Mate selection has garnered much attention in the existing literature. However, most mate selection research has reviewed mate selection preferences and criteria individually. In this study, the researcher attempted to illustrate mate selection as an interactive process in which individuals are affected by external influences, and their mate selection criteria are influenced by their self-appraisals and their perceptions of others' mate selection criteria. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 was based on social exchange theory, sexual strategies theory, and social context frameworks, and used multiple-group structural equation modeling to describe the relationships among gender, receptivity to external influences on mate selection, self-perceived relative mate selection position, and relative mate selection demand, between Chinese and American never-married heterosexual adults. The results indicated that the model fit the data well. Self-perceived relative mate selection position and relative mate selection demand were negatively correlated. Women had a higher relative mate selection demand than men did. Self-perceived relative mate selection position fully mediated the effect of receptivity to external influences on relative mate selection, though the indirect effect was not significant. Path values did not differ between Chinese participants and American participants. Study 2 confirmed that the model fit the data well and replicated all significant correlations among latent variables found in Study 1. Additionally, Study 2 found that receptivity to external influences and self-perceived relative mate selection position were positively correlated, and that receptivity to external influences had a negative indirect effect on relative mate selection demand, fully mediated by relative mate selection position. Lastly, the researcher discussed findings, implications, strengths, limitations, and future directions of the present study. / Ph. D.

Published Article / The Council on Higher Education (CHE) (2004) states that graduation rates across all provider types of MBA qualifications in South Africa are not very high. Various studies have reported that, in order to address poor throughput rates, one of the important aspects that needs to be addressed, is the criteria used to select students. The purpose of this study was to identify valid predictors and measures of the academic performance of MBA students. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the significance of different competencies and aptitudes in predicting academic success. The sample consisted of 135 MBA students from a South African School of Management. The results show that certain aptitudes and competencies, namely numerical aptitude, personal motivation, verbal aptitude, and resilience, contributed statistically significant to academic success.

The growth of Islamic banking and financing as an alternative financial management model is flourishing in new regions. South Africa is one of the markets which is opening up to Islamic banking and finance as the need for financial products that comply with Shariah is increasing, among both Muslims and non-Muslims. It is, thus essential that the extent to which the true benefits of Islamic banking are being realised within the South African context are examined as it is important that this practice be properly understood by its constituents and that the perceptions of Islamic banking be well managed. The purpose of this research is to study the perceptions of Islamic banking in South Africa. More specifically, the study seeks to explore the current level of awareness of the culture of Islamic banking and the criteria that shape a consumer’s banking choice. A comparative, quantitative study between Muslim and non-Muslim chartered accountants was conducted using a structured questionnaire which contained specific questions relating to perceptions, awareness and bank selection criteria. The results of the study indicate that the majority of Muslim and non-Muslim chartered accountants have a low level of knowledge about Islamic banking terms. As expected there are differences in the perceptions of Islamic banking between Muslim and non-Muslim chartered accountants with religion emerging as the primary reason for Muslims engaging with an Islamic bank. However, non-Muslims may also be attracted to this form of banking if they were more aware of its principles and methods. As regards the issue of bank selection criteria, most of the respondents were engaged in conventional banking and the provision of fast and efficient services was clearly primary importance to both Muslim and non-Muslim chartered accountants.

A inovação deixou de ser exclusividade de algumas empresas e passou a permear grande parte delas. Estas inovações podem ser incrementais, melhorando produtos ou processos, ou radicais, rompendo paradigmas no mercado consumidor. Porém, o ato de inovar requer suporte de muitas ações. Dentre essas ações estão às gerenciais, auxiliando na identificação de evidências que apontam se a empresa está no caminho adequado ou não. Alinhado a esta lógica de melhoria contínua é que são realizadas as inovações no âmbito do Programa de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (P&D) do setor elétrico, regulado pela Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL). Este Programa foi instituído por lei e, nos seus primórdios, continha aspectos simplesmente regulatórios. Esta situação permitia que, muitas vezes, os projetos executados não agregassem valor significativo para a empresa ou à sociedade, pois não estavam direcionados para solucionar problemas ou carências existentes. Com o passar do tempo, a percepção dos elementos necessários para compor um programa regulatório se alterou, fazendo com que as empresas passassem a perceber que o P&D poderia contribuir para melhoria de seus serviços e produtos Tal mudança de visão desencadeou a necessidade das empresas desenvolverem processos capazes de captar ideias e transformá-las em soluções que estejam alinhadas aos seus interesses estratégicos. Desta forma, o presente trabalho objetiva desenvolver um conjunto de indicadores que, integrados ao Sistema de Gestão da Inovação (SGI) da CEEE, auxiliem à gestão da empresa tanto na fase de análise e seleção de ideias, quanto na fase do gerenciamento do desempenho da operação do sistema. Para concretização deste trabalho foram realizadas entrevistas, análise de documentos da empresa, revisão da literatura, assim como reuniões e testes para a validação do SGI da CEEE. De posse destes dados, estruturou-se um conjunto de critérios para auxiliar o processo de seleção de ideias, bem como um conjunto de indicadores gerenciais do sistema. Como resultados, esses indicadores permitem à empresa a padronização do seu processo de inovação, bem como uma visão sistêmica do processo como um todo. Por fim, tanto os critérios de seleção de ideias quanto os de indicadores gerenciais são detalhados. / Innovation is no longer an exclusivity of some companies and began to permeate into most of them, whether through simple incremental innovations, which often improve internal processes, or radical innovations that break paradigms and often entering the consumer market. And in this sense of continuous improvement that innovations are carried out under the scope of the Program for Research and Development, of the electric sector, regulated by the National Electric Energy Agency, established by law. The program in its beginnings contained just regulatory aspects, which resulted in executed projects that did not add significant value to the company or society, because they were not directed to solve existent problems and needs. But with the passage of time this conception of regulatory program changed, companies began to realize that the Program for Research and Development could help to improve its services and products, such a change of vision triggered the need for companies to develop processes capable of capturing ideas and turn them into solutions that are aligned with its strategic interests Thus, this study aims to develop a set of indicators that, integrated into CEEE's Innovation Management System, assist the management of the company both in the analysis phase and selection of ideas, as in the phase of management of the system operation's performance. For this work, which is of applied nature, since it follows from the desire to make more efficient or effective a specific situation, surveys were conducted through interviews, the company's document analysis, literature review, as well as validation meetings and tests. Using these data, it was structured a set of ideas selection criteria, and a set of system management indicators, structured and allocated in the dimensions: Strategy, Profitability, Implantation and Time. The application of these indicators allows the company to standardize its innovation process, as well as a systemic view of the whole process. Finally, both the criteria for selection of ideas as the management indicators are detailed.

<p>Problem: Online yacht booking market is now very competitive market. There are many</p><p>yacht online companies in the market. Therefore, it is critical for yacht online</p><p>companies to understand customers’ needs and to know what the selection</p><p>criteria are that customers use to book yacht online. As rental yacht sales agents</p><p>are mostly virtual companies, which mainly use Internet to reach target</p><p>customers and conduct most of the purchase process. Therefore, one question</p><p>that need to be researched is how important is the website for the rental yacht</p><p>sales agent when it comes to getting new customers and keeping the old ones?</p><p>Purpose:  The purpose of the study is to find out what the selection criteria which</p><p>customers use to evaluate when booking yacht online are.</p><p>Method: This study is primarily based on qualitative research by using in-depth interview</p><p>method. Customer decision making process is applied in order to suit with the</p><p>topic. The data collection came from two sources, primary and secondary data.</p><p>Conclusion: The important selection criteria for new customers are websites containing</p><p>necessary information which mentioned by the interviewees during the</p><p>interview, word of mouth of the company and services from the company and its</p><p>sale staff. These three selection criteria have huge effect on new customers in</p><p>order to book yacht online. For the experienced customers, there are two selection</p><p>criteria which are considered as the most important criteria which are services</p><p>from the company and its sale staff and website containing necessary information.</p>

Background: Traditionally defined boundaries and borders between organizations are at present being re-evaluated because of new and tougher demands. Today we can see a trend where these boundaries are being lowered or even eliminated when organizations choose to co-operate instead of compete. Purpose: In order to create an understanding for the partner selection process in the newly founded joint ventures between the companies which are building the Swedish 3G Network, the determining factors are being studied. Delimitation: The studies companies are co-operating as network operators but are at the same time competing as mobile operators. This relationship is in the literature described as co-opetition, which will not be investigated in this paper. Realization: Taking our starting point in Geringer’s task- and partner-related approach, a simple model has been created for the task. Empirical data have been collected through interviews, and have been analyzed with this model. Results: Essentially the same factors have been found determining for the companies which have committed themselves for co-operation. These factors do however tend to differ partly between the two joint ventures that have been founded. In the Europolitan Vodafone” Hi3G joint venture, compatibility between top management and culture&amp;structure seem to be the motivating factors. From a Telia - Tele2-perspective, the mutual factors seem to be financing and compatibility between top management. An important criterion has in both joint venture constellations to the access to existing real capital and infrastructure as well as having existing customers.

Problem: Online yacht booking market is now very competitive market. There are many yacht online companies in the market. Therefore, it is critical for yacht online companies to understand customers’ needs and to know what the selection criteria are that customers use to book yacht online. As rental yacht sales agents are mostly virtual companies, which mainly use Internet to reach target customers and conduct most of the purchase process. Therefore, one question that need to be researched is how important is the website for the rental yacht sales agent when it comes to getting new customers and keeping the old ones? Purpose:  The purpose of the study is to find out what the selection criteria which customers use to evaluate when booking yacht online are. Method: This study is primarily based on qualitative research by using in-depth interview method. Customer decision making process is applied in order to suit with the topic. The data collection came from two sources, primary and secondary data. Conclusion: The important selection criteria for new customers are websites containing necessary information which mentioned by the interviewees during the interview, word of mouth of the company and services from the company and its sale staff. These three selection criteria have huge effect on new customers in order to book yacht online. For the experienced customers, there are two selection criteria which are considered as the most important criteria which are services from the company and its sale staff and website containing necessary information.

Introduction – People and society are more concerned about Corporate Social Responsibility as well as the demand of outsourcing logistics services. When buyer companies select TPL providers, the selection criteria are focused on cost and on time delivery, while issues like CSR are often placed in a low priority. Purpose – The purpose of this master thesis is to analyze how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) impacts as selection criteria when buying services from Third Party Logistics (TPL) providers. Design/Methodology – The research approach of this thesis is qualitative. Both primary data and secondary data collection were used; semi-structured interviews, emails, field observation and documentation. There are seven respondents from three different companies. Findings – From buyer companies’ perspective, CSR was taken into account when buying services from TPL providers. However, it had impact on a low priority since the buyer company chose leading TPL providers that have a good reputation and image. The buyer company believes that those selected TPL providers have already implemented CSR practice. Moreover, the results show that the main driving force behind the application of CSR was the customer requirement Research limitations – This master thesis has studied in a specific Swedish company when selecting TPL providers. Moreover, this research has been studied from the buyer companies’ perspective.

Globalization, economic volatility and uncertainty have impacted global business markets. This has also had an effect on the logistics and supply chain sector. The third party logistics (3PL) industry is constantly changing due to global industry consolidation, technology integration, industry specialization, and industry alliance networks. The most significant changes have been in areas such as 3PL industry size and make-up, services offered, geographical reach, and the information technology (IT) support provided. Companies can survive in a highly competitive environment by creating competitive advantage. Literature presents three different strategies for creating competitive advantage. These are cost leadership, differentiation and focus. Furthermore, innovations and collaboration between companies can also be strategies for creating competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to analyse from the retailers’ perspective, how 3PL providers could meet the customers’ needs better and create competitive advantage in the 3PL market. Furthermore, the purpose of the research is to find out which are, according to the customers’ needs, the best directions that 3PL providers should follow. This research contains both inductive and deductive research approach elements. The empirical data is collected through a survey and interviews. In total 45 retailers took part in the survey. Moreover, five of the survey respondents were selected for additional interviews. The collected data have been analysed by using theories and previous studies in the literature. The main findings from analysing the empirical data and the existing theory are that in order for 3PL providers to create competitive advantage, they should focus on the three elements: selection criteria, incentives and barriers. These influence their relationship with the retailers. 3PL providers should also try to enhance the service quality and satisfaction level in the fields of transportation, warehousing and reverse logistics activities. Most importantly, 3PL providers should provide logistics services and solutions that are in the same level with the retailers’ objectives. Furthermore, 3PL providers can also improve their efficiency and become more competitive by having deeper co-operation with other logistics providers.

The purposes of this study were to understand the opinions of English teachers in junior high school in Kaohsiung City on the selection criteria and the influence factors for English textbooks, and to offer a few concrete suggestions for the improvement of junior high schools textbook selection according to the results. The research adopted questionnaire survey method. The questionnaire was designed and distributed to 400 English teachers from 45 junior high schools in Kaohsiung City as the subjects. As a result, 305 were valid responded corresponding with a 76% of return rate. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffe method were conducted for data analysis and finally come to the following results: 1. The teachers generally agree to the importance of the textbook selection criteria, in which they emphasize the most on ¡§context-related properties,¡¨ and the less on ¡§physical properties.¡¨ 2. On the whole, the teachers agree to the influence factors on textbook selection, and the ¡§internal factors¡¨ have more influence than the ¡§external factors.¡¨ 3. English teachers are the main participants in selecting English textbooks in junior high school, and the final results are determined in the meeting of textbook selection. 4. There are significant different opinions on the importance of the textbook selection criteria due to the ¡§school sizes,¡¨ ¡§genders,¡¨ ¡§years of teaching experience,¡¨ and the ¡§experiences of textbook selection.¡¨ 5. There are significant different opinions on the influence factors on textbook selection because of the ¡§locations of school,¡¨ ¡§educational qualifications,¡¨ ¡§years of teaching experience,¡¨ and the ¡§experiences of textbook selection.¡¨ Based on the results of the study, some suggestions are proposed to the educational authorities, schools, teachers and publishers, as well as future studies.