Application of option pricing theory to R&D

Abstract
Much attention has been paid in the literature to methods for the evaluation and selection of R&D projects. The evidence is that these are less extensively used than might be expected. More recently, an approach based on Option Pricing Theory has been suggested as one which is likely to be of considerable value to management. In this paper the method is described, the information which is required is identified and the way in which it might be applied in practice is discussed.     

The impact of Australian higher education policy changes on the production of PhDs in the field of accounting and finance

This article examines the growth in accounting and finance PhD graduates across all Australian universities from 1965 to 2006. It investigates the impact of the major changes that were initiated in 1988 in higher education in Australia with the introduction of the Unified National Scheme (UNS) and, in 2002, with the Research Training Scheme (RTS). A data set of PhD thesis records provides data of actual PhD completions, as distinct from enrolments. Analyses show that both the number of accounting and finance PhD completions and the dispersion of these PhD completions across Australian universities increased from 1988 with the introduction of the UNS. There is also evidence that the proportion of accounting and finance–related PhD completions relative to total Australian PhD completions increased from 1988. While there is strong statistical support for the effect of the UNS on PhD completions, this is not the case for the more recent changes associated with the Research Training Scheme (RTS).     

Targeted population health management can help a hospital grow market share

In 2005, St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo., launched the "Passport to Wellness" program to help employers reduce preventable illnesses by providing access to screenings, health education, health coaching, disease management, and healthy lifestyle programs. The program was designed to influence consumer choice of hospitals and physicians and influence health insurance purchasing decisions. St. Luke's program also met goals created by local businesses, including identifying health risks of each employer's workforce and reducing health-related costs.     

An Examination of the Relationship between Culture and Cyberloafing Using the Hofstede Model

This article explores the relationship between culture and cyberloafing. A survey measuring individuals’ propensity to engage in cyberloafing in the workplace was conducted with people from 17 countries representing a wide range of cultures. Tests were performed to explore relationships between participants’ propensity to cyberloaf and the cultural dimension ratings for their individual countries of origin. The results show that some types of cyberloafing activity relate significantly with culture. This has potential implications for multinational organizations. Employees from different cultures may have different workplace tendencies.     

The impact of franchising on the financial performance of small firms

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between form of ownership (independent vs. franchise) and financial performance of a select group of small, mature firms. MANOVA and ANOVA tests failed to identify significant performance differences. Recommendations for future research studies are mentioned. Venturing into a small business is risky. Approximately 400,000 small businesses fail each year (The State of Small Business 1986). A conservative estimate of the failure rate of start-up firms in their first 5 years is close to 65% (Hodgetts 1982). Between one-quarter to one-third fail in their first year of operation (Small Business Reporter 1986). However, many would-be entrepreneurs minimize their business risk by purchasing a franchise rather than starting from scratch. In contrast, only about 2.5% of franchise-owned outlets discontinue operations per year, many for reasons other than economic (“Franchising is Management for Success” 1986).     

Capital Formation during the Industrial Revolution Revisited: Insurance Valuations and Some New Sectoral Estimates

National accounting and sectoral estimates of capital formation have underscored the picture of a "cut-price" industrialization in Britain with low capital requirements. Feinstein′s recent revisions to his earlier figures however have substantially increased the estimated level of capital stock in manufacturing during the late 18th century. This paper reexamines the sectoral estimates of capital in the cotton and wool textile industries for the period 1788-1835. The reliability of insurance valuations as a basis for these estimates is questioned. New capital stock figures are produced which incorporate allowances for capital missing from the insurance data used in the existing estimates. The thrust of these new sectoral estimates is to lend further significance to capital accumulation in British manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution.     

Auditor Lobbying for Accounting Standards: The Case of Banks and Savings and Loan Associations

This study examines auditor lobbying on seven proposed US accounting standards which affect banks and savings and loan associations. Evidence is provided in support of the Watts and Zimmerman (1982, 1986) theory on auditor lobbying. Watts and Zimmerman (WZ) hypothesise that auditor lobbying is a function of the client-manager position and a set of wealth effect variables. These variables may provide an incentive for auditors to disagree with their clients on proposed accounting issues. The WZ model is modified by including an audit risk variable. Results show that the model is statistically significant and that the identified wealth and audit risk effects are significant explanatory variables of auditor lobbying behaviour.