A Bayesian approach to statistical inference in stochastic DEA

Stochastic DEA can deal effectively with noise in the non-parametric measurement of efficiency but unfortunately formal statistical inference on efficiency measures in not possible. In this paper, we provide a Bayesian approach to the problem organized around simulation techniques that allow for finite-sample inferences on efficiency scores. The new methods are applied to efficiency analysis of the Greek banking system for the period 1993–1999. The results show that the majority of the Greek banks operate close to best market practices.     

Strategic Investment Decision Processes and Organizational Performance: An Empirical Examination

The central question that this paper aims to answer is whether there is a relationship between organizational performance and the characteristics of strategic investment decision (SID) processes. To do so, it adopts an empirically derived nine-dimensional framework for classifying SID processes and employs a set of objective and perceptual measures of performance. The empirical results stemming from the process-performance relationship, suggest that higher performance is strongly related to more rational decision-making processes (DMPs); more financial reporting activities; broader participation both in terms of departments and in terms of hierarchical levels. Furthermore, our data suggest that long-term performance appears to be more strongly related to SID processes than short-term performance and the ‘structural’ characteristics of the DMPs (i.e. rationality, financial reporting) are mainly related to long-term objective performance, while such ‘behavioural’ characteristics of the DMPs, as problem-solving dissension, reveal some interesting associations with short-term performance. In light of these findings, implications for theory and future research are advanced     

The Contribution of Formal Planning Systems to Strategic Investment Decisions1

This paper aims to investigate linkages between formal planning systems (FPSs) and characteristics of the processes followed in making strategic investment decisions (SIDs). The empirical testing was based on a sample of 70 SIDs drawn from 38 industrial enterprises operating in Greece. Primary data on FPSs and SIDs were provided by key participants in the decision-making process, using a combination of structured interviews and questionnaire completion. Contrary to the argument raised by several academics that much decision making takes place outside FPSs, the findings of this paper support the view that at least for decisions of a clearly strategic nature this may not be valid. Results consistently show that strong associations exist between characteristics of SID processes and dimensions of FPSs. More specifically: The degree of rationality-comprehensiveness as well as degree of financial reporting in the process of making SIDs is positively associated with FPSs. Particularly strong is the association between the existence of a set of formalized rules guiding the process of strategic decision making and FPSs. Furthermore, the association between both hierarchical decentralization and lateral communication in advancing SIDs and FPSs appears to be fairly strong. Finally, results failed to support any statistical significant relationship between duration timing of SID processes and dimensions of FPSs.     

Stress,Coping, and Mood Among Latino Adolescents: A Daily Diary Study

The current study examines whether daily coping moderates the effects of daily stress on same‐day mood and next‐day mood among 58 Latino adolescents (M_age = 13.31; 53% male). The daily diary design capitalized on repeated measurements, boosting power to detect effects and allowing for a robust understanding of the day‐to‐day experiences of Latino adolescents. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that on days when youth reported higher levels of peer and academic stress, they also reported more negative moods. However, only poverty‐related stress predicted mood the following day. Engagement coping buffered the effect of poverty‐related stress on next‐day negative and positive mood, while disengagement exacerbated the effects of academic and peer stress. The need for interventions promoting balanced coping repertoires is discussed.     

Positional satisfaction and state welfare

Fred Hirsch's book. The Social Limits of Growth (1977) has proved enormously fruitful in provoking and structuring debate about the relationship between economic development and individual satisfaction in advanced democracies. In this paper, we attempt to review the approach of the book, to explain why it is so influential and to test one aspect of the argument.     

Mental Health Among Mexican-Origin Immigrant Families: The Roles of Cumulative Sociodemographic Risk and Immigrant-Related Stress

The current study examined the unique effects of cumulative sociodemographic risk and immigrant-related stress on mental health symptoms among Mexican-origin immigrant parents and their school-age children. Further, this study tested whether the effects of cumulative sociodemographic risk and immigrant-related stress on child mental health were mediated by parent mental health. Participants included 104 Mexican-origin immigrant families. Families in the study had a child between the ages of 6 and 10 (M_age = 8.39; 61% female). Data were collected across three time points spaced 6 months apart. Immigrant-related stress was found to predict parent mental health, which in turn predicted child mental health. Cumulative sociodemographic risk did not predict parent or child mental health. Mental health symptoms generally decreased over time, but for children, change in mental health symptoms depended on parent mental health symptoms. Given the high levels of mental health symptoms among Mexican-origin parents and children, reducing a context of stress and promoting mental health interventions for Mexican-origin immigrants is critical.     

Multivariate Pareto Distributions: Inference and Financial Applications

Univariate Pareto distributions are extensively studied. In this article, we propose a Bayesian inference methodology in the context of multivariate Pareto distributions of the second kind (Mardia's type). Computational techniques organized around Gibbs sampling with data augmentation are proposed to implement Bayesian inference in practice. The new methods are shown to work well in artificial examples involving a trivariate distribution, and to an empirical application involving daily exchange rate data for four major currencies.     

Measuring the Performance of Acquisitions: An Empirical Investigation Using Multiple Criteria

The performance of corporate acquisitions is a popular research topic. Researchers have employed various criteria in their attempt to evaluate acquisition performance. This paper replicates and extends a previous study by investigating the comparability of the three most widely used measures of acquisition performance, namely accounting‐based measures, cumulative abnormal returns and managers' subjective assessments, in a non‐Anglo Saxon setting. Empirical testing is based on a sample of 50 domestic acquisitions carried out by Greek firms. Overall, results from the three measures indicate failure rates from 50% to 60%. However, the most impressive finding stems from the comparison (correlation analysis) of the alternative measures. Accounting‐based measures are positively correlated to managers' subjective assessments. Contrarily, cumulative abnormal returns are not correlated to either accounting‐based measures or managers' subjective assessments. This lack of statistically significant relationships between the performance criteria may provide a plausible basis for explaining some of the contradictory results often reported in the mergers and acquisitions literature. In light of these findings, we discuss their implications for both theory and practice and suggest ideas for future research.     

How Much do CEOs and Top Managers Matter in Strategic Decision‐Making?

This research note explores the influence of both CEO and top-management team (TMT) characteristics on the process of making strategic decisions (SDs). Empirical testing is based on a sample of 70 SDs in industrial enterprises operating in Greece, using a combination of interviews, questionnaires and archival data. The results suggest that (a) the characteristics of both the TMT and the CEO influenced the strategic decision-making process, but the former had more influence, (b) the TMT and CEO influenced different dimensions of the process, and (c) the broader context of SDs is more influential than either the CEO or the TMT. Among the most important factors was the TMT's 'aggressiveness' (commitment to beating the competition, attitude to innovation, willingness to take risks). The results lend support to the 'upper echelons' perspective, but suggest that in studying strategic decision-making processes both CEO and TMT characteristics should be considered, in conjunction with the broader context. Such an approach should provide a more reliable view of strategic processes and their evolving dynamics.