Digital Commons Network^™

Overcoming The Challenges Faced By Leaders Of Purpose-Led Medium-Sized Businesses: The Role Of Corporate Communication And Its Interplay With Corporate Reputation And Organisational Identity, Taofeeq Ibn-Mohammed, Suranga Herath, Nicholas Swallow, Charlie Gower, Adriana P. Montes, Dawn Brooks, Andres P. Garcia, Angus Morrison-Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Induced by worsening environmental conditions, pursuing purpose, not solely profit, now constitutes an ethical obligation for leaders of business organisations, towards future generations. Consequently, increasing numbers of businesses seek to become purpose-led (PLBs), but challenges exist. Despite the significant growth in PLB research since the turn of the millennium, attention has mainly focussed on multinational companies, although small- and medium-sized businesses (MSBs) hugely impact any economy. This research sets out to better understand the challenges faced by leaders of companies undergoing purpose-led MSB transitioning. Thematic analysis of the interview data from founders and leaders of B-Corp certified purpose-led MSBs revealed …

Bargaining Inefficiency Due To Mispricing Under Incomplete Information : Evidence From The Bilateral Oligopolistic Containership Time Charter Market, Jaeung Cha

World Maritime University Ph.D. Dissertations

A well-established body of bargaining studies theoretically demonstrates that inherent limitations in observing the counterplayer’s private information give rise to an incomplete information setting in bargaining, leading to efficiency losses associated with mispricing, costly delays, and even bargaining failures. As the shipping market, a business-to-business market in which products are generally heterogeneous and the number of both sellers and buyers is limited by high entry/exit barriers, relies on a bargaining mechanism to determine tailored transaction prices, market pricing is prone to inefficiencies associated with incomplete information. However, the relevant empirical evidence remains underexplored in both the shipping finance and bargaining …

Sociocultural Outsidership In Entrepreneurship: Rethinking The Double-Edged Role In Marginalisation, Robert J. Pidduck, Susana C. Santos, Eric W. Liguori, Reginald Tucker, Alexander Newman

Management Faculty Publications

This editorial introduces the special issue on marginalisation and entrepreneurship. While entrepreneurship research has long examined the impact of economic deprivation and structural barriers, far less attention has been given to sociocultural elements of outsidership – such as status incongruence, class-based identity conflict or cultural misalignment, among other related facets. We bring these dynamics to the fore, offering a conceptually rich yet ideologically neutral lens through which to understand how outsider dynamics can shape entrepreneurial cognition, legitimacy and venture development. Further, by synthesising emerging work across fragmented literatures, we propose a research agenda that explores sociocultural outsidership not only as …

Editor's Note: Economic Resilience In Contested, Noisy, And High-Pressure Environments, Marites Tiongco

DLSU Business & Economics Review

No abstract provided.

Health Status In East Texas, Manuel Reyes-Loya, Cecilia Cuellar, Marilyn Young, Luisa Moraes

Hibbs Newsletter

This issue of the Hibbs Newsletter examines the key economic drivers of East Texas, highlighting trends in GDP, employment, and wages across major metropolitan areas. From 2015 to 2023, the region experienced steady economic growth, led primarily by healthcare, manufacturing, and mining industries. The report emphasizes healthcare as a dominant contributor to both employment and high-wage occupations, offering insight into the region’s evolving economic structure

Corporate Disclosure Meets Natural Language Processing: Topic Modeling, Disclosure Strategy, And Audit Implications, Wanxin Yu

2026

Corporate disclosures serve as a critical channel for firms to communicate their financial performance, strategic initiatives, and firm-specific risks. In recent years, rapid advances in natural language processing (NLP) have provided powerful new tools for extracting insights from the growing volume and complexity of corporate disclosures. This dissertation consists of three studies that explore how advanced textual analysis can reveal deeper insights into corporate disclosures, managerial behavior, and auditor practices.

The first paper (co-authored) develops a topic-based approach to measuring the substantive content of risk factor disclosures. Using an embedding-based topic modeling framework, we identify 30 interpretable risk topics and …

Don't Walk By: Policy, Advocacy, And The Power Of Reconnection, Ashley Martinez, Isabella Dawkins, Hayley Tarro, Abby Hodge, Lily Stockwell, Grace Culp, Sebastian Lopez, Jesse Hartland

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Through this project, we will utilize dilemma reconciliation to address homelessness in the United States with frameworks implemented from The Netherlands and Finland.

How Interest Rates Influence Entry Level Employment Growth For Undergraduate Economics Students, Stiles B. Logan, Marc Joseph, Dylan Hilburn, Hayden Baker, Krisha Patel

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The United States job market has become a growing concern for graduating college students over the last decade. With rising unemployment, increased competition, and the rise of generative AI technology over the last five years, more students than ever are genuinely concerned that they will be unable to find long-term employment after graduation. In this paper, we will analyze the correlation between United States interest rates and entry-level employment growth, with the goal of contributing new and actionable information to help graduating college students plan for the future. We will be using data from IPUMS and FRED, spanning January 2009–December …

From State House To World Health Assembly: The Distinct Missions Of National And International Leadership In Oral Healthcare, Robert A. Faiella Dmd, Mmsc., Mba, William R. Calnon Dds, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Leadership in oral healthcare has long been treated as a skill assimilated over time through experience rather than intentionally defined, taught, and assessed. Unlike clinical practice, education, research, and infection control, leadership in oral healthcare lacks consistent standards despite its critical role in integrating these systems and guiding the profession’s future. As healthcare becomes increasingly collaborative and global, dentistry must deliberately develop leadership capabilities at multiple levels. This article examines leadership at the national and international levels, using the American Dental Association’s role within U.S. and global health and dental organizations as examples. It explores why these leadership contexts require …

Long-Lasting Impact Of Public Health Dentistry, Michal Herman Dds, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This article reflects on the enduring impact of public health dentistry through the author’s 25-year professional journey serving underserved and marginalized communities. It examines persistent barriers to equitable oral health care, including workforce shortages, inadequate insurance coverage, racial disparities, and limited access in rural and low-income populations. Drawing on experiences in nonprofit and community dentistry, the article highlights the importance of mentorship, advocacy, leadership, and community engagement in addressing oral health inequities. It argues that public health dentistry represents a form of professional altruism grounded in service and social responsibility, and calls on dental professionals to expand access, support workforce …

The Price Of Partnership: Examining The Market Success Of Single Female Artists And The Siphoning Of Women’S Creative Energy In Heterosexual Relationships, Octavia Akoulitcheva

MA in Art Business Dissertations

No abstract provided.

From Canvas To Crude: Volatility And Value Of Andy Warhol Prints, Arseniy Cassidy

MA in Art Business Dissertations

The volatility of commodities, such as oil, is well understood to reflect macroeconomic shocks, but less is known about how broader economic forces influence the performance of art. This study compares Andy Warhol print prices with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, analysing both assets through a macroeconomic lens. Using data from 2000–2025, we examine annual returns, volatility, and risk-adjusted performance, and also assess correlations with the stock market. The results show that Warhol prints achieved higher average returns than oil or equities but with much greater volatility and pronounced boom-bust cycles. Major macroeconomic events – such as recessions, oil …

Bridging Culture And Capital: The Financialisation Of Middle-Tier Contemporary Art In Emerging Markets, Ned Carter

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines the rising trend of the financialisation of middle-tier art markets in emerging economies, with a focus on corporate and institutional case studies from the continents of Africa and Asia. The research is driven by a central question: What are the key mechanisms turning middle-tier contemporary art into a financial asset class in these emerging markets? To answer this, the study analyses how financial tools, market intermediaries, and new wealth drivers are transforming art collecting practices in non-Western contexts. A qualitative case-study methodology is employed, comparing multiple institutions, mainly banks, investment funds and insurance firms, that actively engage …

Gender, Feminism, And Market Dynamics: Examining Gender And Feminism In The Art Market Through Two Female Chinese Artists, Hung Liu (劉虹) And Yu Hong (喻红), Amelia Campbell-Breeden

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines the articulation of feminist expression in contemporary Chinese women’s oil painting and its positioning and valuation within the art market. A focus is placed on Yu Hong and Hung Liu, analysing the interaction of gender, race, and censorship within both domestic and global frameworks. The study employs Grounded Theory to integrate qualitative and quantitative evidence from literature, exhibitions, market reports, rankings, and auction data, aiming to develop a theory from under-explored material instead of applying Western feminist beliefs.

Research suggests that recent advancements in female visibility are often driven by positive discrimination and curatorial “translation”, which uses …

From Bluechip To Beatlemania: Evaluating The Icon Premium In Celebrity Memorabilia Sales, Halloran Purcell

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation examines how celebrity memorabilia sales at auction influence buyer behavior, valuation trends, and market perception within the contemporary art market. This study investigates the ways in which auction houses strategically frame celebrity provenance to drive both emotional and financial value. Further, it explores the evolving definition of cultural capital in the auction world as popular culture sales rise in popularity. This study utilizes a mixed methods approach. On the qualitative side, it explores how different sales within the last ten years have been staged as cultural events, drawing from media discourse, marketing material, auction catalogues, and most importantly, …

Existential Reckonings: Covid-19’S Impact On Women Artists In New York And The Art Market During A Time Of Crisis, Elizabeth Glynn

MA in Art Business Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of COVID-19 on women artists in New York City, emphasizing the existential challenges they faced and their responses within the art market. Through qualitative interviews, this research reveals how the pandemic catalyzed critical introspection, prompting artists to reevaluate their identities and creative practices. Despite systemic barriers to visibility and recognition, women artists exhibited resilience and adaptability, leveraging digital platforms to foster community engagement and expand their reach. This study dives deeper into the representation and support of women in the art sector, highlighting the interconnectedness of existentialism, creativity, and the evolving art market.

The Impact Of Shariah Law, Liquidity And Interest Rate On Sukuk Growth In Malaysia In Short And Long Run: The Ardl Estimation, Dheya Hamood Saif Al-Fakih, Shahsuzan Zakaria, Md Khairu Amin Ismail

The Indonesian Capital Market Review

The issuance of sukuk has been steadily increasing over time, underscoring its growing significance and the need for further scholarly examination. As a global leader in the Islamic finance industry and a prominent issuer of sukuk, Malaysia serves as a critical case study for understanding this phenomenon. It is essential to investigate various factors and their impact on the growth of sukuk. The study analyzes the relationship between sukuk growth and factors such as interest rate, liquidity (M1), and Shariah law using monthly data from April 2011 to December 2020 obtained from Thomson Reuters Eikon. The study employs the ARDL …

Awareness And Decision-Making In Cryptocurrency Investment Among Students In Guwahati: A Comprehensive Study, Rituparna Roy Dr, Anupam Chanda Dr, Bidangsha Basumatary

The Indonesian Capital Market Review

This study investigates the awareness and decision-making processes related to cryptocurrency investment among students in Guwahati, Assam. Cryptocurrency, a form of digital money designed for online transactions without government or bank oversight, has initiated significant shifts in the global financial sector. The decentralization of cryptocurrencies offers transparency, security, and efficiency, challenging traditional financial systems. Despite the growing global interest in cryptocurrencies, their adoption faces barriers such as limited technological expertise, regulatory uncertainty, and security concerns. These issues are particularly pronounced among students, a demographic increasingly interested in digital currencies but often lacking foundational financial knowledge. The research aims to fill …

Green Credit, Climate Risk, And Credit Risk In The Indonesian Banking Industry, Titi Dewi Warninda, Shelby Devianty Widodo

The Indonesian Capital Market Review

As the largest archipelagic country, Indonesia's industries and regions are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This research examines the effects of green credit policy and climate risk, specifically sea level rise and precipitation, on bank credit risk. Using data from 2019 to 2023 and system GMM, the research results show that the higher the sea level rise and precipitation, the higher the credit risk. The findings of this research also indicate that a higher proportion of green credit lowers bank credit risk, and bank inefficiency strengthens the impact of green credit on credit risk. The results of …

[Abstract For] Bond Pricing Mechanics Beyond Yield-To-Maturity Based Calculations, Maura Alexander, Tom Arnold, Xiu (Summer) Liu

Finance Faculty Publications

Three methods for pricing bonds are presented: using a constant yield to maturity, using the yield curve with discount factors, and using implied forward rates from the yield curve with backward induction.  By moving beyond the first method, more dynamic duration and convexity analyses emerge.  Further, logical connections and extensions are made in regard to pricing bonds with embedded options, the calculation of a swap rate, and the “bond bootstrapping” process for building a yield curve.

Forthcoming in the Journal of Wealth Management

Crisis Communication In The Influencer Era: A Crisis Response Analysis Of Poppi And Alani Nu, Meredith E. Staley

Honors College Theses

As social media continues to reshape modern public relations practice, beverage brands like Alani Nu and Poppi offer relevant examples of influencer-driven communication and crisis response. This honors thesis compares and contrasts these brands following two major crises: Poppi’s influencer vending machine campaign and the health concerns and backlash surrounding Alani Nu’s energy drinks. Despite the well-known prevalence of these brands, there is little scholarly research examining their crisis communication strategies. Guided by Situational Crisis Communication Theory, this study uses a combination of social and news media content analysis to evaluate how each brand responded to its respective crisis. Each …

Tele-Psychiatry Adoption And Its Effect On Rural Mental Health Service Availability, Anna Heineman, Kaylee Canterbury, Taylor Carpenter

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose of study: This study examined the association between tele-psychiatry implementation and mental health service availability in rural healthcare settings. The analysis compared tele-psychiatry to traditional in-person psychiatric care among rural populations, focusing on access and utilization outcomes, including time to first psychiatric appointment, number of completed visits, and appointment no-show rates.

Methods: A qualitative literature review following a systematic approach was conducted using peer-reviewed articles published between 2016-2026. Databases included PubMed, ProQuest Health, CINAHL, Journal of Medical Internet Research, and the National Library of Medicine, with Google Scholar used as a supplemental source. The review followed PRISMA …

Too Warm To Lead? How Motherhood And Racioethnicity Shape Perceptions Of Warmth And Competence, Patricia Guerrero

Management Dissertations

Women continue to face workplace bias, including wage disparities (Fry & Aragao, 2025) and barriers to advancement like the glass ceiling (Babic & Hansez, 2021). For mothers these challenges are compounded by stereotypes tied to their maternal status, such as assumptions about reduced commitment and the motherhood penalty (Arena Jr. et al., 2023). Research shows mothers are often viewed as warmer but less competent than non-mothers, which can hinder career progression (Cuddy et al., 2004; Heilman & Okimoto, 2008). Racial and ethnic stereotypes further shape perceptions, with Black women often labeled as “aggressive” and Latinas as “nurturing” (Ghavami & Peplau, …

Collective Bargaining In The Usa : Union Success Within And Outside Of The Flawed Legal Framework, Angela B. Cornell

Cornell Law Faculty Publications

The labour movement in the US experienced a powerful upswing under President Biden, but even with a labour-friendly administration thousands of new bargaining units labour without collective bargaining agreements years a#er being organised. The many limitations and weaknesses of the collective-bargaining framework under the private-sector statute, the NLRA, contribute to this very unfortunate outcome including enterprise rather than sectoral bargaining, a lack of meaningful remedies for serious bargaining violations, very little interest arbitration when the parties cannot reach agreement and the extremely limited right to strike. Millions of American workers are deprived of the right to bargain collectively because of …

How To Evaluate Non-Majority Control: What History And Statutes Tell Us—Part Ii: The Definitional Consensus, J. Travis Laster

Fordham Journal of Corporate & Financial Law

This Article and a companion piece explore the claim that the functional school was novel and anomalous. The companion article examines the approaches that courts have historically taken when evaluating non-majority control (the “Historical Article”). The Historical Article demonstrates that functionalism has been the dominant approach since at least 1912, while the formal school is a recent innovation. Its tenets emerged in 2006 and coalesced in a recognizable framework around 2014. The Historical Article identifies the core claims of the two schools. 

This Article examines statutory definitions of control. It focuses on statutory regimes that use the concept of control …

Antitrust And Tech Giants: Learning From United States V. Google Llc, Marcus D’Agostino

Fordham Journal of Corporate & Financial Law

This Note addresses the evolution of antitrust regulation and enforcement in the United States, with a focus on the recent case of United States v. Google LLC. That case is used to frame the broader problem of insufficient remedies being implemented against large technology firms. The mild remedies granted to the government in Google reinforce the findings of the 2020 Congressional Report on Digital Competition. The Report recommended changes to the antitrust laws that would revive structural separation as a remedy. This Note argues that the body of evidence presented compels structural separation to be used more frequently as the …

The Impact Of Value Homophily, Rational And Emotional Persuasion On Information Passing Of Social Media Advertisements: A Model Comparison Approach, Gloria Hui Wen Liu, Cecil Eng Huang Chua, Neil Chueh An Lee, Jenny Hua Jen Wu

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Increasingly, businesses collaborate with influencers and content creators (the source) to advertise on social media, with social media users being exposed to an environment saturated with unsolicited advertisements. With social contacts remaining the most trusted advertisement sources, users' passing of such advertisements helps their dissemination and creates a specific kind of electronic word of mouth called information passing. Information passing involves users forwarding advertisements about products/services to someone else. Prior studies have found at least three factors influence information passing, including value homophily (similarity with the source as perceived by users), rational appeal (information about how a product can meet …

Hardware Without Humanware: Robot Adoption, Talent Structure Degradation, And Firm Innovation, Wenhao Sun, Zhenyu Wu, Chevy-Hanqing Fang

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Contrary to the prevailing view that automation complements skilled labor in advanced economies, this study examines the unintended consequences of robot adoption in emerging markets. Drawing on strategic human capital theory, we exploit China's manufacturing sector as a natural experiment to identify the causal impact of industrial intelligence on firm-level innovation. Using a unique dataset of more than 90,000 public and private firms from the National Enterprise Innovation Database (2008–2014), we uncover a counterintuitive result: robot adoption significantly reduces firm innovation, which is notably more pronounced for private-owned firms and those with weaker innovation capabilities. Mediation analyses further show that …

Counterfactual Indeterminacy Bias In Family Firm Research, Chevy-Hanqing Fang, James J. Chrisman, Alfredo De Massis

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Ever since scholars recognized that family firms are heterogeneous, many studies have attempted to compare different types of family firms without ensuring that the source of heterogeneity is unique to family firms. When the source of heterogeneity among family firms resembles the source of heterogeneity among nonfamily firms, the problem of counterfactual indeterminacy bias can lead to misleading or irrelevant findings that fail to distinguish the effects of family influence from factors that affect all firms. We delineate common forms of this bias and offer recommendations to prevent it in research on family firm behavior and performance.

Lease Capitalization And Financial Flexibility: An Empirical Investigation Of Asc 842’S Impact On Liquidity In The Us Telecommunications Industry, Caleb J. Martin

Doctor of Business Administration Dissertations

Measures of liquidity are some of the most important financial ratios to analyze when measuring a firm’s overall financial health and its ability to pay both creditors and dividends. The US telecommunications industry is an industry that has become synonymous with dividends, mergers, and acquisitions, all of which are possible due to industry wide and firm specific liquidity. With the implementation of ASC 842 and the new standard of placing operational leases on the balance sheet, additional research may be warranted to determine the effect ASC 842 may have on firm liquidity. This study investigated whether there was evidence to …