Empirical Analysis of Business Growth Factors Using Swedish Data

Empirical research conducted on the U.S., German, Australian, and Scottish economies has shown that age, size, location, legal form, and industry are related to business growth. Much of this research has focused on manufacturing firms, thus providing little information about the effect of industrial sector differences on these factors. We seek to both confirm that small independent firms demonstrate the greatest growth rates and to explore the effects of the industrial sector on this conclusion.
This article uses Swedish data to replicate previous research while using a different definition of business to enhance the study of effects from industry, international versus domestic businesses, and domestic versus foreign ownership. Results show that business age, beginning size, ownership form, industrial sector, and legal form are the most important factors related to growth. Although business growth differs among industrial sectors, youth, ownership independence, and small size are major factors that underlie growth across all industries.     

Self-Employed Nicaraguan Women Under Neoliberalism: Characteristics and Determinants

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the characteristics and determinants of self-employed women in Nicaragua during the neoliberal period of the 1990s. The labor market outcomes of women (self-employed, waged and salaried) are analyzed utilizing micro data from the 1998 and 1993 Nicaraguan Living Standards Measurement Surveys. The empirical results derived from the usage of a switching regression choice model suggest that work experience is the major determinant of self-employment. Experience, marriage and residence in the southern region are critical and significant elements of the self-employment decision. Mixed findings are reported for sectoral selection, suggesting that the self-employed may alternate back and forth between sectors with the highest returns.

RESUMEN. Este estudio explora las características y determinantes de las mujeres autónomas en Nicaragua durante el período neoliberal de los años 1990. El resultado del mercado laboral femenino (autónomas, empleadas temporales y asalariadas) es objeto de un enfoque analítico basado en datos micro de los años 1998 y 1993 que constan en la Medición de las Encuestas sobre los Estándares de Vida Nicaragüenses. Los resultados empíricos obtenidos usando un modelo selectivo de intercambio regresivo, sugieren que la experiencia laboral es el mayor determinante del empleo autónomo. La experiencia, casamiento y domicilio en la región sureña son elementos críticos e importantes en la toma de decisión de ser autónoma. La mezcla dehallazgos encontrados se expone para facilitar la selección sectorial, sugiriendo que el empleo autónomo puede alternar como péndulo entre los sectores que ofrecen retornos más altos.

RESUMO. Este artigo explora as características e determinantes das mulheres autônomas na Nicarágua durante o período neoliberal dos anos noventa. As informaç[otilde]es existentes sobre o mercado de trabalho das mulheres (autônomas e assalariadas) são analisadas, a partir dos dados detalhados retirados dos Estudos de Mensuração dos Padr[otilde]es de Vida Nicaragüenses de 1998 e 1993. Os resultados empíricos derivados do uso de um modelo de escolha baseado no método de switching regression sugerem que a experiência de trabalho é um fator determinante do trabalho autônomo ou auto-emprego. Experiência, casamento e residência na região sul são elementos críticos e significantes da decisão de se auto-empregar ou tornar-se um profissional autônomo. Resultados mistos são reportados para a seleção por setor de atividade, sugerindo que o profissional autônomo ou auto-empregado pode alternar entre setores, indo e vindo em busca daqueles que oferecem retornos mais elevados.     

A Heckman Sample Selection Approach to the Demand for Organic Food Products: An Exploratory Study Using Penang Data

Heckman's sample selection analysis is used on survey data in Penang, Malaysia, to examine sociodemographical and attitudinal factors affecting purchase decisions and expenditures on organic food products (OFP). Results of the marginal effects indicate that Chinese, affluent, and those who do not consider price to be a major factor have higher probabilities to spend and expend more on OFP. While Malays, females, and those with concerns about chemical additives and who consume monthly health supplements are likelier purchasers, those who perceive a lack of availability in the market are less prone to procure OFP. Last, individuals between 31–56 years and with more children spend in larger amounts compared to others.     

Comparing Business Intelligence and Big Data Skills

While many studies on big data analytics describe the data deluge and potential applications for such analytics, the required skill set for dealing with big data has not yet been studied empirically. The difference between big data (BD) and traditional business intelligence (BI) is also heavily discussed among practitioners and scholars. We conduct a latent semantic analysis (LSA) on job advertisements harvested from the online employment platform monster.com to extract information about the knowledge and skill requirements for BD and BI professionals. By analyzing and interpreting the statistical results of the LSA, we develop a competency taxonomy for big data and business intelligence. Our major findings are that (1) business knowledge is as important as technical skills for working successfully on BI and BD initiatives; (2) BI competency is characterized by skills related to commercial products of large software vendors, whereas BD jobs ask for strong software development and statistical skills; (3) the demand for BI competencies is still far bigger than the demand for BD competencies; and (4) BD initiatives are currently much more human-capital-intensive than BI projects are. Our findings can guide individual professionals, organizations, and academic institutions in assessing and advancing their BD and BI competencies.     

Using Segmentation and Prototyping in Engaging Politically-Salient Climate-Change Household Segments

Targeting messages to the different segments of a population is necessary to achieve support for policy addressing climate change. Finer segmentation and archetypal prototyping may be advantageous to provide an in-depth understanding of the most politically-salient segments. The research, conducted in Australia, used quantitative analysis to identify subsegments and prototypical respondents, followed by Jungian-style in-depth interviews to reveal the responses of segment representatives to different marketing stimuli. The results suggest that there are challenges in achieving majority support for action against climate change, but there are archetypal words and images that may garner action.     

Economic Development and Business Ownership: An Analysis Using Data of 23 OECD Countries in the Period 1976–1996

Small Business Economics - In the present paper we address the relationship between business ownership and economic development. We will focus upon three issues. First, how is the equilibrium rate...     

Using International Virtual Teams in the Business Classroom

Abstract

Given the growing use of virtual interaction in international business activities, business schools must provide students with experiential learning opportunities that prepare them to work in virtual organizations. This paper uses multiple case study methodology with analysis at the transaction level to analyze the dynamics of the virtual teams, and to compare international and domestic virtual team behavior. The paper also identifies the challenges of implementing international virtual teams for teaching international business and provides practical advice for faculty.     

FOCUS: Teaching Ethical Business* Creating and Using Vignettes to Teach Business Ethics

Brief thumbnail sketches capture group interest and show the relevance of ethical considerations in real life situations. Bill Bain has considerable experience of business and is currently a PhD student at the Management School of London University's Imperial College, 53 Prince's Gate, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2PG.     

A Model for Observation,Structural, and Household Heterogeneity in Panel Data

Standard methods of understanding customer behavior in marketing allow for differences in sensitivity across consumers, but often assume that the sensitivity of a particular individual is fixed through time. In many situations, this assumption may not be valid. Both the importance of variables, and the manner that they are combined to form an overall measure of value for an offer, can change. In this paper we propose an approach of modeling a customers purchase history that allows identification of when these aspects of customer behavior are likely to change. This information is useful, for example, in planning when particular customers will be most likely to respond to an offer. Our approach nests common methods of dealing with individual differences, and allows for the introduction of covariates associated with changes in customer behavior. We illustrate our model with data from a national sample of credit card usage and adoption.     

Using Inside Job to Teach Business Ethics

This article recommends the film Inside Job as an effective teaching tool for illustrating the ethical issues that surrounded the global financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent economic downturn. The study discusses issues such as the revolving door, conflicts of interest, fiduciary duty, executive compensation, and financial regulation. The presentation of each ethical issue comprises suggested questions, background information, and guides to specific sections of the film. An overview of the film is provided as well.     

Relevance and Rigor in International Business Teaching: Using the CSA-FSA Matrix

We advance three propositions in this paper. First, teaching international business (IB) at any level needs to be theoretically driven, using mainstream frameworks to organize thinking. Second, these frameworks need to be made relevant to the experiences of the students; for example, by using them in case studies. Third, these parameters of rigor and relevance need to be seamlessly integrated. We then demonstrate these principles using Rugman's CSA-FSA matrix, describing both the theoretical and practical value of the framework.     

Using Computer-Based Simulation Exercises to Teach Business Ethics

This paper discusses how to introduce ethical dilemmas into computer-based business simulation exercise to teach business ethics. Simulations have an inherent advantage over other pedagogies for teaching ethics because simulations provide students with both an intellectual and a behavioral exposure to the topic. Issues addressed include considerations before writing ethical dilemmas, the writing of ethical dilemmas, and process issues for introducing ethical dilemmas. An example is developed and discussed. Through the process described, instructors can better prepare students for a lifetime of tough business decisions.     

The Use of Secondary Data in Business Ethics Research

The relatively recent increase in empirical research conducted in business ethics has been accompanied by a growing literature which addresses its present shortcomings and continuing challenges. Particular attention has been focused on the difficulties of obtaining valid and reliable primary data. However, little or no attention has been paid to the use of secondary data. The aim of this paper is to stimulate the interest of business ethics researchers in using secondary data, either as a substitute or complement for primary data, bearing in mind both the benefits and shortcomings of doing so. It is suggested that secondary data not only offer advantages in terms of cost and effort, as conventionally described in research methods books, but also that in certain cases their use may overcome some of the difficulties that particularly afflict business ethics researchers in the gathering of primary data. In order to help business ethicists respond to this call for greater consideration of the potential offered by secondary data, the wide variety of forms that such data may take is indicated and a number of themes regarding their use discussed.     

Transparent Practices: Primary and Secondary Data in Business Ethics Dissertations

We explore the availability and use of data (primary and secondary) in the field of business ethics research. Specifically, we examine an international sample of doctoral dissertations since 1998, categorizing research topics, data collection, and availability of data. Findings suggest that use of only primary data pervades the discipline, despite strong methodological reasons to augment business ethics research with secondary data.