Business Commons^™

Partisan Local Media And Corporate Voluntary Disclosures: Evidence From Sinclair Acquisitions, Ming Li

Theses and Dissertations

I investigate the impact of local media’s political orientation on firms’ voluntary disclosure, exploiting the acquisitions of local TV stations by Sinclair Broadcast Group, a conservative media conglomerate. Drawing on the media bias theory and implementing a staggered difference‐in‐differences design, I find that the local partisan media affects management earnings forecasts. Specifically, Conservative-leaning CEOs in designated market areas (DMAs) affected by Sinclair’s acquisitions forecast more optimistically, increasing forecast frequency and inflating forecasted earnings. The impact is stronger if the DMAs are more Liberal-leaning before the acquisitions and when firms have weaker corporate governance. I also find that the stock market …

Towards Resilient Data Governance: An Industry Study On Practitioner Perspectives On The Current State Of Data Governance, Anthony Mazzarella Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Experts agree that data governance is crucial for managing data as an asset, yet in practice, it remains inconsistently defined, unevenly implemented, and poorly understood. Earlier industry studies offered valuable descriptive benchmarks of governance adoption and professional roles, but provided limited theoretical insight and little empirical evidence explaining how governance functions within organizations. Building on this foundation, the current research offers a more substantial and analytically rigorous contribution by transforming descriptive observations into empirical explanations. Through a collaborative academic–industry partnership, the study utilizes a global survey of 565 respondents (348 valid cases) to analyze governance structures, motivations, challenges, and the …

The Influence Mechanism Of Chief Sustainability Officers On Firm Sustainability Performance, Taiwo Abraham

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines how Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) human capital configurations influence organizational sustainability performance through a configurational approach. Drawing on Upper Echelons and Human Capital theories, the study conceptualizes CSO human capital as encompassing both general (GHC) and sustainability-specific (SHC) dimensions that interact with job functions and governance mechanisms to shape outcomes. The theoretical framework proposes that SHC primarily influences non-financial sustainability performance (nfSP), while GHC drives financial sustainability performance (fSP). Champion functions moderate the SHC-nfSP relationship, while Ambassador functions moderate the GHC-fSP relationship. Firm sustainability governance further enhances these relationships and creates pathways for SHC to influence financial …

Populism And Its Effect On International Business Strategy, Julio Cesar Martinez Suarez

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the complex relationship between populism and international business strategy, with a particular focus on how populist mobilizations influence firms' location decisions and strategic planning. As populism continues to shape political dynamics globally, it presents significant challenges for businesses operating in or considering entry into markets governed by populist regimes. Utilizing institutional theory, this study examines the distinct political risks associated with populism, including anti-establishment ideology, the weakening of democratic institutions, and a tendency toward short-term, reactive policymaking. The research explores the consequences of these risks for firms, particularly in emerging markets, where populism often exacerbates uncertainty and …

Measuring Return And Volatility Interactions Across Gcc Equity Indices And Cryptocurrencies, Yasmin Sudan

Theses and Dissertations

This research is examining how volatility travels between major cryptocurrencies and Gulf stock markets. Using daily data for six GCC equity indices (ADX, BAX, DFMGI, KSE, QE, TASI) and five leading cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dash, Monero) from 2017–2022. Our methodology contains a three-step framework consists of a univariate Garch (1,1) to assess the volatility of each asset. A bivariant BEKK Garch to measure shocks transmission and volatility transmission from cryptocurrencies to Gulf stock market. The last step is using the DCC Garch model to model the time varying correlation. We also split the sample before and after January 2020 …

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 …

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 …

A Review Of The United States' Long Term War Support Capabilities In The Indo-Pacific Command Region, Brian J. Mullin Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines U.S. maritime transportation readiness in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting fleet age, mariner shortages, shipyard decline, and port vulnerabilities. It also considers contested logistics and technological threats. Recommendations include fleet recapitalization, mariner pipeline growth, port diversification, and defensive upgrades. The study concludes that secure sea line assumptions are outdated and calls for greater resilience, with follow-on efficiency analysis proposed for ports and ships.

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 …

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.

Köppen-Geiger Climate Effects On F-15 Readiness Spares Package Parts, Maximus A. Fan

Theses and Dissertations

Readiness Spares Packages (RSP) are critical to deployed operations. Future demands of the Air Force require squadrons to operate in different climate environments from home stations. RSPs can sustain aircraft maintenance operations for up to 30 days. Currently, failure rates of parts within the RSP are assumed to be constant. This research aims to explore whether there is a difference in F-15 RSP failure rates when Koeppen climate classifications are taken into effect. The Koeppen-Geiger system classifies area climates based on the geography, elevation, and location. The history of operations and diversity of F-15 locations make the aircraft an ideal …

Factors Influencing The Performance Of Farmer-Producer Organizations (Fpos) And Their Societal Impact In Tamil Nadu, Arjune S

Theses and Dissertations

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are formed mainly for the farmers to have better institutional access to acquire them. They are also under the inspiration of the director's abstinence and the incentive of getting more money. These are socio-psychological individual differences and thus of importance to markets, the perception of markets, and market relevance of group interaction. Self-esteem, attitude to participation in group activities, and willingness to participate in these types of activities are of some significance for his/her performance because they have an effect on their performance afterward.

Farmer social empowerment increased but not farmer economic empowerment did so much …

Impact Of Exchange Traded Funds (Etf) Holdings On Retail Investors’ Mutual Fund Portfolios Performance, Arunachalam R Mr

Theses and Dissertations

As evidenced by the practices passed down through generations the importance of savings and investments is well established in Indian culture. Indian investors consider investment as an essential commitment to financial sustainability and safeguarding dependents. Indians implement investment strategies during their working years to ensure long term financial security and support for future generations.

These cultural practices support the foundation of personal finance in India and well established financial theories (MPT, CAPM and EMH) guide optimising investment outcomes (SEBI, 2020). The effects of inflation and increased life expectancy made Indian investors aware of the need for a substantial financial corpus …

Three Essays On Green Innovation, Saha Iqbal Hossain

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the strategic role of green innovation in addressing escalating environmental challenges. Comprising of three interrelated essays, the study integrates computational, theoretical, and empirical approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the antecedents, mechanisms, and outcomes of green innovation at the firm level. The first essay conducts a systematic literature review employing advanced computation tools, including topic modeling (LDA and BERTopic) and scientometric analysis to elucidate the intellectual framework, thematic evolution, and central knowledge areas and flows within the green innovation research field. The second essay empirically investigates how internal firm resources- research & development (R&D) intensity, acquisition …

Loyal By Nature: How Uncertainty Avoidance Shapes Dispositional Brand Loyalty, Khondoker Sayeed Hossain

Theses and Dissertations

Loyal consumers are prized assets for brands, as even minor improvements in customer retention can lead to significant increases in company profits. Most research has examined brand loyalty as a brand-specific concept and explored what brands can do to develop loyal consumers, overlooking the role of individual-level psychological and cultural factors.

This dissertation aims to address this gap by examining brand loyalty as a personality disposition and investigating its relationship with cultural values. Drawing on the extensive body of research linking culture to consumer judgments and decisions, the central hypothesis proposes that cultural values, particularly uncertainty avoidance, systematically influence individuals' …

Multi-Theoretic Perspective Of Backer Decision-Making In Crowdfunding: Interplay Of Backer, Founder And Ai, Maliha Alam

Theses and Dissertations

Crowdfunding has become a transformative mechanism for financing innovation, connecting creators directly with backers while bypassing traditional funding barriers. Despite its rapid global growth, only about 33.7% of campaigns succeed, largely due to ineffective communication of value propositions and lack of backer engagement. This dissertation investigates the complex interplay between project founders, backers, and emerging AI technologies to understand the factors influencing donation intention and to enhance crowdfunding success prediction.

Adopting the behavioral decision-making framework, I draw on multiple theoretical perspectives- signaling theory, the dual-process model of persuasion, and the cognitive-affective trust framework to examine founder- backer interactions. Using a …

Enhancing Employment Readiness Of Information Technology (It) Professionals Of India - A Talent Refactoring Approach, Lakshminarayanan K.V

Theses and Dissertations

The Indian Information Technology (IT) sector is undergoing significant transformation due to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, cloud computing, and cyber-physical systems. These changes have redefined workforce expectations, shifting employment readiness from mere technical competence to a holistic combination of adaptability, behavioral attributes, and continuous learning capabilities. In this context, the study proposes a Talent Refactoring Framework to address employability in a rapidly evolving VUCA–BANI environment by integrating organizational, career-oriented, and individual dimensions.

A review of existing literature reveals notable gaps in understanding employment readiness as an ecosystemic and psycho-social construct, particularly …

Esports Audience Segmentation: Means-End Chain Approach, Deokkyung Ock

Theses and Dissertations

As live-streaming platforms have fueled esports’ rapid growth, they have also diversified content from competitive matches to casual gameplay, creating a complex audience landscape. To capture this diversity, the present study applied means-end chain (MEC) theory to: (1) examine how esports audiences cognitively associate different content attributes with their expected consequences and underlying personal values; (2) segment esports audiences based on these unique MEC structures; and (3) compare consumption frequency of both watching and playing esports across the identified segments.

The current study adopted exploratory sequential mixed methods to achieve the study’s objectives. In Study One, in-depth interviews with 22 …

Two Essays In Finance: Can Machines Better Predict Insider Trading? And Csr And Firm Value Following Dividend Cuts: International Evidence, Solmaz Batebi

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of two essays. In the first paper, I find that machine learning (ML) models predict the likelihood and magnitude of insider trading significantly better than linear models such as OLS and logistic regression. I use ML models, including LASSO, Random Forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, optimizing model parameters through Bayesian hyperparameter tuning to identify the best configuration. Additionally, I apply SHAP values to better understand the determinants of insider trading. I also use Gaussian Thompson Sampling (GTS) to explore the sources of insiders’ market-timing capabilities. I find that ML models can boost the R² for models predicting …

The Mediating Role Of Gratifications In Gamified Ai Chatbot Engagement: Astimulus-Organism-Response Approach, Deukmook Bae

Theses and Dissertations

Recent technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences have prompted a substantial shift from live sport attendance to mediated sport consumption, particularly among younger audiences. In response, enhancing the quality of mediated sport experiences has become a strategic priority for sport marketers seeking to maintain consumer engagement and market relevance. Although second-screen usage has been introduced to support this transition, its effectiveness remains uncertain due to limited interactivity, lack of personalization, and the potential for user distraction.

To address these limitations, AI chatbots have emerged as a compelling alternative, offering adaptive, user-centered interactions that promote deeper engagement and enrich the mediated …

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On The Sport Industry: Trademark Challenges And Legal Issues For Sport Brands, Suji Kim

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and trademark law, focusing on the implications of AI-driven brand management in the sport industry. As AI technologies increasingly shape marketing strategies, particularly through fan engagement and content creation, they present new legal challenges, especially concerning trademark infringement, false endorsement, and the protection of athletes’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. The study analyzes key legal issues arising from AI’s role as both a tool and a potential legal actor in brand management, emphasizing the evolving definitions of “use in commerce” and the liability of sport organizations and third-party platforms.

Through …

Navigating Survival: Trans Adults’ Information Practice In South Carolina, Rhys R. Dreeszen Bowman

Theses and Dissertations

This community-based action research dissertation has two parts. First, through interviews with 25 trans adults in South Carolina, I asked how trans people use information to survive. The findings indicate that while trans people face significant financial, medical, legal, and social barriers, they are generally well-equipped to navigate them. I identified the following themes from the interviews: Identity practices shaped information outcomes. Participants' understanding of themselves as trans impacted how they evaluated and used information. 2) Participants preferred to find information from within trans communities. The internet was a popular place to seek information because it was a way for …

Strategic Pricing In A Disrupted Hospitality Landscape: Asset Valuation, Competitive Behavior, And Consumer Preferences, Badr Badraoui

Theses and Dissertations

The lodging industry is experiencing profound disruption as short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) such as Airbnb increasingly compete with traditional hotels, reshaping competitive structures, consumer expectations, and pricing strategies. While prior research has examined the impact of STVRs on hotel performance metrics, significant gaps remain regarding how pricing resilience, competitive behaviors, and consumer perceptions evolve under these new conditions. In particular, little is known about how ADR-based valuation models withstand competitive pressure, how STVR hosts respond strategically to hotel pricing signals, and how consumers evaluate partitioned pricing structures across accommodation types. This dissertation addresses these gaps through three interconnected studies designed …

The Other Side Of Trusting: The Implications Of Vulnerability As A Core Component Of Organizational Relationships, Sam Dylan Strizver

Theses and Dissertations

Trusting behavior—discretionary risk-taking with another party—is the primary means of facilitating productive workplace relationships (Zand, 1979; Mayer, Davis, & Schoorman, 1995). Yet, little empirical evidence exists to explain what happens after employees engage in trusting behavior, but before outcomes materialize—otherwise termed the “vulnerability phase” (Ballinger, Schoorman, & Sharma, 2024: 2). To address this neglect, I develop a theoretical framework that positions vulnerability as a core psychological state within the trust process, shaped by trustors’ cognitive appraisals of risk severity and uncertainty. Drawing from research on stress and well-being, the framework also identifies coping as a key response to vulnerability, moderated …

Play, Guide, Aspire: How Game Type And Trainer Involvement Shape Orientation Training Outcomes, Damla Sonmez

Theses and Dissertations

The use of gamification in orientation training has gained attention in organizational settings, yet questions remain regarding how different gamified training designs influence new employees’ emotional commitment, willingness to participate in future training, and long-term aspirations. Drawing on Stimulus–Organism–Response (SO-R) theory, Achievement Goal Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, this dissertation investigates how game type (individual vs. team) and trainer involvement (active vs. passive) shape these outcomes.

Two experimental studies using vignette-based scenarios were conducted. Study 1 tested the direct effects of game type on emotional commitment and willingness to participate. Study 2 employed a 2 (game type) × 2 (trainer …

Beyond Entertainment: Unveiling Digital Platform Strategic Implications For International Business Growth Of Individual Entrepreneurs, Hoik Kim

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines how digital identity, comprising visual, psychological, and strategic components, impacts entrepreneurial success on global digital platforms. Rather than treating identity as a static or aesthetic trait, this study conceptualizes it as a dynamic and strategic construct shaped by audience perception, algorithmic systems, and institutional environments. The research is structured into three empirical studies. The first explores how facial visibility and social media engagement affect monetization on YouTube, considering the international context. The second study empirically investigates how a biometric cue influences entrepreneurial performance on digital platforms and interprets the results through the lens of social psychological perspectives. …

Artificial Intelligence In Sport Management: A Systematic Review, Scale Development And Validation, And Implications, Kemardo Tyrell

Theses and Dissertations

The democratization of intelligent systems and their ubiquitous presence across the sport industry have created an urgent need to understand the current environment and how stakeholders perceive artificial intelligence (AI) as it reshapes decision-making, engagement, and organizational design. This three-manuscript dissertation conceptualizes artificial intelligence as a contested domain shaped by stakeholder meaning-making, consumer perception, and shifts in organizational practice. The first manuscript provides a systematic review of AI in sport management using the PRISMA framework, mapping how AI has been conceptualized as a methodological tool or contextual innovation across the sport industry segmentation (performance, production, and promotion). The second manuscript …

The Joint Effect Of Esg Practices And Financial Development On The Financial Performance Of Asian Companies, Ali Yehia Fouda

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, financial development, and financial performance in the Asian markets. This research uses econometric models to analyze two key aspects of financial performance: Return on Assets (ROA), and Tobin’s Q. The results show that there is a negative relationship between ESG practices and financial success, highlighting the financial burden imposed by sustainability initiatives. Machine learning model (XGBoost) has been used to check the robustness of the regression model. Some Commonalities and other differences have been recognized. Yet, the regression model results have been relied upon. Financial development serves as …

The Craft Of Tally: Tracing Marketability And Economic Sustainability Of Crafts, Mariam Mabrouk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the marketability and economic sustainability of the Tally craft in Gezeirit

Shandaweel, Sohag, Egypt, with a focus on how the craft navigates the tension between cultural

preservation and economic adaptation. Tally, a traditional form of embroidery, has deep cultural

roots in Egypt but faces significant challenges due to global market dynamics, shifting consumer

preferences, and systemic institutional neglect. Through an ethnographic case study, this research

investigates how artisans, institutions, and market forces interact to shape the craft's future. The

study examines the role of cultural perceptions, innovation, and institutional support in fostering

or hindering Tally's economic viability. …

Game, Set, Empower: A Comparative Instagram Analysis Of Branding And Engagement In The Confederation Of African Football (Caf) Women’S And Men’S Champions League, Nour Abdelkader Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The rise of women’s football has placed new emphasis on digital branding, with social media becoming a vital space for visibility, engagement, and representation. This thesis investigates how Instagram content strategies influence fan engagement during the CAF Women’s and Men’s Champions League tournaments. Specifically, it examines the role of content type (match, behind-the-scenes, off-the-pitch, promotional), marketing orientation (organic, sponsored, collaborative), and post format (reel, carousel, photo, graphic) in shaping audience interaction.

Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, the study analyzed 674 Instagram posts (276 CAFWCL, 398 CAFCL) and conducted semi-structured interviews with five digital sports professionals, including CAF digital …