experience improves performance, counteracting age-related declines. The research highlights the need for a balanced approach in corporate governance, taking into account both age and experience.
By the dozen: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope mirrors
The James Webb Space Telescope has made significant progress with the installation of its primary mirror segments, a critical component of the observatory. The 18 hexagonal-shaped mirrors will work together as one large 21.3-foot mirror, unfolding and adjusting to shape after launch.
James Webb Space Telescope mirror halfway complete
The James Webb Space Telescope's segmented primary mirror is half complete with nine mirrors installed, on track for full completion in early 2016. The mirrors were built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp and will work together as one large 21.3-foot mirror.
CEO compensation study examines factors in excess returns
UT Dallas researchers found that boards face two competing normative pressures: corporate elite norms and monitoring norms. Social capital affects how boards conform to those pressures. The study proposes introducing mechanisms for institutional investors to positively influence directors and creating full-time director positions.
Analysts' stock recommendations are not only independent, they're useful
Analysts' revisions help investors with stock valuation and shape market assessments of corporate disclosures. Only 28 percent of revisions matched corporate news, but offered more information than releases.
Botox may prevent irregular heartbeat after bypass surgery
Researchers found that Botox injections significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) after bypass surgery. In contrast, saline injections showed no such benefit. The study's results could lead to Botox being used as a preventive measure for AF in patients undergoing heart bypass or valve repair.
Why corporations don't always 'learn' their way to success
A new study suggests that companies don't always learn from their experiences, but instead self-select successful activities to repeat. This is particularly true for infrequent and complex business activities like new product introductions, where learning may be negligible.
Research sheds new light on the Great Recession
Corporate bond 'fire sales' rippled through the economy, causing a prolonged recession. Capital expenditures dropped by 14.5% and research and development declined by 17.2%. The study highlights the interconnectedness of financial markets with the real economy.
Study: Companies like Volkswagen often apologize, silence stakeholders, forget the scandal
A study by Aalto University researchers found that large corporations use methods to downplay the harm caused by a scandal, shift blame and distract attention. Volkswagen's response is under scrutiny as it tries to 'heap blame' on individuals rather than addressing root causes of the issue.
Interactive health data plus incentives may help lower BP and create lasting changes
A new study shows that tracking blood pressure data with incentives can lead to lasting changes, with nearly half of participants decreasing their systolic blood pressure. Participants who achieved over 20 milestones showed an average drop in systolic and diastolic pressures, suggesting a potential long-term impact.
Using a human voice in social media has a positive effect on company reputation
A study found that companies presenting a human voice on social media improve their corporate reputation, with customers having a more positive view. The researchers conducted a two-year longitudinal study and surveyed over 3,500 participants to reach this conclusion.
SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 8, 2015
NASA's Webb sunshield gives an 'open wide' for inspection
The sunshield on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is the largest part of the observatory, separating a warm sun-facing side from a cold environment to protect sensitive infrared instruments. The precise unfolding of the five-layer sunshield must be accurate within a few centimeters to maintain alignment and operate effectively.
How stock market's 'spare tire' keeps economy churning during banking crises
A new study found that firms in countries with strong shareholder protection laws raised more money through stock sales, performed better in terms of profits and investment efficiency, and terminated fewer employees than similar firms in countries with weaker shareholder protection laws. Stronger shareholder protection laws allow the s...
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateAug 5, 2015
Study: Sharing knowledge positively impacts innovation in retail
A study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that sharing knowledge positively impacts innovation in retail. Employees had the highest levels of innovative behavior when flows were high and balanced, suggesting a give-and-take process is ideal.
Study: Even fraud-savvy investors often look for the wrong red flags
Researchers identified two factors that lead investors to assess fraud risk, including reliance on financial statements and perception of corporate fraud prevalence. Most nonprofessional investors are also concentrated in fewer companies, making them more vulnerable to fraudulent activity.
Companies are making cybersecurity a greater priority
A RAND Corporation study finds companies are paying more attention to cybersecurity, with CEOs listening to CISOs and new products improving security. However, CISOs worry about hackers' sophistication and the difficulty in quantifying data losses, making it hard to estimate costs.
Sleep problems and energy product use associated with increased alcohol use in teens
A recent study conducted by the RAND Corporation found a significant association between sleep problems, energy product use, and increased alcohol use in teens. The research included over 2,500 racially/ethnically diverse teens and highlighted racial differences in observed associations.
Fond memories make fragrances a favorite
A study published in Springer's Chemosensory Perception journal found that fragrance preferences are driven by personal emotional memories. The researchers discovered that odor-evoked memories elicit potent emotional responses, influencing customers' likes and ratings.
Honesty can keep companies' stock prices up during hard times
A recent study by the University of Missouri found that companies which accept blame for poor performance experience a significant recovery in their share prices. In contrast, those that blame external factors continue to face falling share prices, highlighting the importance of corporate honesty in maintaining investor confidence.
Do CEOs deserve all the attention they get? New research from UGA provides answers
A new study by University of Georgia researchers shows that CEOs have a substantial influence on company performance, accounting for around 25% of profits. This increased impact is attributed to advancements in technology and changes in compensation packages, which provide strong incentives for CEOs to make strategic decisions.
Seven in 10 take early pension payout
A Michigan State University study found that 71% of Croatian retirees chose smaller, earlier pension payouts when given the option, with those who were poor or distrusted the government more likely to make this choice. The study provides crucial insight into individuals' preferences and reasoning when early payouts may be offered
Vying for seats in the C-suite: Marketing and PR's focus is too narrow, Baylor study finds
A Baylor University study found that marketing and PR teams often compete for limited C-suite spots due to perceived similarities in their roles. The research highlights distinct contributions of corporate communications and marketing, suggesting both groups need to build internal relationships to educate colleagues on their value.
Companies' bottom lines benefit when former politicians join leadership teams
A new study found that companies experience significant improvement when a former politician takes a leadership role, but CEOs moving to politics do not provide the same benefits. Former cabinet secretaries proved to be the most valuable hires, stimulating stock returns of 3.6% per year.
New gold standard established for open and reproducible research
A new standard for open and reproducible research has been set by a group of Cambridge researchers, sharing over 200GB of data and 20,000 lines of code. This move aims to increase the reliability of research results, particularly in publicly funded work.
Low health literacy linked to heart failure deaths after hospitalization
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients with low health literacy are 34% more likely to die after hospitalization for acute heart failure. Healthcare providers should be aware of their patients' health literacy skills to provide clear medical instructions and improve patient outcomes.
Sleep problems prevalent for military members
A new RAND Corporation study reveals persistent sleep problems among service members, negatively affecting mental health and operational readiness. The study recommends education and awareness programs to shift cultural attitudes and develop policies to promote healthy sleep habits.
Do consumers think products are better when companies donate to charity?
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that corporate social responsibility can improve consumers' opinions of products. Consumers tend to believe that companies engaged in socially responsible activities produce higher-quality products.
Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Medical Genetics Training Award in Clinical Biochemical Genetics
Amy Kritzer and Ronit Marom received the Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Medical Genetics Training Award in Clinical Biochemical Genetics to advance education, research, and standards of practice in medical genetics. The $75,000 award provides clinical and research training at premier medical centers.
Assessing feedback interactions in a creative setting
Researchers found that successful feedback involves sharing incomplete work, constructive two-way conversations, and a desire to understand the process. Critical is a conversation between worker and feedback provider who are receptive to help and have done their homework.
Think twice about investing in own company
Researchers found that employees do not disinvest in their company's stock even when the company is failing, resulting in average losses of nearly $30 million. Employees should diversify their retirement plans to avoid significant financial losses.
How social media can help and hurt companies during product recalls
Research using 405 consumer product recalls found that corporate social media reduces negative price reactions to recall announcements. However, as social media evolves, firms lose control over online content and negative sentiment from disgruntled users exacerbates market reactions.
Germans want companies to become more democratic
A survey by TUM found that two-thirds of Germans support democratic management, with employees seeking more autonomy in work life. However, managers believe implementing such systems is challenging.
Finding winners and losers in global land use
Darla Munroe examines the impact of telecoupling on sustainability, revealing that reforestation efforts may harm other countries' forests. The US added 7.6 million acres of forests between 1990 and 2010, but Munroe questions whether this is an environmental gain globally.
Depression predicts disturbed sleep among stroke survivors
Research shows depression is a powerful predictor of nighttime sleep disturbances among stroke survivors. Sleep quality is impacted by brain lesion location and depression, with daytime sleepiness also linked to fatigue, brain damage, and female gender.
Scandals not bad for business in the long term, study finds
A study of corporate scandals found that corrective measures led to improved operating performance, often outstripping rivals. Share prices plummeted short-term but recovered within three years.
CU Denver Business School study calls for audit transparency
A new study from the University of Colorado Denver Business School suggests that greater transparency is needed to help investors evaluate the quality of audits performed by multiple firms. The research found that when investors learn about audits being done by other firms, they react negatively and stock prices fall.
Corporate philanthropy increases workers' productivity
A study from the University of Southampton found that corporate philanthropy increases workers' productivity by up to 30% when tied to their job performance. When workers can choose how much of their pay to donate, it improves performance by an average of 13%, rising to 26% in those who were initially less productive.
Most patients don't get counseling about sex after heart attack
A new study found that most heart attack patients do not receive sexual counseling from their healthcare provider, with only 12% of women and 19% of men reporting such advice. The researchers recommend that healthcare providers raise the issue of resuming sexual activity with their patients, as it is an important aspect of overall health.
Corporate responsibility eases customer reactions to bad service
A study by researchers at Washington State University found that corporate social responsibility (CSR) can buffer firms against negative customer reactions following service failures. When CSR aligns with customers' values, it reduces anger and negative word-of-mouth, while increasing positive word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions.
Fighting air pollution in China with social media
Researchers found that online activism did force the Chinese government to take some actions on air pollution, but corporate and government interests largely shaped the online discussion. The study shows both the power and limits of online activism in China, highlighting the need for more nuanced approaches to addressing complex social...
INFORMS gives Wagner Prize to Ford for identifying supply chain risks, reducing disruption
A novel risk exposure model helped Ford identify previously unrecognized risk exposures and develop optimal contingency plans. The model assesses the impact of disruptions on a firm's supply chain, enabling informed decision-making.
When shareholders exacerbate their own banks' crisis
Researchers found that CoCo bonds can worsen financial crisis situations due to a 'convert to steal' mechanism. This construction shifts losses onto bondholders in times of need, encouraging banks to further escalate their crisis.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Financial Intermediation·DateNov 21, 2014
Cigna Foundation gives grant to NYU to help minority, senior women with heart disease
The Cigna Foundation has awarded a $100,000 World of Difference grant to NYU College of Nursing to develop a program supporting racial minority and older women with or at risk for heart disease. The program aims to improve self-care behaviors and promote healthy habits through community-based support and social media facilitation.
Pulse oximetry screenings save lives of babies with congenital heart defects
A new screening method using pulse oximetry has detected 13 babies with previously unknown congenital heart defects in New Jersey. The screenings were mandated in licensed birthing facilities and resulted in the detection of undiagnosed critical congenital heart defects, which may have prevented significant disability or death.
Middle managers and hermit crabs
Research finds middle managers are less likely to share their ideas with superiors as organizational hierarchy increases, leading to a lack of control and evaluation apprehension. The study suggests that top management can adjust the idea funnel to promote or counterbalance employee behavior.
Tool created to help multinational companies assess risk of bribery when doing business in foreign countries
The TRACE Matrix tool assesses countries' business bribery risks across four domains and nine sub-domains, providing a score from 1 to 100. This allows companies to tailor their compliance practices more effectively.
Boulder team wins International Water Prize
A Boulder research team has developed a new technique to measure soil moisture, vegetation water content, and snow depth using GPS signals, which could significantly enhance the ability to monitor the water cycle. The technique, known as GPS Interferometric Reflectometry (GPS-IR), uses data from over 10,000 GPS stations worldwide to pr...
Less-numerate investors swayed by corporate report presentation effects
New research finds that less-numerate investors are more susceptible to style and presentation effects of social responsibility reports, potentially leading to unintended judgments. Companies can design CSR reports with a uniform approach to project strategy, aligning text and graphics to convey information effectively.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateOct 21, 2014
ESA Certification Corporation names winners of 2014 awards
The ESA Certification Corporation has recognized two professionals, Bob and Kathy, with the ACE Professional Award and Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program. These individuals were honored for their contributions to the field of entomology and pest management.
Berkeley-Haas professor wins American Accounting Association Best Paper Award
Yaniv Konchitchki, a Berkeley-Haas professor, has received the prestigious 2014 Best Paper Award from the American Accounting Association for his research on earnings transparency and cost of capital. His study found that more transparent corporate accounting leads to lower cost of capital and higher firm value.
An inconvenient truth: Does responsible consumption benefit corporations more than society?
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that responsible consumption is a myth, shifting the burden for solving global problems from governments to individuals. The researchers found that this shift benefits corporations by creating new markets, while all the pressure falls on consumers.
Study finds why some firms are 'named and shamed' by activists
A new study reveals which companies are most likely to become targets of anti-corporate activism based on their size, brand image, and reputation. The researchers found that companies with prominent brands and good reputations were more likely to be targeted by activists.
Prevention incentives
A private South African health plan increased patient use of preventive care services like mammograms and influenza vaccines through a novel retail incentive program. The program offered discounts on retail goods and travel for participants who used preventive services, resulting in a 5% increase in uptake.
Encounters at coffee shops help corporate communicators influence company 'chiefs'
A Baylor University study found that corporate communicators can effectively influence senior business executives by building informal coalitions in various settings, including coffee shops. This approach bridges gaps between rank-and-file employees and executives, helping companies avoid mistakes and protect reputations.
New study reveals corporate social responsibility can lead to better customer service
A new study led by Drexel University's Daniel Korschun examines how frontline employees respond to corporate social responsibility activities like charitable giving, environmental programs, and ethical practices. CSR motivates employees by communicating company values, making conversations with customers easier.
Detroit Lions help rebuild city with innovative gridiron giving, U-M researchers say
The Detroit Lions' new model of corporate social responsibility emphasizes deeper relationships with a small core group of community nonprofits and organizations. The team's giving strategy focuses on two areas of greatest need in Detroit: health and wellness and community development.
Gutting of campaign finance laws enhances influence of corporations and wealthy Americans
A recent study by Princeton University and Northwestern University found that affluent individuals and business corporations have significantly more influence on federal government policy than average citizens. Organized interest groups also play a substantial role in shaping policy outcomes, while the preferences of ordinary citizens ...
SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPerspectives on Politics·DateApr 10, 2014