Khursheed Omer

FACTORS CONTRIBUTORY TO SUCCESS: A STUDY OF PAKISTAN'S SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Small business and entrepreneurship have been at the heart of Pakistans economy for almost 60 years, yet little (if any) research has been conducted that identifies factors crucial for small business success in Pakistan. In the past, studies identifying factors crucial for small business success have focused primarily on the United States and Western Europe. This paper presents survey results from 265 small business owners located in and around Karachi, the largest city and hub of economic activity in Pakistan. The survey was designed to identify the internal and external factors that Pakistani small businesspersons believe are critical for success.

BIFPET methodology versus PERT in project management: fuzzy probability instead of the beta distribution

Abstract Research throughout the years has centered on the use of the beta distribution to model variable activity times in the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). Justification for using a weighted average of optimistic, most likely and pessimistic times is based mostly on the beta distributions ability to handle skewness and its ease of use for computing the mean activity times. This paper presents two variations of a fuzzy probability based model for project management. The Belief in Fuzzy Probability Estimations of Time (BIFPET) model uses human judgment instead of stochastic assumptions to determine project completion titties. Following a literature review of PERT critiques, background information is provided for BIFPET. Next, a foam block production machine project is described and solved based on three estimates of time for each activity. A variation of BIFPET that uses ranges on these time estimates is presented and the case is solved for fuzzy expected completion times. The results are compared to those derived by using PERT and benefits of the BIFPET approach are detailed. The paper concludes with a description of our ongoing research initiative in the area of fuzzy probability applications to project management.

Video simulation of an audit: an experiment in experiential learning theory

This paper reports the results of a controlled field experiment carried out to apply experiential learning theory to the teaching of auditing. The weakest aspect of traditional teaching method is the absence of concrete experience. In this experiment, a series of videotapes provide students with a ‘feel’ for what actually happens in an audit. The experiment involves the first three modes of the learning cycle, and assists students into the fourth mode. The performance of students in the experimental class is found to be significantly better than the control group.

A fuzzy logic-based decision model to satisfy goals for successful product/service introduction

Abstract The Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence is applied to a multiattribute decision-making problem where the decision maker must determine which of several products/services have the best opportunity for success in a competitive marketplace. Multiattribute decisions are generally constrained by the uncertainty inherent in assessing the relative importance of each attribute element that is needed for success and the evaluation of the product/service to be introduced. The relative importance of each attribute element deemed necessary for success is assessed by the decision maker as a goal to be met. The evaluation of each product/service is addressed through expert opinion about the degree to which each element is contained in each product/service. Then the belief and plausibility that a product/service will satisfy the decision makers goal are calculated. The decision to introduce a product or service depends on the evaluation of the anticipated loss from introduction of a product/service into a competitive market.

Assessing risks due to threats to internal control in a computer-based accounting information system: a pragmatic approach based on fuzzy set theory

A rational risk assessment model, based on the reasoning of fuzzy set theory, is presented. The model would help managers assess risk exposure due to potential threats to internal control in a computer-based accounting information system. Such risk assessment is essential in making appropriate decisions about establishing new internal control policies and procedures that may be necessary to protect the integrity and security of the information system. Copyright

Degree of Multinationality and Financial Performance: A Study of U.S.-Based Multinational Corporations

This paper examines the marginal benefits that accrue to U.S.-based multinational corporations through increased international investment. Specifically, the study seeks to determine if increased degrees of multinationality produce additional benefits for multinational firms in terms of excess returns and/or reduced risk. The results indicate that during the period studied, the degree of multinationality did not have a significant influence on the risk and return performance of the sample firms. Thus, the study supports the findings of Qian (1996) and Siegel et al. (1995, 1995A) who report that the advantages enjoyed by multinational corporations may be going away.