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Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to present the three critical changes needed to reform the US health care system -- these changes will drive cascades of other beneficial changes. These three changes include the use of transparent market prices, alignment of incentives and systematic assessment and ratings of quality. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper used an analysis based on the literature on the comparison between non-market and market systems. The current US health care system is similar to the Soviet economic system, and the paper proposes moving it gradually to where it can respond to market-based signals. Findings -- The US health care system needs to adopt transparent and real pricing, independent quality assessment of health provider organizations and portable electronic patient records. These changes will lead to continuing cascades of innovation and improvement. Research limitations/implications -- The recommended changes will be opposed by vested interest groups, and so will be easier with regulatory guidance and encouragement. It would also be useful to protect against "regulatory capture" by interested parties during the change process. Practical implications -- Health care in the USA will gradually become better and cheaper. Health organizations will become more transparent. Regulators would have to set up and supervise private quality ratings agencies. Social implications -- Social implications of this paper include greater labor mobility and higher productivity, as well as increased competitiveness of the USA. Originality/value -- In spite of numerous writings on the subject, this issue has not been analyzed in this way. This paper is unique in the way in which it layouts the process of movement to a market-based system for the US health care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze product recalls and product-harm crises in the US toy industry, which is a major area in marketing and firms' competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach -- By using longitudinal data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the paper uses content analysis to compare and contrast toy recalls, product hazards and country of origin issues of 721 toy recalls in the US market between 1974 and 2008, covering 270 million recalled toys. Findings -- Findings of this work reveal that most of the recalled toys were manufactured in China, although a wide variety of toy brands were designed in the USA. Major hazards of toy recalls included choking, lead poisoning, aspiration, fire/burn and other injuries. Research limitations/implications -- The study relied on the CPSC's data that seemed representative of the toy industry in the US market, but missed other markets of Europe and Asia. Also, there was availability of detailed data in sub-categories of the toy industry. Practical implications -- The paper provides useful academic and managerial implications that can help us understand the issues of product recalls and product-harm crises. Social implications -- Toys are one of the most widely available products in the world; the industry is a $50 billion industry and has transformed itself from a small-scale business sector into a well-established industry. Originality/value -- This investigation is particularly important in the areas of firm-specific competitiveness, business ethics and regulatory and societal issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze product recalls and product-harm crises in the US toy industry, which is a major area in marketing and firms' competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach – By using longitudinal data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the paper uses content analysis to compare and contrast toy recalls, product hazards and country of origin issues of 721 toy recalls in the US market between 1974 and 2008, covering 270 million recalled toys. Findings – Findings of this work reveal that most of the recalled toys were manufactured in China, although a wide variety of toy brands were designed in the USA. Major hazards of toy recalls included choking, lead poisoning, aspiration, fire/burn and other injuries. Research limitations/implications – The study relied on the CPSC's data that seemed representative of the toy industry in the US market, but missed other markets of Europe and Asia. Also, there was availability of detailed data in sub-categories of the toy industry. Practical implications – The paper provides useful academic and managerial implications that can help us understand the issues of product recalls and product-harm crises. Social implications – Toys are one of the most widely available products in the world; the industry is a $50 billion industry and has transformed itself from a small-scale business sector into a well-established industry. Originality/value – This investigation is particularly important in the areas of firm-specific competitiveness, business ethics and regulatory and societal issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to survey the growth of solar energy worldwide, analyze US-China trade dispute in the solar industry, and evaluate the merits of US trade tariffs. Design/methodology/approach – The study surveyed archival data, publications by international organizations, government agencies, industry groups, and some academic research papers. Findings – Global demand for solar energy has been rising steadily and is projected to generate growing source of electric power. There is worldwide consensus that public support for solar industry in the development stages is necessary. The US Government provides generous support programs and subsidies to US solar industry. Accordingly, US punitive tariffs against China's solar industry on grounds of government subsidies are of questionable merit. Originality/value – This paper presents a concise profile of global solar energy and evaluates US trade policy toward China. The findings can be of value to government officials as they consider trade policies and their impact on the future of solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and explain competition between buyers and sellers within the same supply chain network. It suggests that supply chain can be best described as an opportunistic coalition between the powerful and ambitious ones. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses the arguments and counter-arguments on outsourcing and also supply chain management as presented in the academic literature. Then it analyses some of the prevailing practices in supply chain, and uses concepts of power, team and opportunistic alliance to suggest that supply chain could best be described as an opportunistic alliance. Findings – Buyers and suppliers are always engaged in power struggles, even though they may be cooperating to run the supply chain smoothly. The degree of one party's success in such a struggle is determined by the extent of the others' dependence on it. The dependence is reliant on one's control over the process of defining, designing and producing the goods and services required to fulfil the needs of the end customers. Research limitations/implications – While success in the market is equally important, this paper elaborates on the supply chain issue only. Practical implications – The article is useful for managers, making "make-or buy" decisions and entering into (supply chain) alliances. Similarly, students engaged in analysis and understanding of issues pertaining to supply chain management and strategy can find this article useful. Originality/value – Competition within supply chain has been a missing link in the discussions of the supply chain strategy. The paper has conceptualized and elaborated this very important issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine recent trends in R&D offshoring by US multinational enterprises (MNEs) against a well-established conceptual framework derived from transaction cost and internalization theories, as well as challenges to it. Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops and tests a parsimonious model of cross-country variation in R&D performed by affiliates of MNEs based on a 31-country, 15-year dataset of US non-bank majority-owned foreign affiliates (MOFAs). Findings – Consistent with the implications of transaction cost and internalization frameworks, the findings show that the location of R&D offshoring is significantly determined by ownership of physical assets by MNEs in the host country and host country technological capability. Practical implications – R&D offshoring can enhance the quality and the quantity of knowledge flows between home country and host country R&D centers. The resulting positive knowledge spill-over effects can increase the welfare and productivity of an MNE and its home country in the long run. Originality/value – The paper provides a comprehensive explanation for MNEs' R&D offshoring based on transaction costs, internalization framework and technological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an instrument to measure the dimensionality of Indian expatriate adjustment. Design/methodology/approach – In an effort to measure the dimensionality of Indian expatriate adjustment in the USA, Black's instrument was used in this paper. Findings – The factor analysis gave a different factor structure from that proposed by Black. Expatriate scores did not merge into three dimensions of expatriates' adjustment; rather they merged into two dimensions. Unlike Black's study, interaction with host nationals was not found to be a separate dimension. A possible explanation is that linguistic skills and the presence of Indian diaspora support Indian expatriates during their interactions with Americans. Research limitations/implications – The exploratory character of this study with its small convenience sample of Indian expatriates makes the findings tentative. Practical implications – The paper is a useful source of information for students planning to make a career in international business and practitioners already engaged in international business activities. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified information need and offers help in expatriate adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an instrument to measure the dimensionality of Indian expatriate adjustment. Design/methodology/approach – In an effort to measure the dimensionality of Indian expatriate adjustment in the USA, Black's instrument was used in this paper. Findings – The factor analysis gave a different factor structure from that proposed by Black. Expatriate scores did not merge into three dimensions of expatriates' adjustment; rather they merged into two dimensions. Unlike Black's study, interaction with host nationals was not found to be a separate dimension. A possible explanation is that linguistic skills and the presence of Indian diaspora support Indian expatriates during their interactions with Americans. Research limitations/implications – The exploratory character of this study with its small convenience sample of Indian expatriates makes the findings tentative. Practical implications – The paper is a useful source of information for students planning to make a career in international business and practitioners already engaged in international business activities. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified information need and offers help in expatriate adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between the magnitude of job offshoring and organizational contingencies, including total number of employees, multinationality, business diversification, and relevancy of business activities. Design/methodology/approach -- Previous studies on job offshoring were restricted in descriptive and prescriptive understanding of the phenomena. Utilizing secondary data, this paper provides empirical findings on the magnitude of job offshoring from an organizational contingency perspective. Findings -- The results indicate that larger and multinational firms tend to offshore a larger number of jobs, and less diversified firms tend to offshore a higher ratio of jobs. Also, firms that offshore their core business activities are more likely to move a higher ratio of jobs to offshore destinations. Research limitations/implications -- This paper reveals some of the key organizational factors that account for the magnitude of job offshoring within American firms. Practical implications -- The findings offer insights in what the government, the society, the workforce need to prepare for future changes and the globalization of business. Originality/value -- The paper offers empirical explanations of the magnitude of job offshoring. Various governmental, private, and international institutions may rely on the findings in making political, commercial, and social policies and decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to review and categorize the different strategies Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs have adopted towards incorporating environmental sustainability into business administration. Design/methodology/approach -- Through extensive internet research looking at colleges and universities, data are collected from primary source web sites and administrative school contacts. There are 35 institutions whose MBA programs address sustainability in some way. Each of these institutions is then organized by location, tuition cost, enrollment, year founded, accreditation, and curriculum. Findings -- Green educational strategies differentiate themselves by the size and maturity of the program. Larger, established institutions typically opt for the green major, or a dual degree, and tend to leave systematic integration of sustainability to the individual student. Newer and smaller entrants tend to either dabble in green with a few sustainability courses, or completely embrace and systemically integrate sustainability throughout the program. Research limitations/implications -- The sample focuses on US institutions and treats sustainability as an externally validated curricular choice when it may merely be an educational fad. The sample excludes potential green MBA programs that lack a strong internet presence. Practical implications -- Four archetypes are identified: dual degree, all-green, green major, and green coursework. Institutions can analyze their performances and see where they fall on the two major continua -- integration and maturity/size. Originality/value -- Green MBA programs are relatively new on the academic landscape, and this research paper is one of the first to systematically analyze and categorize them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to identify the issues in the US-Canada trade dispute over lumber trade, to analyze the US and Canada's claims and positions in this dispute, and make projections of future possibilities regarding this dispute. Design/methodology/approach -- The research method is to review published studies dealing with this dispute and gather public and private data pertaining to issues involved in this dispute. Findings -- The paper finds that the US lumber industry's claims of unfair trade by Canada's lumber industry are not supported. Canada is in compliance with World Trade Organization policies and North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)'s agreement. US antidumping and countervailing tariffs on imported Canadian lumber violate NAFTA's rules. Past and current resolutions to this dispute are temporary. Originality/value -- This paper explores the real reasons behind the dispute and evaluates the merits of the interim solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- Most debates concerning outsourcing offshore in recent years have been politically oriented and based on casual observations. The purpose of this paper is to provide a clear economic understanding of the subject and to present offshoring in the context of globalization and in a more integrated world economy. Design/methodology/approach -- This paper is designed in a coherent way to provide the reader with an overview, scope, benefits, and costs of outsourcing offshore and suggest some appropriate policies to navigate in a globally interdependent and competitive environment. Findings -- Outsourcing offshore is largely irreversible and the USA or other countries must invest heavily in ways to boost domestic workers' productivity and to manage workers' transitions to more competitive employment. This paper also provides evidence that, in the long run, outsourcing offshore is beneficial for the economy as a whole. Originality/value -- This paper delineates that outsourcing offshore is consistent with the theory of comparative advantage and value maximizing objectives of firms. It also provides insights for politicians and casual observers about critical aspects of outsourcing offshore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to offer a succinct description of the Vioxx recall in 2004 and discuss the fundamental reasons why Merck got into this trouble. Design/methodology/approach -- A review of literature has been conducted 'to provide key facts about the Vioxx disaster and to shed light on the operations of its maker Merck. The Vioxx recall case is analyzed from a perspective including both company profits and public interest. Findings -- Merck aggressively marketed an unsafe drug, under the brand name Vioxx, without properly disclosing its serious side effects to consumers. After the facts were revealed, the company faced costly lawsuits, angry investors and falling profits. This case clearly shows holy a disaster can occur when a company becomes greedy and seeks undeserved profits at the expense of ethics and social responsibility. Practical implications -- Building a successful and competitive business requires managers to make decisions that balance profit and social responsibility. When business managers run their business solely for profit, problems will almost certainly occur. Such problems can cause severe damage not only to the company's customers but also to the company itself. Originality/value -- Vioxx is one of the biggest marketing mistakes in recent business history. This paper provides valuable learning insights and should be useful to corporate executives, government regulators and business scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper describes the proactive culture of support that has been effective in the regional development of a semi-rural area. Design/methodology/approach Information used in this paper came predominately from participative case studies accompanied with formal and informal discussions with principals, including members of associated economic development groups. Oral responses and observations were supported by plans, reports, pro-formas and financial statements that were available as the cases developed. Findings - Two streams of businesses contribute to development. One stream is the businesses started by local entrepreneurs. The other stream comes from individuals who relocate their businesses in particular semi-rural areas. A pro-active culture of support contributes to success in both streams. This culture is affected by the county's center for economic operations, which is described in the paper. Examples of firms from these streams are given along with services provided to them by entities in the county. Research limitations/implications Although, the procedure generally is accepted as providing adequate attention to validity, reliability, and triangulation concerns, one is always careful about accepting generality of case studies. Practical implications - The desirability of having firms locate in a specific area is a pervasive consideration in economic development. Results here indicate that location of industrial businesses in semi-rural areas comes from two streams that can be managed strategically by economic development professionals. Originality/value - The idea of a pass along approach to regional development is fundamental to the management of resources. It should be of particular value to professionals involved in these activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper's purpose is to investigate the claim that capital taxes imposed by a subnational government reduce the economic competitiveness of the geographic area in which these taxes are imposed. Design/methodology/approach A two-region, four-good, three-factor computational general equilibrium model of the USA is constructed. Simulations are performed to represent US state governments replacing wage taxes with capital taxes. Findings Household utilities rose when wage taxes were replaced by capital taxes, contradicting the conventional wisdom that capital taxes are harmful to a region's residents. Research limitations/implications--As with all computational economic models, there are simplifications in this paper's model that abstract from reality and may limit the applicability of model results to the real world. Practical implications Subnational governments need not shy away from capital taxes when funding government programs. Originality/value This paper contributes to the investigation of subnational tax incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper seeks to investigate the fast-growing problem of counterfeit prescription drugs and the steps being taken by both the private and public sectors to counteract it. Design/methodology/approach The author documents both the size and scope of the counterfeit pharmaceutical problem in the USA. The paper also looks at the steps being taken by pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers, as well as legal efforts being undertaken by federal and state governments, to counteract the growing concerns over fake medicines being introduced into the pharmaceutical supply chain, Findings The paper builds the business case for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to be employed to track pharmaceuticals in the supply chain and counter the growing threat of counterfeit drugs. Research limitations/implications The principal limitation of this research is that it is being conducted on both a rapidly evolving problem (counterfeit pharmaceuticals) and the use of a rapidly developing technology (RFID) to counteract it. Thus, in time, the parameters of both the counterfeit drug problem and the technological solutions to it may shift dramatically. Practical implications The paper demonstrates that RFID provides the only effective method of providing "track and trace" electronic pedigrees for prescription drugs. Originality/vaine The paper is a valuable overview of the problems associated with the vulnerability of the pharmaceutical supply chain in the USA and the potential cost-effective, life-saving use of RFID to better secure prescription drugs, both in transit and in inventory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the high rates of economic growth of the US economy and the remarkable acceleration of productivity growth since the mid-1990s which is widely attributed to the modern information and communication technologies (ICTs). Design/methodology/approach After identifying three key factors for Solow's productivity puzzle and examining ICTs as a general purpose technology, three main channels of ICTs' impact in the economy are discussed: the first transmission channel is direct and consists of the effects generated by rapid technical progress within the ICT-capital goods producing sector. The second one is due to the increasing accumulation and application of ICT goods and services in the user sectors. ICTs' positive spillover effects comprise the third transmission channel, i.e. they lead to "disembodied" increases in efficiency in the sense of "learning by doing" in the end-user sector. Findings - The diffusion of ICTs requires investment in all industries, i.e. the improvement of competitiveness on the macro level is strongly linked to investment activities and skill qualifications on the micro level. Research limitations/implications The paper concludes with some comparisons between the US and the German economy where the acute need for infrastructure investment in East Germany in the 1990s limited the possibilities for investment in ICTs exactly at a time of high-technological dynamism at the start of an upswing of a new Kondratieff cycle. Although some comparisons with the EU are made the impact of ICTs in other countries except the USA and Germany is not discussed more intensively. Practical implications A very useful source of information for graduate students and policy makers alike on the theoretical and empirical impact of new technologies on economic development. Originality/value - This paper fulfils an information need for comparing growth in international perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to determine if consumers in two countries (Israel and the USA), which have experienced violence in the retail environment, would perceive risk in shopping on the internet and if so, to what extent. If there were perceptions of risk for shopping online, this paper wanted to report what differences there might be between Israeli and US consumers. Design/methodology/approach -- Surveys were distributed to 641 US consumers and to 50 Israeli consumers with a few modifications for differences in terms. The respondents ranged in age from 14 to 86. These surveys were distributed throughout the New York City tri-state area and in Israel in a convenience sample using a snowball approach. The surveys were collected by the researchers and returned for analysis. Findings -- Women in the USA do consider buying online when concerned with physical safety, while Israeli women were very specific in their consideration of the type of site. For them, international sites like eBay were considered to be a safer alternative when the country was on a high-security alert. Significantly more men are concerned about the possibilities of identity theft and financial fraud online than women while women think positively about buying online when concerned about physical. Research limitations/implications -- In future research, it would be interesting to follow this focus of social norms for a preference for group social interaction and social norms for independent or individualization and the speed with which e-commerce is infused within the culture versus using the internet to gather information or to communicate via e-mail or blogs. Practical implications -- Consumers seem to want to reduce their overall perceived risk and evaluate what actions will lead to a lower total perceived risk. There are good reasons for a store to have both an online presence and a storefront. Stores with a physical presence that are known to the shoppers are more likely to be considered as safe for shopping online. Originality/value -- This is one of the first papers to contrast consumers from a country which has had years of experience with violence in the retail environment with the consumer experiences and perceptions in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to evaluate recent corporate failures and their effect on financial statements, as well as the measures being taken to rebuild trust in corporate America. Design/methodology/approach -- Looks at how corporate governance in the USA is undergoing comprehensive reforms, particularly the significant Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Findings -- Measures to rebuild trust in corporate America are being implemented. Originality/value -- The paper is of value by showing how the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is by far is the most important legislative act governing business in the beginning of the twenty-first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boeing Co. has been the world's leading producer of large commercial airplanes for several decades. However, in the late 1990s, Europe-based Airbus Industries competed with Boeing aggressively and captured almost fifty percent of the over-100-seat airplane market. This paper examines the battle between Boeing and Airbus, including a concise report on Air/nix' launch of its A380 superjumbo project. The paper also contains the authors' recommendations to Boeing and the U. S. government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to reflect on some policy possibilities and outcomes for three countries of interest suggested in Porter's The Competitive Advantage of Nations. Design/methodology/approach -- This research was both exploratory and qualitative in nature and utilized an in-depth case study approach of three major international economies reflecting previous observations in The Competitive Advantage of Nations. Personal contemporaneous observations of individuals in the countries of interest were complemented by current secondary information. The three countries selected for analysis, South Korea, Sweden and the USA, reflected different stages of development at the time The Competitive Advantage of Nations was published and certainly different progress since then. Findings -- The Competitive Advantage of Nations advocated new, constructive and actionable roles for government and business. These observations can now be tested after a reasonable time of development. In terms of development, Korea would appear to be the star of the group; Sweden has made strong progress in comparison with other members of the European Union. Although there are areas of strength, the USA recently has lost much of the edge it had at the time of the Advantage's publication. Research limitations/implications -- Because this research was built on case studies, one has the reservations common with that approach. On the other hand, case studies are acknowledged as useful in the identification of important variables in situations in which there is little control over events in a real-world context. Practical implications -- Countries must go their own way and find their own paths to success. In some ways, directions are suggested by Schumpeter (1942/1975) and in others, by Porter (1990/1996). Chance appears to have played a role in development in each instance, but government, seen as a fifth determinant possibility by Porter, heavily affected outcomes in each instance. Originality/value -- Although relying heavily on Porter, results add insight into the development of economies over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper Seeks to show that information acquired by owners of small firms from certain sources helps the firms to be competitive. Design/methodology/approach -- Data for this study were collected by mail from small business owners in three rural counties in West Texas. Findings -- Knowledge acquired by owners of small firms from colleagues, salespeople, trade publication family members, seminars, and social contacts is significantly associated with perceived competitiveness. Only three of these sources -- colleagues, family members and seminars, have a positive effect on perceived competitiveness. The results suggest the importance of tacit and explicit knowledge for decision making and provide a framework for knowledge acquisition in small firms. Research limitations/implications -- The data for this study were collected from a few rural counties in Texas, more research is required to enhance the generalization of the findings of this study. Future research is to extend this study should examine specific knowledge components associated with marketing effectiveness that are acquired from seminars; family members, and colleagues by small business owners. Practical implications -- The practical implications for this study include the need for small business owners to increase their knowledge acquisition efforts especially from sources such as colleagues, family members and seminars if they want to be competitive. I Originality/value -- This study clearly extends the understanding regarding the importance of tacit knowledge as a source of a firm's competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to reveal perceptions of news organization bias among people who use the internet. Design/methodology/approach -- Data for this study were drawn from the Pew Research Center June 2005 News Interest Index. Respondents were asked if news organizations were politically biased in their reporting. Another question asked respondents if news organizations had a liberal or conservative bias. The final question asked respondents to judge news organization bias on political and social issues. Findings -- In two of the three perceptions of internet user/non-user ratings of ideological bias in news organizations, internet news users surveyed rate news organizations as more biased than non-users. However, when asked to ascertain either liberal or conservative bias in news organizations, non-internet news users were more likely to claim that news organizations were biased. Research limitations/implications -- More valid measures of the dimension of liberal and conservative bias could help in analyzing the effect of this particular variable on the use of the internet for news. Also, there is the possibility of some confusion in identifying internet news sources. Practical implications -- Advertising revenue of traditional media could decline as news use shifts to internet sources, and customers of the traditional US news networks would continue to migrate to the internet. Originality/value -- As this new media technology has the potential to reach new markets throughout the world, consumers who perceive that traditional news media are ideologically biased may favor the new medium over more traditional sources of news. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U.S. hospitals are increasingly facing decisions regarding whether, when and how to participate in networks of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can replace paper-based medical records, improve the quality of patient care and decrease medical errors. EHRs also support product innovations such as e-visits and online prescribing. Such a significant innovation will alter the competitive standing of many hospitals, some favorably and others unfavorably. Hospitals with dynamic capabilities, absorptive capacity and organizational designs that facilitate innovation will fair best. Hospitals can also utilize several strategies to increase their odds of improving their competitive positions as the industry adopts EHR networks. Examples include strategies involving new products, early entry into an EHR network, promotion of organizational learning, and management of social impacts of workflow changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. textile industry has gone through much upheaval in the past two decades. As protective barriers are gradually phased out the industry is faced with stiff foreign competition. Regional trade pacts, such as NAFTA and CBI, on the other hand help to improve the competitiveness of the domestic textile industry. This paper looks at the trends in U.S. textile trade with the various trading zones and the various factors influencing textile imports and exports. We examine the impact of the new global environment, the regional trade pacts, NAFTA and CBI on the changing nature and pattern of trade. The overall trends indicate a significant decline in imports from the EU countries, Asia remains significant, but NAFTA and CBI countries are quickly gaining ground over the old trading partners. The OECD remains the most significant destination for U.S. textile exports followed by NAFTA and Latin American countries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The goal of this paper is to evaluate the strategic priorities for small and medium-size U.S. firms in post WTO China. Within this context the objectives are several fold including: The impact of the World Trade Organization as an agent of globalization, problems of market entry, risk assessment, and the priorities of internal firm reorganization. The analysis shows that smaller firms can succeed. But it is exceptionally difficult to do business in China for smaller firms. It is also true that larger manufacturing firms will do better. Other issues examined in relation to risk assessment include financing, corruption, legal guidelines, and cultural concerns. This research methodology is based on a continuing series of on-site structured interviews with key influencers in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Singapore from 1988 to the summer of 2002 including a recent 18 month research leave in the Far East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the relationships between national culture and strategic behavior in the banking industry in Jordan and U.S. The study first developed a strategic posture and secondly a cultural profile for the top management of the research domain. The strategic posture suggested the readiness for strategic response from managers. The degree of readiness was correlated with the constructed cultural profile of the managers and financial performance of the banks. The study found significant relationships between certain national cultural strategic characteristics, (risk propensity, time orientation, and openness to change, uncertainty avoidance and managerial perception of control over the environment) strategic behavior and financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Business environments in the last decade have changed dramatically in the United States. Competition from companies with established world-class techniques has placed heavy pressure on companies not quite as prepared for new realities. In the last ten years, leading companies with traditionally high market shares and profits have found themselves in a panic, implementing radical changes and new ways of doing things in order to survive in an environment where seemingly only the leanest, and most responsive, survive.This paper provides an analysis of how a medium-sized company has reacted to a changing marketplace in order to remain competitive. Problems faced by this company in the last ten years are typical of the problems many firms in the US have faced: (1) competition in a global market, trends toward automated, high-volume production and standardization, (2) rapid technology changes and their effect on human resources, and (3) advances in quality expectations. The most noticeable achievement by this company has been made possible by the technology exchange with its new parent company. The successful implementation of key automated manufacturing lines in high-volume markets has set the pace for what the future business climate will demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]