Business Commons^™

When E And G Disagree: Esg Scores Between Hedonic And Utilitarian Firms, Timothy Loomas

Executive DBA Dissertations

How do Environmental (E), Social (S), and Governance (G) scores vary when examined under a hedonic-utilitarian lens? The happiness and guilt associated with hedonic (pleasure oriented) products have been shown to increase altruism and prosocial behavior as compared to utilitarian (need oriented) products. Based on this we examine whether Social- and Environmental-pillar scores for firms associated with hedonic products and/or services will be greater than for firms associated with utilitarian products and/or services. To test these hypotheses, data from the Thompson-Refinitiv ESG database were used to compare the ESG pillar scores between hedonic and utilitarian firms. The research finds higher …

Macro Level Sensegiving Of Disruptive Innovation In Sterile Processing, Marjorie Wall

Executive DBA Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Corporate Philanthropy: Catalyst For Sustainable Alignment Or Mere Gesture? Unveiling The Impact On People, Planet, And Profits, Cameron L. Cleveland

Culminating Experience Projects

Corporate philanthropy and sustainability initiatives have become pivotal components of modern business strategies, underscoring the increasing importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). As businesses face mounting pressure to address global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, their commitment to CSR reflects a broader recognition of their role in fostering sustainable development. This research paper conducts an in-depth examination of the philanthropic and sustainability efforts of several major corporations, including Chevron, Steelcase, MillerKnoll, Ikea, Sherwin Williams, Whirlpool Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Stryker Corporation, General Motors Company, and Kellogg Company. These companies were selected for this research study …

How Supply Chains Respond To Disruptions: Three Essays On Responses To Operational, Geopolitical, And Natural Disaster Disruptions, Travis Kulpa

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The ability to respond to supply chain disruptions efficiently and effectively is a highly sought after capability, particularly in light of recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and major natural disasters. These events have led researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to ask: how can we better use our resources to respond to supply chain disruptions? This dissertation examines responses to the three main types of supply chain disruptions: operational disruptions, geopolitical disruptions, and natural disasters. The first study examines how US importers adjust between air and containerized transportation in response to shipment delays and abnormally high demand from …

Empirical Studies On Flexible And Renewable Investment Interaction In The Modernizing Electricity Grid, Seyed Amin Seyed Haeri

All Dissertations

The U.S. electricity generation portfolio is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables like solar and wind, posing challenges due to renewable intermittency. The first chapter examines the relationship between renewable and conventional generation technologies, focusing on operational flexibility. Using panel data from 2002 to 2019, our empirical strategy reveals that flexible generation investments stimulate future wind and solar capacity and respond to current renewable penetration, especially wind energy. This dynamic highlights flexible generation's role in ensuring grid reliability. We also analyze the influence of renewable portfolio standards, market competition, and natural gas infrastructure on investment dynamics.The second chapter explores the …

Breaking The Silence: Exploring The Impact Of Supervisor Vulnerability On Menstrual Disclosures At Work, Marilla Hayman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Management research has traditionally overlooked the significance of the human body in the workplace. However, recent recognition of organizational body work has prompted the examination of biological processes such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. Menstruation, however, has received little attention, despite the challenges faced by menstruating employees. The invisibility and silence around menstruation at work hinders managers' understanding of employee needs and prevents employees from accessing needed accommodations. An important first step in remedying this problem is understanding the factors influencing employees to disclose their menstrual symptoms and seek support. Bringing together theories of organizational body work and concealable stigmas, this …

Shame, Guilt, And Behavioral Responses To Conflict In Organizational Life: A Correlational Study, Lori Anne Shaw

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between self-conscious emotions, namely shame and guilt, and constructive and destructive behavioral responses to conflict among working adults in the United States. Researchers have underscored the importance of task-focused conflict and adaptive leadership in fostering positive conflict outcomes. However, the connection between shame and guilt and behavioral responses has yet to be explored. Drawing upon the Conflict Dynamics Profile and the Test of Self-Conscious Affect-3, this correlational study examined the associations between shame and guilt and 15 distinct behavioral responses to conflict among a sample of 203 participants, mostly women employed full-time. The cross-sectional survey …

From Vision To Venture: Investigating Small Business Entrepreneurship, Lindsey N. Lapinta

Honors Projects

This research explores the challenges and opportunities faced by small business startups, focusing on the critical factors contributing to their success or failure. More than two-thirds of small business startups fail to deliver a positive return to investors, often discouraging aspiring entrepreneurs. Through an in-depth analysis of existing literature, interviews with successful entrepreneurs, and case studies, this research identifies common patterns and underlying reasons for these failures. Key insights from Tom Eisenmann’s book "Why Start-ups Fail" and Eric Ries’ book "The Lean Startup'' highlight the importance of validated learning, strategic stakeholder management, and the need for startups to pivot or …

Organizational Control And Technological Capabilities: The Moderating Role Of Family Influence On The Firm, Sean Leahy

Dissertations

This dissertation examines the influence of organizational controls on technological capabilities in privately owned U.S. corporations, with a specific focus on family-owned businesses. The primary objective of the study was to investigate how formal controls (process and outcome) and clan controls (informal practices) impact technological innovation and competence. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 177 individuals and analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) path analysis. The findings indicate a significant relationship between formal controls and technological capabilities. However, the interaction of family influence on this dynamic was not supported. Results also revealed a robust association …

Board Gender Diversity And Its Impact On Financial Performance And Risk-Taking: A Study Of Listed North American Companies, Ambrose Houphouet

Doctoral Dissertations (DBA)

In today's globalized world, gender diversity is increasingly recognized as vital for companies, yet women remain underrepresented in leadership positions. The lack of representation of women in leadership roles and their possible impact on business performance have led to a greater awareness of gender diversity on corporate boards in recent years. However, men dominate in some fields and the representation of women in decision-making levels is very low and it is unclear whether gender diversity brings any benefits to the company in terms of financial performance and risktaking. Therefore, the study examines the impact of gender diversity on financial performance …

Exploring Recognition, Rewards, And The Multi-Generational Workforce During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sara J. Hollenbeck

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

This study sheds light on the importance of rewards and recognition programs in improving employee engagement and highlights the need for organizations to rethink their rewards and recognition strategies to better meet the needs of multi-generational employees. One problem found in organizations was that many current multi-generational employees had low engagement due, in part, to outdated rewards and recognition programs (Agarwal et al., 2018; North, 2017; O.C. Tanner Institute, 2021). There was a gap in research regarding multi-generational employees in multiple professions and their perceptions of rewards and recognition and how those monetary and non-monetary rewards could affect their engagement …

Impact Of Equitable Housing For Students Ages 18-30: Creating Diversified Population In San Mateo County, Ca, Brittany Burgo

EMPA Capstones

San Mateo County in California faced significant challenges in achieving equitable housing development, especially for young adults aged 18-30, including students whose housing needs were often overlooked. Recent census data reflected that this age group had been steadily increasing, highlighting the urgency of addressing their housing concerns (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). The median home price was over $1.5 million, which meant many low- and moderate-income residents struggled to find suitable housing. This study investigated the displacement of long-term residents, the lack of affordable housing options, and the absence of diversity in new developments, emphasizing the need to redefine housing equity …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of More Public Support For Stronger E-Waste Regulations, Tiaka Hyatt-Geter

EMPA Capstones

E-waste management is a critical issue facing our society today. Fifty-three million metric tons of e-waste was produced in America alone in 2019; 17.4% of this e-waste was properly disposed of world-wide. By the year 2030, 81.6 million tons of e-waste will be produced globally (World Economic Forum, 2024). Recology San Bruno Transfer Station is the only processing center within the City of San Bruno, CA open to the public for e-waste disposal with limited operating hours. This mixed-methods research (MMR) study investigates factors influencing consumers’ intention to properly dispose of consumer-grade electronics. Specific hypotheses linked factors such as convenience, …

The Influence Of Coaching Behaviors On Gen Z Collegiate Athletes And Team Morale, Erik Bennett

PhD in Organizational Leadership

A coach's behavior significantly influences both athlete and team morale. As a generational change occurs, the behaviors exhibited by coaches may also require change. As members of Generation Z (Gen Z) begin to fill collegiate sports rosters, understanding their unique characteristics and preferences becomes critical for effective coaching strategies. Drawing upon generational studies and the interviews of six collegiate athletes within the Gen Z cohort, how coaching behavior influences collegiate athletes' athletic performance and team morale was analyzed within this cohort. Using a qualitative approach, data gathered from the six Gen Zaged collegiate athletes were analyzed to reveal patterns of …

Career Commitment Of Female Mid-Level Leaders In The Tourism And Hospitality Industry In The State Of Florida: A Narrative Inquiry Approach, Amy M. Bernard Harrelson

PhD in Organizational Leadership

The tourism and hospitality industry (THI) is the leading industry in the state of Florida's economy, yet it faces challenges related to workforce retention and leadership diversity. The aim of this dissertation was to explore the career commitment of female mid-level leaders within this industry, focusing on the factors influencing their commitment to their careers in the THI. This study involved in-depth interviews with three female mid-level leaders working in the THI in the state of Florida, using a qualitative research method with a narrative inquiry approach. The findings revealed that these leaders are driven by a profound passion for …

The Blessed Assembly: Irreplaceable Physical Co-Presence In Worship And Healthy Hybridity Reimagined After The Pandemic In The Digital Age, Yvette, Ying Wai Lau

Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses

Because of the unprecedented and unexpected force of the pandemic since 2020, most churches around the world have experienced some online worship during the lockdown of their cities or the mandated closure of the church buildings. For many people, online worship seems to be an equivalent, if not better, alternative for gathering together—a physical co-presence in worship—even after the pandemic has ended. As necessary and vital as online worship experiences have been for Christians during the pandemic, the witness of the church from Pentecost throughout Christian history indicates that gathered worship in physical spaces is irreplaceable for faith formation and …

How Leaders Make Sense Of Esg To Lead Sustainable Businesses: Multiple Case Studies, Tiffany M. Crosby

PhD in Organizational Leadership

This multiple case qualitative research study involved an exploration of ESG leadership in four publicly-traded Midwestern U.S. sustainability-oriented companies to determine what the process of leading ESG looks like, how sustainability leaders integrate environmental, social, and economic goals, and how an organization’s internal and external affect sustainability leadership. Numerous quantitative studies have linked prevailing behavioral leadership theories to improved financial performance outcomes for sustainability-oriented companies, but qualitative research into ESG leadership practices has been limited, creating a gap that is addressed through this study. Using a conceptual framework grounded in upper-echelon and stakeholder theories, the ESG leadership practices of an …

A Quantitative Study Of The Influence Of Emotional Intelligence On The Ministerial Effectiveness Of Executive Pastors As Scored By Their Lead Pastors., Thomas P. Frisinger

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Over the past two decades, churches have expanded their pastoral staff to include executive pastors (XP) to support lead pastors (LP) by mitigating stress and enhancing effectiveness (Krenz-Muller, 2022; Tidwell, 2020) in finances, facilities, and governmental entities, and staff oversight and development. This study involved an examination of the relationship between the emotional intelligence (EI) levels of XPs, using the TEIQue-SF (Cooper & Petrides, 2010), and their perceived ministerial effectiveness (ME) as assessed by LPs on the Ministerial Effectiveness Survey (MES; Dobrotka & Frisinger, 2024). The aim of the study was to identify any significant correlation between XPs and ministerial …

Transaction Monitoring And Enforcing Confidentiality On Blockchain Transactions, Musa Omobolanle Ogunyemi

Executive DBA Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Smartphone Retail Shopping Apps Through The Lens Of Customer Value, Satisfaction, And Loyalty, Jean B. Ntahontuye

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Retail e-commerce revenue was $904.9 billion in 2022; of this amount, $431.4 billion was realized via smartphone retail shopping apps, which is a 95% increase from 2019, and retail e- commerce is projected to exceed $1.7 trillion by 2027 (Statista, 2023a). Given the increasing popularity of these apps among consumers, management and marketing literature continues to debate what makes consumers accept and adopt retail shopping apps as their preferred online shopping method. Failure to understand what motivates consumers to repeatedly buy household goods via smartphone retail shopping apps may cause retailers to mistarget their customers by allocating scarce resources to …

Leadership In Extreme Contexts: An Emerging Typology, Ashley Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between leadership and extreme contexts through the lens of rural hospitals facing environmental jolts. Rural hospitals offer a unique setting for this research, given their inherent geographic isolation, lack of resources, and the critical role these facilities play in their communities. Through a qualitative analysis of interviews with Chief Executive Officers of rural hospitals, this research takes a grounded approach to build theory surrounding how leadership not only shapes but is shaped by extreme contexts and environmental jolts. The research results in four primary contributions. Namely, this study extends existing typologies on leadership in extreme …

Balancing Act: Navigating Employee Autonomy And Neglect, Lekshmy Sankar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The fine line between granting employee autonomy and inadvertently falling into patterns of neglect presents a complex challenge within organizational leadership. This study explores the question: What do leaders perceive as effective strategies for providing autonomy to remote employees without being perceived as neglecting them? Employee autonomy empowers employees to make decisions, while leader neglect towards subordinates (LNS) is defined through this research as a gradual decrease in a leader's interest or effort in sustaining positive relationships with employees. Navigating this balance is crucial to maintaining employee engagement.

This qualitative study uncovered nuanced perceptions on this issue using a grounded …

The Impact Of Renewable Energy Adoption On State-Level Housing Market Prices, Hernan Checchi

Doctoral Dissertations (DBA)

Renewable energy continues to gain popularity amongst businesses and residents due to the growing concerns on climate change, government regulations and the overall need for a more sustainable energy system. Renewable energy has surged in popularity due to declining costs, and the growing awareness of the need for renewable energy to combat ongoing climate issues. The transition to renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal power is expected to have a significant impact on various aspects of the economy including the housing market. This research aims to explore the relationship between renewable energy adoption and housing prices in the …

Economic Policy Uncertainty And The Uncovered Interest Rate Parity Of Exchange Rate Determination, Yanyan Freitag

Doctoral Dissertations (DBA)

I argue that the Uncovered Interest Rate Parity (UIRP) relationship depends on the Economic Policy Uncertainty zones (EPU). The UIRP-EPU relationship is state-dependent, non-linear, and asymmetric. Using the monthly data for the sample period January 1999 to December 2023, I test the relationship between changes in the U.S. Dollar in the Euro exchange rate and the spread between the yields on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note vs. the euro area 10-year convergence bond. The relationship is tested at three different zones or ‘levels’ of the EPU for the U.S. The low, intermediate, and high EPU zones are determined by employing …

Tmha Parking Lot Project, Steven Hickman, Jack Gugale

Construction Management

The Transitional Mental Health Association (TMHA) parking lot project in Edna, California, aimed to construct a 4,400 SF decomposed granite (DG) parking lot for the TMHA’s Youth Treatment Program (YTP). TMHA’s YTP involves giving children in a transitional housing state a safe and welcoming place to live while addressing the problem of unhoused children in San Luis Obispo County. This initiative involved extensive grading, forming, surveying, and installing the necessary infrastructure to ensure both functional and aesthetic improvements for the facility. The project was meticulously planned and executed during the Spring, 2024 quarter, with a budget of approximately $4,285. The …

Neural Operator For Accelerating Coronal Magnetic Field Computations In Bifrost Mhd Model, Yutao Du

Theses

The application of the Tensorized Fourier Neural Operator (TFNO) to significantly enhance the computational efficiency of coronal magnetic field calculations within the Bifrost Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model is introduced in this study. Leveraging simulated data from the European Sunrise Science Data Center, the TFNO? an extension of the Fourier Neural Operator (FNO) that incorporates tensor decomposition for improved handling of high-dimensional data?is employed to solve time-varying partial differential equations (PDEs) over a 3D domain. The performance of the TFNO is compared with traditional machine learning methods, including Vision Transformer and CNN-RNN (encoder-decoder) architectures, to demonstrate its accuracy, computational efficiency, and scalability. …

The Impact Of Irrational Beliefs On Dysfunctional Decision-Making In B2b Salespeople, Barron W. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations

The complexity of the contemporary business-to-business (B2B) sales landscape requires salespeople to respond faster, be more knowledgeable, and add more value to buyer interactions than ever before. As such, B2B salespeople must carefully consider the impact of their decisions since they have the potential to directly impact organizational revenue and bottom-line outcomes. The present research utilizes rational-emotive behavior theory to examine judgment and decision-making in B2B salespeople. Research questions are presented and tested with a sample of 306 B2B salespeople using structural equation modeling. The results of the analysis reveal that irrational beliefs lead to dysfunctional emotions, and in turn, …

Demands At Work: The Moderating Influence Of Motivation On The Relationship Between Challenge Demands And Employee Work Engagement, Lauren R. Dinnat

Doctoral Dissertations

Work engagement is a popular topic due to the positive outcomes linked to it. For example, engaged workers are shown to be more productive workers and better organizational citizens. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory has been the most widely accepted explanatory model for work engagement due to its flexibility to be applied to all work environments. While the JD-R does not argue that motivation is fixed, it does not account for moment-to-moment changes in motivation. A state theory of motivation that examines how motivation may impact the relationships between demands and work engagement has yet to be examined. This study …

A Phenomenological Study On The Perceived Impact Of Bass's Four I'S Of Transformational Leadership, Yarissa Marn

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe World of Warcraft game leaders’ perceptions of the impact on their guilds regarding Bass’s 4 I’s of transformational leadership.

Methodology: This qualitative study interviewed 13 World of Warcraft game leaders who have led their guild members for at least one year. The main source of data collection was semi-structured open-ended interview questions with other resources to include artifacts. The researcher coded and analyzed data for themes and patterns.

Findings: Several domains of Bass’s Four I’s Transformational Leadership framework were found to have an impact on World of Warcraft …

Huic Purchasing Group Llc. Business Plan, Grant Hull

Honors Theses

This business plan investigates the feasibility and best strategy to start a dental group purchasing company in the market today. Methods used consisted of interviewing industry professionals (Dentists, suppliers, and executives in a similar market), and market research through public information and trends. The 70 total interviews not only helped verify market projections and social trends, but also verified potential client willingness to join and verified a position in the market. Through this study it was concluded that: There is limited competition in the dental Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) space; to enter the market in a cost-effective way it is …