Corporate restructuring during the 1980s is argued to have focused on improving firm performance by increasing related and decreasing unrelated diversification. The restructuring patterns of top food manufacturing firms do not support this; instead, much of the restructuring appears to have been...

Empirical studies of firm diversification suggest the existence of a positive relationship between the relatedness of diversification and firm performance. Using evidence from the food manufacturing sector, we find that this relationship is weak at best and that market share appears to be a more...

Federal ism disputes arising from state regulations, particularly those pursuing health, safety, and environmental goals, are a common feature of the U.S . political system. Discussion of bases for settling such disputes often focuses on the in- and out-state incidence of benefits and costs but...

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), there has been a dramatic increase in the integration of markets for live cattle and beef products in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. These markets were severely disrupted in 2003 by the confirmation of single cases of bovine...

A survey of the fresh-cut produce industry (e.g., bagged salads, baby carrots, stir-fry mixes, cut-fruit mixes) shows firms' motivation to adopt quality management systems and the effects of implementation on firms and their relationships with suppliers and customers. Data from surveyed members...