We use a previously unexploited data set to calculate the real exchange rate with respect to the U.S. dollar for Mexico for 1930.01-1960.12, and to test for purchasing power parity (PPP). The initial results from the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test show weak support for the PPP hypothesis. The Kapetanios, Shin, and Snell test, for a unit root null with an alternative of nonlinear reversion to the mean, indicates substantial support for PPP. However, non-normality and, sometimes, heteroscedasticity are found in the test residuals. Using a wild bootstrap approach, critical values are calculated from the empirical distribution of the residuals. Reevaluating the test statistics with the new critical values, we conclude that there is evidence of nonlinear adjustment to PPP for 1930.01-1951.12 but there is no evidence that PPP held for 1952.01-1960.12, the period of import substitution in Mexico.

This study considers the changes that have occurred in the balance sheets of high-performance minority-owned banks during the period 1981–1988 and compares them to changes in the balance sheets of high-performance nonminority-owned banks. The changes are analyzed using two methodologies: decomposition analysis and a t-test of the mean differences of the balance sheet and of its component parts. The study examines changes in total assets, total liabilities, and the balance sheets as a whole, and then disaggregates the assets and liabilities to determine where the changes occurred in each group of banks. The findings show statistically significant differences in the average proportions of assets and liabilities between the two groups: minority banks held more cash than nonminority banks, fewer loans, more premises, a higher volume of other assets, more common stock and lower undivided profits. Although the wide differences in the structural changes of assets and liabilities began to narrow in 1985–1987, the analysis indicates the differences may again be increasing between the two groups.

Private banks have been quicker to adopt computerised information systems than their public sector counterparts.

The face of the healthcare industry has changed dramatically over the last few years. This study examines the literature related to Total Quality Management (TQM) and Benchmarking (BM) applications in healthcare. Recommendations for healthcare managers and administrators, as they chart operational and strategic directions for their organization, are provided. In this context, a conceptual framework which stresses the significance of viewing the healthcare organization as an open system is provided. The framework underscores the fact that TQM and BM efforts should not be viewed in isolation. Rather, these efforts should be viewed as an integral part of the operational and strategic facets of the healthcare organization.

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Although the Foreign Trade Zones Act became law in 1934, only within the last decade have firms realized their potential. Foreign merchandise enters a zone immune to tariffs, quotas, and customs procedures. Merchandise may be processed into the U.S. or exported; in fact, most goods are imported. The manufacturing sector has rather quietly been taking advantage of “inverted” or “upside-down” tariffs. This article confines itself to a descriptive analysis leading to rudimentary theory.

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A different educational model was adopted where industrial consultants acted as advisors, coaches and trainers, and universities implemented the lessons learned. They consulted in integrated product development on such issues as intellectual property, team formation, team communication, and project evaluations. The teams set up virtual companies using Internet software, ipTeamSuite, from Nexprise, Inc.

This paper discusses the global competition and its effects on U.S. manufacturing companies and consumers. In order to compete effectively in the highly competitive global market, American firms must strive to produce high-quality products at low cost and with short lead times, while providing outstanding customer service. Some leading U.S. based companies such as Boeing have recently integrated latest technological innovations (IPTeam software by Nexprise, Inc) into their product development with great success. The results of a survey and the role of Concurrent Engineering and latest technological innovations in enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the world market are also presented.

Student learning and program effectiveness is often assessed using rubrics. While much time and effort may go into their creation, it is equally important to assess how effective and efficient the rubrics actually are in terms of measuring competencies over a number of criteria. This study demonstrates the use of common factor analysis to identify the number of criteria actually measured by an analytic or listing rubric. This information can help designers revise their rubrics so that each criterion measured corresponds to one unique competency making the rubric more effective and efficient.