Digital Commons Network^™

Dominance Of Leading Business Schools In Top Journals: Insights For Increasing Institutional Representation, Rodrigo Romero-Silva, Erika Marsillac, Sander De Leeuw

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

The competitive push for business schools to publish in prestigious journals has resulted in a disproportionate number of papers in prestigious Management and Operations Research/Management Science (OR/MS) journals coming from a select group of institutions. Our analysis shows the Matthew effect of prestigious journals favors established schools with 51.2% of papers in 18 Management ABS 4* journals and 61.3% of papers in 3 OR/MS ABS 4* journals involving authors from the 100 top business schools identified by the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Citation patterns are similarly concentrated among papers authored by scholars from UTD-listed business schools, with nearly …

A Mixed Methodology Study On Effective Products And Services For Consulting Firms, Doc S. Dillard

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study evaluated organizational effectiveness within small- to medium-sized educational technology and technology-adjacent organizations for consulting firms to develop appropriate products and services for clients. This allowed consulting firms to develop innovation in their approaches. More specifically, this research supported consulting firms specializing in educational technology in developing products and services for industry leaders to improve organizational effectiveness. The research employed a mixed methodology consisting of 10 educational technology leaders. Data were collected from survey questions and through evaluating related literature. The literature compiled included organizations across education, technology, and technology-adjacent industries. The research evaluated organizations through McKinsey’s 7S framework. …

Analysis Of Technology Skill Requirements For Entry-Level Accountants, Jiane Louella Tolentino Rabara

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the evolving impact of emerging technologies on skill requirements for entry-level accountants. Using a mixed-method approach that combines literature review and quantitative analysis of 2,257,082 job postings from 2021 to 2024 provided by the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development, the study evaluates trends in employer expectations across firm sizes and time. Chi-square tests revealed significant changes in the proportion of postings requiring technological skills (χ² = 117,672, df = 3, p < .001), indicating a shift in how technology-related competencies are presented in job ads. Specifically, while previous job postings often included general technical skills alongside traditional accounting tasks, recent job postings increasingly emphasize advanced or specialized technologies—such as ERP systems, cloud accounting platforms, and automation tools. This shift suggests that employers are moving away from broad technical expectations toward more targeted skill sets, reflecting the evolving technological demands of the profession. A separate chi-square test found a significant relationship between technological skill requirements and job ad duration (χ² = 2,309.57, df = 4, p < .001). However, no consistent pattern of longer posting duration was observed for technology-oriented roles. Literature-based synthesis further showed that large accounting firms continue to demand more advanced technological competencies than smaller firms. Overall, while traditional accounting skills remain predominant, the findings indicate a transition toward more specialized technological expectations in the entry-level accounting role.

Adapting Project Management Life Cycles For Blockchain Implementation: A Thematic Pilot Study., Cherie Noteboom, Aravindh Sekar, Deb Tech

Research & Publications

Blockchain implementation challenges traditional project management practices due to its decentralized, cross-organizational nature. This exploratory study examines how project management life cycle processes must adapt to support successful blockchain adoption. Using open coding and thematic analysis of five expert interviews, key themes were identified and mapped to the five PMBOK process groups. The findings reveal that blockchain projects demand broader stakeholder engagement, iterative planning, human-centered execution, decentralized monitoring, and long-term sustainability planning. By aligning emergent themes with established project management phases, this study highlights the need for a flexible, ecosystem-focused approach to managing blockchain initiatives. The results offer practical insights …

Hot Management Trends, Vanessa Ratten, Marthin G. Nanere, Miguel Pina E Cunha, Yuka Fujimoto, Ali Intezari, Jerónimo García-Fernández, Subas Dhakal, Waleed Omri, Jose Ramon Saura, Andrei Lux, Aymen Sajjad, Ana Lisboa, Clare D’Souza

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Becoming A Leader “On The Job”: An Exploratory Study Examining How Internal Interim Leaders Build Their Leadership Capacity While Nonprofit Executive Directors Are On Sabbatical, Michelle Schneider

Dissertations

Nonprofit organizations have long underinvested in leadership development, potentially hindering their ability to fulfill their missions effectively. This study examined the use of nonprofit organization sabbaticals that give executive directors time away while building the leadership capabilities of the interim leader. This research explored the on-the-job leadership development of six individuals who served as interim leaders in southern California nonprofit organizations during their executive directors' participation in a 3-month, foundation-funded sabbatical program.

In this study, data were collected through in-depth interviews with interim leaders. A formative influences timeline technique was employed to center the participant's voice rather than the interviewer's …

Risk Management, Internal Audit Function, And Corporate Performance, Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin, Zubaidah Ismail, Malcolm Smith, Suryani Abdul Raman, Norliana Omar, Siti Marlia Shamsudin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between risk management practices and the internal audit function with the performance of companies. It is interesting to examine how competitive advantage can be achieved when the company is able to face and adapt to a complex business environment via robust risk management practices and an internal audit function. This study uses archival analysis on the annual report of the top 500 publicly listed companies in Bursa Malaysia, which represent approximately 65 percent of the total market capitalization. Both independent variables, namely risk management and internal audit function, are measured …

The Role Of Interactive Control Systems In Strengthening Esg Practices And Investment Efficiency: Mcs-Loc Insights, Idrianita Anis, Regina Jansen Arsjah, Hartini Hartini

Jurnal Akuntansi dan Keuangan Indonesia

This research aims to develop an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices model and index based on sustainable finance regulation from a Management Control System Four Levers of Control (MCS-LoC) perspective. The ESG index was developed by utilizing content analysis of information disclosure in annual and sustainability reports of ten non-financial industry sectors listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2022 (640 observations). Subsequently, the effect of the ESG Index on Investment Efficiency (IE) was tested with the moderating role of Interactive Control (INTR). The results indicate that companies are in the second stage of the sustainable business …

Maintaining The Magic: Utilizing Strategies For Change, Katherine B. Reyes, Angelique Vansky, Curtis Isozaki, Christian Peralta

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

This study analyzes "Rides and Foodie Inc.," with pseudonyms used for confidentiality: Ivan for the CEO and Daniel for the Founder. It examines internal and external factors impacting the company, highlighting challenges such as executive training, racial justice, and policy reform. Utilizing Kotter's 8-Step Model and the McKinsey 7-S Framework, the paper presents a comprehensive strategy for organizational change and proposes an evaluation model to assess the success of these changes.

Rides and Foodie Inc., a $155 billion enterprise, faces significant competition and evolving consumer preferences. Recent restructuring into three divisions led to layoffs and potential power imbalances. The company …

The Leadership Identity Presented On Linkedin, Carl L. Tolbert

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

LinkedIn has evolved in a way similar to other social media platforms but is unique in that it focuses on professional networking and careers. Many professionals seek to showcase their leadership skills and philosophies as part of a publicly showcased online persona. This paper aimed to examine the posts specific to leadership and thematically investigate presentation strategies, motivation, and purposes behind the posts. The paper begins with a historical review from the inception of LinkedIn through pivotal milestones in the history of the company. Key concepts from the literature are then reviewed specific to social media use and motivations behind …

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 …

Project Management And The Success Of Post-Merger Or Post-Acquisition Integration, Dikshya Neyohang

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

Across various industries, organizations employ mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as a key strategy to remain competitive and advance organizational growth. During the integration phase following M&As, they often face challenges due to the disconnect between project management practices and strategic imperatives. By analyzing two qualitative case studies and examining their organizational contexts, stakeholder dynamics, and mechanisms for knowledge transfer, this study explores how frameworks that integrate project management practices and strategic objectives can enhance integration outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of aligning operational tasks with strategic goals, clearing pathways of knowledge transfer, and aligning organizational cultures in the new, …

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 …

Striking A Balance: Market Shock & Responses In Automotive Components Manufacturing, Emma Lane Mcgahey

All Theses

This thesis examines the effects of extreme market shocks on supply chain dynamics within the automotive industry. Through an analysis of demand data from an automotive manufacturer to its component suppliers (January 2018 to May 2024), the study investigates the relationship between market shocks and supply chain responses, providing insights into how auto components inventory management handles downstream responses to market shocks. With supporting public data—from FRED, BLS, and the U.S. Census Bureau resources—we explore two primary relationships: the impact of market shocks on the Average Standard Deviation of Demand (SDO) and the effect of demand variability on expedited pricing …

Unlocking Lean Construction: Decoding The Root Causes Of Initial Implementation Failures, Adam Hoots

All Theses

In recent years, the construction industry has increasingly adopted lean construction methodologies, with the aim of enhancing project efficiencies, eliminating waste, and delivering projects that exceed all project owner expectations. With this as the industry’s focus, many projects struggle with the initial implementation of lean principles, leading to disrespect of people and resources, cost overruns, schedule delays, stakeholder misalignment, and compromised quality. This research investigates the reasons behind initial failures and how they influence the broader industry's perception of lean construction.

Drawing from a comprehensive case study of a higher education dormitory and dining facility project, this research study explores …

Cultural Influences On Leadership Practices: An Examination Of Culturally Diverse Leadership Influences During Organizational Change, Christopher Fairbank

Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the multifaceted culturally diverse influences on leadership practices, specifically in the intricate landscape of organizational change management. The primary objective is to unravel the complexities of leadership dynamics by dissecting the nuances of ethnic leadership styles. The goal of my study is to comprehensively examine how leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds navigated and exerted influence during organizational change processes. I implemented a robust empirical framework to achieve this objective, strategically incorporating diverse study methods such as surveys, interviews, and organizational case studies. These methodological choices ensured a holistic examination of the interplay between cultural influences and leadership …

Leaders’ Experiences Of An Organizational Journey To Inclusive Leadership, John Allan Slieter

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of fourteen leaders of a large community healthcare organization while they undertook adoption of an initiative intended to create a more inclusive culture in their organization. Utilizing a Transcendental Phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis, data generation occurred through semi- structured interviews. Analysis of data provided descriptions of the sense making that explains how these leaders experienced the phenomenon contextually. Four themes emerged from this study, (a) Our mission is to serve, (b) Who is at the table? (c) Securing our future, and (d) …

My Superpower: Research Collaborator Strategies Among Faculty Members Who Are First-Generation College Graduates, Faye Farmer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This inductive study examined the intersectional experience within research collaborations of tenure-track faculty who are both first-generation college graduate students and from racial and ethnic groups (as defined in the United States) that are underrepresented in STEM fields (as defined by the National Science Foundation). I interviewed twelve current and former faculty members from doctoral-granting universities in the United States. I used identity as the theoretical lens to explore research collaborations at the individual level. The interviews revealed three themes reflecting identity's role in selecting and being selected as a collaborator and working with a collaborator. The themes are: an …

Navigating The Landscape: Perceptions, Motivations, And The Journey Of Data Professionals In Implementing Data Processes And Procedures, Willie Rivers

Dissertations

This explanatory study investigates the motivations behind data professionals' willingness or resistance to implementing data policies and procedures, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior and Psychological Ownership as frameworks. Through interviews with 21 data professionals, the research explains how factors such as perceived control, ownership, and attitudes towards data processes influence their motivation. The study tests key propositions, including the impact of perceived time burdens, bureaucratic procedures, and organizational expectations on data governance engagement. The findings underscore the critical role of control and access to information in motivating the adoption of data policies, providing insights for organizations aiming to enhance …

Self Less: A Book Talk Featuring Dr. Len Jessup, Len Jessup

Lincy Institute Events

The Lincy Institute hosted a book talk with Len Jessup, Ph.D., author of Forbes and Amazon best-selling book, “Self Less: Lessons Learned from A Life Devoted to Servant Leadership, in Five Acts.”

Self Less follows Jessup’s story of emotional vulnerability. Blending personal narrative with research, Jessup argues selfless leaders can maximize impact by guiding teams, not controlling them. He stresses the power of constant learning, surrounding yourself with people far smarter than you, and service to others. For leaders seeking to create meaningful change through personal growth, Jessup provides inspiration along with practical advice on inclusive leadership and securing stakeholder …

Catalysts Of Change: How Social Movement Organizations Accelerate Shifts In Social Norms, Katie A. Apker, Michelle Blood Checketts, Taeya M. Howell, Lisa Jones Christensen, Ben William Lewis, Gordon N. Scott

Faculty Publications

We examine how social movement organizations (SMOs), particularly third-party rating agencies, can catalyze rapid shifts in social norms among an organizational population. We propose that rating agencies can instigate new social norms by defining appropriate and acceptable standards of performance that prompt organizations to realign their behaviors to mirror these new standards, thereby accelerating changes in shared understandings regarding appropriate firm behavior. We tested our theory by analyzing how members of the S&P 500 index adapted to a new gender diversity rating by KLD Research & Analytics, focusing on the acceptance and implementation of gender diversity standards on corporate boards …

Seeing The Whole Together Through Relational Mapping: A Method For Engaging In Complex Systems Change, John Paul Stephens

Faculty Scholarship

Complex global challenges cut across organizational and sectoral boundaries, increasing calls for holistic responses. Seeing the whole across diverse stakeholders is challenging for participants in complex systems, yet doing so is essential for engaging effectively in systems change. A promising new method known as relational mapping, based on relational coordination theory, has been used to facilitate complex systems change. Here, we propose that relational mapping can be applied to help participants (1) see the whole in relation to the parts, (2) share their explicit and tacit knowledge, (3) engage in dialogue across distinct perspectives supported by the map as a …

The Role Of Local Leadership In Enhancing Local Performance_ Dhi Qar Governorate As A Model, Haneen Qasim Hasan

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research aims to study and analyze the role of local leadership in enhancing local performance in the Thi-Qar Governorate, focusing on the administrative and organizational aspects that contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to citizens. The research seeks to measure the role of local leadership in enhancing local performance. For this purpose, a set of hypotheses was formulated, the most important of which was to find the relationship between correlation and influence (local leadership with its dimensions in local performance). To achieve the hypothesis tests, this research was applied to a sample of executive departments …

Integrating Emotional Intelligence In Project Management Leadership: Cultivating Brand Loyalty In The Luxury Sector, Tsai Ni Lee

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a crucial factor in effective leadership, particularly in the luxury sector where brand loyalty and consumer engagement are paramount. This study investigates the integration of emotional intelligence into project management leadership, focusing on its influence in shaping team performance and fostering deeper connections with consumers. With increasing competition in the luxury market, the ability of leaders to use EI to build emotional bonds with consumers is essential for cultivating long-term loyalty.

Using qualitative surveys from luxury brand managers and project leaders, the research uncovers the pivotal role of emotional intelligence traits—such as empathy, emotional …

دور مهارة التفكير الاستراتيجي في فاعلية إدارة الازمات: دراسة استطلاعية لآراء عينة من المدراء العاملين في وزارة التربية, احمد محمود كتاب

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

هدف البحث الحالي الى تحديد دور مهارة التفكير الاستراتيجي متغير البحث المستقل والذي تم قياسه ب (التأمل، التفكير النظمي، واعادة الصياغة) في فاعلية إدارة الازمات التي تم قياسها ب (حشد الموارد، الاستجابة، الاتصالات)، حيث اعتمد البحث على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي في جمع وتحليل وتفسير بيانات ومعلومات البحث، كما وتم استخدام الاستبانة في جمع البيانات والمعلومات من عينة بلغ قوامها (56) مديراً عاملاً في وزارة التربية مجتمع البحث أذ تم تحليل البيانات والمعلومات التي تم الحصول عليها بواسطة البرنامج الاحصائيspss-v26))، توصل البحث الى عدد من النتائج اهمهما وجود علاقة ارتباط بين متغيري البحث فضلا عن وجود تأثير لمهارة التفكير الاستراتيجي في …

Edds And Mbas: Exploring Leadership Graduate Education For Collaboration In The Workplace, Abdul Mursal, Scott A. Fillman

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

The rise of high technology has reshaped leadership, necessitating collaborative cultures for organizational success. This paper explores the impact of leadership styles developed within Educational Doctorate (EdD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs on collaboration, contrasting EdD and MBA graduates' approaches. The study reviews literature on leadership styles, collaboration, and the influence of educational background. Employing a qualitative meta-synthesis approach, the study analyzes articles to gather qualitative insights to reveal trends and challenges in fostering collaboration, aggregating the findings into a narrative format. Findings highlight the significance of leadership styles in shaping collaborative cultures and offer practical implications for …

Empowering Entrepreneurial Evolution: A Beyond Founder Strategic Approach To Small Business Growth, D. Jared Knisley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Growing a business beyond its founder’s capacities and talents presents a challenging undertaking. When a founder is no longer involved or motivated to grow the business, firm decline is a likely outcome. Small businesses often have a deep and, at times, hindering reliance on their early founders for development. Therefore, a continuous engaging plan to advance entrepreneurial success is needed to grow a small business.

My research objective aims to find methods and designs, through academic literature and practitioner interviews, that transition leadership responsibilities and increase team empowerment within a small business, enabling these firms to continue growing as the …

Influence Of Transformational Servant Leadership On Developing Urban Livability: A Case Study Of Kampala Capital City Authority In Uganda, Calvin Oule

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Transformational servant leadership is an emerging leadership concept that integrates the tenets of transformational leadership and servant leadership. The purpose of this research was to conduct a case study of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to explore how transformational servant leadership influences the development of urban livability. Since the investigation was a qualitative case study, data were collected through interviews with 10 KCCA leaders. Data were also gathered using document review. The study was guided by research questions that sought to understand the participants’ views on transformational servant leadership, urban livability, and the role of transformational servant leadership in developing …

The Impact Of S2b2c Model On The Performance Of Chain Enterprises, Qingyang Zhao

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

As the economy is highly developed today, enterprises are studying how to improve channel efficiency, customer loyalty, and supply chain stability along the value chain to ensure their competitive advantages. By observing the development of key chain-operated enterprises in China over the past 20 years, this study proposes to examine the impact of constructing an S2B2C model on corporate performance. A foundational theory has been established, and a theoretical framework has been analyzed. Following a logical order from the abstract to the concrete and from theory to practice, a combination of case studies and empirical analysis is employed to evaluate …

Innovation Challenges In The Air Force Sbir Program: From The Small Businesses’ Perspective, Hart J. Holt, Amy M. Cox, Scott Drylie, David S. Long, Alfred E. Thal Jr., R. David Fass

Faculty Publications

Every year the United States invests $3.2 billion in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to promote innovation among the nation’s small businesses. Half of this investment is from the DoD. This research considers the challenges faced by small businesses innovating with the DoD, particularly those awarded SBIR contracts with the United States Air Force. The authors surveyed 286 unique small businesses that were previously awarded an Air Force SBIR contract. By asking the survey respondents open-ended questions and categorizing their responses, they pinpoint unaddressed challenges from the small business perspective. By categorizing survey responses through Qualitative Content Analysis, …