This paper details the results of an empirical study conducted to study the scope and effectiveness of e-commerce deployment in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as perceived by small business owners in the state. The methodology and results of this study may be applicable to several other states. In addition to a comprehensive survey of small businesses, a dozen businesses successful in deploying e-commerce were interviewed at great length. The results showed that main parts of an e-commerce infrastructure included (1) flow of information; (2) organizational image; (3) reaction to customer needs; (4) increased sales; and (5) access to new markets. The major reason for businesses to not engage in e-commerce is their perception that it is not strategically important for their business.Results pertaining to regional parameters, sales tax considerations, human resources infrastructure, and Internet security issues as well as policy recommendations are discussed in the paper.

Organizational crossvergence is the identifying framework in this study of the emerging similarities between both educational systems and business systems in India and the United States. A sample of 237 international MBA graduates was examined relative to the education they received in a combined United States and India management program. They studied in both countries, and pursued careers in either country. We confirm that the applied value of advanced business education originating in India was enhanced, but not significantly surpassed, by the Western learning experience. The applicability of graduates’ acquired skills was as relevant for employment in India as in American organizations. Implications for policymakers resulting from the findings highlight the clear justification of deepening management education collaboration amongst educators and employers in emergent and developed markets.

This article thoroughly examines a specific case of a partnership between educational institutions in India and the United States with the help of in-depth interviews of key stakeholders in the program. The article outlines factors that are necessary ingredients for a collaborative program to succeed. The factors are classified as external, internal, financial, and intangible. The findings of the article can be used by administrators and faculty in the two countries as a road map while starting or growing a partnership. The paper also outlines the constraints and threats for a partnership such as this. Finally, there are suggestions for future research that can enhance the body of literature in this area. This research is of particular importance since both India and the United States are significant higher-education hubs and are the sources of a high level of educational partnership activity.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of self-initiated professional expatriates about their subjective/intangible and objective/tangible successes in both home and host countries.Design/methodology/approachThis is an empirical study using a survey methodology that included a sample of 211 (Male = 120 and Female = 91) employed professionals from India. Structural equation modeling, ANOVA and t-tests were used to analyze the data.FindingsThis study is unique in examining a sample from a homogeneous population from one country with one segment deciding to be SIEs while the other segment decided to return to their home country. The application of personal initiative (PI) theory and the theory of intrinsic motivation to SIEs is also relatively new. The focus on female professional SIEs from an emerging market to an advanced economy adds value to this study. The results have implications for employers and policy makers as well as US universities.Originality/valueThis study is unique in examining a sample from a homogenous population from one country with one segment deciding to be SIEs while the other segment deciding to return to their home country. The application of personal initiative (PI) theory to SIEs is also relatively new. The focus on female professional SIEs from an emerging market to an advanced economy adds value to this study. The results have implications for employers and policy makers as well as to US universities.