Articles tagged with Corporations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A RAND Corporation study found that pay-for-performance programs have led to changes in medical practice, including the adoption of electronic medical records and tracking of physician performance. However, health plans and purchasers believe that more substantial quality gains require higher incentives.
The 2008 financial crisis has radically transformed the business information landscape, with senior information managers seeking to add value and manage costs. The survey found that companies are pushing for more strategic management of their information services, with a focus on appraising how to add value and managing vendors.
Four high school students from High Technology High School won $20,000 in scholarships for their paper on ethanol's economic and environmental implications. The paper was also the first M3 Challenge entry to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
The US Department of Homeland Security has developed a non-lethal traffic stopper called SQUID, which uses sticky tendrils to immobilize vehicles. The device, inspired by a sea creature and Spiderman's webbing, aims to provide a safer alternative to traditional methods of stopping fleeing drivers.
A recent study assesses how risk management impacts corporate growth and value, highlighting the importance of equity cushions in capital structures. Risk managers often focus on measurement rather than management, leading to inadequate advice for managing risks.
The NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) successfully completed a comprehensive Mission Operations Readiness Review, assessing its operational readiness and progress to launch. The review determined that NPP's overall operations readiness is sound, with strengths and weaknesses identified but no major issues found.
A phase III study will evaluate Revlimid as a maintenance therapy for elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The study aims to determine progression-free survival and overall survival associated with Revlimid compared to placebo.
The University of Minnesota study reveals that corporate culture is the most important factor in driving radical innovation across nations. Firms with a supportive internal structure, product champions, and incentives are more innovative than those with other characteristics.
A recent RAND Corporation study suggests that the US is still a vital security and economic partner in East Asia, with nations seeking to maintain ties with both the US and China. The study found that none of America's East Asian allies want to choose between the two, as they prioritize cooperation over competition.
Researchers have developed a microgenerator that harnesses the heart's surplus energy to produce electricity for pacemakers and defibrillators. The innovative system, called SIMM, has shown promising results in increasing energy production with each heartbeat, potentially leading to longer-lasting devices.
The study found that firms with powerful marketing departments adopted the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standard in response to customer and competitor pressures. In contrast, firms with powerful legal departments were more likely to adopt government-initiated voluntary programs in response to regulator and NGO pressure.
A University of Missouri study found that decreasing stock options for CEOs after earnings restatements leads to fewer risky investments and improved operating performance. This reduction in compensation incentives helps firms avoid excessive risk-taking and achieve better bottom lines.
A RAND Corporation study found that a unique patient identification number system could eliminate record errors, simplify electronic medical records and increase overall efficiency. The proposed system would help address concerns around patient privacy by reducing the exposure of personal information during searches.
Fusionopolis is Singapore's second major R&D hub, featuring world-class research institutes and corporate labs. The development aims to break down barriers and foster multidisciplinary collaboration, driving breakthroughs in complex societal challenges.
The Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA) aims to represent the interests of OA journals publishers globally. OASPA supports OA publishing by setting industry standards, advancing business and publishing models, advocating for gold OA journals publishing, education and innovation.
A University of Illinois expert argues that traditional corporate governing systems failed to prevent risky business deals, contributing to the financial meltdown. In contrast, partnership-based firms have better weathered crises through controls like tying managers' compensation to company fortunes.
The article proposes new best practices for corporate portfolio management, including revamping organizational structure and compensation systems to prioritize investor thinking. An independent group within companies can function like a SWAT team to support objective portfolio management.
A new study finds that companies in Democratic states tend to have higher corporate social responsibility (CSR) ratings than those in Republican states. The research analyzed the 2004 presidential election results of communities where corporate headquarters are located, revealing a correlation between political views and CSR ratings.
A new study reveals that multinational companies should advertise luxury goods in English, while necessities may be more effective in local languages. Multinational corporations marketing to bilingual populations must pay attention to language choices, as perceptions of ads change significantly with different languages.
A new study by RAND Corporation researchers found that only 18% of parents with chronically ill children were aware of the program and only 5% used its benefits. Most parents who took leave or didn't take leave despite knowing their child's illness required it didn't know about the program.
A new study reveals that consumers tend to avoid the largest and smallest options when it comes to soft drinks. By eliminating small drink sizes and adding larger ones, retailers have seen a 15% increase in high-calorie drink consumption. Reversing this trend could curb soft drink consumption with only a slight reduction in profit.