Open Journals at the University of Georgia Libraries
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Conflicted advice about portfolio diversification
We investigate the validity of the argument by the financial services industry to “roll over your ‘old’ 401(k) plan” because 401(k)-type plans have a limited number of investment options, while Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) have a virtually unlimited number of options. We empirically analyze the diversification of a large 401(k)-type plan with only five basic investment options. Financial advisers with a conflict of interest may use strategic complexity to encourage rollovers, recommending complex portfolios to impress naïve clients who have a weak understanding of the concept of diversification, while not weighing the cost of the complex portfolios against any added benefits of diversification
The role of perceived quality of personal service in influencing trust and satisfaction with banks
Trust is of paramount importance to banks. Previous research has shown that trust increases with repeated personal contacts. We investigate if this applies to the customer-employee relationship in banks. Data from an on-line survey of 293 customers of Swedish retail banks are used to construct indicator measures. By means of structural equation modeling we find that trust in the bank is influenced by perceived quality of personal service through employees’ perceived competence, perceived benevolence, and perceived transparency, and that satisfaction with the bank is influenced by perceived quality of personal service through perceived competence, perceived benevolence, perceived transparency, and trust
Perspectives on “sell in May and go away”: A look at recent evidence and implications
This study offers three perspectives on the quote “sell in May and go away.” First, it tests the annual performance of switching from four equity mutual funds to U.S. Treasury Bills during the historically low-return period of May 1 to October 31 against that of the buy-and-hold strategy from November 1 to October 31. Second, it examines the switching strategy during the two bear and two bull markets occurring from 2000 to 2016. Third, it tests the impact of taxes on the switching strategy. Although there are signs of switching strategy effectiveness, especially during the bear markets, the results lack the statistical significance to conclude that it is superior to the buy-and-hold strategy
Assessing Community Health Priorities and Perceptions about Health Research: A Foundation for a Community-Engaged Research Program
We performed this study to better understand communities’ health priorities and willingness to participate in research in order to reduce health disparities. To include communities whose members often experience health disparities and may lack opportunities to participate in research, student interns from multiple disciplines administered the Sentinel Network’s 33-item survey in nontraditional locations. The survey was completed by 3,151 respondents. The five most frequently identified health concerns were diabetes, cancer, hypertension, heart problems, and weight. Concerns varied by race/ethnicity. In general, respondents across all races/ethnicities—especially Pacific Islanders—expressed willingness to participate in research. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of this method for identifying health priorities and willingness to participate in research. The results illustrate minority communities’ willingness to participate in research if provided the opportunity. Insights gained from this study are informing current and planned community-engaged research to reduce health disparities among minority communities.
“We Don’t Leave Engineering on the Page”: Civic Engagement Experiences of Engineering Graduate Students
Few scholars have examined the civic engagement experiences of graduate students in engineering fields. To address this void, this study uses social exchange theory and experiential learning theory to consider the experiences of engineering graduate students in service programs at a predominantly White research university. The findings suggest that students are highly motivated to serve and derive complex meaning-making from their service, thus advancing understandings of how engineering graduate students find meaning in civic engagement. Although engineering graduate students may be expected to focus primarily on research and professional advancement, our findings suggest there is an opportunity to more fully involve students in civic engagement activities
Improving Parent-Child Relationships Through the Use of Video Technology
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for child behavior problems. However, families living in rural areas may have limited access to this treatment. The present study outlines a collaboration between a university-based PCIT research group and community agencies providing services to parents to explore the use of a video to educate parents about labeled praise, a fundamental concept taught in PCIT. We developed a training video, conducted focus groups with young mothers, and evaluated the use of praise before and after viewing the video by a small group of parents seeking treatment at a rural mental health practice. Focus group participants found the video helpful and intended to increase their use of praise, and participants at the mental health practice significantly increased their use of labeled praise after viewing the video. Challenges faced during this collaboration offer lessons for other researchers seeking to build similar partnerships.