Albert Kagan

A Two-Stage Analysis of the Effectiveness of Promotion Programs for U.S. Apples

Export promotion programs are intended to help U.S. exporters enter, maintain, and expand foreign markets, but little is known of their success in achieving each of these goals. In this paper we attempt to determine the effectiveness of export promotion in increasing both U.S. market share and total import consumption using apple imports by Singapore and the United Kingdom as case studies. Estimates of a two-stage Linear Expenditure System (LES)/Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model show that promotion increases consumption of apples in both the United Kingdom and Singapore, but increases U.S. market share only in the United Kingdom. The results suggest that free-riding on U.S. promotion can be significant. Copyright 1997, Oxford University Press.

Online banking applications and community bank performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of online banking intensity on the financial performance of community banks.Design/methodology/approach – This study estimates online banking intensity and bank performance indices using a combination of primary and secondary data. Online banking intensity is specified as a latent construct and estimated using web feature data collected from bank websites. An empirical profit function of a nonstandard Fourier flexible form is estimated using banks financial data to derive a theoretically consistent performance measure. The actual impact of online banking on performance is measured by regressing the profit efficiency index against a number of correlates including online banking intensity measure.Findings – Study results indicate that the increasing use of internet as an additional channel of marketing banking services has significantly improved the financial performance of community banks.Practical implications – These results show that online b...

Management tradeoffs in anti-virus strategies

This study evaluates current management and security practices with respect to computer virus infestations in business computer systems. Given the rise in macro viruses within recent years many business firms have adopted either a restrictive or proactive management approach to the problem. It is unclear whether there is a significant difference between the approaches in terms of user satisfaction and future virus outbreaks. The lack of consistent computer backup procedures tends to exacerbate a virus outbreak. The cost structure used to address virus management tends to escalate depending on the severity of a virus episode.

A Modeling Approach to Evaluating Strategic Uses of Information Technology

Abstract:Traditional static benefit-cost methods were useful when evaluating transaction processing systems. Strategic benefits are more difficult to evaluate, since they involve dynamic interactions between customers, suppliers, and rivals. In an attempt to gain a competitive advantage, there is a strong incentive to be the first implementor of new technology. However, information technology (IT) costs decline over time, so there is an incentive to delay implementation. A model is developed that enables managers to evaluate this trade-off and choose the best implementation time. The model emphasizes competition between large firms in a regional (or national) market, interacting with firms in a local market. The model is illustrated with an application to the banking industry. It compares the implementation times of larger regional banks vis-a-vis smaller local banks, and shows how the banks might use technology to respond to various changes in the banking industry.

MARKETING ORDER SUSPENSIONS AND FRESH LEMON RETAIL-FOB MARGINS

In August 1994, the Secretary of Agriculture announced the termination of the marketing order and the associated flow-to-market, or prorate, controls for fresh California and Arizona (CA/AZ) lemons. Lemon growers and handlers have expressed concern over the impact of this decision on retail-FOB margins. This study presents an econometric model of fresh lemon marketing margins that tests for the presence of buyer and seller market power during previous periods of marketing order suspension. The results show that buyer and, to a lesser extent, seller market power cause retail-FOB margins to widen during periods of prorate suspension.

OO-CASE tools: an evaluation of Rose

Abstract Object-oriented software development utilizes new design methodologies. These methodologies can be supported by computer-aided software engineering tools, such as Rational Rose. A survey of software developers identifies the demand for various features, and reveals strengths and need for improvements in Rational Rose. Overall, respondents indicated that Rational Rose provides strong support for OO design, but could additional support for teamwork, prototyping, and improvements in ease of use.

A structural equation evaluation of CASE tools attributes

A latent variable approach to the evaluation of CASE tools is used to assess user needs and applications. Responses are consistent with the taxonomy of upper and lower CASE tools. Results indicate the importance of analysis and prototyping features. Some existing tools are rated significantly higher than others in terms of these features. The study also reveals a link between organizational size and the demand for upper and lower CASE tool features. Smaller organizations use CASE tools in the design stage and rely on teamwork and collaboration facilities. Larger firms focus on lower CASE facilities such as prototyping to build completed systems.

Community Banks and Internet Commerce

ABSTRACT This study examines the factors affecting a community banks decision to develop Internet-based applications using survey data from representative community banks and secondary data regarding the financial institutions financial performance data (Call Reports). The results from a logistic regression show that there is a significant size effect in developing web and Internet commerce applications. Other factors determining Internet commerce activities include IT costs, use of PC-banking options, and the perceived competition in the local commercial loan markets.

Factors Influencing Changes In Potato And Potato Substitute Demand

Despite the rapid rise in complex carbohydrate consumption over the last twenty-five years, fresh potato consumption has fallen by over 50%. Fresh potato growers and retailers alike need to know whether these changes reflect consumer responses to changing relative prices or incomes, or whether they are due to changes in consumer tastes. This paper uses a linear approximation almost ideal demand system (LA/AIDS) to investigate the effect of relative prices, expenditures, and a set of socioeconomic variables on complex carbohydrate demand. Estimation results show that the socioeconomic variables explain some of the changes in demand, but a significant amount remains as evidence of a change in consumer tastes.

A comparative evaluation of CASE tools

Abstract CASE tools are complex software products offering many different features. Systems professionals evaluated various CASE products from a feature and attribute basis. Each product has a different mix of strengths and weaknesses as perceived by the end user. Specific CASE tools support different steps of the applications development process as well as varying methodologies. The complexity of software development, diversity of tools and features leads to several questions. What CASE features are being used by systems developers? What areas of CASE tolls need improvement? Are some CASE tools or product attributes considered to be better than others?