Articles tagged with Corporations
A report in the Journal of Service Research found that corporate social responsibility initiatives are ineffective against criticism and bad press, as consumers separate ethics from product quality issues. To combat negative information, firms must focus on service quality and prioritize customer outcomes.
Partnerships with major food companies bring funding and support, but may obscure health messages. Health charities must tread carefully to avoid brand co-branding and maintain public health focus.
A new RAND Corporation study found that electronic medical records have only a limited impact on improving the quality of hospital care. Hospitals with basic electronic health records showed a significant increase in quality of care for patients with heart failure, but no similar gains were noted among those with advanced electronic he...
A new study found that most Massachusetts physician groups are using patient feedback to improve patient experiences, with a focus on staff courteousness, scheduling practices, and electronic health records. However, only a small number of groups are prioritizing the role of physicians in improving patient care.
A RAND Corporation study finds that home health care technology can empower patients to self-manage their conditions, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs. Despite its promise, adoption faces obstacles such as restrictive insurance coverage, limited patient readiness, and concerns about product design.
Health care costs in Canada are expected to increase due to rising expenditures. Governments have options to deal with this, including increasing revenue through taxes or social insurance.
Researchers used data from Bureau Van Dijk and the SIR model to identify countries with greatest potential to cause a global crash. The top twelve countries include Belgium and Luxembourg alongside more obviously impactful economies.
A new joint project between University of Nottingham and University of Bath aims to identify best practices for integrating sustainability in business school activities. The study will produce case studies guiding other schools on financial benefits and contributing to a greener future.
A study by UT professors found that firms engaging in corporate political activities enjoy a 20% higher performance. However, the researchers express concern that this increased activity constrains natural market forces and is undesirable.
Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of California, Berkeley found that reflecting counterfactually on an institution's origins increases employee commitment and morale. By thinking about alternative scenarios, employees see their current circumstance in a more positive light, fostering a renewed sense of devotion.
Researchers found that downloadable LIA software reduces inappropriate shocks by 46% in patients with fractured leads. The study demonstrates the possibility of making other improvements to devices while they're implanted.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has secured funding to test and evaluate payloads on small unmanned aircraft. The program will also expand its fleet of Insitu ScanEagles to include new models that can fly in remote and extreme conditions.
A new study from the journal Financial Management found that politically connected firms enjoy higher leverage, lower taxes, and regulatory protection. This study highlights the benefits of having government ties for corporate success, suggesting distortions in public resource allocation are common globally.
Economists Krislert Samphantharak and Robert M. Townsend introduce a framework that enables researchers to create detailed accounts for households based on corporate financial accounting principles. This approach allows for more accurate data collection and comparisons across households and regions.
A study from RAND Corporation and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that three characteristics - being female, board certified, and graduating from a domestic medical school - had a small association with better quality medical care. However, these findings highlight the need for better physician performance data to hel...
The OSPREY clinical trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of Terumo's MISAGO Stent System for treating peripheral artery disease in the US and Japan. The study aims to streamline the product approval process through unprecedented international regulatory cooperation.
A study by Michigan State University sociologist Zachary Neal found that city size is no longer the key factor in building a thriving economy. Instead, connections to other cities through technology and air travel are crucial.
Researchers at UC San Diego and NEI Corporation are designing new types of lithium-ion batteries with exceptional energy density, potentially used in NASA space exploration projects and consumer applications. The goal is to create commercially useable cathode materials with high capacity and structural stability.
The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be traced to The World's Work magazine from November 1900. Arthur W. Page, editor of the magazine, advocated for sustainability, labor rights, and consumer education in his editorials. His actions as a vice president at AT&T further solidified CSR principles.
A study by Thomas Schielke found that altering lighting can significantly affect the perceived brand identity of a store, with subtle differences between global regions. The study suggests that using consistent lighting designs can facilitate sending a specific brand image globally.
A pilot-dentist duo proposes adapting airline crew resource management principles to dental offices, aiming to reduce human errors and improve patient safety. By implementing standardized safety procedures and empowering team members with CRM checklists, dentists can significantly reduce complications and deaths in surgical settings.
Research from University of Cincinnati finds that sales turnover is the only uniform corporate indicator predicting a firm's bankruptcy in three major economies. The study also reveals that different financial factors are correlated with bankruptcy in each country, mainly due to varying financial and business structures.
A study found that corporate directors tend to ignore anonymous whistleblower allegations, especially if they threaten their reputation. In contrast, non-anonymous allegations are more likely to trigger investigations and resource allocation.
Companies that prioritize sustainable management of biodiversity are seen as winners in resource-constrained worlds, while those neglecting it risk being out of step with the market. Consumers are increasingly aware of biodiversity loss and are willing to stop buying from companies disregarding ethical sourcing practices.
Patients admitted to teaching hospitals for end-of-life illnesses receive high-quality medical care, but more family communication is necessary. The study found that timely efforts to keep patients comfortable and better discussions about goals of treatment can improve the quality of care.
A sociological study examines the largest US corporations and finds that capital dependence on investors creates incentives for financial malfeasance. The multilayer-subsidiary business model also creates opportunities for managers to engage in improper reporting, leading to significant restatements.
A study found that CEO pay increased significantly over 20 years, driven by 'leapfrogs' who receive large raises, affecting peer groups and company pay. The research suggests that benchmarking practices contribute to the surge in executive compensation.
A study of 1,800 heart attack patients found that nearly half received instructions on resuming sex, but fewer discussed it with their doctors. Men were more likely to report a loss of sexual activity if they didn't receive information on when to resume.
Researchers found that only 14% of participants knew to call 9-1-1 for three common stroke symptoms, while 37% reported not calling. The study emphasizes the critical role of symptom recognition and emergency medical services in reducing delays in hospital arrival.
Researchers discovered that reflecting on alternative scenarios where an institution did not exist can increase employee commitment to the organization. This 'near-loss' mentality fosters a positive view of current circumstances, leading to improved morale and institutional prosperity.
A RAND Corporation study found that reducing preventable patient injuries in California hospitals from 2001 to 2005 led to a corresponding drop in malpractice claims against physicians. The study suggests that improving safety performance in healthcare settings could benefit both providers and patients.
A recent study found that private equity-backed companies have a lower risk of insolvency compared to non-private equity-backed businesses. Private equity involvement significantly reduces the risk of buyout failure and improves debt recovery rates.
A study in Journal of Consumer Research explores how street art initiates conversations about the search for common space and democratization of art. Various stakeholders have different reactions to street art, but it rejuvenates public spaces while talking back to corporate logos.
Witnessing employee incivility can induce consumer anger and lead to negative inferences about a company. The study found that even cases of employees helping customers were affected by the negative response.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that British American Tobacco strategically influenced the European Union's framework for evaluating policy options, leading to a system that prioritizes business interests over public health. The study analyzed internal BAT documents and interviewed policymakers to reveal the extent of toba...
A RAND study examines five directions for NATO to take: refocusing on Europe, the greater Middle East, fragile states, nonstate threats, or a global alliance of liberal democracies. The alliance may need to combine various roles to stay relevant and avoid overextending itself.
SRNL's patent-pending Porous Walled Hollow Glass Microspheres will be used in targeted drug delivery, hydrogen storage and other applications. The microspheres' network of interconnected pores enable gas storage and release.
A Michigan State University study found that high-performing companies are more likely to engage in illegal behavior, such as fraud and environmental violations, due to unrealistic expectations and external pressures. The researchers argue that regulators should monitor both high- and low-performing firms to detect illicit activity.
Steve Kaplan predicts lower default rates and higher recoveries in private equity deals due to increased efficiency and operating value. The industry can prevent overpriced deals by promoting larger equity commitments from financial sponsors.
A study found that nonprofits can be seen as endorsing corporations through CSR initiatives, potentially harming their brand. Nonprofits may use licensing agreements or cause-related marketing to partner with companies.
Research identifies a 12-step process where morally upstanding individuals become embroiled in white-collar criminality due to organizational culture and leadership behavior. Key findings include the role of personality, life circumstances, and passive participants in the descent into crime.
The US must prioritize defending its critical computer networks from cyber attacks due to the difficulty of preventing such attacks and the unclear motivations of attackers. The RAND study highlights the need for diplomatic, economic, and prosecutorial efforts against cyber attackers rather than investing in strategic cyber warfare.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that restricting fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles may not address the main reasons for high obesity rates. The region's dense small food stores and high-calorie snack availability contribute more to residents' diets than fast-food establishments.
A new comprehensive survey of White House Fellows, a group of over 600 prominent leaders, reveals significant differences between America's leadership cohort and the general public. The study found greater confidence in institutions like the Supreme Court and scientific community, but less confidence in education and organized labor.
A RAND Corporation study identifies key issues in designing episode-based payment approaches, including defining episodes of care and identifying accountable providers. The research highlights the need for more rapid testing of these strategies to address challenges such as multiple chronic conditions and varying provider settings.
Firms in energy-intensive industries invest regardless of regulatory enforcement due to social pressure and internal synergies. Economic logic also plays a role, as firms that expect to reap early benefits or recognize internal synergies are more likely to invest sooner.
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a nanoemulsion lotion that sharples curbs bacterial growth and reduces inflammation in second-degree burns. The treatment shows promise in overcoming current creams' limitations, reducing bacterial growth one-thousand-fold compared to control animals.
A new study estimates that reducing Americans' average intake of sodium to recommended levels could save the nation $18 billion annually in avoided health care costs. Meeting national sodium guidelines could also eliminate 11 million cases of high blood pressure nationally and extend thousands of lives each year.
Alison Kemper, a fourth-year doctoral student at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, has won the 2009 Dissertation Proposal Award from the Aspen Institute. She is researching how firms and activists evaluate institutional change, with implications for corporate rankings and ratings.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has announced its honorees for the AIAA Honors and Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in space automation and robotics, space operations and support, and space systems. The awards will be presented at the AIAA SPACE 2009 Conference and Exposition.
Research finds that optimistic women have a 9% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 14% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to pessimistic women. A high degree of cynical hostility is associated with a higher risk of death, but not heart disease.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that the rapid dissemination of data on new medical information led to a significant shift in clinical practice for drug-eluting stents. The use of these stents decreased from 90% to 58% within two years after the release of the studies.
Researchers found that Attention Process Training (APT) improved attention in 78 stroke survivors, with average improvements of 2.49 standard deviations higher than standard care patients on full-scale attention scores. APT is a viable and effective way to improve attention deficits after stroke.
McDonald's Dollar Menu has been instrumental in maintaining the chain's reputation as an affordable luxury, even in today's tough times. The menu puts price control and consumer motivation in one wrapper, with clever pricing and uniformity across all franchise outlets.
A RAND Corporation study found that congestion pricing can benefit low-income drivers if revenues are used to support transportation projects in their communities. Policymakers should consider the distribution of residents and job opportunities when implementing congestion pricing to minimize regressive effects.
The Aerospace Corporation successfully tested the latest generation of high-efficiency solar cells on a 6.4kg nanosatellite, transmitting 17MB of data during its 110-day mission. The satellite's performance was characterized as successful, with improved communication links and valuable insights into solar cell degradation.
The Climate Disclosure Standards Board has proposed a global framework to enhance corporate transparency by including climate change data in companies' annual reports. The framework clarifies which climate change data should be reported and provides guidelines for streamlined disclosure procedures.
A study by Kellogg School researchers examines how physical characteristics, particularly 'babyfaced' traits, influence perception and achievement among black CEOs. They found that those with more babyface features were perceived as warmer, more competent, and earned higher salaries and led more prestigious companies.
A study of 305 UK companies found that those operating in countries with poor human rights gave significantly more to charity, potentially to offset negative perceptions. The findings support the strategic role of corporate charitable giving in boosting international reputation.
Dr. Mirela Shinohara, a young researcher from Brazil, has been awarded the 2009 Toshio Nakao Fellowship by IADR. The fellowship supports her training and experience in dental materials science at a center of excellence. IADR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and improving oral health worldwide.