Business Commons^™

Employment Practices Using Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review, Bojan Kitanovikj

UBT International Conference

In recent years, human resource management (HRM) has witnessed an increasing awareness of the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. However, the practical integration of AI in HRM, particularly in the domain of employing new members of the workforce in the healthcare sector, remains an underexplored frontier. The proliferation of AI, bolstered by the emergence of user-friendly tools and chatbots, has paved the way for a paradigm shift in employment practices in healthcare. Notably, a conspicuous gap exists in the literature concerning a comprehensive overview of AI’s organizational-level impacts on recruiting and managing nurses, doctors, physicians, and other healthcare …

Prediction Of Housing Prices Using Machine Learning Algorithms, Visar Hoxha, Lorana Berisha, Jehona Hoxha

UBT International Conference

In the evolving landscape of real estate valuation, the integration of machine learning (ML) algorithms has emerged as a transformative approach. This literature review delves into the application of various ML techniques in predicting property prices, comparing their efficacy with traditional methods. Drawing from global research, the study underscores the potential of ML in enhancing accuracy, adaptability, and objectivity in property valuation.

Corruption And Reforms: A Dynamic Panel Data Study, Jeff Jacob

Day of Scholarship

In a previously published paper we emperically showed that rather than democracy, a country's quality of institutions, like contract enforcement, have a statistically significant and positive impact on economic growth. During my sabbatical, I am working on a follow up paper in which is examining the effect of democracy on the control of corruption in a sample of more than 120 countries, spanning 40 years of data. Using GMM based dynamic longitudnal data analysis methods, we find that democratic quality, spesifically, the accumalted stock of democratic capital in a country has a sgnificant impact in reducing government corruption. We also …

A Reconciliatory Approach To Marketing: A Case Of The Marginalized, Mauvalyn Bowen

Day of Scholarship

This paper integrates the use of Biblical principles in the discussion about marketing practices and shares a vision for ways that marketing can be reconciliatory and God-honoring. It further detailed some perspectives of how marketing may be considered in the context of the kingdom of God. An example of a case of “the marginalized” was presented to demonstrate the redemptive nature of marketing. The paper then concludes with a call for Christian educators to do some heavy lifting in presenting the discipline of marketing to students to empower them to be cupbearers and future shapers.

Using Private Equity To Acquire Multifamily Assets, Drew Whitson

Day of Scholarship

In Spring of 2023 Endurus Capital, a Minnesota-based private equity real estate firm, raised approximately $10M of private investor funds to purchase a 94 unit townhome in Columbus, Ohio for $20M. The project focused on both the total capital stack (sourcing of debt and equity), investor projected return, as well as the use of funds for deferred maintenance and property improvements. Detailed information related around risk management and investments criteria will as be included as well as an overview on the multifamily asset class.

Exploratory Factor Analysis Of Perceived Political Intolerance Amongst Families, Leitulimaoatua Faiai, Jerry Chi

Celebration of Research and Creative Scholarship

Leitulimaoatua Faiai

Andrews University School of Business Administration

Jerry Chi

Andrews University School of Business Administration

Have you noticed that in recent years, tensions amongst family members with opposing political views have increased? With the help of mainstream media, the rise of political (and sometimes controversial) giants such as Donald J. Trump, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and others further divided an already fractured America. Political tolerance within familial relationships have decreased over the years, with some relationships irrevocably broken due to polarizing views. This writing presents an explanation for the research approach that the researcher plans to use to measure …

Harrisburg Workforce Study, Coumba Seck

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

Harrisburg University proposes an exploratory case study to examine workforce participation and patterns in the downtown Harrisburg Area as part of its mission to support business creation and economic development. This research interest has resulted from uncertainty regarding the number of local employees returning to work in a face-to-face environment in the post-pandemic era compared to other metropolitan areas in the United States.

This preliminary research seeks to provide empirical evidence of the current and predictive state of workforce participation in Harrisburg for the purposes of informing urban planners, downtown business owners and other decision makers concerned with many aspects …

Exploring The Role Of An Organization In Implementing A Work-From-Home Strategy, Ryan Tripod, Sumarie Roodt

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Organizations are trying to move quickly to adopt remote working policies into their organizations as to attract and retain top talent, reduce office space costs, and increase productivity. As many of these strategies were quickly adopted by South African ICT organizations during the COIVD-19 pandemic, organizations are still somewhat unclear on what their role is with regards to ensuring long term adoption of remote working. Thus, this study explored the role of the organization with regards to a work-from-home strategy. It was found that the organization is responsible for formalizing the chosen strategy, creating supportive policies, and adapting its management …

Developing An Integrative Theoretical Framework For Electronic Business Value Optimisation In Botswana, Meduduetso Tsumake-Tsiang, Adheesh Budree

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Organizations are trying to move quickly to adopt remote working policies into their organizations as to attract and retain top talent, reduce office space costs, and increase productivity. As many of these strategies were quickly adopted by South African ICT organizations during the COIVD-19 pandemic, organizations are still somewhat unclear on what their role is with regards to ensuring long term adoption of remote working. Thus, this study explored the role of the organization with regards to a work-from-home strategy. It was found that the organization is responsible for formalizing the chosen strategy, creating supportive policies, and adapting its management …

The Dark Side Of Mobile Money Transfer : A Case Study Of Zimbabwe, Theo Tsokota, Collector Chipfumbu, Melody Maseko

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Mobile money transfer has been widely presented in the literature and in practice as a way to bring the poor, unbanked and backward communities into the mainstream financial system. The main objective of this paper is to provide insights into how mobile money transfer has contributed to the negative effects on Zimbabwe's economy and its citizens. Using integrative literature this study explores the how mobile money transfers have negatively affected the economy of Zimbabwe and its citizens. The findings show that mobile money, if not properly regulated, can promote money laundering, fraud and financial irregularities, which can harm the entire …

The Sharing Economy: Understanding The Affordances Of And Barriers To The Use Of Digital Platforms, Phaswana Malatjie, Lisa F. Seymour

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Studies exploring sharing economy services such as automotive, house-sharing, and bike rentals have predicted that these services will add billions of dollars to the global economy by 2025. Sharing economy services could reduce unemployment in Africa. Hence, there is a need to understand the affordance and the barriers to sharing economy platforms. This paper presents a literature review that helps answer the question: What are the affordances of and barriers to the use of sharing platforms? A literature review following a synthesis approach, reveals gaps around the sharing economy services relating to load-shedding, regulations and social exclusion. Potential future directions …

Social Media & Privacy: Understanding Privacy In The Age Of Content Creator Culture, Robert Tagoe, Raphael Amponsah, Emmanuel Awuni Kolog, Eric Afful-Dadzie

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

In today's digital age, content creators are gaining public attention and becoming highly influential. With that increased influence, it is important to acknowledge the privacy concerns within this culture. This interpretive research study seeks to identify and understand the dynamics of privacy within the content creator culture. This research will leverage information from interviews with content creators from various social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Using theories to understand the phenomena, theories of privacy calculus, privacy paradox and self-disclosure, will be used to view how content creators define and navigate privacy, strategies employed to control personal …

The State Of The Digital Skills Ecosystem In Zimbabwe: An Exploratory Analysis, Annette Mangena, Gwamaka Mwalemba

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

There are many ongoing efforts globally to address the skills requirements gaps created by the high pace of technological changes often referred to as the 4IR. The challenge is particularly acute in developing countries grappling with many high-priority socioeconomic challenges, including low levels of digital literacy. This study represents initial efforts to understand a developing country's local digital skills landscape, explicitly focusing on Zimbabwe. The study was conducted through a literature analysis to explore the digital skills discourse in Zimbabwe based on published academic papers. The findings point to a discourse focused on applied digital skills within specific fields and …

The Impact Of Digital Transformation On Institutional Growth. A Case Of Zimbabwean Universities, Vusumuzi Maphosa

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The pressure for institutions to digitally transform has been building, and COVID-19 accelerated the transition in developing countries. The study evaluated the impact of digital transformation on Zimbabwean universities. The Microsoft digital transformation framework guided the study. Thematic analysis was used to extract meaning and generate themes from qualitative data from university ICT Directors. Results show that digital transformation positively impacted institutional growth and efficiency. Most universities invest in digital technology to increase service reliability and availability. Digital transformation teams were bolstered to support student processes and create personalised learning journeys. The digital transformation led to the adoption of several …

Digital Transformation Of Smes Through Social Media, Georgette Eugenia Otoo, Raphael Amponsah, Eric Afful-Dadzie, Emmanuel Awuni Kolog

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

This research paper explores the strategic integration of social media platforms by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) beyond marketing. Drawing from Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities theories, the study investigates how social media enhances management, coordination, and control functions. Through five diverse case studies from Ghana, findings reveal SMEs’ innovative use of platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Slack, and Trello. These platforms foster efficient internal communication, customer engagement, project management, and talent acquisition. Challenges such as technical expertise and dynamic digital landscapes are identified.

Internet Of Things Affordance For Open Educational Resources In A Comprehensive Open Distance E-Learning, Lancelord Mncube

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) space has dual dimensions of affordance to support open educational resources (OER). The duality of affordance has little or not been well articulated in relation to OER, particularly in a Comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODEL) institution. Such an institution is a mega open distance in South Africa and beyond the continent to accommodate students globally and rely on information and communication technology (ICT) in the provision of tuition. In the CODEL institution, there is a recognizable shift as the institution encourages the appropriation of OER and phasing out the prescription of the prescribed textbooks. The …

Benefits Of Adopting Micro-Credentials For Skills Development, Oyena Nokulunga Mahlasela, Adriana A. Steyn

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Micro-credential providers are increasing both in diversity and volume. However, employers are still concerned about their role in skill development. This study aimed to understand how micro-credentials can assist employees in skills development. A systematic literature review was conducted for studies published between (2016 to 2023). Thirty-two sources were included in the final review. After that, five recommendations for employers when adopting micro-credentials were constructed first by (1) defining the value of formal and informal education. (2) exploring micro-credentials as a tool for skills development. (3) encouraging organisations to collaborate with other institutions. (4) encouraging continuous personalised learning, known as …

Factors Influencing The Retention Of Millennial Software Developers In South African Companies, Kim Fouche, Maureen Tanner

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

South Africa has an Information Technology skills shortage leading to high turnover of Information Technology professionals. Not only do companies face significant costs in replacing software developers, but high mobility also affects staff morale. Millennials are known to be more loyal to their own needs and do not tend to stay at companies for long, increasing the complexities of retention. This study explores the factors that influence the retention of millennial software developers in South African companies. The qualitative study was carried out using online semi-structured interviews. The study found that work environment, lifestyle, and management style, play a key …

Factors Influencing The Establishment Of Technology Innovation Hubs - A Structured Literature Review, Oluwaseun Alexander Dada, Jean-Paul Van Belle

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

The research context focuses on the establishment of innovation hubs within specific geographical locations, aiming to drive innovation and economic development. The research scope encompassed a thorough examination of existing literature to uncover the diverse range of factors influencing AI hub creation and success. Our research was prompted by the need to address the lack of a comprehensive understanding of these factors. With the aim of examining, we adopted the Structured Literature Review (SLR) methodology. Through our comprehensive analysis, we identified a multitude of critical factors. Based on the number of sources in which they were reported, the factors are …

Adoption Of Ict To Support Rural Small-Holder Farmers : A Systematic Review, Abdus Salaam Seat, Shaun Pather

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are slowly becoming more available to rural communities given a number of innovative approaches over recent years such as the implementation of Community Networks (CNs). Consequently, ICTs are able to become more meaningful in support of livelihoods of these communities, such as in agriculture production. Potential benefits to smallholder farmers include increase yields and reduced effort. However, there is very little evidence of smallholder farmers integrating ICTs into their livelihood activity. In this paper a Systematic Literature Review is used to explore the challenges faced in this sector. A total of 83 articles …

Information Technology Decision Makers’ Readiness For Artificial Intelligence Governance In Institutions Of Higher Education In South Africa, John Mangundu

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance the educational experience for academics and students. However, research has inadequately examined AI ethics and governance, particularly in the higher education sector of developing economies such as South Africa. AI governance ensures that envisioned AI benefits are realized while reducing AI risks. Against this backdrop of huge research deficit, the current study reports on a qualitative exploratory study that investigates the state of readiness for AI governance and AI governance maturity in South African higher education institutions. Informed by the combination of the TOE framework, the traditional IT governance model and the adapted IT governance …

Using Business Databases To Inform Data Privacy Practices, James Henry Smith

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

Data Privacy is an active practice that requires users to actively participate in informed consenting for their personal data protection. Part of that process is gathering information about the companies that request access to users data. In this lightning talk, an information literacy librarian will walk participants through the metacognitive process of deciding which data to share with companies when interacting with their online interfaces. This process starts with acknowledging the value of personal data collection, then a walk through which business databases users can engage with to better understand how their data exhaust is bought and sold to data …

Visual Literacy Support For Business Students And Faculty: Preliminary Results From Needs Assessment Study, Zoeanna A. Mayhook, Sarah Huber, Wanju Huang

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

The development of visual literacy skills is increasingly important for business students graduating into today's visually-driven business environment. Visual literacy (VL) encompasses the skills needed to find, interpret, use, create, and ethically engage with visual information (ACRL, 2022). Within a business context, VL skills allow students to enhance their presentations, communicate their messages effectively, visualize complex information or data into succinct visual representations, and tell compelling stories. Further, well-developed visuals can help bridge language barriers when communicating with stakeholders worldwide (Sweeny & Hughes, 2017). Despite the apparent benefits of these VL competencies, business students may need more direct training and …

Young Indigenous Entrepreneurs- Supporting Changemakers Through Entrepreneurship And Advocacy Of Indigenous Issues, Anita Lakra, Emily Wang, Shagufta Farheen

ITSA 2022 Gran Canaria - 9th Biennial Conference: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Global Tourism Strategies After Covid 19

Indigenous youth are reclaiming their language, customs and land. They are at the forefront of Canada’s fastest-growing population, yet continue to face barriers in health, education and justice systems. Indigenous tourism often exploits Indigenous communities. However, self-driven Indigenous tourism is an opportunity for Indigenous communities to strengthen their culture and economy. Many Indigenous youth aspire to start businesses. Their products are often sold not just nationally, but also to international customers. Hence, a program that provides financial literacy courses and personalized business advice can support young Indigenous entrepreneurs. Based on the experience of a young Indigenous entrepreneur who sells beadwork …

Public Policies For Tourism Recovery During Covid 19 Pandemic; A Case Study Of Spain, Mónica Pellejero, José Sanabria, Teresa Aguiar, Yazmina Araujo

ITSA 2022 Gran Canaria - 9th Biennial Conference: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Global Tourism Strategies After Covid 19

The COVID-19 virus has caused the biggest worldwide economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s and a “zero tourism” situation with catastrophic consequences. Many authors analyzed the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but none of them have specifically examined Spain and government actions and public policies taken to fight the pandemic. Through the case study methodology, this paper presents a literature review of the most up-to-date studies on the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Secondly, we specify the different public intervention measures implemented by national, regional, and local authorities in Spain. Finally, we set out the …

Destinations’ Recovery Marketing Campaigns In Response To Pandemics, Eli Avraham

ITSA 2022 Gran Canaria - 9th Biennial Conference: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Global Tourism Strategies After Covid 19

The Covid-19 pandemic has altered the paradigm of risk and recovery management but it is just one of many pandemics to have impacted destinations during the last two decades. This study examine how destination officials combated the image crises that followed SARS-2003, H1N1 Swine flu 2009-10, Zika 2016-17 and Covid-19. The literature dealing with combating pandemics has focused on the actual management of either a specific pandemic or regional aspects of a pandemic and less on the recovery marketing and image repair aspect. As a result, tourism academic literature has a shortage of image repair theoretical frameworks addressing multi-case health-related …

Managing E-Mindful Tourism Experiences: A Co-Creation Approach, Uglješa Stankov

ITSA 2022 Gran Canaria - 9th Biennial Conference: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Global Tourism Strategies After Covid 19

No abstract provided.

A Creative Perspective On The Tourism Industry In Romania, Alexandra Zamfirache

ITSA 2022 Gran Canaria - 9th Biennial Conference: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Global Tourism Strategies After Covid 19

The purpose of this scientific paper is to review various aspects of the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the tourism sector in Romania. The paper is based on research that combines a analysis of economic indicators, completed a qualitative research, based on in-depth interviews conducted on the population of Brasov on assessing the travel during the pandemic. Based on the results of research and exploratory research in the literature, we have listed in a concise manner several measures to make tourism cleaner, safer and more sustainable after this famous pandemic.

Guest Attitudes In The Covid Era: Does Socioeconomic Status Impact The Acceptance Of Hotels' Green Practices?, Faranak Memarzadeh, Priya Raman

ITSA 2022 Gran Canaria - 9th Biennial Conference: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Global Tourism Strategies After Covid 19

As the hotel industry is one of the sectors that is heavily affected by the pandemic, it is critical to discover which characteristics of guests’ priorities have transformed due to COVID-19, including guests' mindset about hotels’ green practices.

To offer the most effective sustainable service in the pandemic era, hoteliers need a clear perception of guests’ viewpoints on hotels’ green practices. Besides the guests’ demographic information, which helps in understanding their opinion about green service in the COVID-19 time, their socioeconomic status could predict the layout of their mindset and perceptions of the service in this specific period of time.

Can Digital Marketing On Instagram Help To Promote Sustainable Travel? Abstract, Jacques Bulchand-Gidumal Professor, Armin Brysch Professor

ITSA 2022 Gran Canaria - 9th Biennial Conference: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Global Tourism Strategies After Covid 19

The contribution of digitalization and digital platforms to tourism sustainability is a timely topic. In this research we analyze if a digital platform such as Instagram could contribute and be used as a tool to promote sustainability by destinations and by travelers. To this aim, we implement a methodology comprised of four steps: identifying the most recognized sustainable destinations in the world (i.e. Slovenia, New Zealand and Costa Rica), downloading and analyzing the last posts from the official accounts of the DMOs of these destinations, identifying the most frequently used hashtags related to sustainable tourism (#ecoturismo, #ecotourism, #sustainabletravel, #ecotravel and …