Faramarz Damanpour

The Dynamics of the Adoption of Product and Process Innovations in Organizations

While many researchers have fruitfully explored the patterns of adoption of product and process innovations across industries, few have studied these same patterns within individual firms. In this study we address this issue, examining the dynamics that govern the adoption of product and process innovations at the firm level over time. We examine questions such as: Which type of innovation is more readily adopted? Does the adoption of one type of innovation lead or lag the adoption of the other type? And, would the pattern of adoption of innovation types have an effect on organizational performance? Using data on the innovations introduced between 1982 and 1993 by a sample of 101 commercial banks in the United States, we find that: (1) product innovations are adopted at a greater rate and speed than process innovations; (2) a product–process pattern of adoption is more likely than a process–product pattern; (3) the adoption of product innovations is positively associated with the adoption of process innovations; and (4) high‐performance banks adopt product and process innovations more evenly than low‐performance banks.

E‐business e‐commerce evolution: perspective and strategy

Cites survey evidence that many firms undertaking e‐commerce projects do not appraise or evaluate them in traditional ways and discusses how businesses can deal with the many perspectives involved. Illustrates the “four faces of e‐business”, lists its benefits and considers seven legal/regulatory issues which require review in this context. Identifies three critical success factors for e‐business, shows some international growth forecasts and compares three financing models for e‐services. Briefly describes how some companies deal with security on the internet, sees e‐business as “imperative” for business success and warns that, although no single strategic model fits all companies, a strategy must be developed to avoid reducing returns on investment.

Longitudinal Study of Preferences for Multinational Products

Economic national boundaries are crumbling at an accelerated rate today. International trade intensified and accelerated to a fever pitch with the advent of the trade imbalance and the balance of payments deficit. Consequently, aggressive marketing and promotional practices of many exporting firms were intensified by the countries these firms represented. This paper intended to address the consumers’ attitudinal preferences toward products of industrial nations.

North American free trade agreement with a focus on the US states’ participation and Mexico

Outlines the underlying rationale for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, Mexico and the USA; and evaluates its impact from 1987 to 2000. Examines statistics on trade between the three countries and discusses changes in trade patterns and growth rates, providing a breakdown of US exports by state and industry. Shows an improved pattern and volume of trade, considers the impact on employment and admits that assessment of NAFTA’s costs and benefits is difficult. Sees Mexico as its main beneficiary so far, but predicts that this will change in the long run.

Globalization of foreign trade zones: the case of the united states

Global business success is often measured based on the ability of multinational corporations to exports and a countrys ability to secure a zone for storage, exhibition, repackaging, manufacturing, and distribution. The U.S. government promoted global business zones via enacting an amendment to the Trade Act in the early twentieth century. The focus of attention was then turned to the economic and social impact of zones and the regulatory status of U.S. trade under tariffs, quotas, and trade barriers. This study emphasizes the quantitative decision-making models to assess the use of U.S. foreign trade zones in a global business perspective. It also evaluates the potential savings of zone usage for reexport, and the drawbacks of import bonds in connection with tariff and nontariff trade barriers.

A Marketing Approach to Banking

The decade of the 60’s is marked as the growth period for retail banking in the U.S. Europe embraced the idea in the 70’s. Marketing in the past generally meant an advertising and public relations exercise. Three recent developments in world affairs have changed bankers’ marketing perceptions: (a) the overall changes in the world financial/ social environments; (b) the changes in bank regulations; and (c) technological innovations.

Globalisation and technology: e-business, e-commerce and security issues

In recent years, international business and commerce has been experiencing dramatic changes via economic integration and globalisation. Internet has played a key role in the way companies do business, and synergism has been created between Internet technology and global business operations. This study intends to shed light on the significance and interrelationship between business and technology. It also addresses the existing barriers and security concerns.