Matching Items (245)
Description
This thesis aims to investigate the impacts of foreign banks’ management model on their degree of localization and operating efficiency. I decompose their management model into five major factors, including two formative factors and three reflective factors. The two formative factors are (1) strategic orientation and (2) target customers, and the three reflective factors are (1) top management team composition, (2) organizational structure, and (3) managerial authority and incentives. I propose that the formative factors influence foreign banks’ degree of localization, as demonstrated by the reflective factors, which subsequently influence foreign banks’ operating efficiency in China.
To test the above proposition, I conduct the empirical analysis in three steps. In the first step, I investigate foreign banks’ management model by surveying 13 major foreign banks locally incorporated in Mainland China. The results suggest that these 13 foreign banks can be categorized into three distinct groups based on their management model: intergrators, customer-followers, and parent-followers. The results also indicate that intergrators have the highest level of localization while parent-followers have the lowest level of localization.
In the second step, I conduct DEA (Data Envelope Analysis) and CAMEL (Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity Analysis) to assess the operating efficiency of these 13 foreign banks. The assessment is conducted in two ways: 1) the inter-group comparison between foreign banks and local Chinese banks; 2) the intra-group comparison between the three distinct groups of foreign banks identified in the first step. The results indicates that the principal factor driving the operating efficiency of both local Chinese banks and foreign banks is the comprehensive technical efficiency, which includes both the quality of management and the quality of technical elements. I also find the uptrend of technical efficiency of the integrators is more stable than that of the other two groups of foreign banks.
Finally, I integrate the results from step one and step two to assess the relevance between foreign banks’ localization level and operating efficiency. I find that foreign banks that score higher in localization tend to have a higher level of operating efficiency. Although this finding is not conclusive about the causal relationship between localization and operating efficiency, it nevertheless suggests that the management model of the higher performing integrators can serve as references for the other foreign banks attempting to enhance their localization and operating efficiency. I also discuss the future trends of development in the banking industry in China and what foreign banks can learn from local Chinese banks to improve their market positions.
To test the above proposition, I conduct the empirical analysis in three steps. In the first step, I investigate foreign banks’ management model by surveying 13 major foreign banks locally incorporated in Mainland China. The results suggest that these 13 foreign banks can be categorized into three distinct groups based on their management model: intergrators, customer-followers, and parent-followers. The results also indicate that intergrators have the highest level of localization while parent-followers have the lowest level of localization.
In the second step, I conduct DEA (Data Envelope Analysis) and CAMEL (Capital Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity Analysis) to assess the operating efficiency of these 13 foreign banks. The assessment is conducted in two ways: 1) the inter-group comparison between foreign banks and local Chinese banks; 2) the intra-group comparison between the three distinct groups of foreign banks identified in the first step. The results indicates that the principal factor driving the operating efficiency of both local Chinese banks and foreign banks is the comprehensive technical efficiency, which includes both the quality of management and the quality of technical elements. I also find the uptrend of technical efficiency of the integrators is more stable than that of the other two groups of foreign banks.
Finally, I integrate the results from step one and step two to assess the relevance between foreign banks’ localization level and operating efficiency. I find that foreign banks that score higher in localization tend to have a higher level of operating efficiency. Although this finding is not conclusive about the causal relationship between localization and operating efficiency, it nevertheless suggests that the management model of the higher performing integrators can serve as references for the other foreign banks attempting to enhance their localization and operating efficiency. I also discuss the future trends of development in the banking industry in China and what foreign banks can learn from local Chinese banks to improve their market positions.
ContributorsSun, Minjie (Author) / Shen, Wei (Thesis advisor) / Qian, Jun (Thesis advisor) / Pei, Ker-Wei (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
Description
The current study combines field study, survey study, and public financial reports, and conducts an in-depths comprehensive study of the cost of the global tire industry. By comparing the price and the total cost structure of standardized tire products, we investigate Chinese tire industry’s global competitiveness, especially in light of China’s fast increasing labor cost. By constructing a comprehensive cost index (CCI), this dissertation estimates the evolution and forecasts the trend of global tire industry’s cost structure. Based on our empirical analysis, we provide various recommendations for Chinese tire manufacturers, other manufacturing industries, and foreign trade policy makers.
ContributorsZhang, Ning (Author) / Zhu, Ning (Thesis advisor) / Shen, Wei (Thesis advisor) / Chen, Hong (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
While SPICE circuit simulation software gives researchers and industry accurate information regarding the behavior and characteristics of circuits, the auditory effect of SPICE circuit simulation on audio circuits is not well documented. This project takes a thoroughly analyzed and popular audio effect circuit called the Ibanez Tubescreamer and simulates its distortion effect on a .wav file in order to hear the effect of SPICE simulation. Specifically, the TS-808 schematic is drawn in the SPICE program LTSPICE and simulated using generated sinusoids and recorded .wav files. Specific components are imported using .MODEL and .SUBCKT to accurately represent the diodes, bipolar transistors, op amps, and other components in order to hear how each component affects the response. Various transient responses are extracted as .wav files and assembled as figures in order to characterize the result of the circuit on the input. Once the actual circuit is built and debugged, all of the same transient analysis is applied and then compared to the SPICE simulation figures gathered in the digital simulation. These results are then compared along with a subjective hearing test of the digital simulation and analog circuit in order to test the validity of the SPICE simulations. The digital simulations reveal that the distortion follows the signature characteristics of Ibanez Tubescreamer which shows that SPICE simulation will give insight into the real effects of audio circuits modeled in SPICE programs. Diodes--such as Silicon, Germanium, Zener, Red LEDs and Blue LEDs--can dramatically change the waveforms and sound of the inputs within the circuit where as the Op-amps--such as the JRC4558, TL072, and NE5532--have little to no effect on the waveforms and subjective effects on the output .wav files. After building the circuit and hearing the difference between the analog circuit and digital simulation, the differences between the two are apparent but very similar in nature--proving that the SPICE simulation can give meaningful insight into the sound of the actual analog circuit. Some of the differences can be explained by the variance of equipment and environment used in recording and playback. Since this project did not use high fidelity audio recording equipment and consistency in the equipment used for playback, it is uncertain if the simulation and actual circuit could be classified as completely accurate. Any further work on the project would be recording and playing back in a constant environment and looking into a wider range of specific components instead of looking into one permutation.
ContributorsMacias, Cole Thomas (Author) / Goryll, Michael (Thesis director) / Yu, Shimeng (Committee member) / Electrical Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
Description
Understanding the shear strength of soil at different levels of saturation is necessary for various
engineering applications, especially in geotechnical and civil engineering projects. The objective
of this thesis is to conduct an extensive literature review of the use of geosynthetics to improve the
strength of soil material, conduct laboratory testing components to assess the shear strength of soil
at different water contents, and participate in the Leadership through Mentoring program to gain
mentoring and leadership skills. The laboratory component focuses on analyzing the shear strength
of soil samples with different water contents, specifically at 6%, 10%, 12.3%, 15%, 17%, and 19%.
The soil-water mixtures were prepared with precision to achieve these specific water contents.
Static compaction techniques were then employed to mold the soil samples to desired densities.
The experimental setup involved subjecting the molded soil samples to a direct shear test using a
direct shear machine. This apparatus allowed for the measurement of normal and shear stress, as
well as shear and normal displacements during the testing process. These data were used to
determine the cohesion and internal friction characteristics of the soil samples at different degrees
of saturation.
The results obtained from the direct shear tests revealed valuable insights into the shear strength
behavior of the soil under varying saturation levels. The cohesion and internal friction parameters
were found to exhibit distinct trends as the water content in the soil changed. The cohesion and
internal friction parameters were found to exhibit distinct trends as the water content in the soil
changed. The friction angle did not change significantly at different water contents, while the
cohesion intercept trend appears to be contradicted the results reported in the literature, as there is
a slight increase. The unexpected results might be due to the testing device failing after the third
moisture content test. A different approach could have been taken to compact the specimens at
optimum moisture content to get the same soil structure for each moisture content. These findings
need to be re-evaluated based on the conclusion outlined in this report. Further research in this
area could lead to enhanced models and methodologies for predicting soil behavior in real-world
scenarios.
In addition to the experimental tasks performed, I participated in a program to gain leadership
skills through a mentoring format. The goal of the program was to help me understand my strengths
and weaknesses to become a better leader. Through interactive assessments, feedback mechanisms,
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and learning resources, I was able to understand what I was good and bad at. The weekly
assessments helped me to constantly be honest with myself and evaluate myself as a student, peer,
and leader. The program gave me a graduate student mentor that guided me through the process of
learning how to manage projects effectively and understanding how to lead. Through the lessons
learned and challenges encountered, I was able to grow and become a more efficient listener as
well as analyze information better. These tools helped me to enhance my leadership skills and
become a more effective and impactful leader.
ContributorsMontano, Samuel (Author) / Zapata, Claudia (Thesis director) / Kavazanjian, Edward (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Eng Program (Contributor) / Construction Engineering (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This report summarizes the development of a test stand used to measure the thrust or impulse of pulsed plasma thrusters (PPT). Currently, there is a lack of accessible, cost-efficient methods for measuring thrust in the market due to the difficulties associated with developing a test stand for extremely low thrust outputs. Despite the difficulties, there is an ever-growing need to develop new methods of measuring thrust as the increased demand for small satellites has prompted investors from the government and private sectors to conduct further research into the development of better propulsion systems for space applications. A part of the developmental process of making propulsion systems is being able to test the thrust of these propulsion systems under vacuum conditions that simulate a space environment. This report details the research conducted on existing test stands as well as the process of designing, manufacturing, and testing a thrust measurement device.
ContributorsYu, Finley (Author) / Goryll, Michael (Thesis director) / Sharp, Thomas (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05