Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

The effect of gender Inequities in the classroom and beyond in U.S. business schools

When women teach management in U.S. business schools they are likely to experience more gender inequities than men. In this essay we examine three dimensions of management teaching where gender inequities are likely to occur: (1) student-faculty interactions; (2) student evaluations of teaching; and (3) interactions between faculty peers. The types of inequities experienced by women when they teach include feeling social pressure to submit to ad hoc student demands for personal favors and emotional support that infringe on a professor’s time; having their teaching performance judged from student evaluations of teaching that are subject to gender bias; and experiencing lower levels of organizational inclusion compared to their male colleagues. We utilize theoretical logic from social role theory, relational practice, and perceived organizational inclusion frameworks supported by the research literature to provide greater insight as to why women are likely to experience more adversity when they teach management in business schools. After we explain the basis for gender inequities we prescribe action steps that should improve equity for all faculty who teach management

Foreign Direct Investment in the United States: An Analysis by Country of Origin

Given the large size and rapid growth of foreign direct investment in the United States, this subject is a central concern of U.S. firms and U.S. government policymakers. This study explores the factors that contribute to the explanation of FDI in the United States by country of origin of investment. Evidence from the past twelve years shows that the main significant positive influences are home country's exports to the United States and home country market size. Significant negative influences include the home country's imports from the United States, the cultural and geographic distances of the home country from the United States, and the exchange rate (fx/$).© 1996 JIBS. Journal of International Business Studies (1996) 27, 139–155

Strategic and Organizational Responses of Mexican Managers to Environmental Uncertainty

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the literature on environmental uncertainty was generalizable to a developing country. Recent profound changes in its economy, including the NAFTA agreement, led us to conclude that Mexico provided a natural test setting in which to assess managers' perceptions of environmental uncertainty and their strategic and organizational responses to it. Forty-five Mexican managers with responsibility for the strategic direction of their firms were interviewed in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. Results indicated that Mexican managers responded to environmental turbulence by adapting planning processes, competitive strategies, organization structure, and managerial process; these changes generally conformed to predictions in the uncertainty and contingency literatures regarding adaptation to uncertain environments. Although the majority of firms interviewed reported making significant changes to their organizational structures, implementation lagged both reported structural adaptation and that of strategic change. In fact, there was significant retention of the functional mindset, even when environmental and strategic conditions called for more decentralized arrangements. This contradiction creates an opportunity for partnership. Combining foreign firms' knowledge of the reengineering process with the local partner's business and political relationships creates a synergy that may justify foreign expansion into Mexico

Did Strategic Behavior Save the Schindler Jews?

The use of important historic events, coupled with an easily recognized media dramatization of that event, can provide a compelling tool for explaining economics principles. In this paper, such a mechanism is developed by analyzing events from the Holocaust, as portrayed in the Oscar-winning movie, Schindler's List. In the context of a model that matches Oskar Schindler (hero) against Amon Goeth (villain) as rivals in a sequential game, it is proposed that Schindler, by establishing a reputation that suggested he would choose an action favored by Goeth, but against his own interests, was able to effect his desired outcome. That is, through strategic behavior he saved 1,100 Polish Jews from extermination in Nazi death camps. The analysis of this aspect of the Holocaust via Schindler's List provides for an insightful pedagogical device for students of economics and strategy.