Business Commons^™

The Rise Of Environmental, Social And Corporate Governance Disclosures In The United States And Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence In Europe: Implications For U.S. Lawyers, Marie-Claude Jean-Baptiste

Global Business Law Review

Over the past decade, due in part to the devastating impact of the global financial crisis of 2008 and growing awareness of climate change, the world witnessed increasing interest on the part of society in general, and investors in particular, for responsible business. “Responsible business” is the concept that business should be conducted in a way that 1) does not violate fundamental rights of the people affected by the business activity; 2) does not exacerbate environmental harm; and 3) complies with basic principles of good governance. Society’s interest in responsible business has been reflected in growing pressure on businesses to …

Three New Dentists Talk About ‘Getting Involved’, Gabriel Holdwick Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Three new dentists discuss their involvement in organized dentistry and its impact on their professional growth. Dr. Sarah Tomaka and Dr. Danny Miller share their experiences with the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) and their engagement with various committees. They explain how these leadership roles have provided them with expanded networks, personal growth, and a platform to influence the dental profession. They emphasize that getting involved with MDA leadership is highly rewarding and encourage others to participate, suggesting the MDA's Leadership Exploration And Development (LEAD) program as a starting point. The article also provides information on ways to get involved with …

Dentistry And The Law: Can Dental Plan Ratings Be Defamatory?, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article discusses the legal implications of dental plan ratings for dentists. If a dental plan assigns a rating to dentists and publishes it to patients without providing specific information about the rating's basis or an opportunity for dentists to contest it, legal recourse may be limited. Currently, no statutory law regulates such ratings, leaving dentists potentially vulnerable to defamatory ratings. Under Michigan law, dentists could sue for defamation, but proving the rating's falseness and the resulting loss of patients may be challenging. Federal regulation is suggested to ensure fairness, transparency, and protection for dentists subjected to involuntary ratings.

Staff Matters: The Value Of Using Total Compensation Statements, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Amid the challenges of a competitive job market and employee retention, offering a comprehensive view of compensation is crucial. While employees often focus solely on their direct wages, they may overlook the value of indirect benefits like healthcare and paid time off. Employers can bridge this gap by providing total compensation statements detailing direct and indirect compensation, demonstrating their investment in employees. Such transparency builds trust and allows employees to assess their compensation relative to other employers better. Employers should ensure consistent calculations and pay equity and emphasize the purpose of sharing this information to foster a positive work culture.

Mda At Your Service: Is It Too Late To File For An Employee Retention Tax Credit?, Eric Tye Dds, Angela Kanazeh Ms, Cmp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) remains available for businesses affected by COVID-19, allowing them to claim a tax credit of up to $26,000 per employee. Eligibility criteria include a mandated shutdown, revenue decrease, COVID-19 impact, or supply chain disruption. Even businesses with forgiven PPP loans can apply for ERTC. The credit covers 2020 and the first three quarters of 2021 and must be filed by December 31, 2023. Dental Business Specialists can assist with ERTC filings. Changing your name upon marriage as a licensed professional, obtaining labor employment posters, and reducing credit card processing fees through MDA-endorsed programs are …

Trends And Expectations For Dentistry, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The dental industry is experiencing significant changes, with the rise of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and corporate dentistry as a dominant model. Economic trends have attracted venture capitalists to invest in dentistry, leading to the growth of DSOs. While some practitioners worry about losing independence, the trend toward DSOs is driven by practice sales by retiring dentists, high educational debt for graduates limiting their ability to finance a traditional practice purchase, and the need for investment to modernize and achieve efficiencies. A desire for work-life balance may guide a clinician to choose this practice option. The number of solo practitioners …

Why We Chose To Partner In A Corporate Practice, Michael Scialabba Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses the changing landscape of dental practice ownership and the growing importance of DSOs. The article discusses the journey of Great Hill Dental Partners from its inception at the advent of the Affordable Care Act in 2009 to become a fully functional, doctor-owned DSO.

The author emphasizes the need for practitioners to consider partnering with DSOs, especially in the face of rising challenges in the dental industry, such as increased administrative demands, reduced reimbursements, and the complexity of digital marketing and compliance. They outline the factors to evaluate when considering a DSO, including culture, support for clinical care, …

10-Minute Ebd: Can A Vacuum-Formed Retainer Replace A Bonded Orthodontic Retainer?, Joshua Dickie

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Ten-Minute Evidence-Based Dentistry Column illustrates how to implement the evidence-based dentistry search process to quickly identify and apply the best literature to answer a clinical question. Through critical appraisal, the author of this article answers the clinical question of the effectiveness of vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) compared to bonded orthodontic retainers in maintaining tooth positioning and promoting oral hygiene. The study reviews existing literature and highlights the challenges in evaluating the two types of retainers, primarily due to patient compliance with VFRs. While some studies suggest that bonded retainers provide better short-term retention, the choice between retainers depends on various …

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists! In this August 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on choosing to partner with a Dental Service Organization (DSO)
• A conversation with three dentists on how and why they are involved with organized dentistry.
• A 10-Minute EBD on the efficacy of vacuum-formed removable orthodontic retainers
• News you need, an Editorial, a report from our ADA Trustee and regular department articles, Dentistry and …

Ada Trustee Report: Does The Ada Have A Long-Term Vision For Oral Health In America?, Michele Tulak-Gorecki Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This trustee report discusses the need for a long-term vision for oral health in America within the context of changing trends in dentistry. It highlights key questions related to evolving member value propositions, improving insurance coverage, expanding collaboration with primary care providers, and establishing dentistry as an essential part of the primary care system. A Board workgroup has been formed to explore potential actions and recommendations. The report underscores the importance of addressing these challenges. It encourages the dental profession to have meaningful conversations and work together to shape a future that aligns with new generations' evolving needs and expectations.

Running For Office 101, William Sullivan Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The pull-out section presents the MDA resources and support available from the MDA for members considering public service. It discusses the importance of having dentists in the Michigan Legislature and provides a guide to encourage dentists to run for public office. Running for public office is a significant decision, and the guide "Running for Office 101," offers information and insights for potential candidates.

Exploring The Assetisation And Financialisation Of Non-Fungible Tokens: Opportunities And Regulatory Implications, Iris H. Y. Chiu, J.G. Allen

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This article explores the emerging phenomenon of use cases for Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) in novel forms of crypto-finance, a stage we call “NFT financialisation”, that can be developed from stages of consumption and commoditisation of NFTs, which are increasingly observed. Despite the emerging contests regarding property rights conferred by NFTs, the needs for commoditisation and financialisation in NFT markets would likely shape the delineation and framing of such rights in order for users to exploit the asset potential of NFTs. We argue that an institutional response is timely and beneficial for NFT financialisation. Financial regulatory governance can provide the institutions …

Who Owns This? Ways That Property Can Be Owned And Transferred In Nebraska, Jessica Groskopf, J. David Aiken

Cornhusker Economics

Discusses ways that property can be owned and transferred in Nebraska in the context of farm management in Nebraska, United States.

Galaxy Next Generation, Inc., Order On Counterclaim Defendant Wade Walker's Motion To Dismiss For Lack Of Personal Jurisdiciton And Venue And Counterclaim Plaintiff Bradley Ehlert's Motion For Permission To File Out Of Time Brief In Opposition To Walker's Motion To Dismiss, Kelly L. Ellerbe

Superior Court of Fulton County: Metro Atlanta Business Case Division Opinions

No abstract provided.

Outcomes Of Enterprise Resource Planning System On Organizational Productivity, Tambei Chiawah, William G. Dzekashu, Walter R. Mccollum, Evelyn E. Fomuso

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

Leaders within local government organizations do not understand how to achieve expected and desired benefits from the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The lack of alignment between social and technical elements in ERP implementation continues to depress organizational productivity. The prime objective of our quantitative correlational study was to examine whether social and technical elements increase use and productivity in ERP implementation. Sociotechnical systems theory provided the theoretical basis for our study. We examined six dimensional variables relating to ERP implementation. Our key findings indicated positive significant relationships between ERP and information sharing, between ERP system quality and …

How Much Of ‘Home Field Advantage’ Comes From The Fans? A Natural Experiment From The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kevin Krieger, Justin L. Davis

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Home field advantage has been a commonly discussed and researched topic in sports. How much of this advantage is due to the home team’s supporters’ physical attendance at the game where they might encourage their team, intimidate the opponent, and influence game officials? We utilize the unique natural experiment of the COVID-19 pandemic and consider the case of American professional (NFL) and collegiate (NCAA) football to examine this question. We measure how typical spreads, relative to home teams, changed in the 2020 season compared to their historical levels, and we determine that roughly half of what football fans and analysts …

The Acceptance And Use Of Online Learning By Law Students In A South African University: An Application Of The Utaut2 Model, Jameson Goto, Anzanilufuno Munyai

The African Journal of Information Systems

COVID-19 forced many universities to shift from traditional face-to-face or blended learning, to full online learning. The sudden shift was not easy for both students and lecturers, who had to adapt to the new learning mode. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance and use of online learning of university students in the law faculty at a South African university during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model particularised to the online learning context in a country with a developing economy. An online survey was administered to the student …

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 63 Number 1, Summer 2022, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

16 - SHARED DREAMS Meet incoming University President Julie Sullivan, the first layperson and woman selected to lead SCU. Leslie Griffy

20 - BD KNOWS BEST Discovering who you really are, being grateful, and dinosaurs with BD Wong. Lauren Loftus.

22 - SWEPT AWAY Being homeless in Silicon Valley is particularly deadly. One professor explores why so many die in a land of such excess. Leslie Griffy .

28 - ON THE OUTSIDE A first-person account of being wrongly convicted, as told by Arturo Jimenez.

30 - BOOKED AND BUSY The secret behind the Hollywood success of so many Bronco …

Ptrc Customer Assessment Survey And Best Practices, John Schlipp, Christian Sheehy

Journal of the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Association

Assessment of customer activities in academic, public, and special libraries demonstrates their impact and value to library administrators and constituents. In turn, this assists in securing and maintaining advocacy and financial support. Although many formal and informal assessment best practices have evolved to measure the quantitative and qualitative impact of information literacy instruction, few if any best practices have been established to measure impact specific to Patent & Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) customers. This article reviews the results of a survey of PTRC Libraries and their customer assessment practices. Such analysis reveals best practices for other PTRCs to build upon …

Advocacy Spotlight: Are You An Advocate?, Vincent Benivegna Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Advocacy is crucial for dentists in Michigan, as they face a unique opportunity to impact Medicaid dental benefits positively. Governor Gretchen Whitmer's budget proposal for 2023 includes a substantial $240 million investment to revamp dental Medicaid benefits, a historic move for the state. The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) has actively engaged with government offices and legislators to ensure this opportunity is not missed. However, despite the MDA's efforts to mobilize members through action alerts, response rates have disappointed. The article emphasizes the importance of consistent advocacy, as it has the power to influence dental practices and the well-being of patients …

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists! In this July 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover feature on negotiating reimbursement rates with PPO contracts.
• A cover feature on guarding against employee embezzlement.
• A 10-Minute EBD on rampant caries management and prevention with ADHD patients taking stimulant medications.
• A Back Page look at the 2022 MDA award winners.
• News you need: an Editorial, guidance on dental practice cybersecurity, and regular department …

Staff Matters: Independent Contractor Or Temporary Employee?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Determining whether temporary hygienists should be classified as independent contractors or employees requires careful consideration. While treating them as independent contractors offers advantages, such as avoiding payroll taxes and paperwork, it must align with specific IRS criteria. The classification hinges on the degree of control the practice exerts over their work, encompassing behavioral and financial control. If the practice significantly controls aspects like duties, hours, and business aspects, it may be wiser to classify them as employees. The IRS provides a form (SS-8) to assess the relationship in-depth. Additionally, if hygienists request employee status and you cannot definitively prove otherwise, …

Patents And Market Research: Librarians Partnering To Assist Bioengineering Senior Design Teams, Jennifer L. Groff, Meredith Futral

Journal of the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Association

Clemson’s business and engineering librarians have partnered to create a two-step, efficient process to assist Bioengineering Senior Design students in understanding patents and patent searching and market research. Clemson University’s required two-semester Bioengineering Senior Design program matches teams of students with regional clinicians to develop biomedical devices that they research, design, prototype, and test. In the first semester of the program, in which the business and engineering librarians are involved, students take BioE4010-Bioengineering Design Theory. BioE4010 is offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters, but enrollment is significantly higher in the fall. For example, in the Fall of 2021 …

An Assessment Of Requirements In Investments, New Technologies, And Infrastructures To Achieve The Sdgs, Peter Yang

Faculty Scholarship

Background: The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires much planning and the provision of resources, especially regarding the necessary investments, technologies and infrastructures needed. Yet, it is presently unclear how available these elements are, what gaps exist, what changes have taken place in terms of their availability since the adoption of the SDGs and what their requirements will be in the future. The knowledge gap has become even more concerning because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a bibliometric analysis, an assessment of the global progress of SDG implementation and requirements, identifying challenges through the development …

Red Flags And Risks: Unpleasant Surprises When An Office Manager Suddenly Leaves, David Harris Cpa

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Losing an office manager can pose significant challenges for dental practices. This article delves into the red flags and potential risks that may accompany an office manager's sudden departure, shedding light on the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding their exit. The article highlights how embezzlement can be a reason behind unexplained departures and emphasizes the need to assess the situation more deeply. It explores account ownership issues that can hinder practice owners from accessing crucial business information, particularly in embezzlement investigations. The article recommends proactive measures for practice owners to secure access to vital accounts to prevent potential issues …

10-Minute Ebd: Stimulant Medications, Rampant Caries, And Prevention, Madison Thomas Bs, Nancy Poznick Dds, Melanie E. Mayberry Dds, Ms-Hcm

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 10-Minute Evidence-Based Dentistry Column illustrates how to implement the evidence-based dentistry search process to quickly identify and apply the best literature to answer a clinical question. Through critical appraisal, the author of this article answers the clinical question of a connection between stimulant medications, rampant caries, and prevention, with a focus on the impact of ADHD medication on oral health. The term "meth mouth" often associated with dental decay is discussed in the context of xerostomia (dry mouth), a common side effect of stimulant medications. The article uses the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) system to formulate a research …

Negotiating Reimbursement Rates With A Ppo Plan, Dana Moss

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dentists often struggle to negotiate reimbursement rates with dental insurance companies. This article discusses the importance of managing reimbursement from benefit plans and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of participating in insurance networks. It provides a step-by-step guide to negotiating insurance allowances effectively, emphasizing the need for preparation, data analysis, and communication skills. The article suggests ways to maintain profitability in practices with a significant PPO patient base. It includes recommendations for keeping fees balanced, choosing negotiation plans, and building relationships with insurance representatives. The emotional aspects of negotiation are also addressed, promoting a respectful and collaborative approach.

Quality And Transparency, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In a recent JDR Clinical & Translational Research report, the American Dental Association's clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) were determined to offer high-quality guidance for the dental profession. The study employed the AGREE II tool to validate the ADA's guidelines’ methodological rigor and transparency, ensuring their quality. This external review is promising for the profession, as it indicates that the ADA has developed reliable CPGs that support advocacy and implementation. However, the article raises questions about consumer-targeted quality scores for dentist providers, such as DentaQual by P&R Dental Strategies LLC. It suggests that for such scoring systems to be credible, they …

Dentistry And The Law: Risk Of Employment Discrimination In Job Advertisements, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Employment discrimination in job advertisements that include religious references, such as statements like "faith-based practice" or symbols like crosses, is a legal concern. Federal and Michigan state laws, particularly the Elliot Larson Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), prohibit discrimination in employment, encompassing various protected classes. ELCRA applies to all employers in Michigan, regardless of their size. Violating ELCRA can lead to legal consequences, including injunctive relief and compensatory damages. Including such references or symbols in job ads can be used as evidence against employers in discrimination claims, even if rejected candidates have lesser qualifications. Publishers of these ads are also at …

Corporate Governance Guidelines: How To Improve Disclosure And Promote Better Corporate Governance In Public Companies, Jennifer O'Hare

Faculty Publications

If you are a shareholder of a public corporation, you may think it would be easy to find basic information about your shareholder rights, such as whether shareholders have the right to call special stockholder meetings. You would probably assume that the information would be disclosed in the company’s “Corporate Governance Guidelines,” (CGGs) which, according to a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rule, must be posted on the company’s website for shareholder review. But, as this article shows, companies are not required to disclose information about shareholder rights in their corporate governance guidelines, and most companies have chosen not to …