Mannheim, Universität, Thesis (doctoral), 2001/2002.

Thesis (doctoral)--Hochschule St. Gallen für Wirtschafts-, Rechts- und Sozialwissenschaften, 1997.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität St. Gallen, 2003.

Zugl.: Flensburg, Univ., Diss., 2009

Thesis (doctoral)--Europa Universität Viadrina, Frankfurt/Oder, 2001.

Zugl.: Berlin, Humboldt-Univ., Diss., 2009

Zugl.: Heidelberg, Universiẗat, Diss., 2009.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had a tremendous impact on international trade policy. The USA was the first country to introduce cargo security and facilitation measures as a counteraction. The EU and international organizations also established new security programs in order to better secure cargo movements across borders. This thesis gives an overview of security initiatives introduced by international organizations, the EU and the USA, with an emphasis on the trade facilitation programs Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and a comparison of them. The process towards mutual recognition of these programs is then described. Three case studies put the topic under the microscope: The perception as well as actual benefits and disadvantages from economic actors' points of view are presented and implementation and operational processes in companies are demonstrated. The case studies include port authorities, carriers and logistics providers. Finally, the author reflects on his findings. (author's abstract) / Series: Schriftenreihe des Instituts für Transportwirtschaft und Logistik - Logistik

Based on data of US-listed companies a relationship between potential indicators and company performance is to be found. To determine which variables are included in the final model, a selection process ("from general to specific") is started using the Akaike Information Criterion. A panel data analysis with fixed effect models yields the coefficients using ordinary least squares techniques. In addition, a specification test is conducted to decide whether a random effect or fixed effect model is used. Finally a binary logit model is introduced in order to predict whether each measure of firm performance will beat the average value for the firms in the market. In order to conduct statistical analysis financial data of 9,854 companies for the time period from 1986 to 2004 is obtained from the Compustat (S&P) database and hereof 1,672 audited companies are kept in the sample. Summarizing, the results indicate that companies with a low book-to-market ratio, an efficient working capital management, a small portion of liquidity, more equity and less debt, and high retained earnings for reinvesting purposes will have a better profitability performance measured by the return on investment. Further on companies with an unqualified auditor's opinion, less equity and more debt, few assets, and no retained earnings will have a better cash flow performance measured by cash dividends. Finally, companies with a low book-to-market ratio, efficient working capital, more equity and less debt, negative stock rating, few assets, high EBIT margin and high profitability will have a better market performance measured by the stock price. The results indicate that there exists a relationship between company performance and financial indicators as it was assumed in the hypothesis. Although some effects seem contrary and unreasonable (compared to previous studies) at least some of the indicators are explaining a company's performance quite well. (author's abstract)

Afghanistan steht vor einem Wendepunkt. Die Lage beim Abzug der NATO/ISAF-Truppen gibt wenig Anlass zum Optimismus. Zwar wurden gewisse Fortschritte bei der Entwicklung des Landes erreicht, insgesamt ist die Lage jedoch hinsichtlich Sicherheit, politischem System und Wirtschaft beunruhigend. Afghanistan gehört nach wie vor zu den ärmsten Ländern der Erde und ein anhaltender Frieden ist nicht in Sicht. Im Gegenteil: Die Mehrheit der Afghanen fürchtet die Zukunft.