The Financial Setting for FDI Inflows into The Czech Republic and Slovakia

This study examines the relationship between foreign direct investment in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and such potentially explanatory factors as trade flows, measures of economic and financial stability, and country risk. The authors find that as the Czech and Slovak Republics progress toward market economies, some policy points to consider include: transparency of markets, economic systems, social and political organizations; an increase in commerce and investment, which makes reversals of reforms less likely and the condition of financial factors that contribute to increased investment

The Effect of Self-selection on Student Satisfaction and Performance in Online Classes

This paper examines student performance, satisfaction, and retention of information in online classes as a function of student choice as to the format of instruction. Student outcomes are studied for two groups enrolled in online classes: those who were allowed to choose between an online and a ground-based format and who chose the online format voluntarily; and those who were obliged to take classes in the online format without being afforded the opportunity to choose

Research Notes ~ The Effect of Self-selection on Student Satisfaction and Performance in Online Classes

This paper examines student performance, satisfaction, and retention of information in online classes as a function of student choice as to the format of instruction. Student outcomes are studied for two groups enrolled in online classes: those who were allowed to choose between an online and a ground-based format and who chose the online format voluntarily; and those who were obliged to take classes in the online format without being afforded the opportunity to choose

The Phillips Curve and the Federal Reserve: Were the 1999-2000 Interest Rate Hikes Really Necessary?

A critical issue for monetary policy and corporate planning is whether the disappearance of the negative relationship between inflation rates and unemployment rates since 1992 has continued and is permanent. In 1999, the Fed believed that the Phillips Curve was reasserting itself when it increased interest rates. In analysis of data through April 2001, the Phillips Curve has not re-emerged, indicating that the Fed still has some room to use monetary policy to stimulate the economy, without triggering inflation - for the time being

Cultural Differences and Their Effects on Knowledge Assets and U.S. MNCs\u27 Firm Value: A Three-Model Approach

This study examines the effect of cultural differences (CD) between U.S. multinational companies (MNCs) and their foreign subsidiaries on the firm value of the U.S. parent companies. Three different valuation models are used to test for consistency in the findings: (1) Tobin\u27s Q, (2) Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), and (3) Market Value Added (MVA). The analysis using Tobin\u27s Q found an inverse relationship between CD and firm value. In contrast, the DCF and MVA models indicated a direct relationship. Our findings suggest that CD has a relationship with the U.S. parent company\u27s firm value, but leave open the question of direction. The analysis reveals that risks or rewards can result from the exchange of knowledge and other intangible assets, and points to DCF as the optimal model for assessing the effects of cultural distance on firm value