Business Commons^™

A Holistic Approach To Country Branding: Examining A Master Brand And Sub-Brand Framework, Musa Pinar, Aycan Duran, Tulay Girard

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

An Agile-Informed Job Demands-Resources Framework In Hospitality: A Dual-Pathway Structural Model Of Employee Satisfaction, Burnout, And Turnover Intentions, Albaraa Mesawi

Theses and Dissertations

Persistent labor shortages and elevated voluntary turnover define the hospitality industry. High-intensity service interactions increase workload, emotional labor, and time pressure for non-management employees. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model predicts engagement and retention when job resources offset job demands. Existing research has not specified which operational conditions reliably predict this balance in dynamic service work. This study evaluates whether adapted Agile philosophy serves as a heuristic framework for specifying JD-R constructs in hospitality. The study maps Agile values and principles to validated psychological constructs through Psychological State Matching: Self-Organization to Psychological Empowerment (PE), Regular Reflection to Perceived Team Learning Behavior …

Does Sponsorship Context Matter? Comparing Local And National Sponsorship Effects On Consumer Behavior, Kathryn Flock

Honors Theses

Sponsorship use has become increasingly important as a marketing strategy for influencing consumer perceptions of the sponsoring company. This, in turn, establishes consumer relationships that result in favorable behavioral intentions. While prior research has examined national and global sponsorships, there is limited research on the differences between national and local sponsorships and how these differences could influence consumer perceptions and behavioral intentions. The purpose of this study was to examine how local or national sponsorship affects consumer perceptions, including sincerity, trust, attitude toward the sponsor, and behavioral intentions.

A mixed-methods approach was employed for this study. Study 1 used qualitative …

Conversation Analysis Of Public-Servant And Persons-Of-Interest Face-To-Face Talk Via Llm‑Supported Ai Script Mapping Tools, Arch G. Woodside, Suresh Sood

AMTP Proceedings 2026

Professional public servants (PSs) including police officers, postal workers, and government tax office and DMV employees interact face-to-face with citizens/persons of interest (POIs), in encounters that are frequently recorded using mobile phones and publicized on platforms such as YouTube.com. Building on our observations about recurrent PS–POI scripts and LLM-supported analysis, we develop five grounded propositions linking enacted scripts to existing theory. The propositions focus on describing early turn-taking asymmetry, the importance of sequential detail beyond-shallow analysis, the predictive role of script recurrence, the value of rich, script-based role-play, and the potential of narrative-intelligence databases for institutional learning. Instead of treating …

Curating Attendee-Centered Corporate Event Experiences Through The Strategic Implementation Of Psychological Principles, Alexis G. Mullendore

Senior Theses

This thesis explores how psychological principles can inform event professionals’

decisions in the planning and execution of attendee-centered corporate events. In the modern

experience economy, corporations increasingly prioritize engaging, high-production events for

employees and stakeholders, while attendee expectations for immersive, spectacle experiences

continue to rise. Therefore, the importance of designing corporate events that balance clients’

fiscal and objective needs with attendees’ experience-driven expectations has become

increasingly recognized. This shift toward a human-focused approach prompted the researcher to

examine how psychological principles can inform the design and execution of events. The

project was conducted through a three-phase research process consisting of …

Consumer Adoption Of Cultivated Meat: A Multi-Value Perspective Using Empirical And Synthetic Data, Wei Fu

AMTP Proceedings 2026

The global demand for meat is projected to rise by more than 70% by 2050, creating pressure on natural resources and worsening environmental challenges. Cultivated meat, produced by growing animal cells in controlled environments, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional livestock farming; however, consumers acceptance remains uncertain. This study applies the Theory of Consumption Values (Sheth, Newman, & Gross, 1991) to examine how multidimensional consumption values influence consumer’s sustainable evaluation of cultivated meat. Using both empirical survey data from U.S. consumers and a synthetic dataset generated with the same instrument, the results show that functional value (food quality), social value …

Beyond The Barn: An Analysis Of The Agritourism Expansion Opportunities At Butcher Family Farm, Sarah Thomas

Senior Honors Theses

Agritourism is a rapidly expanding industry full of business opportunities. From wedding barns to pumpkin patches, agritourism comprises a niche intersection of agricultural business and experiential tourism. Heavily contested definitionally over a period of years, agritourism is a continually emerging source of business for a variety of locations across the US and global economy. This unique industry is composed of a conglomerate of elements and enterprises that vary widely. One agritourism segment that has undergone the most development is family owned and operated farms, such as Butcher Family Farm in Washington, West Virginia. Standing as the perceived focal point of …

Can A Slot Machine’S Allocation Of Pay Table Variance Affect A Gambler’S Time On Device?, Anthony F. Lucas, A.K. Singh

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Modified pay tables from a licensed reel slot machine were altered to examine whether two games with equal variance and par could produce meaningful differences in the duration of play, at the level of the individual gambler. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to examine this possibility. Industry executives consider time on device (TOD) to be a critical measure of gaming value, especially for losing players. Additionally, TOD experiences are theorized to produce knock-on effects related to loyalty behaviors. The results of 18 simulations featuring six different player engagement protocols supported the ability of differences …

Check-In With A Chatbot: How Robots Are Redefining The Smart Hotel Experience, Jiaxin Sylvia Wang, Xiaoxiao Fu

Rosen Research Review

The research by Wang and Fu explores how guests perceive and experience smart hotels, with a particular focus on human–robot interaction. Analyzing 546 online reviews from Chinese travelers, the study identifies five key dimensions of guest gratification: utilitarian, sensual, social, experiential, and overall satisfaction. Guests praised smart servicescapes, robot efficiency, and novelty, while also expressing emotional connections and expectations for personalized interaction. The findings offer hospitality leaders a roadmap for designing smart hotel experiences that are not only functional but emotionally engaging.

Co-Working With Machines: How Service Robots Shape Frontline Employee Experiences And Well-Being, Cynthia Mejia, Hannah A. Crandell, Emily Broker, Mindy Shoss

Rosen Research Review

The research by Mejia, Crandell, Broker, and Shoss reveals the complex realities faced by restaurant workers navigating the rise of service robots. Through in-depth interviews with 42 frontline employees, the study uncovers how robot adoption affects collaboration, productivity, emotional well-being, and perceptions of job security. While robots reduce physical strain and offer entertainment value, they also spark frustration, resentment, and fears of displacement. This research offers hospitality leaders a human-centered roadmap for integrating service robots in ways that support—not replace—the workforce.

When Robots Say Sorry: Emotions, Apologies, And The Future Of Service Recovery, Ruby Hong Ngoc Nguyen, Ngoc Tran Nguyen, Murat Hancer

Rosen Research Review

The research by Nguyen, Tran Nguyen, and Hancer reveals how human–robot collaboration and apology styles shape customer retention after service failures. Using experimental scenarios, the study shows that robots can effectively lead recovery efforts—especially when paired with economic apologies—while human involvement enhances the impact of social apologies. Comfort emotions and continued robot usage mediate the path to loyalty, offering hospitality leaders a blueprint for designing emotionally intelligent service recovery strategies.

Reviews That Reveal Return: When Guest Feedback Becomes A Predictor Of Future Visits, Jeong-Yeol Park, Wookjae Heo, Jongwon Lee, Shinyong Jung

Rosen Research Review

The research by Park, Heo, Lee, and Jung reveals how online hotel reviews do more than express opinions—they predict whether guests will return. By blending the Theory of Planned Behavior with machine learning, the study uncovers how attitudes, social influence, and perceived control embedded in review language shape actual revisit behavior. This innovative approach transforms unstructured text into actionable insights, offering hospitality professionals a powerful new lens on customer loyalty.

Paws And Persuasion: How Dog Influencers Shape Hotel Booking Decisions, Wei Wei, Lu Zhang, Tianyu Ying, Yanyan Zheng

Rosen Research Review

The research by Wei, Zhang, Ying, and Zheng explores how pet influencers—specifically dog influencers on Instagram—impact hotel booking intentions. Through two experiments, the study reveals that message appeal (rational vs. emotional) interacts with audience characteristics like prior experience and perceived attractiveness of the pet influencer. Rational messages are more persuasive for less experienced travelers and when the pet influencer is perceived as less attractive. Emotional messages, while engaging, are less effective in these contexts. This research uncovers the nuanced power of pet influencer marketing and offers practical strategies for hospitality marketers seeking to tap into the booming “cute economy” of …

Intelligence Unleashed: How Generative Ai Is Rewriting The Rules Of Tourism Education And Research, Tarik Dogru, Nathana Line, Lydia Hanks, Fulya Acikgoz, Je'anna Abbott, Selim Bakir, Adiyukh Berbekova, Anil Bilgihan, Ali Iskender, Murat Kizildag, Minwood Lee

Rosen Research Review

The research by Dogru, Line, Hanks, Acikgoz, and colleagues explores how generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is transforming higher education and academic research in tourism and hospitality. From personalized learning to automated data analysis, GAI offers unprecedented opportunities— but also raises ethical and legal concerns. The study frames GAI as a disruptive innovation, challenging traditional models of teaching, authorship, and intellectual property. It calls for structural changes in curricula, transparent policies, and collaborative efforts to ensure responsible integration. With tools like ChatGPT already reshaping classrooms and research labs, this paper offers a timely roadmap for educators, researchers, and administrators navigating the …

Level Up Your Stay: How Energy-Saving Games Are Changing Green Hotel Loyalty, Aili Wu, Juhee Kang, David J. Kwun, Wei Wei

Rosen Research Review

The research by Wu, Kang, Kwun, and Wei reveals how gamification—specifically achievement-based energy-saving games—can transform hotel guests’ attitudes and behaviors toward sustainability. By integrating achievement-goal theory and the theory of planned behavior, the study shows that when guests feel challenged and motivated, they are more likely to engage in green practices and return to the hotel. Interestingly, perceived control over the game sometimes reduces revisit intentions, suggesting that too much ease can lead to boredom. Guests with prior green hotel experiences respond even more positively to gamified sustainability. This research offers a fresh perspective on how hotels can use game …

When Customers Collide Online: The Hidden Power Of Approval In Digital Service Failures, Wei Wei, Lu Zhang, Bobbie Rathjens, Sean Mcginley

Rosen Research Review

The research by Wei, Zhang, Rathjens, and McGinley reveals a surprising twist in how restaurant customers respond to online interactions after a service failure. When fellow customers chime in—either with support or mockery—their comments can dramatically shape how the original complainant feels, engages, and judges fairness. But the real game-changer? Whether the customer craves approval. Those with low need for approval react strongly to the tone of others’ comments, while high-approval seekers remain emotionally steady. This study uncovers the psychological undercurrents of electronic customerto- customer interaction (eCCI), offering fresh insights into empathy, justice, and digital engagement in hospitality.

Putting Humanity First In Service Robotics: For Me, Robotics Is About Giving Hospitality Teams The Breathing Room To Care More Deeply For People., Manuel Rivera, Cynthia Mejia

Rosen Research Review

In an engaging conversation with Juan Higueros, Co-Founder and COO of Bear Robotics, we explore his vision for human-centered robotics and how technology can empower hospitality teams to deliver deeper, more meaningful guest experiences.

Sky-High Expectations: How Drones And Emotions Are Reshaping Food Delivery In Africa, Frank Badu-Baiden, Weisheng Chiu, Eudora Hagan, Victor Anderson Hodibert

Rosen Research Review

The research by Badu-Baiden, Chiu, Hagan, and Hodibert unpacks the emotional, social, and psychological puzzle behind consumer acceptance of drone food delivery in Ghana. Using complexity theory and fsQCA, the study shows multiple adoption paths. Motivation, emotion, perceived risk, and social influence shape intention and willingness to pay. Positive emotions and usefulness drive interest, while privacy concerns and negative feelings hinder it. Trust and cultural context matter deeply.

Boarding By Biometrics: How Smart Technology Is Reshaping Passenger Experience, Xiaoting Chi, Frank Badu-Baiden, Seongseop (Sam) Kim, Junwei Cao, Elena-Nicoleta Untaru, Heekyoung Jung, Heesup Han

Rosen Research Review

The research by Chi, Badu-Baiden, Kim, Cao, Untaru, Jung, and Han explores how biometric boarding transforms airline travel. Using technology acceptance, agenda setting, and behavioral reasoning theories, the study reveals how ease of use, usefulness, media exposure, and attitudes shape adoption. Findings stress convenience, engagement, and targeted communication, with age and gender influencing responses. For airport managers and designers, the research offers practical strategies for secure, efficient, and passenger-centered boarding systems.

The Pleasure Principle: Why Enjoyment May Be The Missing Link In Ai Adoption, Arthur Huang, Ahmet Bulent Ozturk, Tingting Zhang, Efren De La Mora Velasco, Adam Haney

Rosen Research Review

The research by Huang, Ozturk, Zhang, de la Mora Velasco, and Haney reveals a compelling insight: enjoyment—not just efficiency—is a key driver of whether guests will continue using AI in hospitality and tourism. By expanding the expectation-confirmation model, the study shows that perceived enjoyment, alongside performance and satisfaction, plays a pivotal role in shaping future use intentions. This shift toward hedonic value reframes how hoteliers and tourism professionals should design and promote AI services. The findings suggest that delight, fun, and emotional resonance are just as important as functionality when it comes to long-term engagement with AI-powered experiences.

A Mechanistic Model Of The Wash Shuffle And Monte Carlo Exploration Of Its Impact On Card Shuffling In Texas Hold’Em, Michael A. Alexeev, Peter B. Chi

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

In casino games using a standard deck of cards, a wash shuffle is sometimes performed prior to the rest of the card shuffling procedure. Unlike other methods of shuffling, the wash shuffle has not yet been well studied. To this end, we first develop a mechanistic model of the wash shuffle based on our observation of how cards tend to move when a wash shuffle is being performed. Then, we use this model to simulate the card shuffling procedure used in casino poker rooms, and explore the resulting impact on where the cards are dealt in the context of Texas …

Humanity Is Evolving Its Consciousness: The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels.  Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say.  However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born—to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be.  That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an unfolding period of weeding out and alignment with the …

From Miso To Tray-C: The Impact Of Hedonic And Utilitarian Name Preference On Non-Humanoid Service Robots In Restaurants, Fatmah Almeer, Amit Sharma

ICHRIE Research Reports

Service robots are become common in the restaurant industry. Robot suppliers recommend business name such robots to increase the likelihood of their acceptance by employees and consumers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preferences of robot names representing "Utilitarian" and "Hedonic" attributes. Our findings show that study respondents had a significantly stronger preference for hedonic names compared to utilitarian names. Names with hedonic attributes were perceived positively and were considered more trustworthy. The name identified through this study was adopted for the service robot at a hospitality management program in the United States. This report also provides …

Continuous Learning And Customer Value Creation In The Healthcare: Mediating Effects Of Innovations Adoption Value Recognition, Binto M. Binto, Omari Khalifa Mbura

Business Management Review

This research investigates the influence of continuous learning on the effectiveness of customer value creation in the Tanzania’s healthcare system, with a specific focus on the mediating effects of innovation adoption value recognition. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 360 healthcare professionals across three zonal referral hospitals in Tanzania. Data analysis employed a structural equation modelling using SMART-Partial Least Squares software version 4.0. The findings indicate that continuous learning enhances healthcare customer value creation both directly and indirectly. Also, innovation adoption value recognition serves as a mediating variable of the direct causal relationship, offering partial mediation effects between …

Luxury Café Concept For Mindful Indulgence In Central London: Business Plan For Tranquille House, Chelsea Hsiao

MA in Luxury Business Dissertations

In the 21st century, the idea of luxury is becoming less about wealth and exclusivity and more about health, rich experiences, and awareness. This practice-based dissertation examines current customers' interpretations of luxury within café settings and identifies the characteristics that foster a feeling of premium, meaningful experience in the hospitality industry.

A mixed-methods method was utilised. Quantitative data was gathered through an online survey of consumers within target market, and qualitative insights were produced through prior experience, and observational study around London cafés. Secondary sources pertaining to luxury, wellness tourism, and hospitality trends were employed to contextualise the industry and …

Determinants Of The U.S. Experience Economy: A Macroeconomic, Demographic, And Technological Analysis, 1984–2023, Chloe Ross

CMC Senior Theses

Pine and Gilmore et al. 1999 examine American consumers’ preferences for experiences over durable goods. Since then, there has been a multitude of research on the psychology behind this shift in consumption preferences, and there has been an abundance of media coverage of the new “experience economy.” This thesis goes beyond psychology and examines the macroeconomic, demographic, and technological determinants of experiential spending in the United States from 1984 to 2023. I use annual data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) and variables from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), US …

Approaching The Wine Tasting Lexicon, Angela Dumford

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

There has been an increase in demand for wine knowledge in all sectors of the business. Whether you are a sommelier striving to improve your extensive comprehension of the world of wine, a server aiming to provide guests with a more personalized wine experience, or a simple customer that is curious about learning the basics; wine can be explored and enjoyed by anyone. Despite this, understanding where to begin in the wine world can be extremely intimidating. There are countless books, articles, and infographics available to the average wine enthusiast, but the intensity and quality of information varies dramatically. Furthermore, …

Transportation Needs And Commuting Stress Among Hospitality Employees: A Perspective From The Las Vegas Strip Corridor, Mehmet Erdem, Shashi Nambisan, Jehun Moon, Billy Bai, Juliana Byzyka, William Werner, Bethany Khan

ICHRIE Research Reports

This study examines the determinants of commute-related stress by integrating behavioral and situational perspectives within Las Vegas contexts. Grounded in the spillover theory, this study conceptualizes commuting stress as a cross-domain process in which strain generated during commuting extends into broader psychological outcomes. Employing an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model, this study identifies the key components associated with commuting stress using survey data from 1,224 union workers in the Strip Corridor in Las Vegas. Findings reveal that experiential and situational factors play a dominant role in shaping stress perceptions. Specifically, traffic disruptions and behavioral adaptations (e.g., leaving earlier) emerge …

Chronobiology Of Meal Timing In Early-Stage Hypertension: A Controlled Feeding Pilot Study Investigating The Effects On Renal And Vascular Function, Natalie J. Bohmke, Brittany Barton, Patrice Wiecek, Paula Rodriguez-Miguelez, Dave L. Dixon, Youngdeok Kim, Salvatore Carbone, Danielle L. Kirkman

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Lifestyle intervention is critical for young adults with early-stage hypertension. A Western diet has negative effects on kidney function and blood pressure; however, time-of-day effects are understudied. We hypothesized that consumption of a Western-style meal that is misaligned with the endogenous circadian rhythm would have adverse effects on blood pressure, kidney function, and vascular function. Ten young adults with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension (means ± SD: 26 ± 8 yr, 50% female) underwent a randomized crossover, isocaloric controlled feeding intervention. Participants were allocated to receive a Western-style meal high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in the …

Beyond Price: How Platform Power Shapes Demand Allocation In Online Hotel Channels, Ling Ling, Timothy Webb, Zvi Schwartz

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Rate disparity remains a widely used but poorly understood pricing strategy in the hotel industry. While previous research generally assumes that lower prices shift demand toward less expensive channels, this study investigates whether such effects occur in practice. Using high-frequency booking and pricing data from five full-service hotels across multiple online travel agencies (OTAs), we analyze how rate disparity relates to the distribution of demand across channels. The findings show that the impact of price differences is limited, highly non-linear, and strongly dependent on contextual factors. Channel market power and hotel-specific characteristics seem to play a more significant role than …