Digital Commons Network^™

Why Selecting Leaders Is So Difficult, Doug Knuth, Laura Queen, Cam Caldwell

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

The focus of this paper is on the importance of understanding the selection and testing process for top-level organizational leaders, managers, and supervisors and identifying the reasons why so many organizations are unsuccessful in selecting people for those critical positions. The paper begins by identifying five major problems that explain why organizations are limited in their ability to select the right people for top level managerial and leadership positions. Citing information from scholars, academic institutions, research organizations, and the Society for Human Resource Management, we identify root causes of “the leader selection problem” and offer eight specific recommendations for addressing …

Courtesy...An Endangered Species?, Ritch K. Eich

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

Winter/Spring 2025

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

Protection Of Trade Secrets In Global Markets And International Business: Implications For Labor Relations, Oleg M. Yaroshenko, Oleksii Tykhonovych, Yaroslav Kostohryz, Yuliia Ivchuk, Dmytro Sirokha

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

Against the background of globalization and the constant evolution of economic relations, the protection of trade secrets in labor relations becomes a necessity to ensure the sustainable competitiveness of enterprises in the international market. This article analyzes the multifaceted dimensions of trade secret protection, covering global business strategies, intercultural labor practices, international economic relations, and public policy fundamentals. Through the analysis of international agreements such as the TRIPS Agreement and the European Union Directive on Non-Competition Provisions, the article explores how various legal systems address trade secrets in labor relations, emphasizing the need for global harmonization. It also considers cultural …

Development Of Financial Management Skills: A Guidebook For Caregivers Of Autistic Children, Marcie Balleza, Steven M. Gerardi, Angela Blackwell

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Autistic children face challenges to living independently, including learning to manage finances. Caregivers of autistic children must develop in their care recipients the financial skills to live independently. A lack of educational resources on how to teach financial management skills can impede the development of independent living skills in autistic children. Caregivers of autistic children lack the education and training that is necessary to teach financial management skills to autistic children to prepare them for transition to adulthood. Caregivers of autistic children do not know how to help their child learn money management skills in preparation for the transition to …

Effects Of Supply Chain Issues On It Digital Transformation In Fast Growing Louisiana Sme, John Estes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID 19 lockdown restrictions hit the business world by surprise in 2020 resulting in various effects on businesses. Many businesses required their employees to work from home for weeks, months, or years at a time. This resulted in a push to digitization during a period the supply chains were also impacted by similar restrictions. Section one lays the groundwork for a single case study on the related effects to digital transformation on engineering services in a Louisiana SME. Section 2 covers the project, a single case study within a fast-growing engineering services business. The study findings answer four key questions …

A Quantitative Study Exploring How Depression Symptom Severity Moderates The Relationship Between Emotional Suppression And Workplace Performance In A Sample Of American Office Worker, Laura A. Duffy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous disorder consisting of several subtypes, and both subthreshold depression and acute phase depression are associated with functional, occupational, and social impairments, even after remission. Studies suggest that depression symptom severity negatively affects a person’s health, work performance, and social functioning due to a person’s limited cognitive resources. In Western cultures, employers expect employees who have depression to use emotional regulation in the workplace, but these employees find that this uses cognitive resources to the extent that they are unable to do their work optimally and also fulfill their social functions in the workplace. …

Participation As Preparation: A Phenomenological Study Of Black Greek Letter Organization (Bglo) Members In The Workforce, Letasha Carrie Mcfarlane

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how membership in a Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO) impacts the experiences of Black professionals in overcoming obstacles in the modern workforce. This study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological design to capture the lived experiences of 10 BGLO members working in federal military and educational organizations in the United States. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling, and data were collected via open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured individual interviews, and a focus group. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed four major themes: (1) Utilization of Opportunities to Overcome Workplace Challenges, (2) Cultivation …

The Role Of Customers In Strategic Information Technology (It) Initiatives, Siddharth Aggarwal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on a small organization in the United States of America. The organization has IT departments that cater to the IT needs of its internal and external customers through IT products and services. Such organizations run full life cycles of product management and product development and often face off with situations to prioritize the use of their limited resources. Ideally, organizations focus on strategic IT initiatives that might be in the company's and its customers' best interest. However, instances occur when IT-driven initiatives lose that focus and might end up diverting resources toward the latest shiny technology and …

The Phenomenological Study Of Women Mentoring Younger Women: A Titus 2 Action Research Project, Shannon Bludworth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Though church attendance is down, women still comprise the largest percentage of churchgoers. With the decline in church attendance, a decline in programs for women has ensued. Nevertheless, the continued need for mentoring women remains the same. This DMIN action research aims to address this need and develop a mentorship program where mature women mentor younger women in their continued personal spiritual growth. This research project includes a training seminar for the mentors, a six-week Bible study for the mentees, and six weeks of one-on-one mentoring, during which the mature women mentor the younger women in their faith. Triangulation of …

Risk Management In Mnes During Global Crises: Subsidiary Control Or Autonomy?, Andreja Jaklič, Iris Koleša, Gaja Mavri, Anže Burger

Economic and Business Review

Tensions between control and autonomy in multinational enterprises (MNEs) have attracted considerable academic interest, which has been additionally fuelled by multiple crises following the 2008 global recession. These have intensified the exploration of interentity relationships within MNEs and their implications for risk and crisis management and resilience. Our study examines how the autonomy of subsidiaries in a risky Central and Eastern European market (Slovenia) influences risk and crisis management strategies as well as resilience of subsidiaries in the midst of global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine. We analyse the performance of foreign subsidiaries during these …

Change Is In The Minds Of The Beholders: A Sociocognitive Comparison Of Crisis Perceptions And Change Predictions: Insights From China, New Zealand, And Slovenia, Zhonghui Ding, Matevž Rašković

Economic and Business Review

Inspired by research on the "geography of thought" within social psychology, we present a cross-cultural comparative study of sociocognitive patterns between China, New Zealand, and Slovenia. We study COVID-19 risk perceptions and also explore predictions of economic trends under four specific economic scenarios. Our results show that the East-versus-West demarcation in terms of cultural boundaries is useful but insufficient to understand culturally driven predictions of economic trends. In times of economic downturn, such as the one caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there seem to be universal tendencies towards pessimism. However, significant differences emerge in times of economic growth. Hence, …

The Impact Of Major Sporting Events In Kalamazoo On Consumer Behavior, Nicholas Biel

Honors Theses

Sporting events are a force in the growth and sustainability of a community’s economy. In a market like Kalamazoo, collegiate football games such as those at Western Michigan University and annual events like the Kalamazoo Marathon play a pivotal role in bolstering the economy. This research demonstrates the effects on consumer behavior at restaurants in Kalamazoo, Michigan that are caused by these major sporting events. By examining data from the platform Placer.ai, and conducting interviews with local restaurants, this research examines trends in consumer habits, movements, and engagement. Placer.ai is a platform that tracks location analytics using data collected anonymously …

Evaluating The Perceived Benefits Of Education In Revenue Cycle Management And The Impact On Medical Claims Reimbursement, Jessica L. Miller

Student Dissertations

Efficient Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is essential for healthcare organizations to ensure timely and accurate reimbursement for medical claims. The research problem was the significant inadequacies in RCM process in medical billing that has resulted in financial burdens imposed on providers, patients, and the organizations that provide medical services. There are clearly identified educational gaps in RCM that contribute to claim denials, delays, and revenue loss, underscoring the need for robust training programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived impact of education in RCM on medical claim reimbursement outcomes within the U.S. healthcare system. The study …

Ada News - 12/09/2024, American Dental Association, Publishing Division

ADA News

Established in 1970 as the official newspaper of the American Dental Association, the ADA News serves practicing dentists and others allied to the dental profession in the U.S. and internationally. It is the No. 1 source of news and information about the many benefits and services the ADA delivers to members daily as well as timely information on scientific, social, political and economic developments affecting dentistry and health care.

Latinas In Law Enforcement: Tokenism, Barriers And Changes Along The Narrow Bridge To Promotion, Saturnino Velazquez

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand and analyze themes and patterns shared among the lived experiences of 12 female Latina Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) in male-dominated police departments in the Midwest (Illinois and Minnesota). The researcher chose to adopt a basic interpretive qualitative research methodology for this study because it provides a flexible and useful research tool, and provided a broader approach to interpreting meaning from rich and detailed data, yet complex, and account of semi-structured interviews that served as a data collection instrument. This study was guided by the theoretical framework of Kanter’s research on …

All Sports Spectacular Event Plan And Data Review, Ashley Dale

Honors Theses

The following report is the event plan for the All Sports Spectacular hosted by the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce (IHRCC) on October 5, 2024, at the Mill Sports and Event Center in Onsted, MI. The report investigates different elements of the event and how they contributed to the overall success of the event. It also provides recommendations for changes that can be made in the future to increase the fundraising potential of the event.

The project’s main goal was to raise funds for the IHRCC so that they are able to continue their mission of promoting business growth …

A Document Analysis: In What Ways Do Elementary Schools Display Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports (Pbis) As An Educational Evidence-Based Practice?, Catherine Chidiac

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Research indicates that positive reinforcement can improve student achievement and increase positive student behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore the ways public schools in New Jersey communicate the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practice to their staff and students. This document analysis reviewed the themes and practices presented in each school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) implementation manuals.

This qualitative research examined 17 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Implementation Manuals, seeking to better understand how New Jersey public schools communicate Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and how the information aligns with the national …

The Role Of Qa Automation In Eliminating Waste In Project Teams, Ejiro Esiri

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This study explores the impact of Quality Assurance (QA) automation on reducing waste in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) projects within enterprise organizations. Manual QA processes often result in bugs and defects that negatively affect project quality and business outcomes. Although automated QA testing promises improved accuracy and fewer errors, its implementation and effectiveness in SEO projects have yet to be thoroughly researched. This study uses qualitative research methods, including surveys of SEO professionals, QA specialists, and project managers in enterprise organizations, to examine how automated QA testing influences the performance and outcomes of SEO projects. The results show that companies …

The Effective Implementation Of Agile Project Management In Healthcare It Projects, Chinedu Chigbu

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This research paper investigates the effective implementation of Agile project management in the healthcare sector, focusing on its role in facilitating digital transformation initiatives. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study examines current practices, challenges, and future trends in healthcare digitalization, emphasizing the pivotal role of IT project management. Key concepts, models, and success metrics are analyzed, with particular attention to the adoption of Agile methodologies and stakeholder collaboration. Challenges such as interoperability, resistance to change, and data security are scrutinized alongside strategic solutions. The paper also outlines future opportunities, including AI integration and blockchain, and offers recommendations for enhancing …

Navigating Workforce Utilization Metric In The Indian It Industry: A Multifaceted Study, Shipra Jha

Management Dynamics

The measurement of workforce utilization is a critical concern for organizations, especially within the dynamic landscape of the IT industry. This research explores the multifaceted nature of utilization metrics by devising Utilization Insight Elicitation Framework (UIEF), focusing on three major themes: defining utilization and understanding the significance, assessing its impact on employee well-being, and contemplating its future relevance. Examining utilization from cost and revenue perspectives reveals how organizations optimize costs while ensuring project profitability. The study scrutinizes the balance between cost-focused and headcount-centered approaches, considering employees' roles and project demands. Additionally, it discusses factors for inclusion/exclusion in utilization calculations and …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 100, No. 2, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period November 11 - December 5, 2024.

• Wilborn, Price. Letter from the Editor – Homecoming
• Vickers, Abigail. Homecoming Royalty – Milie LeJeune, Sarah Burke, Katie Burch, Jennifer Smith, Alice Waddell
• A New Era for Social Sciences at WKU – Society, Culture, Crime & Justice
• Steps from WKU, Miles of Charm – Walk2Campus
• Wilborn, Price. Martha Sales Reflects on Life, Leadership & Growth
• Leasing Agents Lending a Friendly Face & Helping Hand – Columns
• Smith, Kane. How Local Businesses Prepare for Homecoming Crowds
• Downtown Bowling Green – Restaurants & Businesses
• Home Sweet …

Shame, Loneliness, Regret: Analyzing Theeffectiveness Of Anti-Alcohol Marketing Campaigns On Consumers, Zakary Bradbury

Honors Projects in Marketing

The alcohol market has been growing exponentially worldwide over the past decade with no trends of stopping in the near future. With this growth comes an increase in marketing efforts from both pro-alcohol companies and anti-alcohol agencies. While pro-alcohol companies have not had any trouble regarding marketing, anti-alcohol agencies have lagged behind in terms of social and digital marketing efforts. The goal of this research was to uncover how various anti-alcohol stimuli affect consumer attitudes and beliefs. To conduct research, we ran a Qualtrics survey consisting of 279 college students. The results showed that 1) when participants viewed an anti-alcohol …

Wearable Technology In Intercollegiate Sport: Ethical And Legal Considerations Of Collecting Student-Athlete Biometric Data, Taryn Deshane

Honors Theses

As wearable technology becomes increasingly integrated into athletic performance tracking, questions surrounding privacy, consent, and data ownership emerge. This research investigates how universities and athletic organizations navigate the complex issues surrounding athlete biometric data (ABD) collection and usage, with a particular emphasis on intercollegiate athletics. While the use of biometric data is widespread across both professional and amateur sports, this study hones in on the college sports environment, examining how ABD is collected, the ethical concerns it raises, and how it impacts student-athletes and institutions.

This pilot study centers on student-athletes at Western Michigan University, specifically focusing on Division 1 …

Relationship Between The Transition To Remote Work And Job Satisfaction, Eric Wong

JWU Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive research study was to explore how employees who had not worked remotely before, and who began remote jobs, describe the benefits and challenges they experienced during their transition to remote work. Using Maslow’s (1943) hierarchy of needs as the theoretical framework, 10 participants were interviewed regarding the benefits and challenges associated with remote work. Results revealed that the benefits of transitioning to remote work largely increased job satisfaction and job performance. These benefits included limited or no commuting to work, enhanced flexibility in work schedules, reduced or less anxiety during work, and increased family …

The Best Places To Raise A Family In Texas: Developing The Hibbs Institute Family Index, Manuel Reyes-Loya, Cecilia Cuellar

Whitepapers and Technical Reports

This report presents the Hibbs Institute Family Index, which ranks Texas metropolitan areas based on how family-friendly they are. The index evaluates 25 metro areas using 18 indicators across five categories: health and safety, economic performance, education, amenities, and social environment. Data from census, labor, healthcare, and community sources are used to calculate overall scores. The results show that Tyler, Texas ranks as the best place to raise a family , performing especially well in healthcare and economic conditions. The study helps families and policymakers better understand which Texas communities offer strong environments for family life.

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Packaging, Kyla Barrett

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, threatening marine ecosystems and global environmental health. With 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually, the urgency to implement sustainable practices in packaging has never been greater. This chapter explores the environmental impact of single-use plastics and highlights innovative alternatives like bioplastics and compostable materials. Lessons from global leaders, like Japan's cultural approach to waste management, the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan, and Costco's efforts in bulk buying and sustainable design, the chapter identifies actionable strategies for industries to adopt eco-friendly practices. Concluding …

Navigating Responsible Consumption: Unveiling Consumer Perceptions And The Role Of Bio-Based Products In Sustainable Decision-Making, Magdalena Klimczuk-Kochańska, Magdalena Marczewska

Journal of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour in Emerging Markets

The modern consumer society is criticised for its harmful impact on individual well-being and the environment, prompting a call for a transition to responsible consumption. This article explores emerging trends in consumer behaviour towards responsible consumption. Drawing from existing literature and empirical findings, it examines the multifaceted dimensions of responsible consumption, encompassing environmental, ethical, and social considerations. Conscious consumers prioritise basic needs over excessive consumption, opting for high-quality, reliable, and environmentally friendly products, especially those derived from biomaterials called bio-based products. Furthermore, responsible consumers recognise the social and environmental consequences of their consumption behaviour, advocating for sustainable practices and supporting …

Exploring The Town Management And University Partnership Impact On Community And Economic Development In Bridgewater, Massachusetts, David German Alatorre

Honors Program Theses and Projects

This undergraduate thesis investigates the Town of Bridgewater, Massachusetts through a qualitative process. Through this approach, the interconnection between community and economic development was explored and analyzed to understand how these factors and their underlying elements impact the Town of Bridgewater stakeholders. The Town of Bridgewater Master Plan, 2022 is a key cornerstone in this study, providing a compendium of influential priorities for the Town, current efforts initiated to support those priorities, barriers hindering further advancement, and future opportunities. Additionally, the unique Town characteristic of occupying a university-town partnership is considered when investigating the influences on community and economic development. …

Ethical Challenges For Same-Day Delivery Contractors, Chun-Miin (Jimmy) Chen, Xinwei Chen

Faculty Journal Articles

No abstract provided.