Business Commons^™

Reframing Service Quality In Ai-Powered Hospitality Environments, Olena Ciftci

Journal of Global Hospitality and Tourism

The hospitality and tourism industry is experiencing a technological shift through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), transforming both guest experiences and service operations. While AI offers hyper-personalization, efficiency, and scalability, it challenges traditional notions of service quality rooted in human interaction. This viewpoint explores the emerging concept of tech-augmented hospitality, where AI and human employees co-create guest experiences. The paper highlights key research directions for reconceptualizing service quality in the era of AI-enhanced hospitality. It argues for the development of new evaluative frameworks that encompass hybrid service models, cultural adaptability, inclusivity, and AI literacy.

Elevating Entrepreneurship With Generative Artificial Intelligence, Yaojie Li, John Kirk Ring, Dan Jin, Saleh Bajaba

Management and Marketing Faculty Publications

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) transforms the entrepreneurial landscape by providing contextual information, identifying viable opportunities, and facilitating entrepreneurial decision-making. Despite the growing acknowledgment of its use in entrepreneurial activities, this field lacks a robust theoretical framework and practical implementation. This study seeks to fill this gap by drawing on information behavior literature to explore the effect of GenAI across the entrepreneurial spectrum. By leveraging large language models and prompt engineering patterns, we examined how GenAI could generate accurate, relevant, and inspiring content through various interaction scenarios. Our findings suggest that GenAI significantly mitigates early-stage entrepreneurial information asymmetry and supports sophisticated …

Multigenerational Caregiving And Its Effect On Human Capital: Insights From A Human Resource Development Perspective, Rob E. Carpenter, Brandy Dial

Human Resource Development Faculty Publications and Presentations

A multigenerational caregiving crisis is emerging at the interface of family and work, and human resource development (HRD) should pay attention. This perspective considers the impact of multigenerational caregiving-induced responsibilities on human capital frameworks, and their implications for HRD. We believe traditional models often neglect the unique challenges multigenerational caregivers face—such as stress, absenteeism, and constrained opportunities for self-development—which contribute to the erosion of human capital. This paper uses quantitative models to show that multigenerational caregiving is a critical driver of human capital depreciation. Integrating multigenerational caregivers into human capital discourse foregrounds the need for adaptive HRD strategies. These strategies …

East Texas Growth Through Entrepreneurship: The Economic Impact Of The Ut Tyler- Longview Sbdc, Manuel Reyes-Loya, Cecilia Cuellar

Hibbs Outlook of East Texas

This report analyzes the economic impact of the UT Tyler–Longview Small Business Development Center on East Texas. It shows how free consulting and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs contribute to job creation, business growth, and increased regional economic output. The findings highlight the SBDC's important role in strengthening the local economy through entrepreneurship.

Liberal Arts: Value From A Business Perspective, Ed Rust

Kinder Brothers Distinguished Business Speaker Series

Thanks to the generosity of Garry '55 and Jack '50 Kinder, we are proud to welcome our inaugural speaker: Ed Rust ’72, an IWU alum, former CEO of State Farm, and IWU Board of Trustee member, presenting "Liberal Arts: Value from a Business Perspective."

This event was held in the Young Main Lounge, Memorial Center, on September 23, 2025 and was preceded by Mayor Dan Brady presenting IWU President Zenger with a resolution marking September 23 as "Illinois Wesleyan Day" in honor of our 175th anniversary.

For more information, please see "Rust '72 Champions Liberal Arts as Essential for Business …

Digital Odyssey: Navigating Culture, Structure, And Agency In The Transformation Of A Public University, Lisa Santa-Coloma

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Digital transformation broadly refers to the process of enacting digital technologies to fundamentally change how an organization creates value, enhancing the customer experience, increasing efficiency, and achieving a sustained competitive advantage. Current industry research estimates that over 90 percent of large organizations globally are undertaking digital transformation initiatives, yet a surprisingly low percentage of them report a resulting lift in revenue or improved efficiency. This trend is particularly pronounced in the education sector, where universities, navigating the pressure of lower enrollment rates following the global pandemic and the impact of disruptive technology such as artificial intelligence and online learning platforms, …

Establishing A Marketing Agency – Assignment/ Collaborative Project, Feygens Saint-Joy Jr

Open Educational Resources

This project guides student teams through the process of establishing a fully developed advertising or promotions agency, mirroring real-world industry structures and practices. Teams will collaboratively define their agency’s identity by selecting a strategic focus, crafting a mission statement, choosing a name, and outlining roles, hierarchy, and services. The assignment emphasizes experiential learning through the creation of an organizational chart, the development of compensation models, and decisions regarding external facilitators such as freelancers or consultants. Students engage with multimodal resources, including videos, visuals, and templates, to support comprehension, creativity, and accessibility. Final submissions may take the form of a written …

Regulatory Impacts On Us Hazardous Waste Exports, Xiaofan Ji, Mengyu Wang, Tianyi Zhang

Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics

This paper examines the impact of key domestic and international regulations on US hazardous waste exports, focusing on shifts in export destinations and waste types from 2002 to 2023. Since 2005, OECD countries and US Trade Agreement Partners have become primary destinations for US hazardous waste, with significant surges after 2018 and a notable decline in 2022. An analysis of the regulatory landscape reveals that, while international frameworks such as the Basel Convention of 2021 have had a relatively limited impact on reducing US hazardous waste exports, domestic policies—particularly those in California—have more directly influenced export behaviors. Additionally, the US …

Dentistry And The Law: We Forgot To Renew Our Employment Agreement —Now What?, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Q&A addresses the legal implications when a fixed-term dental employment agreement expires without formal renewal. MDA Legal Counsel explains that if the employee continues working under the same conditions, an oral employment agreement is implicitly formed, retaining the original terms but becoming terminable without cause by either party at any time. A key consequence is that any post-termination provisions, such as a covenant not to compete, begin their restricted period countdown from the original agreement's expiration date, regardless of continued employment. The article advises that it's generally more practical for employment agreements to simply state that the term continues …

Mda At Your Service: I Need Help With Credentialing — Can The Mda Help?, Rachel Sinacola Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Q&A advises dentists to personally handle and fully comprehend all provisions of the credentialing process when participating with dental benefit companies, as it carries significant consequences. The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) offers resources such as a "Guide to Dental Benefit Contracts" and directs members to the ADA's CAQH-powered credentialing service, which streamlines the process of sharing credentials with multiple plans. Furthermore, MDA-endorsed PPO Negotiation Solutions provides an online guide outlining eight common pitfalls to avoid during the PPO credentialing application, including inaccurate submissions and neglecting updates, which can lead to costly delays and financial losses.

The New Professional: What New And Associate Dentists Need To Know About Ai, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article outlines the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, particularly for newer professionals. AI's applications span radiographic analysis (identifying pathologies, enhancing diagnostic precision), treatment planning (simulating outcomes, designing aligners), and streamlining administrative tasks (voice recognition for notes, optimized scheduling). The author emphasizes that AI should be viewed as an augmentative tool to human capabilities, not a replacement for clinical judgment, especially in complex cases. It also highlights the critical considerations of data privacy (HIPAA compliance) and the enduring value of the relationship-driven nature of dentistry. Ultimately, the most successful dentists will be those who combine emerging technologies …

In These Challenging Times: Why Practice Analytics Are Your New Best Friend, Patrick Houlihan Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article argues that financial success is crucial for a thriving dental practice in today's competitive market, despite dentists often lacking sufficient business management training. It introduces practice analytics as a fundamental tool to optimize operations and maximize profitability, enabling dentists to scrutinize outputs, evaluate performance, and implement necessary changes to achieve their goals. Key metrics to track include the number of active patients, monthly collection numbers, the doctor-to-hygiene collection ratio (ideal 65% doctor, 35% hygiene), collection per active patient per year, profit, and various overhead expenses (staff, facility, lab, supply, administrative). The author emphasizes that regular tracking of these …

Sound Decisions: The Impact Of Music Genre In Fashion Advertising On Consumer Perceptions And Purchase Intention, Cassandra Thomas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how music genre, brand type, and the perceived congruency between the two influences consumer perceptions of fashion advertising. Guided by Congruity Theory and Attitude Theory, this study employed a 3x3 experimental design in which 252 participants viewed one of nine advertisement conditions varying by music genre (pop, hip-hop, electronic) and brand type (activewear, fast fashion, luxury). A series of one-way ANOVAs, bivariate correlations, and regression analyses were conducted to interpret the effects of music genre, brand type, and perceived congruency on attitudes toward 1) the advertisement and brand, 2) credibility of the advertisement and brand, and 3) …

If You Take Care Of Me, I’Ll Take Care Of You: The Mutual Gains Of Parental Support For Employee And Organizational Well-Being, Cara-Lynn Scheuer, Angela R. Grotto, Jessica L. Doll

Department of Management Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

As the number of working parents rises, employers are increasingly called upon to support employees’ work–family (WF) obligations. Grounded in conservation of resources theory, we examined how providing varying degrees of parental support (paid vs. unpaid leave and family-supportive vs. -unsupportive leadership) is mutually beneficial to employee and organizational well-being – the ultimate criterion for organizational science. Participants (N = 538) were randomly assigned to read vignettes that varied the amount of parental support provided for expectant working parents. We tested whether WF benefits fairness perceptions moderated the indirect effects of parental support on felt obligation through job-related anxiety. Findings …

Romania: ‘A Country Is Worth More Than Its Gold’: Activists Defeat Canadian Mining Goliath. In, Roxana Maiorescu

Emerson Authors, Researchers, & Creators

For 25 years, Romanians fought to preserve Rosia Montana, a region whose gold and silver amount to 20 billion euros. Their victory was delivered in 2024, as the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington, DC ruled against the Canadian company that aimed to explore the mine. This analysis sheds light on political instability, perceived government corruption, and foreign intrusion, all of which led to intense and monthslong protests that Romania hadn’t seen since its 1989 revolution, when it liberated itself from communism. This case represents a David vs. Goliath-like story, in which a handful of poor families, …

A Content Analysis Of The Journal Of Applied Sport Management From 2009 To 2024, Jeffrey Petersen, Marshall Magnusen

Journal of Applied Sport Management

The Journal of Applied Sport Management (JASM), originally launched as the Journal of Sport Administration and Supervision in 2009, has published a total of 231 peer-reviewed manuscripts during its first 16 years. While many other journals within this field have been studied to better understand research topics, types, and impact, JASM has yet to be examined. This content analysis study explored 19 variables related to the research topics, methods, authorship, and impact of these articles, and provided important insights from both descriptive and inferential statistics regarding existing trends and opportunities for development for both the journal as a …

From Coping Strategies To Fan Well-Being: Resource Dynamics Of Team Identification, Impulse Control, And Psychological Capital In Negative Experiences, Hyun-Woo Lee, Yelim Yoo, Kun Chang, Jun-Phil Uhm

Journal of Applied Sport Management

Guided by conservation of resources theory, the authors examine how team identification, impulse control difficulties, coping strategies, and psychological capital shape fans’ well-being in negative fan experiences. Survey from 300 sport fans were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results showed that identification promoted adaptive coping and reduced cutting off reflected failure, whereas impulse control difficulties increased denial and cutting off reflected failure. Denial unexpectedly enhanced psychological capital while reducing well-being, and venting functioned as a double-edged mediator across positive/negative pathways. Psychological capital was the strongest predictor of well-being, underscoring its role as a central resource linking coping to outcomes.

A Cause For Celebration: Jasm Indexed In Scopus, Marshall J. Magnusen, Lawrence W. Judge, Jun Kim

Journal of Applied Sport Management

The Journal of Applied Sport Management (JASM) achieved a major milestone in Fall 2025 with its acceptance for indexing in Scopus, marking a pivotal advancement in the journal’s visibility, credibility, and global reach. This accomplishment reflects years of collaborative effort among JASM’s editors, reviewers, authors, and the Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange (TRACE) team at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville. Since its founding in 2009 as the Journal of Sport Administration and Supervision and subsequent rebranding in 2013, JASM has evolved into a leading open-access platform for applied sport management scholarship. Under the leadership of Dr. Marshall Magnusen (2020–2025), the …

Firm Digitalization And Accounting Jobs, Amanda Awyong, Qiang Cheng, Tian Deng, Rencheng Wang

Research Collection School Of Accountancy

This study examines how firm digitalization affects the demand for corporate accountants and their digital skills. Using more than 373,000 job posts for corporate accountants by U.S. non-technology firms between 2010 and 2019, we find that firm digitalization does not change the overall demand for financial specialists-accountants who are responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting-but reduces the demand for financial clerks-accountants who primarily perform administrative financial tasks. We further show that firms digitalization increases the demand for digital skills among financial specialists, but not among financial clerks, and that such demand is greater than that for other employees within …

Enclothe: Oer Implementation And Evaluation For A Fashion Show Theory And Production Course, Christine Rickabaugh, Sarah West Hixson

University Libraries Faculty Publications and Presentations

The ENCLOTHE Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook was developed and implemented for a Fashion Show Theory and Production course at a Mid-Southern University in the United States. This case study examines the effectiveness of this specialized OER in addressing the unique needs of an upper-division capstone fashion course. The textbook, designed to replace a costly industry-focused resource, offers interactive modules, video clips, and assignments compatible with learning management systems. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study evaluated students' perceptions of the textbook's usefulness and ease of use across time points during the semester. Student data revealed consistently high TAM …

Automation Of Lcmc Logistics Processes: A Delphi Approach, Kline M. Alt

Theses and Dissertations

As the U.S. Air Force confronts growing complexity in system acquisition, the implementation of digital models in system design and logistics process management allows the incorporation of digital tools and the possibility for automation of portions of logistics processes. This thesis investigates where these technologies can be most effectively integrated within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center logistics enterprise (AFLCMC). Using a three round Delphi study, AFLCMC logistics subject matter expert (SME) opinions were solicited from program-level senior logisticians, program managers to identify high-need areas, key success factors, and potential barriers to adoption. Quantitative consensus from Likert-scale and ordinal …

Impacts Of Climate Disruption On Mobility Aircraft Performance In The Pacaf Region, Hannah M. Dauterman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the projected impacts of climate disruption on the performance and fuel management of the C-17 Globemaster III, a critical mobility aircraft in the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) region. As rising global temperatures reduce air density, the performance of aircraft is compromised, resulting in increased fuel consumption, as well as the potential for extended runway requirements and diminished cargo capacity. Using climate projection data from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), this research analyzes future air temperature trends and their implications for C-17 fuel consumption. Results suggest that by 2049, the U.S. Air Force may incur an …

Implementing Lean Principles To Enhance Warehouse Operations At King Abdulaziz Air Base(Kaab): A Case Study Of Royal Saudi Air Force (Rsaf), Saleh A. Alghamdi

Theses and Dissertations

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) relies on efficient logistics to sustain readiness. At King Abdulaziz Air Base, warehouse receiving inefficiencies caused delays and waste. This study used Lean principles and a six-month time–motion analysis, with Pareto and Fishbone tools, to identify 55% waste in dead pile and 75% in palletized shipments. Standard times of 5.98 and 6.55 minutes were set. Key recommendations include SOPs, cross-training, forklift certification, layout redesign, and RFID. Lean adoption could save 100+ labor hours and $4,000 annually, improving safety, accuracy, and mission readiness.

Trends And Predictive Modeling Of Real Estate Prices In Major Saudi Arabia Cities, Meshal S. Aldahas

Theses and Dissertations

his research examines historical trends and explanatory modeling of real estate prices in major Saudi cities, with a focus on Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from 2010–2023, including housing and macroeconomic indicators, with qualitative insights drawn from over 320 survey responses that captured consumer sentiment on affordability, job security, and housing policies. A combination of descriptive statistics, ARIMA and Exponential Smoothing techniques was applied to detect long-term patterns, seasonal variations, and market shocks. Predictive modeling was conducted using Linear Regression, Decision Trees, and Neural Networks, with results showing that job security consistently …

A Tribute To Our Volunteers, Michael Saba

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society's editor, Dr. Michael Saba.

Herty Foundation Records, Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections

Finding Aids

The collection dates from 1938 to 2001 and consists of meeting minutes, administrative records, photographs, and newspaper clippings documenting the activities of the Herty Foundation, its laboratory, and pilot plant. Photographs include views of the early pilot plant, laboratory, and shipyard around 1938 and the opening of the new pilot plant in 1957. Newspaper clippings report on the Herty Foundation and its work between 1953 and 1980.

Find this collection in the libraries' catalog.

A Co-Design Approach To Integrating Gender Into The Cacao Value Chain In Davao City, Philippines, Mia Barbara Aranas, Aileen Lapitan, Mitchiko Lopez, Nico Jayson Anastacio, Canesio Predo, Mara Faylon, Emmanuel Flores, Claire Estelle Cruz, Anjelyn Joy Enong

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The specific needs and challenges of women and their contributions are often not integrated when developing interventions and policies targeted to improve agricultural value chains. Therefore, this study developed a codesign approach to creating solutions to improve gender relations in agri-food value chains. Specifically, it focused on the cacao value chain in Davao City, which is located in the southern Philippines. Co-design is a highly participatory approach in which solutions are designed with, and not just for, the people who have lived experiences of the problems being addressed. The approach emphasizes understanding gender-related barriers and opportunities to inform government interventions …

The Dark Side Of Ceo Inside Debt: Evidence From Stock Price Crash Risk, Amir Gholami, Ahmed M. Elnahas

Finance Faculty Publications

Despite being thought of as a governance mechanism, CEO inside debt seems to distort firms' information environment. Our results indicate that CEO inside debt alters managerial orientation and incentives in a way that increases stock price crash risk. Our results are robust after addressing endogeneity using the instrumental variable (IV) approach, a difference-in-differences test based on the implementation of Internal Revenue Code Section 409 A Final Regulations, and Oster's omitted variable diagnostic test, and selection bias using the propensity score matching (PSM) and Entropy balancing (EB) approaches. The results are stronger for firms that are poorly governed, operate in less …

Igniting Curiosity In Business Students To Explore The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Amy Foshee Holmes

School of Business Faculty Research

Essential skills needed in a global marketplace include curiosity. The ability to adapt and respond to change enables individuals to take advantage of new opportunities and overcome obstacles that arise. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Sheryl Sandberg all emphasize curiosity as an essential quality in achieving success. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a range of topics that can serve as the basis for igniting curiosity through a research project that engages students in learning about sustainability and business impacts on environmental and societal issues. Students share information and cultivate curiosity by exploring global issues and innovations in …

Beyoutiful Bath Bombs: A Standard Costing, Pricing, And Sustainability Reporting Case, Tara M. Lambert, Amy Foshee Holmes

School of Business Faculty Research

This case incorporates a mock consulting engagement with a real-world business to reinforce the concepts of standard costing and pricing which provides an ideal opportunity to explore sustainability-related issues. You will help the client identify Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts to increase transparency for reporting in a competitive market scenario. In this case, you are introduced to BeYOUtiful Bath Bombs & More and asked to assess profitability for four inventory items, analyze the cost of adding a candle made from beeswax, and make recommendations for strategic planning. Implementation of this case study is designed for managerial or cost accounting …