Zafar U. Khan

Measuring the quality of university computer labs using SERVQUAL: A longitudinal study

The appropriateness of using SERVQUAL for measuring service quality for a wide range of services has been debated since the model was first presented by Parasuraman. Zeithaml. and Berry in 1985. While the protagonists of SERVQUAL have argued in favor of the original model and have modified it to make it more consistent, other researchers have questioned its usefulness and validity, particularly across a wide and diverse range of services. Notwithstanding the debate, however, over the years SERVQUAL has been used to measure service quality in many different services. This article presents an application of SERVQUAL to measure levels or dimensions of service provided by computer labs at a southwest state university. Consistent with the literature, factor analysis identified three dimensions: staff, services, and professionalism. More important, a longitudinal application of the SERVQUAL survey in 1999 and 2001 showed remarkable consistency.

Transfer pricing in Europe 1992

Abstract The formation of a unified Europe has profound implications on the corporate policies of firms located within and outside the European Community [EC]. This article examines the role of transfer pricing as a strategic tool for meeting the challenges of Europe 92. The three basic approaches to transfer pricing are compared in light of the demands imposed by Europe 92. Because negotiation provides a degree of flexibility that translates into a strategic advantage in the ever-changing market of Europe 92, an increase in the importance of negotiation for setting transfer prices is predicted.

A note on comparison of nonlinear least squares algorithms

The nonlinear least squares problem is a special case of the unconstrained minimization problem. While a large number of new algorithms have been developed in recent years, both for general unconstrained minimization and the least squares case, comparative studies are limited. Further, there has been practically a revolution in algorithm testing and comparison methodology. Recent advances include a more comprehensive performance criteria, use of large numbers of randomly generated test problems, and application of sophisticated statistical techniques for experiment design and data evaluation.These developments have made questionable the findings of the few earlier comparative studies of least squares algorithms. This creates a necessity of a comparative study employing current methodology that evaluates the specialized least squares algorithms along with a few general algorithms for unconstrained minimization.

The Effects of Cues and Information on Student Performance and Retention

The study investigated the differential effect of positive reinforcement (cues) on retention or memory for factual versus applied information. Subjects were administered a multiple choice test that required processing of both kinds of information. The performance on the test (Time 1) was compared with performance on the same test administered after seven weeks (Time 2). The results indicate that performance was significantly higher for Time 1 and on questions for which positive reinforcement (cues) were provided. There was no significant difference in the performance for factual versus applied information. The subjects did significantly better on applied information when cues were provided, but did significantly better on factual information when no cues were provided.