The link between HR practices, psychological contract fulfillment, and organizational performance:the case of the Greek services sector

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of human resource (HR) practices on organizational performance through the mediating role of psychological contract (expressed by the influence of employer on employee promises fulfillment through employee attitudes). The study is based on a national sample of 78 organizations from the public and private services sector in Greece, including education, health, and banking, and on data obtained from 348 employees. The statistical method employed is structural equation modeling, via LISREL and bootstrapping estimation. The findings of the study suggest that employee incentives, performance appraisal, and employee promotion are three major HR practices that must be extensively employed. Furthermore, the study suggests that the organization must primarily keep its promises about a pleasant and safe working environment, respectful treatment, and feedback for performance, in order for employees to largely keep their own promises about showing loyalty to the organization, maintaining high levels of attendance, and upholding company reputation. Additionally, the study argues that the employee attitudes of motivation, satisfaction, and commitment constitute the nested epicenter mediating construct in both the HR practices–performance and employer–employee promise fulfillment relationships, resulting in superior organizational performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Congestion pricing by priority auction

This paper analyzes a communication network facing users with a continuous distribution of delay cost per unit time. Priority queueing is often used as a way to provide differential services for users with different delay sensitivities. Delay is a key dimension of network service quality, so priority is a valuable resource which is limited and should to be optimally allocated. We investigate the allocation of priority in queues via a simple bidding mechanism. In our mechanism, arriving users can decide not to enter the network at all or submit an announced delay sensitive value. User entering the network obtains priority over all users who make lower bids, and is charged by a payment function which is designed following an exclusion compensation principle. The payment function is proved to be incentive compatible, so the equilibrium bidding behavior leads to the implementation of "cµ-rule". Social warfare or revenue maximizing by appropriately setting the reserve payment is also analyzed.

Delegation of pricing authority to the sales force:an agency-theoretic perspective of its determinants and impact on performance

In industrial selling situations, the questions of what factors drive pricing authority delegation to salespeople and under what conditions price delegation is beneficial for the firm are often asked. To advance knowledge in this area, we (1) develop and empirically test a framework of important drivers of price delegation based on agency-theoretic research and (2) investigate the impact of price delegation on firm performance, taking into account agency theory variables as potential moderators. The study is based on data from a sample of 181 companies from the industrial machinery and electrical engineering industry in Germany. The results indicate that the degree of pricing delegation increases as information asymmetry between the salesperson and sales manager increases and as it becomes more difficult to monitor salespeople's efforts. Conversely, risk-aversion of salespeople is negatively related to the degree of price delegation. Furthermore, we find a positive effect of price delegation on firm performance, which is amplified when market-related uncertainty is high and when salespeople possess better customer-related information than their managers. Hence, our results clearly show that rigid, “one price fits all” policies are inappropriate in many B2B market situations. Instead, sales managers should grant their salespeople sufficient leeway to adapt prices to changing customer requirements and market conditions, especially in firms that operate in highly uncertain selling environments.

The cost of sin:the effect of social norms on audit pricing

In this paper we provide evidence for the effects of social norms on audit pricing by studying companies belonging to the alcohol, firearms, gambling, military, nuclear power, and tobacco industries,which are often described as “sin” companies. We hypothesize that the disparities between “sin” firms operations and prevailing social norms create an adverse context which heightens the client's business risk assessment by auditors and is, thereby, reflected in the pricing decisions for audit and consulting services. Having controlled for the impact of variables relating to client attributes, auditor attributes and engagement attributes, we demonstrate that audit firms charge significantly higher audit and consulting fees to companies that deviate from prevailing social norms. Additionally,we show that audit pricing levels within the “sin” group depend both on prevailing political views and on the level of “vice” exhibited by “sin” companies.

An empirical investigation of audit pricing in the public sector:the case of Greek LGOs

This paper investigates the associations between audit pricing and multidimensional characteristics of local governments by using a sample of Greek municipalities. The Greek institutional setting is interesting because it is politically pluralistic. Moreover, independent auditors appointed through a bid process exclusively perform the audits. Our results suggest a considerable variation on audit fees which is mainly driven by politically related factors indicating the importance of relevant theoretical anticipations in audit pricing in the public sector. Agency costs appear strong enough to explain audit pricing. We also confirm prior findings on the significance of audit complexity and size. Results also suggest that audit fees are reduced when an internal team dedicated to accrual accounting is appointed. Therefore, our conclusions offer practical implications for policy setters and regulators in the public sector in relation to audit quality.

Analysis of the procedures associated with the decision to sub-contract work

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Integrated information systems for a contract based company

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Casebook on contract law

Jill Poole's bestselling Casebook on Contract Law provides students with a comprehensive selection of case law which addresses all aspects of the subject encountered on undergraduate courses. Extracts have been chosen from a wide range of historical and contemporary cases to illustrate the reasoning processes of the courts and to show how legal principles are developed. The cases can be analysed and discussed independently while, taken as a whole, the chapters provide a sound understanding of the modern law of contract. Key features: * An introductory chapter provides valuable guidance on how to use a casebook to help you develop the essential skill of reading and analysing cases * Cases are accompanied by succinct author commentary designed to highlight the key elements of each case * The two colour text design distinguishes case extracts from author commentary ensuring the book is easy to use and navigate through The casebook is fully supported by an Online Resource Centre, which provides: * Exercises and guidance on reading cases * Self-test questions and answers * Guidance on how to answer problem-style questions * Updates

Casebook on contract law

Jill Poole's best-selling Casebook on Contract Law provides a clear and well-structured explanation of the principles and rules of contract law through a comprehensive selection of case law, addressing all aspects encountered on undergraduate courses. The coverage in this new edition has been revised to incorporate all recent significant decisions and judgments made by the House of Lords and the Court of Appeal. Extracts have been chosen from a wide range of historical and contemporary cases to illustrate the reasoning processes of the court and how legal principles are developed, thus enabling cases to be analysed and discussed independently while, taken as a whole, the chapters provide a sound understanding of the modern law of contract. Succinct author commentary focuses the reader on the key elements within the extracts, while thought-provoking questions are posed throughout to develop a more in-depth appreciation of the subject. Online resource centre Student resources - Updates - Guidance on answering problem-style questions - Exercises and guidance on reading cases - Self test questions and answers - 'Ask the author' section

Textbook on contract law

Jill Poole's immensely popular Textbook on Contract Law has been guiding students through contract law for many years. The accessible writing style and focus on key principles and developments in contract law make this text a favourite with students and lecturers alike. The author places the law of contract clearly within its wider context before proceeding to provide detailed yet accessible treatment of all the key areas encountered when studying contract law. Key features: · Key points, illustrative examples and questions encourage a deeper understanding of the central facts and issues · Each chapter begins with a summary of key issues, providing an overview of key themes and points of law, and concludes with suggestions for further reading, guiding you towards the most relevant texts and articles · An attractive page design highlights headings, case summaries, case extracts and a variety of learning features, making navigation through the text easy Fully supported by an Online Resource Centre, which provides: Student Resources Regular updates on new legislation, cases, and other important developments Guidance on answering questions in contract law Self-test questions and answers linked with Casebook on Contract Law Lecturer Resources A test bank of 300 multiple choice questions with answers and feedback

Textbook on contract law

This tenth edition of the established Textbook on Contract Law by Jill Poole provides a wide-ranging and straightforward exposition of contract law. The text opens with an overview of the main issues surrounding contract law, which places the subject in its wider context, then goes on to give a clear explanation of all the major areas of contract law encountered on undergraduate courses. Features of the book include chapter summaries to draw key themes and issues together; examples and questions to encourage a deeper understanding of the often complex points of law; and extensive further reading lists of both texts and articles to guide students towards the most relevant and up-to-date resources available. Online resource centre Lecturer resources - Testbank of multiple choice questions Student resources - Guidance on answering problem-style questions in contract law - Self test questions and answers - Student questions - Updates - 'Ask the Author' section

Chain-store pricing and the structure of retail markets

This paper examines competition between chain-stores and independent retailers in the UK retail opticians' market. We demonstrate that the pricing policy adopted by chain-stores can determine the impact their entry has on independent retailers. Crucially, in this market the chain-store retailers set an identical national price across all local markets. Our results suggest that this pricing strategy lessens the detrimental effect competition from chain-stores has on independent retailers. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Contract law concentrate:law revision and study guide

Contract Law Concentrate is a high quality revision guide which covers the main topics found on undergraduate courses. The clear, succinct coverage of key legal points within a specific topic area, including key cases, enables students to quickly grasp the fundamental principles of Contract law. Written by Jill Poole, an experienced teacher and examiner and author of Textbook on Contract Law and Casebook on Contract law. The book focuses on the needs of students to pass their exams with a number of pedagogical features which help with the preparation for exams and suggest ways to improve marks. Endorsed by students and lecturers for level of coverage, accuracy and exam advice. Online Resource Centre Interactive flashcards Glossary Exam and revision guidance.

Textbook on contract law

This edition of the guide to the law of contract takes account of the implications of Internet contracting and includes discussion of the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000. Where appropriate, reference is made, for reasons of comparison, to the principles contained in thePrinciples of European Contract Law (PECL) and the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts.;Significant developments in contract law, both statutory and case law, are discussed, including the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, the Electronic Communications Act 2000 andthe House of Lords' decisions in Alfred McAlpine Construction Ltd v Panatown Ltd and Attorney General V Blake. Other important decisions covered in this revised edition are Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge, Barclays Bank Plc v Coleman, Barclays Bank Plc v Boulter, Avon Insurance v Swire, Zanzibar vBritish Aerospace (Lancsaster House) Ltd and Nutt v Read. In addition, there is discussion of the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 and the European Commission's Review of the Unfair Terms Directive, as well as coverage of Director General of Fair Trading v First National Bank. Other decisions on illegality, onerous terms, constructionand repudiation of contract are included.

Textbook on contract law

Now in its 12th edition, Jill Poole's immensely popular Textbook on Contract Law has been guiding students through contract law for many years. The accessible writing style and focus on key principles and developments in contract law make this text a favourite with students and lecturers alike. The author places the law of contract clearly within its wider context before proceeding to provide a detailed yet accessible treatment of all the key areas encountered when studying contract law. Key features: -Each chapter begins with a summary of key issues, providing an overview of key themes and points of law, and concludes with suggestions for further reading, guiding you towards the most relevant texts and articles -Key points, illustrative examples and questions encourage a deeper understanding of the central facts and issues -Headings, case summaries and case extract boxes allow for easy navigation through the text