Business Commons^™

The Integration Of Agile Methodologies In Devops Practices Within The Information Technology Industry, Ashley Hourigan, Ridewaan Hanslo

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The demand for rapid software delivery in the Information Technology (IT) industry has significantly intensified, emphasising the need for faster software products and service releases with enhanced features to meet customer expectations. Agile methodologies are replacing traditional approaches such as Waterfall, where flexibility, iterative development and adaptation to change are favoured over rigid planning and execution. DevOps, a subsequent evolution from Agile, emphasises collaborative efforts in development and operations teams, focusing on continuous integration and deployment to deliver resilient and high-quality software products and services. This study aims to critically assess both Agile and DevOps practices in the IT industry …

Employee’S Willingness To Engage In Information Security Incident Reporting, Ryan Moodley, Salah Kabanda

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Organisations employ several strategies for mitigating insider threats, and yet recent studies have shown that insider threats continue to surge. Strategies are mostly reliant on technological solutions and more recently, a human centered approach where the focus is on psychological profile and behavioural habits of the individual posing the threat (the insider). The role of employees in reporting the insider or in the reporting of security incidents has received limited attention. This paper, through a literature review synthesis, identifies the factors influencing an employee’s willingness to report an insider and consequently reporting of security incidents. Through a thematic analysis of …

Efficacy Of Fintech Solutions In Advancing Financial Inclusion For The Underserved In South Africa: A Systematic Literature Review, Tebogo S. Legodi, Adheesh Budree

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Financial inclusion in South Africa is a critical mechanism for addressing systemic poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Fintech solutions have increasingly been positioned as key enablers of expanded access to financial services, particularly among underserved populations. However, there remains a lack of literature that evaluates the efficacy, rather than merely the impact, of these technologies. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of 21 peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and industry reports to examine how Fintech advances financial inclusion in South Africa. The literature is synthesised into four thematic categories: Financial Inclusion (Concepts and Metrics); Fintech in South Africa and Global …

Smart Mobility Technologies In Urban Areas Of Emerging Economies: A Bibliometric Analysis, Peter Mugisha, Rose Luke, Joash Mageto, Hossana Twinomurinzi

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Despite the adoption of smart mobility solutions in emerging economies, challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution and inadequate infrastructure still persist. This study analyses 540 scholarly articles published between 2003 and 2024 to evaluate how smart mobility technologies – such as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – have been implemented in these regions. Data was retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science and analysed using Biblioshiny for bibliometric mapping and Atlas.ti for thematic analysis. The review identifies research trends and gaps, showing how ITS has improved transport management in cities like Nairobi, and …

Applying Detective Analytics For Mitigating Financial Crime In An Organisation, Nontobeko Mlambo, Tiko Iyamu

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Despite the growing popularity of detective analytics, it is consistently challenging to understand the factors that influence the adoption. This is increasingly discouraging organisations, even though the tool is important for tracing, tracking, and mitigating financial crime. This study applied concepts of ‘follow the actors’ and shifting negotiation of actor-network theory (ANT) to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence the adoption of detective analytics in a qualitative case study using a South African-based financial organisation. From the analysis, integration of analytics tools, integration of detective analytics with other systems and processes, development of a template for each …

Exploring The Role Of Affordances And Constraints In Shaping Trust Within The Mobile Money Ecosystem: A Case Of Rural Communities In Sub-Saharan Africa, Raphael Amponsah, Eric Afful-Dadzie, Richard Boateng, Emmanuel Awuni Kolog

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This study delves into the intricacies of mobile money technology (MMT) in rural areas of Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and examines its ecosystem dynamics, affordances, constraints, and the role of trust in adoption and sustained usage. It aims to address the existing gaps in understanding the challenges and inconsistencies surrounding MMT interactions in rural communities. Emphasizing the importance of viewing MMT as an evolving ecosystem rather than just a platform, the study seeks to uncover new perspectives on the affordances and constraints shaping trust and adoption in rural communities. Primarily, the study seeks to contribute theoretically to the discourse on …

Expand Your Programs Through Collaboration, Bryan Brugger

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

It is possible to expand the reach of programming by collaborating with other libraries and community partners. Many business/finance/career development programs tend to pull small audiences. By working with other partners it is possible to offer more programs, typically virtual programs, with less effort for each library, and get a higher turnout at the same time. The Northbrook Library has engaged in 3 different partnerships since the pandemic began on a variety of topics and seen attendance reach numbers impossible for individual libraries to attain. This will look at these three partnerships and the results they have had.

Marketing The Library: Using Business Students To Increase Library Patronage After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sandra L. Teft

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

No abstract provided.

Navigating Economic Uncertainty With Small Business, Angela E. Nwaomah

SDA Business Teachers Conference

Abstract: In recent years, economic uncertainty has present significant challenges for many, particularly those with irregular jobs and unstable wages. This study examined the perspectives of the faith-based casual and contract employees on how they navigate the economic uncertainty with small businesses. The objective of study was to explore how contract/casual employees in faith-based organizations (FBOs) navigate financial instability by engaging in small businesses as a supplementary income source. All participants were workers of organizations of the same religious affiliation and the same employment policies guiding their operations in Kenya. Using a case study research design and purposive sampling techinque, …

Empowering Local Communities For Global Impact: Bridging Leadership And Action For Food Systems Transformation, Jeremiah Rogito

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Empowering local communities is essential for transforming food systems. This approach focuses on strengthening leadership, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and creating solutions that address both local and global challenges. By facilitating collaboration and innovation, local action can contribute to global food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable development goals.

Developing A Faith-Based Financial Literacy: A Case Study Of Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises In East Sepik Province Of Papua New Guinea, Jessica Torohama, Alice Napasu

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Financial Literacy is crucial for the success of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). However, MSMEs operate without financial literacy knowledge. This qualitative case study explored the faith-based financial literacy model for MSMEs in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. The study aims to bridge the financial literacy gaps by creating a faith-based curriculum for MSME owners.

Leadership Strategies, Employees’ Performance, And Competitiveness Effect On Sustainability In This Global Era: A Study Of Small And Medium Enterprises At Faith-Based Higher Education Institutions In West Africa, Faith O. Sivili

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

Globally, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) comprise over 99% of enterprises in Europe and 98% of businesses in Asia (Lazanyi, 2015). SMEs in Africa account for 50% of the continent’s GDP and own almost 90% of all jobs. Despite SMEs contribute to institutions and the nation globally, there are still a lot of unanswered questions about effective leadership strategy and performance indicators that have an impact on SMEs’ Sustainability.

Exploring The Impact Of Digital Solutions On Sustainable Economic Growth In The Agricultural Sector Of Rural Zambia: A Case Of Central, Lusaka And Southern Provinces, Ireen Wesley Chimoga V

Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association

The study explored the impact of digital solutions on sustainable economic growth in the agricultural sector of rural Zambia, focusing on Central, Lusaka, and Southern provinces. It explored how digital mobiles can increase agricultural production, reduce poverty, and advance economic growth. The findings aimed to suggest policies for rural development.

Combating Forced Labor: Innovative Data Solutions For Risk Assessments, Jill Dewitt, Valerie Cho

SMU Human Trafficking Data Conference

Today’s global market demands that businesses ensure their supply chains are free from human rights violations, especially forced labor. Due to the increasing regulatory, commercial, and reputational stakes, it is crucial to identify and address these risks. However, firms must manage forced labor risks for compliance purposes while navigating a lack of data visibility and compliance complexities. Moody’s and The Rights Lab are leveraging data and technology to assist businesses in identifying and mitigating the risk of forced labor within their supply chains. By utilizing technology for data collection, they can pinpoint risks in three key areas: industry, geography, and …

Gardens Through The Ages: How Public Gardens Impact The Growth Of Society, Abby J. Cutsinger

ATU Scholars Symposium

Throughout history, gardens held a vital role in the development of civilizations, often serving as spaces for food, reflection, and community. The aim of this study was to explore the progression of gardens parallel to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Additionally, the study aimed to determine whether gardens help fulfill those needs and, in doing so, influence human morality. To examine these possibilities, the researcher conducted a literature review of historical and contemporary accounts of gardening and its effects on physical and psychological well-being, analyzing these findings through the lens of Maslow’s framework. Additionally, crime rate data were compared across several …

Organizational Policy Initiatives For A Neurodiverse Workforce, Renae Taylor

ATU Scholars Symposium

Neurodivergent individuals make up a significant percentage of the population and yet lag in employment due to employment barriers of the traditional workplace. While the benefits of a diverse workplace are well documented, there is still a large deficit when it comes to neurodiversity equitable access. To attract and retain a neurodiverse workforce, organizations must make changes that align with research-backed methods for policy building and in turn change the organizational leadership focus to a transformational, growth-based framework.

This applied project focuses on organizational policy initiatives that support the neurodivergent employee, with an emphasis on accommodations and modifications, inclusion, and …

Impact Of Community Gardening On Neighborhood Crime Rates: Research Proposal, Abby J. Cutsinger

ATU Scholars Symposium

Gardening has been a part of human existence from the beginning of time, but people have become distanced from gardening as civilization has grown and urbanized. As this distance has grown, so has the disconnect between people and the basic needs which shape their views of themselves and of society. It is possible that, in the drift away from gardening as communities, humans have become less moral.

The purpose of this study is to determine if community gardening lowers violent crime rates.

This relationship will be gauged by answering the following questions:

• Which type of community gardening benefits community relationships …

Harnessing Ai For Small Business Feasibility: A Paddleboard Guiding Venture In Winona, Minnesota, Grace M. Baden, Clay A. Craker, Isabella Howe, Patrick Wright, Andrew A. Regner

Research & Creative Achievement Day

This project explores the integration of artificial intelligence in constructing a feasibility study for a proposed paddleboard guiding business in Winona, Minnesota. Conducted as a six-week applied learning experience within the Commercial Recreation course, students systematically employed AI tools to develop a feasibility analyses, covering business concept development, market research, financial forecasting, and operational planning.

A core focus of this project was AI prompt engineering—students iteratively designed, tested, and refined AI-generated responses to improve the accuracy, clarity, and applicability of feasibility study components. The project also examined AI's efficiency in generating data-driven insights, its limitations in niche market research, and …

Improving Tutor Effectiveness Through Simulation Training At Wsu Tutoring Services, Sarah J. Bassler, Kelsi A. Kuchel, Mirra L. Swenson

Research & Creative Achievement Day

This project introduces a simulation-based training initiative for Winona State University (WSU) Tutoring Services, aimed at enhancing tutor effectiveness, communication skills, and student satisfaction. WSU Tutoring Services provides free tutoring to students through peer-based, online, and specialized instruction programs, aiming to support students' academic success. Despite these efforts, the service has faced challenges with student retention and negative perceptions due to varied tutoring quality.

A thorough needs assessment—incorporating organizational, person, and task analyses—highlighted significant areas for improvement. Organizational analysis identified the key issue of inconsistent tutoring effectiveness leading to dissatisfaction among students, negatively affecting student retention and overall usage of …

Exploring The Role Of Personality Traits In Predicting Financial Vulnerability: Moderating Effects Of Digital Literacy And Financial Literacy Within The Framework Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Saad Ahmed Almarzooqi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The growing integration of digital financial services in the UAE has introduced new challenges in mitigating financial fraud, particularly in understanding individual susceptibility to such risks. This study explores the role of personality traits and shaping financial fraud vulnerability, employing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine how extraversion, agreeableness, consciousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience influence this vulnerability. The study further assesses the mediating roles of subjective norms, attitude towards financial fraud, and perceived behavioral control in these relationships, as well as the moderating effects of digital and financial literacy.

Results from a cross-sectional survey of 406 UAE …

Swell: A Sustainable Surf Brand, Simon J. Pell

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Most boards in the surfing community that are made for performance are made with non-sustainable materials. Many boards use resin that is harmful to the environment through its curing and sanding process as it releases harmful chemicals into the air. They also use foams that release harmful chemicals into the air when they are produced, and they also do not break down when the board is disposed of. Overall, surfboards when produced using resin and foam are harmful for the environment from start to finish.

In the project, I will first do my research to find alternatives to the harmful …

Sports Organizations In Social Media, Elle Mizwicki

2025 Student Academic Showcase

The research I will be conducting is how sports organizations can effectively use social media to grow their social media platforms, fan base, branding and even selling their merchandise. By using social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X, to gather information that will help gain fan engagement, tracking followers etc. By using quantitative methods to help us reach our goal we can count on how this will increase social activity and an increase in attendance for sports. This quantitative research can give insights in social media and how it can be a very beneficial tool for reaching a targeted audience …

Why Should You Support Entrepreneurs?, Addison Forrester

2025 Student Academic Showcase

I will give a presentation based on the research and facts on why supporting entrepreneurs is good for the United States economy. How can you support the economy? The answer is to shop small and support new. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our society, driving innovation and creating jobs. This presentation will explore the impact of these entrepreneurs and how your choices can make a big difference.

2025 Acssc Program, Acssc Planning Committee

Annual Celebration for Student Scholarship and Creativity

No abstract provided.

Cutting Waste In Tupper's Restaurant, Logan Salvator, Christien Merritt, Lily Amaral, Erik Dukes

Earth Day Symposium on Climate and Sustainablity

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Relationships Between G2g, G2e And G2c E-Government Interactions And Organizational Readiness For Citizen Centricity In The Uae Government: Organizational Culture As A Moderator, Esam Al Sayed Ahmed

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The UAE has achieved top global rankings in e-government development over the last two decades. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several challenges emerged, including a lack of cohesive strategy, inconsistencies in digital practices, ineffective collaboration, a lack of innovative measures, and poor digital talent. Therefore, the current research examines the relationship between e-government interactions (G2G, G2E, and G2C) and organizational readiness for citizen centricity. It also investigates the role of culture in enhancing the relationship. Specific critical success factors were identified to develop a comprehensive e-government framework with a focus on sustainability and innovation. The findings revealed an inverse (negative) …

Carbon Accountability Scores: A Process-Oriented Approach For Carbon Offsetting Using Ai Agents, Joshit Mohanty, Vaishali Vaishali

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

Conventional carbon offset programs rely on quantified emissions to determine balancing requirements. While this approach offers a standardized means of measuring carbon output, it often provides industries with a loophole—allowing them to offset their emissions by purchasing equivalent credits for activities such as tree planting rather than tackling inefficiencies at the source. This research proposes a process-based framework called Carbon Accountability Scores (CA scores) to offer a proactive strategy for assessing and reducing carbon footprints. Instead of focusing on the mere balancing of emitted and sequestered carbon, CA scores integrate an organization’s operational processes into the calculation, thereby offering the …

2025 Academic Conference Program

Holy Cross Undergraduate Academic Conference

No abstract provided.

Discovering Prompt Engineering: A Qualitative Study Of Nonexpert Teachers' Interactions With Chatgpt, Katherine Carl, Christopher A. Dignam

Research Days

Discussions of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have become ubiquitous in research, industry, and education. Prompt engineering has emerged as a valuable skill desired by employers, and students have begun to express interest in learning effective ways of interacting with Generative AI. While much research has been done to formalize and optimize the process of prompt engineering, few studies have investigated the use of AI by nonexperts, including nonexpert teachers. In this study, we use qualitative analysis to characterize the process by which nonexpert teachers engage with and learn from ChatGPT as they engage with it as co-creators to …

Domestic Violence Punishments In The Nfl, Jesse Lichti

Student Scholar Showcase

The way that professional athletes are punished for violent crimes is something that the leagues need to put an emphasis on. As media coverage has risen in regards to athletes being violent, specifically against women, the fans understanding of its severity has risen along with it. As currently constructed, the NFL allows for too much bias, lacks deterrence, and does not focus on helping the athletes. These are the main points that my presentation focus on. In the next CBA, something like my idea needs to be put into place. This can then be extended to all violent crimes in …