Using paired tests of high and low minimum investment group funds on several performance measures for hedge funds and funds-of-funds from 1991-2005, we find that funds imposing a higher entry fee requirement on their investors produce significantly better performance both on a raw basis and a risk-adjusted basis. Differences in the performance of the high and low entry fee funds are found to be less significant economically and statistically in later years, suggesting a diminishing gap in performance differences. We also find that there is considerably more cross-sectional dispersion in investing in funds with lower minimum investment levels, which indicates a much higher level of fund selection risk for undiversified investors desiring investment in funds with low entry fee barriers. / Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-21 23:57:11.475

This study examined a model of the antecedents and outcomes of mentor commitment to workplace mentoring relationships. The proposed model was based on the investment model of commitment. A total of 180 pairs of mentors and their protégés completed surveys that assessed model constructs. Results indicated that mentor relationship satisfaction and investment size predict mentor commitment, whereas mentor quality of alternatives and perceptions of managerial support for mentoring do not predict mentor commitment. Additionally, mentor commitment is associated with information exchange behaviors engaged in by mentors and protégés. These findings suggest that commitment plays an important role in mentoring relationships, and the investment model provides a useful framework for future research on this topic.

One of the most conspicuous features of mergers is that they come in waves that are correlated with increases in share prices and price/earnings ratios. We use a natural way to discriminate between pure stock market influences on firm decisions and other influences by examining merger patterns for both listed and unlisted firms. If "real" changes in the economy drive merger waves, as some neoclassical theories of mergers predict, both listed and unlisted firms should experience waves. We find significant differences between listed and unlisted firms as predicted by behavioral theories of merger waves. (author's abstract)

The role of logistics has, over the last decade, evolved into a significant determinant in the operations of businesses. Increased efficiency and reduced operational costs can be established through a well-operated transportation system. Due to societies increased awareness for environmental issues, the logistics industry has been affected, which has led to a demand for development. Therefore, the concept of green logistics has become more common in the transportation industry. However, in South Africa this concept is lessestablished and there is a need to investigate managerial perceptions further. This research investigates green logistics, as perceived by managers in the transportation industry in South Africa. This thesis aims to study green logistics activities in South Africa at large transportation companies. The authors explore the current green logistic activities at the transportationcompanies, the managerial perceptions regarding green logistics, and their views of incentives and barriers to its implementation. The literature review presents the major theories and concepts included in green logistics. This section will present the reader with a deeper knowledge of sustainability, the triple bottom line, green logistics, and strategic environmental environment. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used in this study. Six companies were interviewed and one South African logistical researcher. Secondary data was also used to get a deeper understanding of green logistics in South Africa. Interviews were held at the headquarters of the transportation companies, which were all resided in Johannesburg. Three international companies, three domestic companies (all with global operations), and one logistics researcher were interviewed. This gave the authors well-rounded empirical findings. The results from the interviews were divided into three categories: responsibility, green logistics activities, and managerial perceptions. The analysis provided many incentives and barriers of green logistics in South Africa, as well as a deeper understanding of the managerial perceptions. The study shows that green logistics is currently implemented, to a certain extent in South Africa. However, the paper identifies areas were it can be improved upon. The authors can conclude that the economical factor is a driving force within the triple bottom when implementing green logistics. Another interesting factor described in the conclusion is the importance of communicating green initiatives internally and externally. Conclusively, further recommendations regarding green logistic practices in South Africa are acknowledged.

Different stakeholders are now showing a higher interest in organisations’ social responsibility than ever before, creating an increased pressure on organisations' sustainability performance. Various researchers (e.g. Emerson, 2003; Lingane & Olsen, 2004) stress that in order to meet this pressure and to achieve a true sustainable development, organisations need to fully incorporate social values through social accounting. Although numerous organisations report on their social impacts (Hahn & Kühnen, 2013), it is often said that small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are lagging behind in terms of sustainability performance (Cassells & Lewis, 2011). A few studies have addressed this by investigating difficulties for social enterprises to conduct social accounting but a research gap is evident regarding practical implications for SMEs in the for-profit sector. Through an embedded case study design of a sustainability network of for-profit SMEs on Gotland, we sought to explain SME managers perception of difficulties and benefits associated with social accounting, and how such attitudes relate to their sustainability practices. Through a triangulation design, surveys and qualitative interviews were applied to determine the relationship between attitudes and actions. A theoretical framework by Thomas and Lamm (2012), based on Ajzen’s (2005) theory of planned behaviour and Suchman’s (1995) typology of legitimacies was used for analysis. The SME managers were found to have a neutral attitude towards social accounting and they all engaged in practical actions rather than social impact measurement or social reporting. Thus, the results reflect consistency between attitudes towards social accounting and actions, i.e. the intention to perform social accounting. The SME managers perceived the difficulties of social accounting to outweigh the benefits of it, and were insecure about their abilities to perform social accounting. The findings of this study could confirm previously found implications of social accounting and further found that the SME managers expected additional difficulties for companies in the service sector and for those without employees.

Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) analysis and financial ratios are all managerial accounting and financial accounting tools that can help managers to make informative business decisions within their organisations. In addition, certain strategic tools such as Porters five forces, SWOT analysis, identifying of core principles, the compilation of the vision and mission statement will empower the small to medium business to be successful as an entrepreneurial venture. The problem arises in many small to medium business (SMEs), that once growth occurs and important decisions needs to be made, which may include relocation of the business and buying of capital equipment. The owners of these ventures struggle to make informative decisions. The general objective of this research is to apply financial and managerial accounting principles as well as strategy principles to a small business called Envirocare Laboratories. The aim of this research is to empower the small business owner with these tools to ensure success in future ventures. Literature on financial, managerial and strategic principles advises that the objectives, measurements and targets should be aligned with the SMEs long-term goals and performance. An empirical study done with the owner of the SME called Envirocare, has indicated serious shortcomings in terms of understanding how long-term goals are defined and the objectives achieved. The most important conclusion includes that certain capital expenditure projects have been viable, that the SME has been adding value to the economy and that the current strategy needs to be revised to include long-term goal planning. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) analysis and financial ratios are all managerial accounting and financial accounting tools that can help managers to make informative business decisions within their organisations. In addition, certain strategic tools such as Porters five forces, SWOT analysis, identifying of core principles, the compilation of the vision and mission statement will empower the small to medium business to be successful as an entrepreneurial venture. The problem arises in many small to medium business (SMEs), that once growth occurs and important decisions needs to be made, which may include relocation of the business and buying of capital equipment. The owners of these ventures struggle to make informative decisions. The general objective of this research is to apply financial and managerial accounting principles as well as strategy principles to a small business called Envirocare Laboratories. The aim of this research is to empower the small business owner with these tools to ensure success in future ventures. Literature on financial, managerial and strategic principles advises that the objectives, measurements and targets should be aligned with the SMEs long-term goals and performance. An empirical study done with the owner of the SME called Envirocare, has indicated serious shortcomings in terms of understanding how long-term goals are defined and the objectives achieved. The most important conclusion includes that certain capital expenditure projects have been viable, that the SME has been adding value to the economy and that the current strategy needs to be revised to include long-term goal planning. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Sammanslutningar bildas för att minska transaktionskostnaderna på marknaden, i förhoppning om ökad produktivitet. Företagets uppgift är att generera ökad vinst och aktieägarvärde, men separationen av ägandet och kontrollen ger upphov till avvikande egenintressen inom företaget. Ersättning till VD:n och ledande befattningshavare blir ett instrument för att koordinera gemensamma långsiktiga intressen med aktieägarna. Slutligen skall styrelsen och ersättningsutskottet utforma en ersättningsstruktur som gynnar företagets aktieägare och som fastställts oberoende av VD:s personliga inflytande. / The object of establishing associations is to lower market transactioncosts and to gain in productivity. The aim of the corporation is to generate profit and enhance shareholder value, but the separation of ownership and control can create diverge self interests within the corporation. Compensation to the CEO and senior management is an instrument to coordinate long term interests with the shareholders of the corporation. Finally, the board of directors and remuneration committe should design a CEO compensation structure that benefits the shareholders of the corporation, independently determined from CEO’s personal influence.

Purpose: Currently little research exists regarding the attitudes of managers towards using social media for innovation processes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence managerial attitudes and their willingness to use social media as a tool for generating innovations. Design/methodology/approach: Based on existing literature within the technology acceptance field, a research model has been created. A deductive and quantitative research approach has been employed in order to test the hypotheses on 137 managers from international companies who use social media within their innovation processes. Findings: The results of the linear regression show that three out of six hypotheses could be accepted. Perceived usefulness and subjective norms have an impact on the managers' attitude towards social media in innovation processes. Moreover, the findings reveal that the attitude towards using social media in innovation processes influences the managerial behavior intention. Research limitations/theoretical implications: The research model of this study contributes to the already existing literature. It aims at explaining the managerial attitude towards social media integration into innovation processes, being based on the extended technology acceptance model (TAM2). Research limitations concern the model's application in different contexts for other technologies, the lack of balance of female and male respondents and the concentration on specific industries in which user-driven innovation is highly important. Future research is encouraged to take these factors into consideration. Practical implications: Companies should support their employees’ and managers’ confidence in using social media for innovation processes by reinforcing the managerial perception of social media's usefulness. Managers and employees should be encouraged by external parties to use social media for example by attending workshops and advanced training courses or visiting conferences in order to appreciate its acceptability. Originality/value: The study presents a new research model that investigates managerial attitudes towards social media integration into innovation processes based on the extended Technology Acceptance Model. The association of managerial attitudes, social media, innovation and TAM2 is novel within this field of research.

Business schools have been under scrutiny over the last few years with regard to the type of manager leaders that they produce. This is because the business sector has suffered significantly, both financially and in terms of global reputation due to the unethical conduct of those in management and leadership of the organisations. The scandals that rocked the world in recent times, from business entities such as Enron and Tiger Brands provide examples of the unethical behaviour in the day–to–day running of business and further bring forth the essential need for an in–depth study in the behaviour of the manager–leaders. These manager–leaders are said to be graduates from business schools around the world. Researchers and business schools have started to put emphasis on the importance of ethical behaviour in manager–leaders. Business schools in particular have introduced and included business law and ethics as one of the modules in the curriculum of the MBA program so as to inculcate the ethical conduct in the present and emerging manager–leaders in organisations. Therefore, this study is based on the evaluation of the ethical behaviour of the MBA students at a selected business school in South Africa. The subjects of this study (MBA students) were subjected to questionnaires that prompted their convictions with regard to ethical behaviour at personal (individual) level and on company level as well. The results of the study indicated that the MBA students at this selected business school are ethical in behaviour at both individual and company levels, hence complied with principles that are guidelines in the renowned King reports. However, a comparative study with other business schools will be necessary so as to measure the relative ethical behaviour of the MBA students at other business schools. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.