Digital Commons Network^™

Resource Affluence And Sustainable Consumer Behavior, Liguo Liu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

While resource affluence is desired by most individuals, it may not always be advantageous for a collective group. Recent research documents some “dark side” effects associated with resource affluence, such as reducing people’s willingness to help others or leading to unethical behaviors (e.g., Piff et al. 2012; Vohs et al. 2016). Building on this body of work and advances in sustainability research, this study investigates the impact of financial affluence on sustainable consumer behavior. Using a multi-method approach (archival data and experiments), this study demonstrates that financial affluence leads to less sustainable consumer behaviors compared to a control group, across …

Longitudinal Healthcare Analytics For Early Detection And Progression Of Neurological Diseases: A Clinical Decision Support System, Gabriel Owusu, Xuan Wang, Jun Sun

Information Systems Faculty Publications

Neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are rising global health challenges. This study presents a two-stage decision support system (DSS) that uses machine learning and neuroimaging for early AD detection and monitoring. The first stage uses deep learning for predicting AD likelihood. The second leverages a 3D convolutional neural network to identify crucial brain regions in AD progression. Notably, the DSS offers a solution to machine learning's "black box" problem using an occlusion map explainability method, enhancing decision transparency. Its design is adaptable to other diseases using imaging data, underscoring its broad healthcare potential. By providing an innovative and interpretable …

The Role Of Technology In Online Health Communities: A Study Of Information-Seeking Behavior, Leann Boyce, Ahasan Harun, Gayle Prybutok, Victor R. Prybutok

Information Systems Faculty Publications

This study significantly contributes to both theory and practice by providing valuable insights into the role and value of healthcare in the context of online health communities. This study highlights the increasing dependence of patients and their families on online sources for health information and the potential of technology to support individuals with health information needs. This study develops a theoretical framework by analyzing data from a cross-sectional survey using partial least squares structural equation modeling and multi-group and importance-performance map analysis. The findings of this study identify the most beneficial technology-related issues, like ease of site navigation and interaction …

Addressing Labor Challenges In The Hospitality Industry: Insights From College Students, W. Clarke Griffin

ICHRIE Research Reports

The hospitality industry is facing a growing labor crisis. College students were surveyed on their perceptions of the hospitality industry and a roundtable discussion of industry experts occurred to explore the results. College students described that the starting hourly wage and a flexible work schedule were the most important factors influencing their employment decisions. The study's findings suggest that the hospitality industry can attract and retain more college students by prioritizing employee welfare and effectively communicating the benefits of a career in hospitality. This could involve offering higher wages, more flexible work schedules, and better benefits. Creating a positive work …

Hartville Potato Chips Proposal, Colton J. Zweifel, Augustine M. Holben, Ashlyn T. Pinkerton, Adam J. Weidmann, Nick S. Maricocchi, Madyson E. Miller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

My Honors Research Team is assisting the small company called Hartville Potato Chips in their positioning and marketing in the business world. Our group looks to assess position where this company occupies in consumers' minds, how they can leverage their unique position, what companies they can partner with, what companies they partner with that are most successful, and where, financially, company is doing well. Our research will consist of interviews, second hand research, working with client, analyzing of financial materials, and focus groups. The goal overall is bring the company to a better spot in location of customers' heads.

Crossing The “Valley Of Death”: How Climate Technology Entrepreneurs Navigate Relationships With Venture Capital Investors, Allison Lucas

Wayne State University Dissertations

As the world faces the ongoing and intensifying impacts of climate change, a group of innovative changemakers known as climate tech entrepreneurs (CTEs) are working on climate adaptation, mitigation, and/or resilience efforts by brining innovative technologies to the global market (UNFCC, 2018; Endeavor 2022). To realize the full potential of these technologies—tools, techniques, specialized knowledge or skillsets—they must be developed, deployed, and implemented at scale (IPCC, 2000). To do this, CTEs require external funding support, especially during a crucial period of the start-up lifecycle known as the “valley of death”. In this period between development and commercialization, production costs and …

Farm-Raised Salmon Business: An International Outline Through Regulations, Environmental Issues, And Consumer Perception., Luiz Felipe Da Silva

Business ETD Collections

This research investigates the key challenges faced by the global farm-raised salmon industry, focusing on economic impacts of regulatory differences, environmental sustainability issues, and consumer perceptions of farm-raised versus wild-caught salmon. Using a mixed research approach, including an interview with a professional and a review of existing literature, the study finds a disconnect between salmon companies and their customers, indicating a need for improved marketing strategies. The research also highlights the importance of high environmental standards in production for enhancing competitiveness. Additionally, the adoption of certifications and high production standards can improve consumer acceptance of farmed salmon over wild-caught alternatives.

Investigating The Environmental Impact Of Tesla’S Electric Vehicles Compared To Fossil Fuel Vehicles., Bayezid Han Kulak

Business ETD Collections

Emphasizing production techniques, emissions, and competitive strategies, this project examines the environmental effects of Tesla's electric vehicles (EVs) relative to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles. Leading in the EV market as the automotive sector moves toward sustainable practices is Tesla. Still, evaluating the environmental advantages of Tesla cars calls for a thorough investigation going beyond zero tailpipe pollution. This paper looks at the high energy consumption and environmental effects related to the manufacturing of Tesla batteries including cobalt and lithium mining. Emphasizing less greenhouse gas emissions than ICE vehicles, it also assesses the total emissions of Tesla vehicles over …

Coopetition Strategies: Adoption And Effectiveness In Retail Sector., Jonas Starford Chatsika

Business ETD Collections

This study investigates the adoption and effectiveness of coopetition strategies by retail SMEs in countering the perception that large e-commerce platforms threaten their survival. Using a qualitative research methodology and expert interviews, the findings reveal that retail SMEs predominantly adopt horizontal coopetition, such as sharing infrastructure, security services, and group buying. Few engage in platform-based coopetition with large e-commerce platforms. Organisational capability is a key factor influencing the adoption of these strategies, which prove effective in addressing the perceived threat. The study recommends that retail SMEs enhance their organisational capabilities and suggests large e-commerce platforms localise their approaches to better …

Labor Practices And Their Impact On Employee Perception At Amazon Usa., Yelitza Manzano Jimenez

Business ETD Collections

This study examines Amazon employees' perceptions in the United States and their impact on engagement and organisational culture. Since its founding in 1994, Amazon has grown from an online book retailer to a global platform and one of the "Big Four" internet companies. Positive employee perceptions foster engagement through a supportive work environment, but challenges such as timely and transparent feedback persist. Recommendations include adopting an open-door policy aligned with the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model to enhance feedback processes and improve engagement, contributing to Amazon’s sustained success.

Changing Nutrition Trends And Mcdonald’S Product Strategies: The Rise Of Plant-Based Products And Their Impact On Consumer Behaviour., Meryem Yildirim

Business ETD Collections

This research explores the influence of McDonald’s plant-based product development strategies on consumer behaviour and brand perception. It highlights the challenges McDonald’s faces when launching plant-based products, particularly in the US, where the desired impact on consumers has not been achieved. The study contrasts this with the success of these products in Europe, where they have enhanced the brand’s sustainability image and contributed to profitability. Additionally, McDonald’s has made strides toward promoting healthy eating by offering plant-based and diet products, while also accommodating cultural and religious sensitivities in its menu localization. The findings emphasise the importance of continuing these strategic …

Investigating Negative Brand Perception And Toxicity In X (Formerly Twitter)., Nandin Batbold

Business ETD Collections

The rapid growth of social media has transformed brand-consumer communication and image management. Among these platforms, X (formerly Twitter) stands out for facilitating real-time interactions and fostering public discourse. While social media provides a powerful channel for engagement, its open and unmoderated nature exposes brands to risks such as negativity, trolling, and toxicity. Recent developments, particularly Elon Musk's 2022 acquisition of X and subsequent rebranding efforts, have heightened these challenges. These organisational changes, including renaming Twitter to X and altering its logo, have sparked mixed reactions from users and brands. This study explores how such drastic transformations impact user activity, …

The Impact Of Sustainability Initiatives On Corporate Culture: Bord Bia., Feride Baş

Business ETD Collections

This study focuses on the relationship between sustainability practices and culture in Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, with a clear objective of studying the effects of these practices on environmental, economic and social sustainability. Using literature review and expert interviews, the study determine what organizational cultural values and practices enable sustainable practices within the organization. In the case of Bord Bia, the paper suggests that most of the sustainability goals focused on the organization’s people and practices, especially those under the Origin Green programme, have been the catalyst towards reestablishing that corporates value long-term environmental and economic wellbeing. However, …

Analyzing The Impact Of Negative Publicity About Employee Turnover On Customer Loyalty: A Case Study Of Amazon., Nyambane Abedinego Nyambwengi

Business ETD Collections

This study examines the effect of negative publicity regarding employee turnover on customer loyalty, focusing on Amazon. Using in-depth interviews and surveys, the research highlights how social media platforms, particularly Facebook, and digital communication have facilitated the spread of negative information about Amazon's high employee turnover. While findings suggest that persistent negative media coverage could erode customer confidence over time, no statistical correlation between high turnover, negative publicity, and customer loyalty was established due to an insufficient sample size. The study recommends robust public relations strategies to protect corporate reputation and contributes to the understanding of how internal organisational issues …

Evaluating Mcdonald’S Sustainability Practices: Real Commitment Or Greenwashing?, Lorena Elizabeth Alonso De León

Business ETD Collections

This study critically examines McDonald's sustainability claims and practices, focusing on its greenhouse gas emissions and beef consumption. Through secondary research, the study contrasts McDonald's sustainable initiatives with data from reputable sources and climate institutions. While McDonald's has set a net-zero emissions target for 2050, its position as one of the largest beef buyers, contributing 1-2% of global beef consumption, undermines these efforts. The company’s approach to achieving net-zero emissions is described as vague and unattainable without significant changes to its plant-based menu, agricultural practices, and consumer awareness. The findings highlight a gap between McDonald’s sustainability claims and its operational …

Investigating Factors Influencing Changing Consumer Patterns And The Impact On Sales Revenue In The Clothes Department At Marks & Spencer In Dublin, Ireland., Ruth Boyani Mogire

Business ETD Collections

Constantly changing consumer purchasing behaviours have greatly impacted the sales revenue collection in the clothing department at Marks and Spencer in Dublin. Among the concerns for M&S, is the failure to maintain a constant or predictable sales revenue amount annually due to erratic purchasing patterns among consumers. For organisations such as M&S that depend on growing its sales volumes to realise higher revenues could face challenges due to changing consumer purchasing patterns. As such, it is valid to investigate the factors that influence a changing purchasing pattern among consumers for M&S to increase its sales volumes within the clothes department. …

Bord Bia: Global Marketing Challenges., Guzel Khabibullina

Business ETD Collections

This research examines global marketing challenges faced by Bord Bia, an Irish agency in the food, drink, and horticulture sector, as it seeks to increase market share in the European Union (EU). The study combines primary and secondary research, utilising a case study approach to analyse Bord Bia’s branding, marketing strategies, and digital transformation efforts. Key areas of focus include leveraging sustainable production as a unique selling point, enhancing the Country of Origin (COO) effect, and addressing cultural diversity in marketing activities. Findings highlight the value of a blended marketing strategy, integrating traditional and digital methods, and recommend adopting AI-driven …

Impact Of Business Strategy On Carbon Emissions: Empirical Evidence From U.S. Firms, Muhammad Nurul Houqe, Tarek Abdelfattah, Muhammad Kaleem Zahir-Ul-Hassan, Subhan Ullah

All Works

This study examines the nexus between business strategy and carbon emissions by utilising a dataset of U.S. firms from 2007 to 2020. It focuses on two broad types of firms, that is, prospectors and defenders. Regarding carbon emissions, we consider total emissions (Scope 1 & 2), direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions (Scope 2). The results reveal a significant association between business strategy and total carbon emissions as well as direct carbon emissions. Notably, the results suggest that prospectors, compared to defenders, display higher levels of total and direct carbon emissions. Our findings contribute to the debate on whether …

Blockchain And Fractionalized Ownership As It Relates To The Tokenization Of Real Estate, Ryan Beckett

Dissertations from the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration Program

Blockchain is a relatively new technology that can facilitate the administration of several different classifications of transactions. A blockchain consists of a series of digital blocks connected along a linear time sequence. One major potential application of blockchain technology is to facilitate real estate transactions. Features of blockchain that are especially useful in real estate include its digitally robust code and internal protocols that lead to a level of security and automatically executing smart contracts. Despite the significant potential applications of blockchain to the real estate industry, perceptions, and knowledge of blockchain technology among professionals in the real estate industry …

Essays On Corporate Debt Structure, Kyuyoung Oh

Theses and Dissertations--Finance and Quantitative Methods

The dissertation consists of three chapters exploring three different facets of corporate debt structure choice. In the first chapter, “Risk Management and the Choice between Secured and Unsecured Debt: Evidence from Natural Experiment,” I study whether and how corporate hedging affects firms’ choice between secured and unsecured debt. Exploiting the introduction of steel futures as a natural experiment, I provide causal evidence that risk management enables firms to switch from secured to unsecured debt without sacrificing debt capacity. Cross-sectional evidence supports the interpretation that risk management drives the results. The effects are stronger for firms that are more likely to …

The Relationship Of Esg Component Scores And Creditworthiness On Publicly Listed Firms In The Asean-5 Countries, Shayne Jefferson Alvarez, Charlene Ashley C. Cu, Lance L. Lamberte, Patrick Henry G. Yap, Paulynne J. Castillo, Roberto B. Raymundo, Joel Q. Tanchuco

Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies (AKI)

ESG ratings are crucial for ASEAN-5 businesses' creditworthiness. While existing studies often concentrate on ESG's impact on financial performance or general pillars, a detailed exploration of the 10 specific ESG components in the ASEAN-5 is lacking. This study addresses this gap, examining how ESG ratings affect a company's creditworthiness (probability of default) in publicly traded companies across the ASEAN-5 countries while considering potential heterogeneity. Utilizing annual data from 2013-2022 for 10 ESG components and Eikon Refinitiv's probability of default via the Starmine Combined Credit Risk Model across ASEAN-5, the study employs a panel OLS regression model with White's Robust Standard …

Regional Price Index 2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Statistics

The 2023 Regional Price Index (RPI) is the eleventh State Government Index contrasting the cost of a common basket of goods and services at a number of regional locations to the Perth metropolitan region. The RPI is used as the basis for the construction of the public sector district allowance, and by the private sector when considering remuneration packages for remotely located staff.

The RPI provides an insight into differences in regional consumer costs. The 2023 RPI basket of 185 goods and services was priced in 39 regional centres around Western Australia.

The 2023 RPI results show that, overall, prices …

Life Satisfaction And Job And Personal Resources Among Public Workers With Non-Standard Work Schedules, Jennifer M. Cavallari, Sierra M. Trudel, Megan N. Miskovsky, Rick A. Laguerre, Alicia G. Dugan

Management Faculty Research and Publications

Background

While the link between non-standard work schedules and poor health outcomes is established, few studies have examined how resources both in and outside of work can support the well-being of workers with non-standard work schedules.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the association between one facet of well-being, life satisfaction, and job and personal resources. In 2019, an electronic survey was administered to two unionized, public service populations who work non-standard work schedules: transportation maintainers and correctional supervisors. We assessed life satisfaction with a 10-item scale; a broad set of job resources (reward satisfaction, supervisor support, co-worker support, …

A Critical Event Narrative Analysis Of African Women Immigrant Entrepreneurs In The United States: Impacts Before, During, And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Damilola T. Fasinu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This doctoral research presents a qualitative critical event narrative study focused on African Women Immigrant Entrepreneurs (AWIE) in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to explore the unique challenges, coping mechanisms, and resilience strategies of AWIE by examining their experiences before, during, and after the pandemic. The research is driven by three guiding questions: (1) How do AWIE describe their experience before the pandemic? (2) During the pandemic? (3) After the pandemic? This inquiry provides a comprehensive narrative, capturing the challenges and successes experienced in the pre-pandemic environment, documenting the immediate impacts of the pandemic on …

Visit North Carolina: Trail Accessibility, Hannah Caitlyn Guschel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This paper focuses on the perceived barriers to travel from marketing material for individuals with disabilities compared to those without disabilities and the direct impact on leisurely travel participation, particularly in outdoor spaces. Employing a cross-sectional study design encompassing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, this research investigates the experiences and transparency of trail accessibility in the state of North Carolina. Quantitative data were gathered through trail assessment accessibility checklists, while qualitative insights were obtained via in-depth interviews. The findings reveal an improved understanding of accessibility and the application of an accessibility checklist. Moreover, the study underscores the importance …

The Impact Of Social Media On Charitable Giving For Nonprofit Organization, Namchul Shin

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Research has extensively studied nonprofit organizations’ use of social media for communications and interactions with supporters. However, there has been limited research examining the impact of social media on charitable giving. This research attempts to address the gap by empirically examining the relationship between the use of social media and charitable giving for nonprofit organizations. We employ a data set of the Nonprofit Times’ top 100 nonprofits ranked by total revenue for the empirical analysis. As measures for social media traction, i.e., how extensively nonprofits draw supporters on their social media sites, we use Facebook Likes, Twitter Followers, and Instagram …

How Does Digitalisation Transform Business Models In Ropax Ports? A Multi-Site Study Of Port Authorities, Yiran Chen, Anastasia Tsvetkova, Kristel Edelman, Irina Wahlström, Marikka Heikkila, Magnus Hellström

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

This article investigates the relationship between digitalisation and business model changes in RoPax ports. The study is based on six RoPax ports in Northern Europe, examining their digitalisation efforts and the resulting changes in their business models, leading to further digital transformation. The paper offers insights by reviewing relevant literature on digitalisation’s role in business model innovation and its application in ports. The findings reveal that digitalisation supports relevant business model changes concerning port operation integration within logistics chains, communication, documentation flow, and cargo flow optimisation. However, exploring digitalisation’s potential for diversifying value propositions is still limited. Most digitalisation efforts …

An Empirical Study To Understand The Role Of Institution-Based Trust And Its Antecedents In Iot Adoption By Individuals, Anupam Kumar Nath, Amit Kumar Nath

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

ABSTRACT

The Internet of Things (IoT) enables the connection between humans, physical objects, and cyber objects, resulting in monitoring, automation, and decision-making capabilities. This connection can be complex and lead to uncertainty for individuals before adopting IoT technology. To address this, we conducted research on the role of Institution-based trust in the context of IoT adoption. Our model for IoT adoption is based on existing literature and includes the components of Institution-based trust and its antecedents. Through empirical testing, we confirmed that Institution-based trust positively affects IoT adoption at the individual level. Additionally, we found that User confirmation/disconfirmation and familiarity …

Key Issues Of Predictive Analytics Implementation: A Sociotechnical Perspective, Leida Chen, Ravi Nath, Nevina Rocco

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Developing an effective business analytics function within a company has become a crucial component to an organization’s competitive advantage today. Predictive analytics enables an organization to make proactive, data-driven decisions. While companies are increasing their investments in data and analytics technologies, little research effort has been devoted to understanding how to best convert analytics assets into positive business performance. This issue can be best studied from the socio-technical perspective to gain a holistic understanding of the key factors relevant to implementing predictive analytics. Based upon information from structured interviews with information technology and analytics executives of 11 organizations across the …

Does Personality Traits And Security Habits Influence Security Of Personal Identification Numbers? The Context Of Mobile Money Services In Tanzania., Daniel Ntabagi Koloseni

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Security is an important ingredient in financial transactions; as such, it is imperative that attention should be paid to enhancing the security habits and user behaviours of mobile payment services. Establishing a link between security habits, personality characteristics, and security behaviours provides a new dimension to studying security behaviours regarding mobile money services. Therefore, this study investigates how personality traits affect security behaviours and habits and how security habits mediate the link between personality traits and PIN security practices. The study found that conscientiousness, openness to experience, extroversion and security habits influence PIN security practices, while conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism …