Thomas L. Ainscough, homas E. DeCarlo and homas W. Leigh
Expert systems seek to solve problems by using a computer to apply reasoning methodologies to knowledge in a specific domain in order to render advice or recommendations, much…
Abstract
Expert systems seek to solve problems by using a computer to apply reasoning methodologies to knowledge in a specific domain in order to render advice or recommendations, much like a human expert. Presents a methodology which uses the behavioral rules of multiple expert salespeople to develop a prototype of a flexible, yet systematic, sales expert system. The prototype expert system in this study was built using the selling scripts and if‐then contingency rules of expert salespeople in the insurance industry. The system mimics the selling process for interviewing, qualifying, and scheduling an appointment with an insurance prospect. While the expert system describes a relatively simple selling process, relative to the complexity of an actual face‐to‐face sales call, the procedure described is quite general.
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Promila Agarwal, Saneesh Edacherian, Amit Karna, Ashneet Kaur and Sudhanshu Maheshwari
This study examines the complex relationship between executive overconfidence and firm performance, highlighting the moderating role of country-level factors. By conducting a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the complex relationship between executive overconfidence and firm performance, highlighting the moderating role of country-level factors. By conducting a meta-analysis of 116 independent effect sizes from global studies, this research aims to clarify the ambiguous effects of executive overconfidence, emphasizing the significance of national contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing a cross-national meta-analytic framework, this study evaluates how variations in governance, board efficacy and shareholder protection across countries influence the impact of executive overconfidence on firm performance.
Findings
Results reveal that the relationship between executive overconfidence and performance is significantly shaped by country-level factors, suggesting a need to consider contextual influences alongside traditional trait-focused perspectives and underscoring the importance of contextual influences.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that organizations should incorporate national-level contextual factors in their governance structures to better manage the risks associated with executive overconfidence.
Originality/value
This study advances the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of how country-specific variables modulate the effects of executive overconfidence on firm outcomes. It offers new insights into the role of situational factors in executive behavior, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of leadership and organizational performance.
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Santiago Iñiguez De Onzoño and Salvador Carmona
The purpose of this paper is to propose a “change” stance towards the current situation of business education. Drawing on a theoretically embedded model, the authors hold a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a “change” stance towards the current situation of business education. Drawing on a theoretically embedded model, the authors hold a critical stance towards understandings of stability in the business education industry. In this respect, a model of change drivers is proposed for the industry and the authors elaborate on how business schools enact responses to comply with change pressures. Compliance with those pressures enables business schools to gain legitimacy from stakeholders and enhance their survival prospects.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors’ theoretically‐informed analysis draws on a combination of literature review and personal observations of business schools’ behavioural patterns.
Findings
The authors submit that the business school industry experiences four main sources of change: multi‐polar competition, new organizational species, content and mode of education and institutionalization. These sources of change impact on the fading margins of business schools. Drawing on the insights of the evolutionary model, the authors suggest that business schools engage in a process of continuous change and adaptation to these sources of pressure. In this manner, they conform to the adaptation model featured by the Red Queen metaphor; business schools must keep running and moving in order to stay in the same place.
Practical implications
The paper proposes a roadmap of main change drivers, which business schools may take into consideration to provide a systematic response to environmental changes.
Originality/value
In contrast to authoritative statements and elaborations on the situation of the business education industry, the paper provides a theoretically informed, systematic model of change.
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This study investigates the performance of Indian states based on infrastructural investment in social and economic sectors using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Most of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the performance of Indian states based on infrastructural investment in social and economic sectors using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Most of the studies in the literature are based on how different elements of infrastructure such as transport, energy, education, healthcare system affect the economy of different countries/regions. In this study, we consider these elements under two different sub-systems, namely, social and economic infrastructure and measure the cooperative efficiency for competitive growth.
Design/methodology/approach
A four-stage DEA approach is proposed for the analysis of a sample of 28 Indian states for the years 2011, 2013 and 2015 under consideration. First stage calculates the per capita GDP contribution, while stage-2 evaluates the efficiency of investments in social infrastructure followed by the efficiency analysis in economic infrastructure in stage-3. Finally, fourth stage evaluates the co-operative efficiency for the overall performance.
Findings
The findings of three different cases based on population sizes, viz., highly populated, moderately populated and less populated regions suggest that the government can identify the top and poor performers. It also studies the variations in efficiency tally of states using Malmquist indices.
Practical implications
This kind of study will vigilant government and local authorities on the investments made in all the states for social and economic infrastructure and establish a competitive environment among state governments to compete for improved infrastructural growth.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind in developing countries like India, which focuses on efficiency analysis using DEA based on two sub-sectors of social–economic infrastructural investments.