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Examines the results of a questionnaire‐based survey on the use of teach pendants with industrial robots. The main aims of the survey were to ascertain the following: extent of use of teach pendants with industrial robots; methods of robot programming used; possible difficulties of using teach pendants; and the future for teach pendants. Outlines the structure of the survey and evaluates the results from the questionnaire. Concludes that teach pendants are still one of the principal means of programming a robot and that difficulties controlling the motion of robots with teach pendants need to be addressed.

Comparative performance measurement (CPM) is a tool that is increasingly advocated by both academics and practitioners yet its systematic implementation via consortium participation is rare. Using logistic regression and content analysis of survey results from Florida’s 297 city managers, the authors found support for performance measurement but limited belief in the utility and cost-effectiveness of CPM in their jurisdictions. Support for performance measurement as a management tool, organizational capacity, and belief in the Tiebout Hypothesis were found to be significant drivers of support for CPM. Graduate education was a significant predictor of assigning high priority to CPM, but community budget format was insignificant. These findings were consistent across both large and small cities. Respondents were skeptical regarding the benefits that might accrue to their jurisdictions relative to the time and resources needed for implementation.

The use of infra red radiant heat equipment has extended in recent years to most industries, including the lubricating oil industry. Not only is this equipment valuable for the stoving and drying of new and reconditioned oil barrels, but a still more modern adaption is to assist the emptying of grease kegs and oil barrels. Our readers in the oil industry will quickly appreciate the importance and value of infra red units, but users of lubricants, who may not be already conversant with these methods will probably observe its possibilities within their own industries.

Will implementation of GASB Statement 34 induce the adoption of cost-accounting models in local governments? The authors address that question based on the findings of a national survey of local and county finance officers. Findings suggest that while finance officials recognize that GASB 34 will prompt greater accuracy and transparency in financial reporting, it may not serve to propagate greater utilization of activity-based costing (ABC) or its derivatives. Possible explanations may include feared impacts of increased cost accounting transparency as well as limited perceived payoff for investments in ABC-related tools. The authors acknowledge that this is a baseline “read” of attitudes; continued experience under GASB 34 may crystallize attitudes and lend greater support for future implementation of private-sector based- accounting methods.

Starts from the basic principles of property investment and shows that the initial yield conceals estimates of a risk premium, expected income growth and expected depreciation. Suggests that an explicit valuation procedure which can be used at any level ranging from a single property to the aggregate market may be constructed. Concludes that the surveying profession is under threat from those able to meet the growing demand for such explicit analyses.

Discusses the methods of sensitivity analysis in use generally and by the property appraisal profession. Proposes a simplified structured and systematic technique of selecting critical or sensitive factors for sensitivity analysis in property development and investment appraisal. Concludes that sensitivity analysis has become an integral part of property appraisal.

Purpose: To ascertain small business (SB) managers’ perspectives on their educational and support needs for their managerial tool box. Design/Methodology/Approach: Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted in New Zealand, with 19 SB managers to ascertain their perspectives about business learning opportunities. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. Findings: Four skills for small business learning were identified: basic (day‐to‐day management skills), coping (time management and priority setting skills), psychological (emotional/social skills) and networking skills. Value of the paper: A model with three phases and three parallel streams of learning was developed that has potential to enhance survival rates of SBs. Further, the psychological aspects of being a SB manager are highlighted. Research limitations/implications: Feelings and emotions may be more significant than capabilities. Practical implications: The pedagogic practices should be accepting, affirming and confirming, to provide social/emotional and psychological support to SB managers.

Presidents have constitutional powers and are incentivized to use performance information that is essential to economic leadership practices. However, presidents have not previously been studied in this context. The purpose of this paper is to examine how two sitting presidents use numerical performance information in their speeches. A speech is a formal talk given to a large number of individuals at a particular instance.

Empirical data were obtained from 85 presidential speeches given by the president of Estonia and 35 by the president of Lithuania. The speeches were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative content analysis. Inductive inference, descriptive statistics and statistical tests were used to propose new theoretical ideas for future research.

Studied presidents used extensively numerical performance information, primarily outcome information. Also, the presidents used performance information differently, even though both presidents operated in a similar political context and had similar individual characteristics. The differences were in part explained by speech length but not speech context. Older age, doctoral degree, and longer administrative and political career were associated with lower use.

The study provides preliminary results on how presidents use performance information and what type of performance information is most useful in presidential speeches that address the nation and conduct economic leadership.

New analytical models are presented that can be used to study the intensity of performance information use in rhetoric. Conceptual definitions of the various levels of intensity in performance information use are also introduced. In general, presidential performance information use adds a new dimension to existing research.

Although politicians' use of performance information affects political decisions and, through them, the well-being of society, there is a lack of studies exploring what contextual factors are associated with annual active performance information use among politicians. Furthermore, past studies on this subject have been cross-sectional rather than longitudinal.

In this qualitative case study, triangulation of observations and 10 semi-structured interviews were used to ensure the robustness of findings. The study was conducted in a Finnish municipality known as Kangasala.

A dialogue culture, constructive political climate, trusted information sources and high-quality information attained via accessible information channels explained the high information use in primarily unfavorable conditions to such use. The authors’ findings contradict many prior interview and survey studies that did not recognize the simultaneous contributions of the information provider, channel and quality, along with organizational and environmental factors to high performance information use. The results contradict to some extent the findings from other countries as these studies have explained high levels of use with unique combinations of drivers, whereas we identify common attributes of these combinations and talk about their meaning in the success of Kangasala's public financial management. However, the findings of this case study cannot be generalized.

This study describes a case organization that created a supportive environment for politicians' frequent performance information use that contributed to improvements. Past studies provide little knowledge about establishing sustained high levels of information use among politicians, so the case offers ideas and inspiration for improving this use.

The purpose of this paper is to establish the role of micro‐businesses in providing a sustainable business and community environment, and to share the perceptions of micro‐business operators about the support they need to survive and be successful.

An examination of literature regarding survival and available support for small businesses is followed by results from a New Zealand‐based empirical study of micro‐business operators.

Micro‐businesses are the dominant form of business organisation and have an important role in maintaining a stable and sustainable global environment. Although such businesses owners tend not to have a formal education in business or engage with external support agencies, they need support from community‐based networks. These networks could reduce the sense of isolation, whilst at the same time providing an opportunity for sharing experiences, in particular about problems encountered.

Implications for other jurisdictions may be limited as micro‐business operators in New Zealand are relatively highly educated and the sample numbers are small (19 in‐depth interviews and 91 questionnaire respondents).

There is a need for psychological support for micro‐business operators. Actions taken to increase their probability of survival and success are likely to enhance their interest in other aspects of the environment.

This paper helps to fill a gap in the small business literature on the behaviour and perceptions of micro‐business operators. The paper presents original research on the psychological aspects that impinge on the business activities through surveys of micro‐business operators.