Computing policies and problems: A stage theory approach

Computing policies have been considered a major mechanism for reducing and preventing the emergence of problems in computing operations. The authors examine the relationship between computing policies and problems, and formulate a theoru of the interactions between problems, policies and commitment of resources for computing activity. The data presented are from an international comparative study of computing operations and impacts in 40 US and 16 other cities.     

Japan's increasing investments abroad

This article looks at why a dynamic programme of foreign direct investments has been Japan's response to a changing international milieu. These have logically followed its huge trade flows and consequently encompass a wide range of products and involve countries throughout the world. The movement abroad has enhanced Japan's economic base, added to its expertise in international business, and ensured its role as a formidable competitor. Investing overseas, for Nippon, continues to be a good thing.     

Bootstrap HAC Tests for Ordinary Least Squares Regression*

There is a need for tests that are derived from the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimators of regression coefficients and are useful in the presence of unspecified forms of heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation. A method that uses the moving block bootstrap and quasi‐estimators in order to derive a consistent estimator of the asymptotic covariance matrix for the OLS estimators and robust significance tests is proposed. The method is shown to be asymptotically valid and Monte Carlo evidence indicates that it is capable of providing good control of significance levels in finite samples and good power compared with two other bootstrap tests.     

Standardized Performance Analysis: An Application to the Texas High Plains

The Standardized Performance Analysis method was used to complete a whole-farm financial analysis and crop enterprise financial and production analysis of a farming operation in the Texas High Plains for three years of crop production. The Standardized Performance Analysis procedure is described and illustrated for an individual farming operation in addition to a regional level analysis.     

Regression models of decision rules in unstable environments

Bowman and others have shown that a decision-maker's performance in a stable environment can be improved by using a regression model to make decisions. However, when the environment changes, a regression model based on past behavior may no longer be appropriate for future decisions. Whether or not regression models are appropriate for unstable environments is examined in this article.The research used an aggregate production and work-force scheduling problem. After 12 periods the cost function was changed; the subjects rapidly adapted to this change. Even during the adaption, the regression rules performed better than the subject's actual decisions. Thus, this study supports the use of regression models in unstable environments.     

Comparing two diverse methods for generating perceptual maps: Multidimensional scaling versus the hand-drawn technique

Multidimensional scaling techniques have lately been subjected to criticism because of a supposed lack of reliability and validity. Yet, no alternative cognitive map-producing techniques have been suggested. The present research describes a graphic technique for developing cognitive maps and compares this technique to multidimensional scaling in terms of reliability and validity. The two techniques are also compared in terms of perceived subject difficulty in completing the tasks and the ability of each technique to predict future brand behavior.     

Optimal revenue-raising trade restrictions under uncertainty

A country seeks to achieve a fixed expected revenue by restricting trade when it faces uncertainty about domestic demand for a good and about foreign supply. If the uncertainty in the demand and supply functions is multiplicative then the policy which maximises domestic expected surplus is a fixed schedule of tariffs depending only on world price. Under additive uncertainty the ranking of ad valorem tariffs and quotas depends systematically on the targeted expected revenue and the degree of uncertainty in demand and in world price but a specific tariff is superior to both these policies.