http://hdl.handle.net/2262/25 School of Business Tue, 21 May 2013 06:52:17 GMT 2013-05-21T06:52:17Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/63901 Title: Ranking Universities Based on Performance Evaluation by a Hybrid MCDM Model Author: CHEN, I-SHUO Abstract: The aims of this study are to weight the performance evaluation indices for higher education based on the official performance evaluation structure developed by the Taiwan Assessment and Evaluation Association (TWAEA) and to rank 12 private universities listed by the Ministry of Education as a case study. We apply a hybrid multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to accomplish these objectives. Specifically, we utilize the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to accomplish the first aim, but we adopt the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method for the second aim by utilizing the AHP outcome. We also compare the official rankings of the 12 private universities with our ranking of the same universities. Our study endeavors to help universities optimize their performances with efficiency. In addition, the results of this study could provide a reference point for other universities and related educational institutions in their efforts to conduct evaluations, improve their performances and form educational policies. Description: IN_PRESS Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/63901 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/63766 Title: A Network Hierarchical Feedback System for Taiwanese Universities based on the Integration of Total Quality Management and Innovation Author: CHEN, I-SHUO Abstract: An increasing number of Taiwanese universities are improving operational performance through innovation and total quality management (TQM). In addition, the National Quality Award (NQA), which is based on TQM, is now used to evaluate quality performance in various industries in Taiwan. Thus, several models for performance measurement have been proposed in recent years. However, these models do not take into account several features germane to performance within the Taiwanese university system, such as characteristics unique to the integration of TQM and innovation, comprehensive focuses in operational performance improvement across different types of universities, and interrelations among the different variables used to measure performance. Thus, precisely measuring and improving operation performance has proven to be a difficult task. The aim of this paper is to construct a network hierarchical feedback system (NHFS) based on the integration of TQM and innovation to overcome these problems. To that end, we adopted a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to address the complex, interdependent relationships among the variables and thereby construct a relation structure among the measurement criteria for evaluation purposes. A fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) is employed to overcome the problem of dependence and feedback among each of the TQM measurement criteria. A fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (FAHP) is used to evaluate the measurement criteria for innovation performance. Lastly, a gray relational analysis (GRA) is utilized to find optimal alternatives. The value of this study comes from providing all types of universities in Taiwan the most complete evaluation system of operational performance, as well as opportunities to realize improved competitive advantages and enhanced prospects for survival. Description: IN_PRESS Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/63766 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/62082 Title: On the road to performance governance in the public domain? Author: RHODES, MARY LEE Abstract: Structured Abstract: Purpose – This article assesses how performance management in the public domain has evolved over the last several years both in terms of theory and practice in selected countries. The paper also acts as the editorial for the special issue of the journal. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on Bouckaert and Halligan (2008) as a framework for analysing performance management in the public sector, this paper reviews findings from their work (on the evolution of cases from six countries), a recent survey of seven countries from four continents, and three additional case studies at the micro, meso and macro levels of analysis. Findings – We find that the evidence for progress towards a ‘performance governance’ regime in the public domain is mixed, with little progress in countries outside the Anglo-American or Nordic examples studied by Bouckaert and Halligan. Several reasons for this are suggested from the recent survey (in this issue) including the impact of public sector values and the role of elites. However, case studies of particular sectors in countries with limited progress on performance management in general (Portugal and Ireland) suggest that significant inroads can nevertheless be made along the trajectory proposed by Bouckaert and Halligan at micro and meso-levels. Originality/value – The paper draws together evidence from various examples of performance management in the public domain to critically assess and extend existing theory and to suggest alternative trajectories on the road to performance governance. Description: PUBLISHED Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/62082 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59297 Title: Global Stock Market Interdependencies and long-term Portfolio Diversification Author: LUCEY, BRIAN MICHAEL Abstract: In this paper, we examine the scope for international stock portfolio diversification, from the viewpoint of a United States representative investor, in regard to both the Asian and the European stock markets. Our findings indicate that despite correlation style evidence to the contrary, the European stock markets provide a superior long-term diversification opportunity relative to that provided by the Asian stock markets. Hence, a short-term measurement of interdependence appears to be uninformative with respect to the diversification opportunities of investors with long-term investment horizons. In terms of methodology, we adopt common stochastic trend tests, including a common stochastic trend test which accounts for generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity effects in conjunction with the recursive estimation of these tests to estimate the development of long-term stock market interdependence linkages. Recursively estimated robust correlations between the international stock markets are utilised to reveal the nature of short-term stock market interdependence linkages. Description: PUBLISHED Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59297 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59296 Title: What Do Academics (Think) They Know About Gold? Author: LUCEY, BRIAN MICHAEL Abstract: A short paper for the LBMA trade newspaper "The Alchemist" this gives a very brief and thus easily accessible survey of some recent academic findings on gold. Description: PUBLISHED Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59296 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59295 Title: What is the Real Price of Gold and How Would We Know? Author: LUCEY, BRIAN MICHAEL Abstract: We survey, very briefly, some conceptual and empirical issues that bedevil the identification of a fundamental price for gold and consequently the identification of a real gold price. Description: PUBLISHED Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59295 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59294 Title: Ascribed Versus Achieved Social Status of CEOs and its Relationship with M&A Activities Author: LUCEY, BRIAN MICHAEL Abstract: Using a sample of CEOs of FTSE companies during a ten-year period from 2001 to 2010, we explore merger and acquisition activities from the perspective of social status theory. It investigates the influence of CEO social status on the likelihood to conduct mergers and acquisitions, distinguishing between ascribed and achieved social status. Three proxies of ascribed social status are employed based on the level of prestige of secondary schools and universities attended by the CEO. The analysis of achieved social status involves three measures based on UK Honours and Britain’s Most Admired Companies awards. The empirical results provide strong evidence of a negative relationship between CEO ascribed and achieved social status and his or her acquisitiveness. However, the influence of achieved status appears to be more consistent and significant than that of the ascribed status, indicating its dominant role in determining overall attained status. Description: PUBLISHED Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59294 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59257 Title: Owner-Used Capital Goods and the Exchange Rate Determination Author: GURDGIEV, CONSTANTIN Abstract: Present paper addresses the issue of the short and long run determination of the exchange rates in the Redux model of Obstfeld and Rogoff (1995). Current extension of the Redux model includes the investment projects that simultaneously can serve as investment allocation subject to the capital gains, as well as a regular consumption good. In contrast to the standard theoretical results, our model produces the exchange rate overshooting both in presence and in absence of price rigidities in the markets for final goods. This effect depends on the size of the owner-used capital goods expenditure relative to the total consumption expenditure, as well as the initial level of inflation at home. Depending on parameter values, and the initial conditions, the model supports possibility for exchange rate dynamics that include either overshooting or undershooting. Description: PUBLISHED Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59257 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59256 Title: Migration and EU Enlargement: The Case of Ireland V Denmark Author: GURDGIEV, CONSTANTIN Abstract: Since the EU enlargement, European migration policies were characterised by a fundamental inconsistency: faced by changes in public opinion toward migrants, the majority of the EU Member States have chosen to restrict the mobility of European citizens despite the increasing economic returns to immigration experienced in the three states (UK, Sweden and Ireland) that opted out of such restrictions. In this paper we compare the experiences with migration in Denmark and Ireland - two states that have exhibited dissimilar attitudes towards migration, and chosen different approaches to migration policy vis-à-vis the Accession States. The importance of this comparison rests on the fact that prior to the Accession, both countries exhibited some of the most liberal immigration policies in the EU. Yet, while Ireland embraced a liberal market-based approach, Denmark chose to favour humanitarian reasons for granting residency. Thus, the two countries represent similar overarching migration flows with differing selection mechanisms prior to the Accession and diametrically opposing policies following the Accession. Using a computable general equilibrium model, we show the differences in economic benefits from international migration for Denmark and Ireland. We attribute the differences in economic gains to the nature of migration flows and labour markets specifics in the two countries. We further discuss various differences between the two states in their approach to migration as potential drivers behind the economic returns to migration experienced in Ireland and Denmark. Description: PUBLISHED Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59256 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59255 Title: Project Contingent Repudiation Risk in the Model of North-South Lending Author: GURDGIEV, CONSTANTIN Abstract: The present model proposes an extension of the Gertler and Rogoff (1990) model of international lending in the presence of moral hazard and the possibility of state-contingent and project-dependent repudiation risk along the lines of Lane (1999). By linking the level of repudiation risk to the size of the project, we show that investment projects arising in the marketplace will be constrained in the size of capital by the repudiation risk, even in case of the repudiation risk applying to the bad state of nature alone. This amplifies the results shown in Lane (1999) and can be interpreted as a debt ceiling within the context of international lending. The model provides a natural connection between the exogenous monitoring institutions development, the degree of corruption and bankruptcy/limited liability laws to the ability of entrepreneurs to raise investment funding. Description: PUBLISHED Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/59255 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z