Business Commons^™

Promoting Cross-Functional Team Interactions Within General Business Classes, Christopher J. Mckenna

Faculty Publications

This session discusses an attempt to integrate both unitary team and cross-functional team deliverables among general business students designing a complex client solution within an “IT for managers” class.

Management Communication Failures In Faculty Hiring Processes: A Case Study, Christopher J. Mckenna

Faculty Publications

While universities contribute directly to the future successes of students through the delivery of content knowledge and the development of key career skills, they might also reasonably be expected to model the “best practices” of industry professionals. However, based upon a three-year study of the communications between universities and graduate students applying to nearly two-hundred faculty positions, universities often fail the best practice test when interacting with job candidates. Ironically, they do so even when recruiting for faculty positions that target candidates specializing in the pedagogies and practices of effective communication.

The Ceo Branding Mix, Marc Fetscherin

Faculty Publications

What do Donald Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos have in common? They are not only CEOs and living icons of the brands they created but also brands themselves. There are many reasons why CEOs today get more attention than in the past. When the media are looking for a business story they often turn to CEOs or founders. Some companies are larger than countries in terms of number of citizens or employees or in revenue. For example, Walmart has about 2.2 million employees, comparable to the population of Qatar, Namibia, or Slovenia, and its revenues …

Online Integrity: Student Authentication In An Online Course, Susan Evans Jennings, M. Gail Weatherly, S. Ann Wilson

Faculty Publications

Distance education has been around for over 100 years and has progressed from print based or correspondence study to radio, television, audio or video recordings, and on to video conferencing and computer mediated instruction (Wang and Gearhart, 2006). In 2000, Dooley and Murphy stated that delivery via the Internet was relatively new and challenging for higher education institutions. Most would agree that even though delivery via the Internet might no longer be considered “relatively new,” it can still be considered challenging.

Reading For Work: Reviving A Neglected Communication Skill, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

College instructors often complain that students do not read textbooks and instead prefer to use their own cryptic PowerPoint notes from class for completing assignments and tests. Yet, reading does not seem to get the time and attention that writing and speaking do and reading may be taken for granted. In other words, students write reports and memos, create visual aids, and deliver presentations that are graded; whereas instructors give most reading tasks as homework that are not directly assessed, although they do affect students' success in the course. Compounding the problem, as students experience an "information deluge," they are …

Shibusawa Eiichi, Dai Ichi Bank, And The Spirit Of Japanese Capitalism, 1860-1930, John Sagers

Faculty Publications

Shibusawa Eiichi (1840-1931) has been called the “father of Japanese capitalism” and was associated with nearly five hundred business enterprises in his lifetime. From his main position as head of Dai Ichi Bank, Shibusawa was a strong advocate for business interests when the Japanese government was generally preoccupied with military concerns. He also consistently argued that business leaders should look to Confucian principle for moral guidance if they were to maintain the public's trust. Through an analysis of Shibusawa's public statements and his legacy in subsequent historical scholarship, particularly Dai Ichi Bank's 1957 official company history, we see that appeals …

The Self-Introduction Exhibit, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Review Of Business Communication Under The Leadership Function, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

An effective way to perpetuate an academic discipline is to identify and to define its intellectual and historical roots, then to set such roots in the foundation textbooks and courses of the discipline. In that regard, Business Communication still struggles to establish its roots when compared to other disciplines in business schools, particularly Management. For this study, we undertook an extensive review of significant scholarly works on Business Communication as a discipline. We discovered there are prevalent themes in the broader context of rhetoric, technology, culture, dissemination, and impression; and this was confirmed by our examining the tables of contents …

The Effect Of Product Category On Consumer Brand Relationships, Marc Fetscherin, Michèle Boulanger, Gustavo Q. Souki, Cid Goncalves Filho

Faculty Publications

Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the effect of product category on consumer brand relationships. Design/methodology/approach - Based on a total of 800 consumers, respondents evaluated their relationship with their favorite brand in one of the four product categories studied (soft drink, mobile phone, shoes, cars). EFA, subsequent CFA, SEM and ANOVA were used to assess these relationships and the product category effect. Findings - The authors find that brand love positively influences brand loyalty and both, influence positively WOM and purchase intention. Looking at the directionality of these relationships, the results show no product category differences. However, the …

Getting To Right: How Do Managers Make Good Decisions About Customers?, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Faculty Perceptions And Policies Of Students’ Use Of Personal Technology In The Classroom, Marsha L. Bayless, Timothy W. Clipson, S. Ann Wilson

Faculty Publications

With the increased use of personal technology in the classroom, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, effective teaching may have some powerful distractions, or some excellent support. The purpose of this paper is to report on the progress of personal technology in the classroom and to determine how members of the Association of Business Information Systems (ABIS) and the Southwest Decision Sciences Institute (SWDSI) are clarifying the use of personal technology through syllabus statements and policies. The study does not intentionally set out to provide definitive answers related to the best way to handle personal technology in the classroom; but …

Action Research: Fly In The Cloud Then Share The View, M. Gail Weatherly, Susan Evans Jennings

Faculty Publications

There is a growing bifurcation of society into those who are Informed (techno-savvy) versus the increasing number of people who are Uninformed (non-techno-savvy) when it comes to utilization of cloud-based Web 2.0 applications. The authors propose wide-spread participation in a cloud-based application. This action research is designed to gather input about one cloud-based technology that has the potential to move users from Uninformed to Informed by the nature of efficient work flow, collaboration, and shared resources (Charles & Dickens, 2012; Fisher, 2011).

Business Meal Etiquette: A Survey Of Student Awareness And Preferences, Marsha L. Bayless, Timothy W. Clipson, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

The business meal is a popular activity in the workplace and is often included as part of the interview process. Sometimes it is used as a screening mechanism to determine if a candidate possesses certain social (soft) skills suited for a company. Thus, it is fitting that college students understand business meal etiquette as they embark on their careers. This article reports the findings of a survey of students’ awareness of business meal etiquette and their preferences for possible training and development.

Crafting Biographical Sketches In Business Classes, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

When students are asked to introduce themselves to the class at the beginning of the semester, their rote speeches usually consist of: hometown, classification, major, campus affiliation, and some random thoughts. However, after about the tenth student, very few of the introductions are memorable or can be differentiated from the others. For that and other reasons, I designed the biographical sketch (bio sketch) exercise as both a writing assignment and a way for students to present themselves to one another in a more meaningful way. This paper describes some purposes and techniques for creating effective bio sketches in business classes.

When The Course Management System Isn't Enough, M. Gail Weatherly, Susan Evans Jennings

Faculty Publications

Many articles have been written extoling the need for interactivity in the online classroom. Zundel (2006) states that not only should interactivity be effectively integrated, but that it is essential for enhancing the learning in online courses just as interactivity is essential for on-campus learners. Mabrito (2004) contends that success is enhanced in online courses by engaging students as active learners rather than passive participants. Mabrito goes on to state that this engagement should include ample opportunities for students to interact with not only the course content, but also with the instructor and fellow classmates.

The Oral Presentation: Enhancing The Experience In An Online Business Communication Course, Marsha L. Bayless, Judith L. Biss, Betty S. Johnson

Faculty Publications

This study addressed student and faculty experiences in using a commercially available website to facilitate the delivery and evaluation of student presentations in the online business communication course. Of the students enrolled in online business communication, 75 students participated in the study by sharing their perceptions of the effectiveness of the oral presentation process. Additionally, their faculty members assessed the process from the instructor’s perspective. The findings and conclusion revealed that the process provided useful student feedback and was more effective than pedagogical methods tried before.

Look! Up In Cyberspace! Is It Web 2.0? Is It Web 3.0? No! It’S Superweb – Technologies For The Classroom!, Susan Evans Jennings, M. Gail Weatherly

Faculty Publications

Using the familiar Bloom‟s Taxonomy pyramid, traditionally applied in educational learning objectives, can be useful in helping to choose the right technology to assist in reaching the desired educational outcomes. Many Web technologies provide free or low-cost teaching tools. Some of the many options available for the computer are provided here along with lesson ideas to incorporate these tools into the learning environment.

Business Practices And Procedures Regarding Smartphone Security, S. Ann Wilson, Michael York, Courtney Short

Faculty Publications

Smartphones are having a transformational effect on the way that users access, use, and store information. Smartphones have essentially blurred the line of what is considered a phone, becoming the pinnacle multi-tasking devices of today’s world. Current smartphones have their own dedicated operating system, Bluetooth capabilities, GPS, WiFi, constant network connection, PC connectivity, and are internet enabled, leading them to have similar security risks as that of a computer. Businesses are now worrying about the information employees are storing on these devices and want to find new ways to protect it (Schiller, 2011). Smartphone capabilities used for business application will …

An Examination Of College Students’ Computer Self-Efficacy As Related To Various Demographic Characteristics, Debbie D. Dufrene, Timothy W. Clipson, S. Ann Wilson

Faculty Publications

Despite extensive computer exposure, today’s students vary in their judgments of their capabilities in using technology, referred to as computer self-efficacy (CSE). A survey of university students revealed highest CSE in word processing skills followed closely by file management and presentation skills. Students reported moderate ability levels in spreadsheet skills and less than moderate skill levels in database management, webpage design, and computer programming. Females tended to report higher CSE in file management and word processing applications, whereas males indicated higher CSE in web page development. Students whose parents did not attend college were likely to have lower CSE in …

Perceived Or Real Risks Using Smartphones, S. Ann Wilson, Michael York

Faculty Publications

Smartphones have blurred the line of capability usually prescribed to traditional telephones by their becoming the premier multi-tasking devices of today‘s world. Since current smartphones have their own dedicated operating system, Bluetooth capabilities, and constant network connection, PC connectivity, and internet capability, smartphones are experiencing security risks just as computer systems have done for many years. This paper will examine the history of mobile technology and its integration into people‘s daily lives. Furthermore, smartphone capabilities will be investigated for their potential vulnerabilities due to lack of consumers‘ precautions and smartphone usage.

Assessment Measures And Rubrics In A Business Communication Course, Marsha L. Bayless, S. Ann Wilson

Faculty Publications

Assessment to assure continuous improvement has increasingly become a requirement imposed by accrediting agencies and state legislatures on secondary and post-secondary schools. This paper describes a seven-semester study conducted at a regional university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Using existing course assignments in the Business Communication course, the study, conducted from fall 2006 through fall 2009, measured student performance related to six state-mandated communication objectives. The faculty used the results to close the loop for continuous improvement, the driving force of the assessment movement.

Measuring College Students’ Technology Selfefficacy, Debbie D. Dufrene, Timothy W. Clipson, S. Ann Wilson

Faculty Publications

The pervasiveness of computer technology and continuing developments in software, multimedia, and Internet resources have led to the implementation of new teaching and learning methods. Educators committed to the integration of technology into the learning process believe it will expand learning and better prepare students to participate effectively in today’s workplace. Employers demand workers who can not only use technology to complete a variety of work tasks and processes but who can leverage technology to advance the firm’s strategic operations.

While many students perceive themselves to be computer competent, research indicates that their preparation is not always complete or adequate. …

Youtube Video Project: A" Cool" Way To Learn Communication Ethics, Carol M. Lehman, Debbie D. Dufrene, Mark W. Lehman

Faculty Publications

The millennial generation embraces new technologies as a natural way of accessing and exchanging information, staying connected, and having fun. YouTube, a video-sharing site that allows users to upload, view, and share video clips, is among the latest “cool” technologies for enjoying quick laughs, employing a wide variety of corporate activities, and also communicating relevant, engaging instructional content for today’s students. This article describes a YouTube video class project that is a natural fit with today’s students because it involves cutting-edge social media while addressing a critical component of professional development—communication ethics. This project encourages critical thinking, creativity, and applied …

The Big 5-0: Pretty Slick Turns Fifty, Geoffrey D. Reynolds

Faculty Publications

The Big 5-0: Pretty Slick Turns Fifty is an article concerning the full restoration of a 1959 SlickCraft 16' Premiere (built in Holland, Michigan by the Slick Craft Boat Company) molded plywood boat by Geoffrey Reynolds for owner, Catherine Dinco, from 2008-2009.

The Assessment Plan In Action: Business Communication, A Core Course, Marsha L. Bayless, S. Ann Wilson

Faculty Publications

Accrediting agencies and state legislatures frequently require universities to provide methods of assessing student performance. Continuous improvement for accreditation drives the assessment movement. This paper describes a six-semester study conducted at a regional university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The study conducted from Fall 2006 to Spring 2009 encompassed six objectives related to communication mandated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The study involved 2,562 students in 87 sections of the business communication course. Embedded questions and assignment review were the methods of assessment …

Knowing When To Quit: Do Optimism And Overconfidence Cloud Investor Judgment?, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Managerial Integrity: Are Black Employees More Sensitive To Behavioral Breaches?, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Leadership Through Storytelling, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Computer Application Employability Skills, S. Ann Wilson

Faculty Publications

Among the skills that employers have desired of new employees over the years, computer literacy still ranks very highly. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) 2006 Job Outlook survey, these skills include: (1) Communication skills (verbal and written); (2) Honesty/integrity; (3) Teamwork skills (works well with others); (4) Strong work ethic; (5) Analytical skills; (6) Flexibility/adaptability; (7) Interpersonal skills (relates well to others); (8) Motivation/Initiative; (9) Computer skills; and (10) Detail-oriented. No definition for computer skills was given. The Michigan State University’s Alumni Career Services lists the results of a 1995 Collegiate Employment Research …

Tapping The Subjective Values Present In Negotiations: Face, Feelings, And Friendships, Clive Muir

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.