Business Commons^™

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: May 22, 2024, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The Leading Economic Indicator-Nebraska rose by 0.42% in April 2024. The increase in the leading indicator, which is designed to predict economic growth six months into the future, implies that the Nebraska economy will grow through the 4th quarter of 2024. There was an increase in manufacturing hours worked in April, as the state and national manufacturing industry continued to strengthen. There was also a drop in initial claims for unemployment insurance, indicating that the labor market remains strong. Lastly, business expectations remained strong in April. Respondents to the April Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: May 22, 2024, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The Leading Economic Indicator-Nebraska rose by 0.42% in April 2024. The increase in the leading indicator, which is designed to predict economic growth six months into the future, implies that the Nebraska economy will grow through the 4th quarter of 2024. There was an increase in manufacturing hours worked in April, as the state and national manufacturing industry continued to strengthen. There was also a drop in initial claims for unemployment insurance, indicating that the labor market remains strong. Lastly, business expectations remained strong in April. Respondents to the April Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and …

The Political Economy Of The Igbos Of Southeastern Nigeria: Analyzing The Igbo Entrepreneurship Model (Iem), Eze Simpson Osuagwu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the relationship between culture and economic development using the case of the Igbo ethnic group of Southeastern Nigeria. The Igbo traditional apprenticeship system has been widely described in contemporary political economy literature as a model for stakeholder capitalism and shared prosperity for sustainable entrepreneurial development. This study draws a sample of 2,000 entrepreneurs from five business clusters across Nigeria in Aba, Onitsha, Nnewi, Lagos and Abuja to ascertain if there is a significant difference between the entrepreneurs who passed through the traditional apprenticeship system and those who did not. The study employs a Propensity Score Matching technique …

Social Enterprises And Social Media: A Dialogic And Comparative Analysis, Kevin L. Rawls

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study is devoted to assessing the public relations activities of social enterprises on social media through a dialogic communication lens and comparing those activities with traditional businesses. Social enterprises are fundamentally devoted to leveraging market forces to help create sustainable social change, and as such are interested in not only financial returns but also specific social returns, and the public relations strategies of these organizations should be more aligned than traditional businesses with fully functioning society theory and dialogic communication principles. This study reveals areas of opportunity for both social enterprises and conventional companies to develop in the area …

Empowering Inclusivity: Leveraging Technology For Designing Accessible Events, Smita Singh, Godwin-Charles Ogbeide, Jazmyn Johannassen

ICHRIE Research Reports

In the evolving landscape of meeting and event management, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity is paramount. This literature review delves into the technological advancements in creating universally accessible events. From assistive listening devices to augmented reality for sensory enhancement, we dissect various tools and methodologies. By analyzing a spectrum of scholarly articles, case studies, and real-world applications, the review underscores the transformative power of technology in removing barriers and fostering inclusivity. The findings advocate for proactive adoption of these technologies, reiterating that inclusivity in meeting and event design is not just ethical but imperative today.

The Safest Suburbs In The Mountain West, 2023, Ivan Sun, Zachary Billot, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Cities & Metros

This fact sheet presents data from the Smart Asset report, “America’s Safest Suburbs – 2023 Study,” which examines the 370 safest suburbs in the United States and the 35 most affordable safest suburbs. This fact sheet focuses on data for the nine safest suburbs and most affordable safe suburbs in the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah ranking among the top 100 safest suburbs in the United States.

Editorials

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

No abstract provided.

Integrating Scientific And Technological Innovation With Industrial Innovation: Understanding The Strategic Logic Of Deep Integration To Foster New Quality Productive Forces In China’S New Development Stage, Science And Technology Innovation And Development Center, Chinese Academy Of Sciences

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation serves as the core mechanism for cultivating new quality productive forces. President Xi Jinping advances this scientific proposition based on China’s development practice in the new era and the historical, theoretical, and practical logic of global innovation advancement. The proposition profoundly elucidates the fundamental mechanisms driving contemporary productivity leaps and the strategic pivot for Chinese path to modernization. As a major theoretical innovation, this theory is groundbreaking, exemplary, and contemporary, providing a scientific foundation and strategic guidance for high-quality development and Chinese path to modernization. This study examines the …

Promoting Construction Of China’S Modern Industrial System By “ Multi-Tracking” Research And Innovation Model, Yongnian Zheng, Lanmeng Xu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The core of the competition between large nations during the fourth industrial revolution is centered on economic resilience, which is based on the industrial system of each nation. The key takeaway from the historical experience of industrial development in the United Kingdom and the United States is that the building of a modern industrial system must prioritize the balanced development of industries rather than concentrating solely on the financial and service sectors and ignoring the manufacturing sector, which leads to industrial hollowing-out. China ought to build a modern industrial system that possesses the five characteristics, including industry comprehensiveness, large capacity, …

Policy Practices And Countermeasures Analysis On Deep Integration Of Technological Innovation And Industrial Innovation, Defang He, Tao Chen, Hui Liu, Fangjuan Yang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Technological innovation serves as the strategic foundation for driving high-quality development and building a modern industrial system. To compete for global leadership in science, technology, and industrial advancement, major economies worldwide are reshaping their policy frameworks to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies and future industries. This study analyzes the intrinsic mechanisms and policy evolution of the integration between technological innovation and industrial innovation. By examining domestic and international case studies—such as integrated circuits, mRNA vaccines, new energy vehicles, and photovoltaics—it reveals how strategic guidance and policy coordination facilitate the convergence of innovation chains and industrial chains. Furthermore, the study …

Research And Suggestions On Top-Down Design Methodology Of High-End Cnc Machine Tools, Weiguo Gao, Dawei Zhang, Bingye Liu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The strategic significance of top-down design theory, method and technical system of high-end CNC machine tools is expounded, so as to realize the independent research and development of high-end CNC machine tools, satisfy the requirements of high-end users in key fields and maintain the independence and control of the core technologies. The top-down design methods and some key scientific problems are proposed, including static-dynamic stiffness design, geometric accuracy design, thermal balance design, and assembly process accuracy design, based on the spatial position and attitude error, relative dynamic flexibility of the working space, through the design, processing and assembly process. The …

Breakthrough Path Of High-End Equipment Manufacturing Driven By Independent Innovation—From Perspective Of R&D And Industrialization Of High-End Wafer Stage Of Lithography Machine, Yu Zhu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Focusing on R&D and industrialization of wafer stage of high-end lithography machine, this study deeply analyzes the development status and core challenges of China’s high-end equipment manufacturing industry. The study finds that although China’s high-end equipment manufacturing industry has achieved scale expansion and technological innovation, there are still deficiencies in the independent control of core technologies, facing the dual bottlenecks of technological innovation and basic capabilities. By analyzing the independent innovation practices of wafer stage, including aspects such as core technology breakthroughs, basic capacity enhancements, industrial chain collaboration, and the construction of industry-university-research support systems, the internal laws for the …

Present Situation, Problems And Suggestions Of Advanced Optical Ultra-Precision Manufacturing Technology, Xin Zhang, Kuo Hai, Zizheng Li, Yinghuai Zhang, Binzhi Zhang, Yunfei Zhang, Zhongming Zang, Peng Zeng, Mingtao Wu, Kailong Li, Lisong Yan, Taixi Cehn, Yigang Qian, Hongfei Jiao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

With the continuous development of key fields such as laser nuclear fusion, space-to-earth observation, deep space exploration, and extreme ultraviolet lithography, the demand for optical components with high surface shape accuracy and high surface quality is increasing. Advanced optical ultra-precision manufacturing technology has become the core pillar of the national high-end manufacturing field. In this paper, the research status of advanced optical ultra-precision manufacturing technology in China is described with the focus on material preparation technology of optical components, ultra-precision forming, polishing, testing and surface treatment technology of components. The existing problems and countermeasures in this field in China are …

Generative Ai-Driven Paradigm Shift For Future Industrial Innovation, Lan Xue, Lidan Jiang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Generative AI, as the core engine triggering a paradigm shift in future industrial innovation, is propelling the next generation of artificial intelligence toward a “new qualitative state” characterized by deep thinking and long-chain reasoning. This study, grounded in the emerging attributes of generative AI-driven future industrial innovation, examines the mutually constitutive relationship between generative AI and industrial innovation in the digit-intelligence era. Through three analytical dimensions, namely, AI-driven transformation of knowledge production paradigms, the reconstruction of technological agency spaces, and the unleashing of new qualitative factor values, it thoroughly deciphers the paradigm evolution driven by generative AI. Furthermore, it proposes …

Development Of China’S Ultra-Precision Equipment Industry And Support Of Patient Capital, Hong Jiang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As a core field of high-end manufacturing, China’s ultra-precision equipment industry has achieved rapid development driven by policy support and technological advancements. Nevertheless, it still faces challenges such as technological bottlenecks, international competition, and funding shortages. Its characteristics—long R&D cycles, high risks, and substantial capital investments—are misaligned with the risk-averse nature of traditional financial systems, urgently requiring the support of “patient capital”. Although China possesses a vast pool of long-term capital (e.g., social security funds and insurance funds), systemic gaps prevent these funds from being effectively transformed into patient capital that supports frontier technologies. This study argues that developing patient …

Challenges And Opportunities For Semiconductor Equipment Facing 15th Five-Year Plan, Tianchun Ye, Yu Zhu, Guoming Zhang, Xiaoli Du, Zhenlin Lei, Pengpeng Yuan

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

During the “15th Five-Year Plan”, China’s semiconductor equipment industry is facing the dual challenges of technological blockade and supply chain decoupling. It needs to shift from “catching up and replacing” to “path innovation” to break through its dependence on the international technology system. This study analyzes three core needs: supporting self-reliance (breaking through the bottleneck of advanced process equipment and parts), building an innovation ecosystem with Chinese characteristics (exploring new technology paths such as GAA and 3D integration), and promoting intelligent upgrading (integrating AI and digital technology). At the same time, it proposes to use the strategy of “re-globalization” to …

Materials Science And Technology In Ultra-Precision Equipment, Jun Tan, Feng Liu, Mingsheng Luo

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The technological advancement of ultra-precision equipment is highly dependent on the development of advanced high-performance materials. The preparation and processing techniques of key materials directly impact the performance and service behavior of ultra-precision equipment. Nevertheless, the shortcomings in high-performance materials have become major weaknesses in China’s high-end equipment manufacturing. This study systematically summarizes the application of advanced materials in ultra-precision equipment and provides an in-depth analysis of the current status of material preparation and processing technologies, and prospects for future development directions in this field are offered as well. Based on a thorough analysis of the main issues currently faced …

Ultra-Precision Equipment For 15th Five-Year Plan: Challenges And Opportunities, Jianlin Cao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

People generally refer to equipment with micron-level precision in manufacturing processes as precision equipment, while equipment meeting requirements beyond the micron level (nanometer-level) is termed ultra-precision equipment. Ultra-precision equipment serves as the foundation of advanced manufacturing today and is also a critical component of several high-tech industries, such as integrated circuits, displays, aerospace, instrumentation, and high-end machine tools. The level of ultra-precision equipment in these industries has a decisive impact on their development. Ultra-precision equipment is also the crystallization of modern scientific, technological, and engineering practices, and its development is a historically iterative process, requiring the interplay of demand-driven factors, …

Vigorously Promote Technological Innovation Oriented Towards Industrial Development, Guojie Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

From the perspective of scientific and technological workers, this study discusses some understanding and conceptual issues related to the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation. Firstly, it points out that the shift from emphasizing “transformation of achievements” to emphasizing “deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation” is a sublimation in the understanding of the laws of scientific and technological development and economic growth. The connection point between scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation is the problem to be solved, and the focus of the connection is frontier technology research to explore the feasible pathways. …

Current Status And Development Trends Of Domestic High-End Equipment In Aero-Engine Manufacturing, Hu Chen, Shilin Jiang, Hongtao Tang, Mingshan Song, Haowei He

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Aero-engines are known as the “pearl on the crown of industry”. As global manufacturing competition intensifies, achieving independent control of high-end equipment in aero-engine manufacturing is crucial for China to become a global aviation power. This paper reviews the development, achievements, challenges, and future directions of domestic five-axis machine tools, planers, 3D printing equipment, and micro-hole processing equipment in this field. Domestic five-axis machine tools have made progress through structural innovation and process optimization, gradually replacing imports. Planers have advanced in intelligence and precision, 3D printing equipment in multi-axis coordination and material diversity, and micro-hole processing equipment in compound processes …

Byd: Practices And Reflections On Driving Green Development Through Integrated Innovation, Chuanfu Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

In three decades of development practice, BYD has upheld the technology-based and innovation-oriented mindset of development, and seized opportunities presented by technological revolutions and industrial transformations. From battery production, to automobile research and development (R&D) and to rail transit innovations, BYD has continuously deepened integrated development, achieving notable progress in implementing innovation-driven development strategies and cultivating new quality productive forces. This study examines BYD’s integrated innovation development practices as the primary framework, summarizing five distinctive characteristics: technological DNA, vertical integration and integrated innovation, precise strategy, talent engine, and green leadership. In light of future developmental requirements, it proposes relevant insights …

Case Study And Enlightenment Of Key And Core Technology Research, Yanni Han

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Since the reform and opening up, China has made significant progress in economic and technological development. Nevertheless, the complex international situation has made us aware that there are still some visible and invisible key core technologies under the control of others, bring us into a passive situation in international competition. Technological advantages are increasingly being applied in political confrontations between nations, serving as important means of sanctions and invisible weapons. Being dependent on others for key and core technologies has become a hidden danger to China’s economic and social development. Based on case studies of some successful key and core …

Study On Management And Mechanism Of National Research Institutions To Organize Critical And Core Technologies R&D Activities, Xiaoxi Xiao, Xiang Shen

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As an important component of the national strategic scientific and technological forces, national research institutions, especially those in high-tech fields, have important missions and responsibilities in developing critical and core technologies. This study firstly analyzes the mission and function of national research institutions in critical and core technology research, and then illustrates that national research institutions are capable of undertaking critical and core technologies that need large and long cycle of investments and are of high risk, which means universities and enterprises could not or have no willingness to carry out. In details, national research institutions are able to conduct …

Research On Identification And Selection Practice Methods Of National Critical Technologies, Yanlin Cheng, Yaling Cao, Yan Xiao, Tao Dai

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

National critical technologies are crucial to economic prosperity, social welfare, and national security of a country or region, playing a vital role in enhancing national scientific and technological innovation capability and boosting its international competitiveness. How to identify and select national critical technologies is the prerequisite and foundation for optimizing research layouts and cultivating priority fields. Based on the understanding of the connotations and characteristics of national critical technologies, this study proposes an analytical framework for their identification and selection. Through a cross-case analysis of practices in the United States, the European Union, South Korea, and Australia, the study compares …

Practice And Enlightenment Of National Critical Technology Strategy, Jie Chen, Xiao He, Tao Dai

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Critical technologies have become an important factor affecting the international competition pattern, national economic and social development, and national security. In recent years, major countries such as the United States, South Korea, and Australia have implemented national critical technology strategies to systematically promote the cultivation and protection of critical technologies at the national level. Firstly, the different strategic choices made by the United States, South Korea, and Australia based on their own advantages and foundations were compared from the dimensions of strategic positioning, focus, and main measures. The United States was analyzed as a technology leading strategy, South Korea as …

Considerations And Initiatives For Domesticating Display Manufacturing Equipment, Songlin Ma, Shijian Qin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The display panel industry has evolved from CRT to OLED, with major technology-leading regions such as Japan and South Korea adopting a vertically integrated model encompassing equipment, materials, and products. This approach ensures self-sufficiency within their regional industrial chains, while each technological leap has reshaped the global industry landscape. China’s display industry started from scratch and, through a strategy of complete technology import, digestion and absorption, and independent innovation, has gradually achieved the world’s highest shipment volume. Nevertheless, it still faces the challenge of being “large but not strong”, as core equipment for display panel production lines heavily relies on …

Exploring Wasta And Religious Values And Principles: A Case Study Of Employee Engagement In The Uae Hospitality Sector, Reimara Valk, Lina Yousif, Lynne Mcgarvey

Arab Economic and Business Journal

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the socio-cultural concept ‘Wasta’ as well as religious values and principles in employee engagement in the hospitality industry in the United Arab Emirates, embedded in the country’s socio-economic, cultural and institutional context. This study investigates employee engagement through the theoretical lenses of Positive Psychology and Positive Organizational Scholarship. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 41 employees in the case study hotel in Dubai, findings from this case study research show that the manifestation of EE is influenced by a country’s religious and socio-cultural context.

A Phenomenological Study On The Perceived Impact Of Bass's Four I'S Of Transformational Leadership, Yarissa Marn

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe World of Warcraft game leaders’ perceptions of the impact on their guilds regarding Bass’s 4 I’s of transformational leadership.

Methodology: This qualitative study interviewed 13 World of Warcraft game leaders who have led their guild members for at least one year. The main source of data collection was semi-structured open-ended interview questions with other resources to include artifacts. The researcher coded and analyzed data for themes and patterns.

Findings: Several domains of Bass’s Four I’s Transformational Leadership framework were found to have an impact on World of Warcraft …

Exploring The Relationship Between Load Shedding And Crime In Gauteng, Bhavesh Ram

Master's Theses

This study investigates the impact of load shedding, a recurring power outage phenomenon in South Africa, on crime rates in the densely populated Gauteng province. Using a novel dataset that combines Eskom's load shedding schedules with detailed crime statistics from 2015 to 2022, a fixed-effects regression model is employed to examine the relationship between blackout hours and various crime categories. Findings reveal that while load shedding does not significantly affect overall crime rates, it significantly increases the incidence of contact crimes and sexual offenses, particularly during daylight hours. Additionally, our results provide evidence that load shedding diminishes the ability of …

Crafting Community Solar Programs To Alleviate Energy Burdens And Empower Communities In Virginia, Elizabeth Anne Sekelsky

Master's Projects and Capstones

Low to moderate-income (LMI) groups usually suffer from high energy burdens and community solar is a renewable energy strategy that can save LMI groups on their monthly electricity bills. This research explores the intersection of renewable energy and energy justice, specifically the potential for community solar, energy efficiency, and home weatherization to alleviate Virginia's energy burdens. Included is an analysis of incentives, programs, and Greenhouse gas emission goals for the state, investigations on how low-income groups are receiving aid and what is available to them from programs and utilities, suitable sites for solar based on groups in need, and comparisons …