Perceptions Of Select, Newly Established Nations Of The Former Soviet Union As Foreign Direct Investment Options: A Longitudinal Perspective

This study replicates a 2002 study that used perceptual mapping to identify the collective and individual positions of nine, newly established nations of the former Soviet Union as foreign direct investment (FDI) options. With the continued growth of FDI globally, the purpose of the 2010 study was to determine if significant shifts had occurred in the perceived positions of the individual nations, as well as that of the "ideal" nation. FDI executives surveyed indicated that a limited number of newly established nations (e.g., Azerbaijan, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Ukraine) are positioned most strategically to benefit from future foreign direct investments. Of the newly established nations studied, Azerbaijan appears to hold a strategically unique position. The abundance of natural resources, the nation’s improving political and economic environments, and favorable business requirements all contribute significantly to this nation’s perceived position. Some nations (e.g., Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova) continue to face significant FDI obstacles

The Impact Of Integration, Affirmative Action, And Diversity On Minority Student Recruitment At The University Of Alabama: A Longitudinal Perspective

This paper explores the University of Alabama's positions, actions, policies, and accomplishments over the past forty years with respect to minority representation among its students and faculty. The impact and progression of these initiatives by the University of Alabama demonstrates strides have been made. The paper also examines the University's recruiting efforts to attract more minority faculty and students. The transition from integration to affirmative action to diversity in higher education also are examined

Industrial Recruitment And Economic Development: A Positional Analysis Of Competing Southeastern States

In this study of industrial recruitment and economic development, perceptual mapping was used to identify the collective and individual positions of 10 competing southeastern states. The perceived position of the "ideal" state also was captured by the study's findings. Industrial real estate executives who were surveyed indicated that some states have positioned themselves strategically in terms of quality of life, whereas others are recognized because of their resources and markets or pro-business environment. Some states appear better able to take advantage of their position, whereas others face economic development obstacles

Delivering a Graduate Information Systems Course in France: Observations, Experiences, and Professional Development Opportunities

This essay describes an international graduate business education experience involving a US and a French university in which a graduate course in information systems was prepared and delivered. In addition to describing the overall experience, several problematic issues and challenges are identified and discussed. Special emphasis is placed on three areas of differences, communications, technology, and culture. Areas in which faculty growth and development occurred also are identified and discussed. Awareness of these differences and opportunities, their impact on course and professional conduct, and possible actions and outcomes may be useful to other educators and academic administrators interested in developing and/or operating a similar program internationally

Marketing Study Abroad Programs: A Student Recruitment Model

The number of American students studying abroad increases every year. That might suggest that recruiting students to participate in such an educational opportunity would present little difficulty. On the contrary, as domestic student participation in such programs has risen, so has the number of competing programs. Thus, the viability of any study abroad program, to a large extent, is a direct result of that program’s recruiting effort. The foundation of that recruiting effort should be based upon an understanding of the factors students deem important in the program selection process and an effective promotional effort focused on those issues. These key factors include student segment(s) to be targeted, program cost and source(s) of funding provided, timing and duration of the program

International Expansion Via Acquisition: The Failed Engagement Of Chromalox And Ero

Growth is a common organizational objective that can be achieved via development and/or acquisition. In this case, a US company seeks to achieve growth, both domestically and internationally, by acquiring a technologically related foreign firm. The logic surrounding the planned acquisition was to expand and improve an existing product line domestically, while gaining immediate access to European markets. Targeted toward upper-division undergraduate business majors and/or graduate business students, this case provides an example of how growth via acquisition can fail for all the wrong reasons

When Wal-Mart Comes to Town: A Look at David's Response to the Arrival of Retailing's Goliath

This study examines how local retailers responded to Wal-Mart‘s arrival. The results reveal that Wal-Mart’s arrival disrupts existing retailing patterns and forces merchants to alter their competitive strategies. Small merchants tend to place greater emphasis on lower prices and increased promotional activities as a response to competitive pressure

The Future of Graduate Education: What Doth Tomorrow Bring?

Future graduate students and graduate education must accept the axiom that personal and professional growth does not exist for a specific and limited period of time. Developing a program or plan for identifying and delivering or acquiring new skills becomes the responsibility and opportunity for graduate programs, students, and alumni alike. Perhaps most importantly, this essay has suggested that graduate education adopt the philosophy of “life-long learning.” To some, both educators and the educated, such a perspective is to be avoided, as it will require continuous change. To others, change is just another word for opportunity

K-12 And Beyond: Tennessees Businesses Evaluate The States Educational System

A survey of Tennessee’s business leaders was conducted to determine their perceptions of the state’s educational system. Respondents indicated that lower grades were performing average or above, other grades and institutions must improve