Abstract

This study examines the awareness of industrial designers and consumers to ethical issues related to product design. It also explores the impact ethics has on consumer behaviour and the design process. Two separate questionnaires were conducted with consumers and industrial designers from the United Kingdom. An interview was also conducted with Dr. Monika Hestad, an expert in the interaction between branding and product design.

The results of the study indicate that those engaged in the practice of industrial design are more aware of ethical issues than consumers and interpret ethical issues in a more favourable manner. It also highlights that people have biases towards brands and that the biggest criteria to overlooking ethical issues is the product price. It was also found that industrial designers believe that ethics are important consideration in the design process for which they feel a responsibility to uphold and educate others.

This paper discusses ethical responsibility throughout the product lifecycle and suggests methods in which designers can act more ethically and the scope they have to make a positive impact in a world where ethics are becoming increasingly adopted by companies as a core value.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to generate innovative strategies that would assist in leading four generations who are currently part of the workforce in the United States. This study builds on the previous research of Marie Legault (2002). Examination of Legault's recommendations for future research included a potential shift in leadership styles, enhancement of competency skills, and how to manage difficulties encountered by persons in leadership roles when significant challenges were ignored. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, and the lived experiences of participants, in two focus groups, this study explored the styles of leadership and competencies that would strengthen the capacity of diverse leaders to lead multigenerational organizations that encounter unique challenges. Significant results from this study support modification of leadership methods and consistent practice of relational soft skills that are critical in the ability to lead multiple generations in modern work environments. Recommendations from this study identify leadership styles and competencies that would enhance the abilities of diverse leaders to demonstrate leadership that is relevant for the multiple generational workforce of the new millennium.

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the determinants of profitability performance of selected insurance companies in Ethiopia. The researchers used only secondary data type from selected insurance companies, viz., National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) and Ministry of Finance and Economic cooperation (MoFEC). Ten independent variables, viz., i.e. leverage, growth opportunities, business risk, size of the firm, tangibility of assets, liquidity, age of the firm, management efficiency, inflation and GDP, and one dependent variable (return on asset) were used in this study. To see the relationship between dependent and independent variables under the study, explanatory research design was used. To select sample units for the study purposive sampling method was employed. Descriptive, correlation and multiple regression analysis were employed for analysis of collected balanced panel data. The result of the study shows that growth, age, business risk, GDP, inflation and management efficiency are the most vital determinant factors of profitability. GDP, firm growth, inflation and management efficiency has significant and negative relationship with profitability, and age and business risk has significant and positive impact on profitability. Though, liquidity, size, tangibility and leverage have no significant relationship with profitability.

Abstract

The present study deals with the liberalized and globalised Indian economy, which results into a competitive environment. In the ever changing environment with a highly competitive market economy, the human resources provide an edge to an organization. This paper studies organizational commitment of managerial employees working in Indian textile industry. For the purpose of the research, 227 participants were randomly selected. Organizational commitment was measured by Likert scale. Results revealed that all levels of employees perceive Human Resource (HR) practices and Organizational commitment at the same level. Results show that organizational commitment of employees is affected by four HR practices, training development, compensation, reward and recognition, and welfare activities. The results showed that for the development of any strategy it is necessary to find out its impact on the organizational commitment of the employees.

Abstract

Often, investors, especially retail investors are confused about the relevance of technical analysis in equity analysis. The usefulness of the concept has been debated, deliberated and censured by several scholars. The fundamental analysts have shunned the theory stating that technical analysis is similar to astrology. Some of the studies conducted by the scholars from universities like Stanford, Oxford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology during 1960's have shown that technical analysis tools are not effective in generating consistent trading signals. Despite all these eruptions, the concept of technical analysis is becoming popular amongst traders and investors. The proposed study attempts to contribute to the ongoing discussions about the relevance of technical analysis in detecting trading signals in stock markets. The study would have an enormous practical impact on investors and brokers and the way they approach the market. The study also tests the scientific orientation behind the technical indicators and some of the strong deliberations happening around the concept.