Douglas L. Bartley and Michael S. Minor
Restructuring activities in Eastern Europe have been widely discussed. Examines firm‐level impediments to the conversion of state‐owned enterprises to market‐oriented firms…
Abstract
Restructuring activities in Eastern Europe have been widely discussed. Examines firm‐level impediments to the conversion of state‐owned enterprises to market‐oriented firms operated for a profit. Based on the experience gained in several consultancies in Hungarian plants, the greatest problems faced by these firms may be at the operational level — accounting, personnel decisions, manufacturing processes. Suggestions for improvements in each of these areas, and others, are offered.
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Douglas L. Bartley and Michael S. Minor
Emphasizes the importance of supporting new businesses in under‐developed nations, describing the Zambian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (Zacci) attempts to provide a…
Abstract
Emphasizes the importance of supporting new businesses in under‐developed nations, describing the Zambian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (Zacci) attempts to provide a consulting service for small businesses at no cost. Reports the implementation of the Zacci Management Assistance Programme, which involves unskilled heads of businesses visiting skilled heads for tutoring sessions. Does not provide any outcomes.
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Douglas L. Bartley and Michael S. Minor
Restructuring activities in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europepresent enticing opportunities for firms to consider foreign investmentin these emerging areas…
Abstract
Restructuring activities in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe present enticing opportunities for firms to consider foreign investment in these emerging areas. Geographically, the population of the entire region is relatively conveniently concentrated, rendering delivery and servicing of goods and services relatively simple. Further, the population is greatly underserved, particularly in terms of consumer goods and services. The problems, as chronicled in the popular press, are, however, daunting. Based on a number of consultancies with firms over the last two years, identifies typical problems to be anticipated and suggests concrete steps to take in order to solve these problems.
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Douglas L. Hartley and Michael S. Minor
“Privatization” as a process is easily understood but the location of the privatization affects how complicated this process may be (see e.g. Hartley and Minor, 1995; Culpan &…
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“Privatization” as a process is easily understood but the location of the privatization affects how complicated this process may be (see e.g. Hartley and Minor, 1995; Culpan & Kumar, 1995; Frydman & Rapaczynski, 1994; Jackson & Bilsen, 1994; Rondinelli, 1994; Welfens & Jasinski, 1994). For example, in the United States contracting with private firms to provide public services is already widespread. Many cities have recently transferred the collection and disposal of the waste generated by the businesses and people of the city to private firms. In most cases, public employees were competent, but savings were possible by having a private firm perform the work. Janitorial work in public schools is another area where private enterprises have been active. Considerable interest has also been shown in privatizing penal systems, and in privatizing Amtrak, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the U.S. Postal Service, among others.
Microfoundational research increasingly strives to examine the interlinkages between various higher- and lower-level structures. To better capture microfounded change processes, I…
Abstract
Microfoundational research increasingly strives to examine the interlinkages between various higher- and lower-level structures. To better capture microfounded change processes, I develop the multi-dimensional concept of institutional entrepreneurs’ skills that defines actors’ abilities to enhance institutional change. By a systematic literature review on institutional entrepreneurship, I identify seven institutional entrepreneurs’ skill dimensions: (i) analytical skills, (ii) empathic skills, (iii) framing skills, (iv) translational skills, (v) organizational skills, (vi) tactical skills, and (vii) timing skills. The established concept provides opportunities for future microfoundational research by examining the formation and the application of the seven skill dimensions.
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Olga Murova and Aman Khan
The purpose of this paper is to use stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate the efficiency of public investments and their impact on economic growth in the USA using panel…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate the efficiency of public investments and their impact on economic growth in the USA using panel data. Results of the study show highly significant and positive relationships between gross state product (GSP) and expenditures on education, transportation, health, welfare, and public safety (police and fire), and negative but significant relationships between output and employment in health care and public safety services. Inefficiencies in the study are measured using per capita tax revenue and time. Tax revenue has a very minimal positive and significant effect on efficiency, while time inversely relates to efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study uses SFA to investigate the efficiency of government expenditures in five service sectors – education, transportation, health, welfare, and public safety (police and fire), using recent data and economic trends. The study hypothesizes that changes in the current levels of expenditures in the public sector have a significant impact on the aggregate economy, as measured by GSP. The study uses GSP as the dependent (output) variable, and government expenditure on the five service sectors as the independent (input) variables.
Findings
Analysis of efficiency for individual states for all 21 years produced interesting results. Overall, the technical efficiency of the public sector was quite high. The average TE score across all years and all states was 0.878. This suggests that public sector operates at a relatively high efficiency level.
Originality/value
The current SFA model followed Battese and Coelli approach of estimating efficiency of public sectors in each state of the USA. It allowed estimation of policy impact on the overall efficiency. It was applied to macroeconomic panel data.
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Jason Konefal, Maki Hatanaka and Douglas H. Constance
Efforts to increase sustainability are increasingly being promulgated using non-state forms of governance. Currently, there are multiple multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs…
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Efforts to increase sustainability are increasingly being promulgated using non-state forms of governance. Currently, there are multiple multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) working to develop sustainability standards and metrics for US agriculture. These include: LEO-4000, Field to Market, and the Sustainability Consortium. Using Paul Thompson’s (2010) tripartite sustainability framework, the proposed sustainability standards and metrics of the three MSIs are assessed. Our findings indicate that the current political economic stakeholder nexus is producing incremental adjustments to the status quo of industrial agriculture. Put differently, the standards and metrics being produced by these initiatives are largely advancing programs of sustainable intensification in which sustainability is equated with increasing resource efficiencies. Hence, our research problematizes the efficacy of non-state governance approaches for transformative change in food and agriculture. The findings in this chapter are based on fieldwork conducted between 2011 and 2013.
Nisha Solanki, Rohit Yadav and Anita Sharma
The competition is increasing every moment for the organizations and hence organizations are putting their best possible efforts to compete. This chapter is designed with the…
Abstract
The competition is increasing every moment for the organizations and hence organizations are putting their best possible efforts to compete. This chapter is designed with the objective to explore various HR practices that can contribute in achieving the total quality management (TQM) in business. The basis for the study is taken from the aspects of competition that are cost reduction, differentiation and innovation. The extensive literature review from Scopus, J-gate, EBSCO and Springer databases are studied to integrate various aspects of TQM and HR practices that inculcate the competitive advantage for organizations. The framework may be developed for the reference to introduce and implement HR practices and manage TQM in the organization. The study may also help the professionals in designing the relevant HR practices for more value to the organizations. The linkage between various factors of the study may be helpful for the academicians and corporate organizations.