Business Commons^™

The Role Of Ict In Enhancing National Logistics Performance And Economic Productivity, Jin Ho Kim

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

This study sheds light on the transformative impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on national productivity via logistics performance. By distinguishing between mobile and wired Internet speeds, the research demonstrates how these technologies influence logistics performance and, in turn, national productivity across different economic contexts. The findings reveal a nuanced relationship between ICT and logistics performance, with mobile ICT playing a more significant role in developing countries due to its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. In contrast, developed countries benefit from a balanced integration of both mobile and wired ICT. Moreover, the study highlights the mediating role of logistics performance in …

First Portfolio – Mngt 475: Business Strategies, Lisa Tschauner

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

MNGT 475: Business Strategies serves as the undergraduate strategic management capstone course in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business. The course integrates knowledge from accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management, supply chain management, analytics, and entrepreneurship while providing students with opportunities to apply strategic frameworks to authentic business challenges. This portfolio documents the design, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of the course, with particular attention given to experiential learning and the comparison of two instructional models: a traditional case-study project and a real-world industry-partner consulting project. Drawing upon Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, self-reflection, self-efficacy, and teamwork constructs, the portfolio examines …

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Genai) In Procurement And Supply Chain Management: Applications, Opportunities And Challenges, Vinay Singh, Laurie Hughes, Mousa Ahmed Albashrawi, Il Jeon, Yogesh K. Dwivedi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This article aims to explore the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in procurement and supply chain management (SCM), with a focus on its practical applications, strategic implications and integration challenges. Design/methodology/approach: Adopting a conceptual approach, this article presents the authors’ views and arguments, supported by a review of existing literature and informed by insights from discussions with industry experts. The discussion in this conceptual article is anchored in the supply chain operations reference model. Findings: This research addresses critical questions regarding the practical and strategic impacts of GenAI, emphasizing its ability to simulate scenarios, deliver real-time insights …

Do Major Customers Affect Firms' Environmental, Social And Governance Activities?, Feng Dong, John A. Doukas, Stephanie Walton, Rongyao Gloria Zhang, Yiyang Zhang

Finance Faculty Publications

We examine the role of major customers in shaping firms' environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. We find that firms with major customer relationships undertake fewer ESG activities compared to those without such ties. The association is attenuated when institutional ownership is high, firms are less diversified, customers exhibit greater bankruptcy risk and lower switching costs and during periods of elevated equity market sentiment. Taken together, our findings highlight that reliance on a concentrated customer base can weaken firms’ incentives to engage in ESG practices, with important implications for supply chain sustainability.

Systematic Literature Mapping: Integrated System Of Logistic Distribution For Island, Eka Suswaini, Mochammad Agung Wibowo, Ferry Jie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The study aims to identify and compare various methods used to optimize supply chain distribution, with a focus on uncovering novel approaches. It particularly addresses the gap in logistics distribution models tailored for island environments, proposing the development of an integrated information system using genetic and memetic algorithms to handle uncertainties like weather and vessel availability. Design/methodology/approach: A Systematic Literature Mapping (SLM) approach was adopted. The K-Chart method was applied to categorize conceptual strategies and identify research gaps. A case study was also included to analyze logistical challenges in island settings, incorporating real data variables like transportation schedules and …

Brief #2: Collaborative Aggregation & Marketing Of Local Farm Food: A Qualitative Analysis Of Customer Relations Strategies, Evan England, Rachel Filippone, Hannah Stokes-Ramos, Cindy (Luyue) Zheng, Olivia Burton, Analena B. Bruce

Food Practice Research

No abstract provided.

Optimizing Subgroup Selection In Petrochemical Industries: A Robust Data Envelopment Analysis Approach For Uncertainty Management, Sadegh Niroomand, Hilda Saleh, Morteza Shafiee, Dragan Pamucar, Ali Mahmoodirad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study addresses the critical challenge faced by organizations in selecting an optimal subgroup of decision-making units (DMUs). Such a selection procedure can significantly influence efficiency, profitability, and strategic development. Recognizing the limitations of existing methods in handling inexact data and incorporating managerial preferences, this study proposes a novel framework that integrates data envelopment analysis (DEA) with binary linear programming models. The model applies belief-degree–based representations of uncertainty to capture imprecise inputs and outputs. For this model, two solution approaches—namely, chance-constrained programming and expected value approaches—were developed. These approaches are suitable for real-world applications using standard optimization software. The effectiveness …

Bridging Mission And Execution: Integrating Participatory Design In Early-Phase Mission Engineering For Stakeholder Alignment And Mission Clarity, Rafi Soule

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

This research examines mission framing during the early phase of Mission Engineering. Stakeholder interpretations diverge under ambiguity. Interoperability constraints are often not surfaced early. These conditions reduce mission clarity and weaken mission-to-system mapping readiness. The study integrates a participatory design-inspired, artifact-first workflow with RAG-enabled retrieval from a closed corpus to support evidence-grounded reasoning and traceable citations.

Phase 1 uses an online survey to establish baseline patterns in practice (N = 86). Shared understanding is positively associated with mission clarity (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). Phase 2 uses a time-bounded comparative workshop with two conditions. Expert reviewers rate mission statement quality higher for the participatory design condition (mean 3.5) than the traditional condition (mean 2.8). Technical feasibility ratings are similar across conditions. Phase 3 demonstrates RAG-enabled, closed-corpus, retrieval-supported traceability using the Referencer tool. It is reported as a proof-of-concept for evidence-grounded rationale and auditability, and as a pathway …

Algorithm Envelopment In Platform Markets, Liang Chen, Zhou Zhou, Lester Chan

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

The theory of platform envelopment rests on network effects as the key mechanism for value creation, which nonetheless receives mixed support for its efficacy in determining competitive outcomes. We argue that the value of network effects depends on matching quality, which is a function of platform-specific algorithm technology and market-level data-driven learning. In formalizing these conceptualizations, we analyze a model that demonstrates how an entrant with a superior algorithm technology may outcompete an incumbent possessing a user base advantage, a strategy we call “algorithm envelopment.” By considering specific characteristics of data-driven learning, our analysis leads to propositions regarding the entry …

Choice-Based Crowdshipping For Next-Day Delivery Services: A Dynamic Task Display Problem, Alp Arslan, Firat Kilci, Shih-Fen Cheng, Archan Misra

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper studies integrating the crowd workforce into next-day home delivery services. In this setting, both crowd drivers and contract drivers collaborate in making deliveries. Crowd drivers have limited capacity and can choose not to deliver if the presented tasks do not align with their preferences. The central question addressed is: How can the platform minimize the total task fulfilment cost, which includes payouts to crowd drivers and additional payouts to contract drivers for delivering the unselected tasks by customizing task displays to crowd drivers? To tackle this problem, we formulate it as a finite-horizon Stochastic Decision Problem, capturing crowd …

A Comparative Analysis Of Explainable Ai (Xai) Techniques For Transparent And Reliable Image Classification, Sovon Chakraborty, Shakib Mahmud Dipto, Kevin R. Pilkiewicz, Michael L. Mayo, Pratip Rana

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Evaluating the trustworthiness of black-box machine learning models remains a significant methodological challenge. Their lack of transparency and interpretability limits applicability, because stakeholders often seek transparency before trusting the results of black-box machine learning models. Explainable AI (XAI) methods provide for human-understandable justifications and informed decision-making of these black-box architectures. Therefore, it is imperative to select the proper XAI model tailored to specific tasks. In this research, we focus on examining four XAI techniques: PEEK, LRP, GRAD-CAM, and LIME to understand how they perform against each other for image classification tasks. We evaluate the performance, robustness, generalizability, noise stability, and …

The Impact Of Organizational Sustainability On Improving Companies’ Financial Performance (Applied To The Southern Refineries Company.), Thaer Khalaf Khashan

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The impact of organizational sustainability on improving companies' financial performance, applied to the Southern Refineries Company. The research aims to explore the impact oforganizational companies' financial performance. The research variables were organizational sustainability as an independent variable with its three dimensions (economic sustainability, social sustainability, and environmental sustainability), and improving financial performance as a dependent variable. To achieve the research objectives, the descriptive analytical approach was adopted. A questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. The questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of (400) individuals from the employees of the Southern Refineries Company, (388) questionnaires were retrieved, …

The Role Of Linear Programming And Sensitivity Analysis In Improving The Transportation And Distribution Of Vegetable Oils: A Case Study Of The State Company For Vegetable Oils In Iraq, Zainab Alaa Hameed

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The State Company for Vegetable Oils in Iraq faces a fundamental challenge of high transportation costs and inefficiency in distributing products across factories and warehouses to meet growing demand. Accordingly, this study aims to employ operations research methods-specifically linear programming and sensitivity analysis---to design a distribution plan that enhances efficiency and minimizes costs. The methodology involved developing a mathematical model of the transportation problem based on actual data related to supply quantities, demand requirements, and transportation costs between production sources and distribution outlets. The model was solved using WinQSB software to determine the optimal solution. Sensitivity analysis was then conducted …

The Impact Of Psychological Sustainability On The Strategic Agility System: The Role Of Design Thinking : An Analytical Study Of Technical Opinions From Senior Officials At Several Private Universities In Basra Governorate, Iman Hato Jahlol, Muhammed Nabeel Al-Salim

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study seeks to address the limited ability of private colleges in Basra Governorate to cope with organizational and educational challenges by examining the relationship between employees’ psychological well-being (faculty members and administrators) and strategic agility, while testing the mediating role of design thinking. The study adopted a descriptive–analytical approach and employed validated scales: Ryff (1989) for psychological well-being, Ergin (2024) for design thinking, and Doz & Kosonen (2008) for strategic agility. The sample consisted of 196 participants selected through stratified random sampling. The study was guided by a main hypothesis stating that the combined dimensions of psychological well-being (purpose …

Urban Transportation And Marketing Efficiency Among Tomato Marketers In Oyo State, Nigeria, Chuks O. Idiaye, Isaac Busayo Oluwatayo, Nafisat O. Tijani

ASEAN Marketing Journal

The study examined the effect of urban transportation on tomato marketing efficiency using major markets in Ibadan metropolis in south-west Nigeria as case study. The data used were collected from a total of 170 tomato marketers using a structured questionnaire. The locations of the markets included Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, Ido, Lagelu, and Akinyele. Descriptive statistics, Shepherd’s measure of efficiency and Multinomial regression were used to analyze the data collected. Findings from the study revealed that transportation plays a crucial role in the marketing of tomato in Oyo state, Nigeria and that mini-cabs are the most preferred means …

Digital Transformation And Its Role In Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Entrepreneurial Capabilities As A Mediating Variable – An Analytical Study Of A Group Of Private Banks, Kamal Kadhim Al-Hassani, Ali Matar Abd

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to explore the mediating role of entrepreneurial capabilities in the relationship between digital transformation and competitive advantage in the Iraqi banking sector. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, and data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 235 managers in private banks in Iraq, using a structured survey instrument. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed via AMOS v.25 to analyze the data and test the hypothesized relationships. The results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between digital transformation and competitive advantage, highlighting the pivotal role of digital transformation in enhancing banks’ ability to achieve competitive superiority. More importantly, …

The Importance Of Official Development Assistance In The Financial Revenue Structure Of Recipient Countries: Selected Models, Abdul Kareem J.Shingar Al-Issa, Mustafa Takhakh Zahir

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Official development assistance (ODA) is a source of financing typically linked to external sources and typically provided to developing and middle-income countries. It was approved by the United Nations in the first decade of development in the 1990s, and is provided by multilateral international agencies and sometimes by donor countries to recipient countries. This study addresses the importance of official development assistance (ODA) in countries that rely heavily on ODA to contribute to economic and social development. This study examines the structure of financial revenues in each of the countries represented by the Arab Republic of Egypt and Bangladesh. It …

The Role Of Transformational Leadership In Achieving Strategic Recovery: A Survey Study Of The Opinions Of A Sample Of Directors In The General Directorate Of Education In Nineveh Governorate, Mariam Moneim Malallah Al-Halawajy

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The current study aims to shed light on the role of transformational leadership as an independent variable, embodied in four dimensions (idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration), in achieving strategic recovery as a dependent variable, represented by three dimensions (apology, compensation, and rapid response) at the General Directorate of Education in Nineveh Governorate. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive–analytical approach was adopted as a methodological framework to accurately observe and analyze relationships. A validated questionnaire was designed for data collection and distributed to a sample of managers working in the Directorate, numbering (98). The …

Sustainable Development In The Islamic Economy Between Theoretical Foundations And Practical Application, Dr. Ahmed Abbas Abdalhussein

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research aims to examine the implications of the Islamic vision of sustainable development and to identify the way Islamic law has addressed its environmental, economic, and social dimensions. This is achieved by examining evidence from the Prophet’s biography, which includes foundations that align, in some cases, with the goals of sustainable development, while also encompassing more comprehensive foundations for achieving sustainability. This is particularly true given that these foundations and principles are consistent with Islamic societies, as well as defining the responsibilities of the individual, society, and the state within the framework of the exalted status that God Almighty …

Total Quality Management And Its Relationship With Organizational Efficiency Through The Mediating Role Of Benchmarking –An Exploratory Study At The Hartha Thermal Power Station For Electric Power Generation, Dhuha Nadhem Abdullah Al-Maliki, Dr. Zainab Shallal Akkar Jaber

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Public service organizations face increasing challenges in achieving organizational efficiency and sustainable excellence despite adopting quality initiatives. This is attributed to the limited integration of Total Quality Management (TQM) and benchmarking as pivotal tools in the continuous improvement process. This study aims to analyze the role of TQM, with its dimensions of (top management commitment, process management, training and capacity building, data-driven decision-making, and employee engagement), in enhancing organizational efficiency, while also examining the mediating role of benchmarking in this relationship. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach and included a sample of 270 employees at the Al-Haritha Thermal Power Plant …

A Study Of Perceptions, Readiness, Benefits, And Barriers Related To Exoskeleton Adoption In New Jersey’S Warehousing Sector, Terry Asante

Theses

The warehousing industry in New Jersey remains a vital component of the region's logistics network, employing more than 200,000 workers who routinely engage in lifting, bending, overhead reaching, and other physically demanding activities. These exposures contribute to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) rates that exceed national averages, particularly affecting the low back and shoulders. Nationally, MSDs account for an estimated $420 billion in combined direct and indirect costs each year, underscoring the need for interventions that can effectively reduce biomechanical strain. Industrial exoskeletons have emerged as a potential solution, with prior research demonstrating reductions in muscle activation, perceived exertion, and fatigue during …

The Role Of Fuzzy Logic In Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis, Ahmed Imad Abed Al-Atabe, Mohammed Wafi Abbas Al-Shammar

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

Cost-volume-profit analysis (CVP) is one of the most important basic tools in management accounting. It enables understanding the relationship between three key elements: costs, volume, and profit level. The problem with this research is that this type of analysis, in its traditional form, uses clear and fixed data, such as the variable cost per unit, total fixed costs, selling price, or sales volume, which can be accurately determined. However, these assumptions do not accurately reflect practical reality, which is often characterized by uncertainty and fluctuations. The research aims to utilize an artificial intelligence tool, fuzzy logic, as a more flexible …

Career Development And Its Role In Organizational Commitment: An Analytical Survey Of The Opinions Of A Sample Of Employees At Al-Zahrawi Surgical Hospital/Maysan, Salem Haider Resen

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The research aims to reveal the role of career development in its dimensions (training, promotions, career planning) in enhancing organizational commitment, as the research problem was embodied in knowing the role played by career development in the organizational commitment of employees at Al-Zahrawi Surgical Hospital/Maysan? To achieve this, the research relied on a main hypothesis that (there is no statistically significant correlation or effect between career development and organizational commitment). The importance of the research is highlighted by its contribution to the development of human resources strategies to achieve organizational stability at the level of the Iraqi environment. On the …

The Impact Of Strategic Mindset On Competitive Pressures A Field Study At The Kronje Beverage Group, Dalal Salih Mahdi, Qadisiya Said Jabr

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This research examines the impact of the strategic mindset (systems thinking, reframing, and deep thinking) on competitive pressures In the Kronje Group for beverage production. The descriptive analytical approach was adopted, collecting data using a questionnaire and analyzing it to express the opinions of a sample of leaders in the Kronje Group, which produces various beverages. The data was collected using a questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. A purposive sample of (60) managers was selected to represent the original population of (92) managers. The focus was on senior management leaders, including managers, assistants, and heads of departments, divisions, …

The Impact Of Implementing Good Governance Principles On The Quality Of University Education: An Analytical Study Of The Opinions Of A Sample Of Employees At Sawa Private University, Thanaa Hussein Jalil Al-Khuzaie

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to analyze the impact of applying good governance principles—such as transparency, accountability, participation, and the rule of law—within higher education institutions on the quality of university education, by examining the relationship between these principles and academic and administrative quality indicators. The study population comprised academic and administrative staff at Al-Sahel Private University. A stratified random sample of 75 participants was selected from the university. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation), Pearson correlation coefficient, and coefficient of variation. The instrument’s reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and factor analysis was conducted. Hypotheses were tested using …

The Impact Of Using Management Information System On Enhancing Intelligent Organizations: An Exploratory Study Of The Opinions Of A Sample Of Faculty Members At The College Of Administration And Economics – University Of Mosul, Ali Jasim Shalash

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The present study seeks to investigate the effect of the dimensions of the Management Information System (MIS) on fostering intelligent organizations, through analyzing the relationship between the system’s components (organization, human resources, information technology, and data/information) and the level of organizational intelligence. The research employed a descriptive–analytical methodology, with data collected from a sample of 88 faculty members at the College of Administration and Economics, utilizing a scientifically designed questionnaire. The results indicated a strong and statistically significant correlation between all MIS dimensions and the development of intelligent organizations, with the system accounting for 43.3% of the variance in organizational …

The Role Of Expert Systems In Enhancing Organizational Performance In Hotel Organizations A Descriptive–Analytical Study Of The Opinions Of A Sample Of Managers And Employees In First-Class Hotels In Erbil Governorate, Dr. Hassan Odah Ghdaab

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The study aimed to identify the role of expert systems as an independent variable with its dimensions (hardware, software, knowledge engineer) in enhancing organizational performance as a dependent variable. The research problem emerged through the need to determine the role of expert systems in improving organizational performance if adopted by managers and employees in the surveyed hotel organizations. A hypothetical model was presented to test the main and sub-hypotheses and to answer the research questions. The study focused on five-star hotels, with the research population consisting of managers and employees in hotel organizations in Erbil Governorate, specifically: (Erbil Quartz Hotel, …

Conditions Of The Enterprise Energy Management And Energy Transformation – A Risk Management Perspective, Waldemar Kozioł

Studia i Materiały Wydział Zarządzania Uniwersytet Warszawski

Purpose: The main purpose of the article is to initially indicate the role of risk management and the main areas of risk analysis in the energy transformation process as an element of systemic energy management at the enterprise level.

Methodology: The basic method is literature studies on energy management, risk management and economic transformation processes, supplemented by unstructured interviews with managers from energy, transport, automotive and chemical industries conducted during advisory activities.

Results: Based on literature studies and interviews conducted as part of ongoing research and consulting projects, it can be tentatively indicated that the most important …

China’S Influence Over The Mining Industry In Africa, Safa M. Altamimi, Reda Amer

Undergraduate Research Symposium

How much influence does China have over the international supply of minerals from Africa? The purpose of this research is to study China’s involvement in Africa’s mining industry and analyze its impact on US economic interests. China has traded and invested in many mining sites across Africa; However, I will be focusing on DRC, Zambia, and Zimbabwe for my research. Using ArcGIS pro tools, I will create and analyze a map that contains information about mineral deposits and facilities.

The Loop That Eats Itself: Fast Fashion And The Myth Of Accessible Sustainability, Christie Westby

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter examines fast fashion as a self-reinforcing system driven by speed, consumption psychology, and misaligned incentives, arguing that true sustainability requires slowing supply chains and redesigning governance rather than simply buying “better” products.