Business Commons^™

Strategies Head Start Program Managers Use To Acquire External Funding During Economic Downturns, Judith Angella Maxwell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Head Start programs risk limited external funding due to economic downturns, leading to difficulty managing programs effectively and competitively. Head Start program managers will continue to struggle if they do not develop strategies to acquire external financial support in response to economic downturns, like the COVID-19 pandemic, while enhancing staff and student experiences. Grounded in the resource-based view theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study research project was to explore the strategies employed by Head Start program managers to effectively acquire external financial support in response to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were …

Strategies To Obtain Working Capital For Small Businesses, Solomon Ambili Atamaya

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The inability to obtain working capital can affect small business continuity, especially in the long term. Small business owners must be able to access working capital or else risk business survival through liquidity shortages, lost customers, and falling profitability. Grounded in the pecking order theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore the strategies employed by small business owners to obtain working capital for business continuity beyond five years. The participants were eight small business owners in Maryland who had successful strategies to obtain working capital for business continuity beyond five years. Data were collected through semistructured …

Enhancing Interoperability In Geospatial Analytics Systems: Navigating Diverse Standards For Optimal Data Integrity, Justin W. Bennett

Dissertations

In this study, we explore the domain of geospatial analytics, focusing on how different geographic information systems (GIS) and technology solutions can better communicate and maximize interoperability. Central to our study is the impact of this interoperability on data integrity, which is critical for accurate decision-making in domains like urban planning, environmental management, and national security. Accurate decision-making requires modeling ecosystems that are easy to comprehend and are often intricate due to their physical or artificial nature and the diversity of geospatial parameters; therefore, it is essential to gather a comprehensive array of spatial and temporal measurements. We examine the …

A Journey For A Lifetime: A Case Study On Camp Ramah In California’S Staff Retention And Professional Development Practices, Steph Sussman

Experience Industry Management

Summer camps, intending to provide exceptional experiences for their participants, have prioritized staff retention efforts. Camp Ramah in California has worked to keep staff year after year while providing opportunities for professional development. The purpose of this study was to examine the summer camp staff retention and professional development initiatives employed at Camp Ramah in California. A case study was conducted using a tool developed by the researcher to assess the staff retention and professional development practices implemented by Camp Ramah in California. Ramah has a staff retention and professional development system but does not always align with research-based practices. …

The Biggest Night In Music: A Case Study Of The Grammy Awards Digital Marketing Strategies, Samantha Canik

Experience Industry Management

Music has the power to bring people together and create connections. Every year, music fans and artists eagerly anticipate celebrating their love for music at the Grammy Awards through performances, receiving awards, or simply attending. The Grammys serves as the ultimate celebration, uniting people to honor and celebrate all things music. The purpose of this study was to examine the digital marketing strategies of the Recording Academy’s Grammy Awards. Data on digital marketing was collected through a case study and an instrument developed by the researcher. The results of this study highlights the effectiveness of the Grammys’ digital marketing strategies, …

The Influence Of Digitization Degree On The Internationalization Performance Of Family Firms, Hao Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, it was clearly stated that efforts should be made to accelerate the development of thedigital economy, deepen the integration of the digital economy with the real economy, and strive to build a digital industrial cluster with international competitiveness. This grand blueprint not only highlights China's high regard for the future development of the digital economy but also points out the direction for China's economictransformation and upgrading. Meanwhile, the "Overall Layout Plan for Digital ChinaConstruction" further elaborates on this strategy and sets the ambitious goal of basically …

A Study Of The Impact Of Brand Management Strategies On Brand Rejuvenation - Evidence Based On Chinese Baijiu Brands, Hao Chen

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In recent years, China Baijiu industry has faced the challenges of a shrinking consumer market, aging and the rise of young consumers, prompting Baijiu brands to seek new growth points, especially to attract younger groups. As a result, brand rejuvenation has become a key strategic objective for spirits companies. Given that brand extension and brand alliance are effective strategies for traditional brands to expand into new markets, this study develops a model to explore the impact of these two brand management strategies on Baijiu brand rejuvenation and analyses the mediating roles of brand image and brand awareness as well as …

Research On The Technology And Economy Of Intelligent Transformation Of Textile Enterprises, Hongxia Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The Chinese government has proposed to promote the high-end, intelligent and green development of manufacturing in the next step. The China Textile Industry Federation issued the “14th Five-Year Development Outline for the Textile Industry”, emphasizing accelerating the development of intelligent manufacturing system integrators in the textile field to achieve the transformation and upgrading of the industry. At present, the outstanding problems restricting the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing in China’s textile industry include: Imperfect evaluation indicators; The management system does not match; The reconstruction path is not clear.
This topic (1) constructs a big data policy co-word network through quantitative …

The Relationship Between Industry Regulation And The Quality Of Micro-Dramas, Shuoyu Yao

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This paper is a study on the micro-drama industry, exploring the reasons for a large number of low-quality micro-dramas. Specifically, there are two potential problems: (1) the industry value allocation model is unreasonable, so producing high-quality micro-dramas does not receive sufficient returns; (2) regulatory oversight of the industry is insufficient. To investigate this recent phenomenon and the underlying problems, we collected a dataset of 165 micro-dramas and use the newly introduced regulation on the micro-drama industry in June 2024 as a policy shock. The findings show that, before the new regulations were introduced, micro-dramas with higher quality in expression received …

Family Succession And Corporate Investment Policy, Weiting Lin

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Family firms play a significant role in economic and social development, making substantial contributions to wealth creation, employment generation, and the enhancement of social welfare. However, the development of family firms faces numerous challenges, among which intergenerational succession stands out as one of the most critical. The intergenerational succession of family firms is crucial for their long-term sustainable development. In China, since the reform and opening up, private enterprises have experienced rapid growth, with most family firms still under the control of their first-generation founders. These firms are now entering a critical period of succession. The unique political, business, and …

Entrepreneurial Spirit And Firm Performance: An Empirical Study Based On Data From The Star Market​, Zhige Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Entrepreneurial spirit, as a vital production factor in contemporary society, plays a leading and guiding role throughout the entire life cycle of a business. In particular, entrepreneurial innovation spirit, a key element of entrepreneurial spirit, is a pivotal engine of economic and societal progress. This paper adopts an empirical research approach to analyze the correlation between entrepreneurial innovation spirit and firm outcome, delving into the impact of entrepreneurial innovation spirit on a firm's operational efficiency, profitability, solvency, and development capabilities. The findings provide theoretical support and practical guidance for enterprise management, ultimately contributing to the creation of greater corporate value …

Research On The Influence Of The Quantity And Quality Of Young Talents On Regional Economic Development, Jinzhao Liu

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This study focuses on the critical impact of both the quantity and quality of young talent on regional, particularly urban, economic development in terms of pace and quality. The paper examines how educated and innovative youth serve as catalysts for economic progress, driving innovation and entrepreneurship in urban areas. Through an examination of economic growth theories and innovation-driven development models, the research employs a Cobb-Douglas production function for empirical analysis, revealing the significant positive influence of high-quality young populations on regional GDP growth.

Concurrently, case studies of Zhongguancun and Suzhou's textile industry demonstrate the transformative power of young talent in …

Designing Pull-Based Energy System Rules For Public Buildings: An Application Of Modularity, Lei Wang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Building energy systems, particularly Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, play a pivotal role in global sustainability efforts. Yet, traditional centralized HVAC systems continue to face major challenges: high energy consumption, significant operational costs, and limited adaptability to dynamic energy demands. These inefficiencies are compounded by the difficulty of integrating renewable energy sources into outdated system designs. As a result, substantial energy waste persists, posing obstacles to cost-effective, environmentally sustainable building operations.

This dissertation proposes a modular, pull-based energy framework to address these critical challenges. By combining the principles of modularity theory with demand-driven energy distribution, the framework enables …

Advancing Defense Software Cost Estimation Through Regression, Probabilistic, And Machine Learning Models, Stephen D. Chatterton

Theses and Dissertations

Accurately estimating software costs is critical for effective project management within the Department of Defense (DoD), where early decisions shape resource allocation and risk management. This work evaluates regression-based Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs), probabilistic models, and machine learning techniques to address limitations of traditional estimation methods. Using records from two DoD repositories, the analysis applied Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR), Random Forest, and neural networks to model and classify software costs, with key predictors including Source Lines of Code (SLOC), Equivalent Source Lines of Code (ESLOC), and programming hours. The findings highlight strengths and trade-offs of …

Forecasting Army Recruiting Mission Distribution, Maxwell A. Deihl

Theses and Dissertations

The Army’s recruiting landscape has changed markedly in recent years, raising questions about whether forecasting methods of Army contracts remain robust. This thesis recreates the presented models in Joshua McDonald’s 2015 thesis. It replicates and evaluates the models with updated data (2018–2023) to assess their current validity and compare them to novel alternative approaches, such as simpler regression models or neural networks. While the 2015 model remains a valuable baseline, results suggest that either refining its variables or adopting alternative methods can improve predictive accuracy and interpretability. Ultimately, the United States Army Recruiting Command has many options regarding how it …

Transforming Defense: A Case Study On Digital Cots Implementation, Dara A. Armstrong

Theses and Dissertations

While research on digital transformation efforts and their challenges are widespread, the introduction and use of digital commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tools in the Department of Defense (DOD) remains under explored. To investigate this problem, this research focuses on a fledgling digital transformation effort within a division of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Due to inefficiencies caused by fragmented workflows, management introduced Jira and Confluence, two digital tools known for their broad use in various industries, to the workforce.

Accuracy Of Time Phasing Missile And Munition Using The Continuous Distribution Function, Joseph Zobler

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate cost and schedule estimates are crucial for maintaining the U.S. military’s technological and operational superiority, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely development of advanced defense systems. This research examines S-curve models for time-phasing non-recurring Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) expenditures in missile and munition acquisition programs. This research evaluates the commonly used 60/40 rule, which assumes 60% of expenditures occur by 50% of the schedule, for its accuracy using Cost Assessment Data Enterprise (CADE) and Earned Value Management Central Repository (EVM-CR) data from 21 missile and munition development programs.

Job Demands And Resources: A Look At The Vha Workforce To Support Dod Goals, Anthony J. Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the relationships between job demands, job resources, burnout, turnover intention, and workplace attitudes among employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the lens of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. The findings reveal both expected and novel insights. Consistent with prior research, the study confirms that excessive job demands, without enough resources to balance then, lead to burnout. This, in turn, increases turnover intention and negatively affects how employees view leadership and the work environment. A significant discovery, however, challenges conventional assumptions: favorable job demands were positively correlated with turnover intention, suggesting that employees in favorable roles …

Understanding The Acceptance Of Digital Tools Within An Air Force Environment Using The Utaut2 Model, Britton J. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

This research paper explores factors influencing digital tool adoption in a military context, using a modified UTAUT2 model with the inclusion of Military Status as a moderating factor. The study examines the moderating effects of Military Status on Social Influence towards Behavioral Intention and Behavioral Intention on Use Behavior. Data was collected through a Likert-scale survey from respondents across multiple Department of the Air Force (DAF) organizations. Findings revealed Social Influence had the potential to positively influence Behavioral Intention to use digital tools, but military experience did not significantly moderate this relationship. However, past experience with the legacy tool and …

Enhancing Reliability Of A 3d Cargo Scanning System, Gabriel F. Bartolomei

Theses and Dissertations

Recent advancements in 3D cargo scanning and machine learning offer solutions to improve cargo processing reliability. This study enhances a 3D cargo scanning system by addressing software crashes, connectivity failures, and image accuracy issues limiting its operational effectiveness. A systematic approach identified the primary causes of system failures. System updates were implemented, followed by 30 pre- and post-update trials to evaluate reliability improvements. Statistical t-tests showed a significant reduction in failures, although processing time slightly increased. Results indicated that targeted hardware and software updates enhanced cargo scanning efficiency and dependability. Future work will focus on refining sensor calibration, optimizing network …

Developing Core Competencies For The Air Force Civil Engineer Asset Management Career Field, David A. Rochester

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force (USAF) relies on a highly trained and capable workforce to maintain and manage its infrastructure, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness. However, the increasing complexity of asset management, aging infrastructure, and evolving global threats necessitate a structured approach to developing the competencies required for Air Force Civil Engineer Asset Managers. This research aims to identify, develop, and validate core competencies specific to this career field, utilizing a structured methodology that combines an Education Working Group (EWG) with a Delphi study. The study begins with an expert-led EWG to generate an initial list of competencies based …

Understanding And Implementing Fashion Sustainability: An Academic Course, Paige M. Baldwin

Theses

This project outlined a fashion sustainability course meant to be taught at a degree-awarding educational institution. The course explores the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the fashion industry. Students learn about sustainable practices, materials, and design principles. Students also study consumer behavior, supply chain management, and government policies related to sustainable fashion. The literature and research looked at the current fashion industry landscape and the sustainability issues that are being addressed, the current educational landscape of fashion programs in the United States of America, and the current literature regarding building an effective curriculum in the 21st century.

Satisfaction And Retention Analysis Of A 4/10 Workweek In Construction, Daniel C. Choy

Construction Management

The traditional 40-hour workweek, structured as five 8-hour days (5/8), has been a long-standing standard in the American workforce since Henry Ford implemented it in 1922. However, in recent years, many industries, including construction, have begun reevaluating this model to determine whether alternative schedules could offer better efficiency and employee satisfaction. One of the most discussed alternatives is the four-day, 10-hour workweek (4/10). This research examines the potential advantages and challenges of adopting the 4/10 schedule, particularly for specialty contractors, through an employee survey conducted at Western Specialty Contractors in Seattle, Washington. The study explores how this schedule affects worker …

Research On The Impact Of Factors For Successful Digital Transformation On Performance: A Case Study Of The Clothing Industry, Xiaoyun Qian

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In recent years, enterprises in the clothing industry have experiencedvarying degrees of performance decline, primarily influenced bymacroeconomic cyclical factors and intrinsic industry issues. Firstly, under the influence of macroeconomic cycles, the clothing industry has demonstratedstrong cyclical characteristics. Since 2019, weakened global macroeconomic conditions have negatively impacted both clothing exports and domestic sales, coupled with a slowdown in China's macroeconomic growth, puttingsignificant pressure on the overall growth of the clothing sector. Secondly, the industry faces several internal challenges, including rising labor costs, severe supply-demand mismatches, overcapacity on the production side, and longinventory cycles. Digital transformation has emerged as an important optionfor …

An Analysis Of Unstructured Marketing Data To Aid Online Platforms, Qingli Zeng

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

As digital platforms increasingly rely on unstructured data such as images, audio, and video to engage users, understanding how these sensory elements influence consumer behavior has become essential. This dissertation investigates the role of visual and auditory cues in shaping user engagement and decision-making in digital environments. Specifically, it examines how image distinctiveness and vocal tone characteristics affect consumer attention, interaction, and commitment across different online contexts.

The first essay explores the impact of image distinctiveness on consumer search behavior within a Southeast Asian real estate platform. Grounded in the Theory of Visual Attention (TVA), this study develops a novel …

An Empirical Analysis Of Pricing And Payments In The Pharmaceutical Industry, Rahul Narnindi

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

High prescription drug prices in the US are a major hurdle on the road to improved public health. On a per-capita basis, US prescription drug spending is more than twice that of comparable OECD peer nations and yet the health outcomes achieved are worse. Policymakers try to implement countermeasures, such as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, to reduce the burden on the public but these countermeasures may result in unintended consequences. In this thesis, I study the effectiveness of two of these countermeasures and their unintended consequences. My first essay investigates prescription (Rx) to over the counter (OTC) drug …

How Do Firms Respond To Reduced Private Equity Buyout Activity?, Yi-Hsin Lo

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

I investigate how firms respond to reduced private equity buyout activity in their home states by exploiting the state-by-state adoption of laws that increase the cost of buyouts. I find evidence suggestive of reduced firm efficiency. The firms also become less likely to go bankrupt or to relocate to other states. These findings suggest that the firms' managers may be starting to enjoy the quiet life. I also find a reduction in layoffs. Overall, the results indicate a trade-off: Whereas reduced private equity buyout activity increases managerial entrenchment, it also lowers firm exits and strengthens employees' job security.

The One Generates All Things: Founder Competencies And Firm Performance In Chinese Semiconductor Enterprises, Aiyang Wang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The semiconductor industry originated in the United States in the 1940s and serves as the cornerstone of the modern information technology industry. Semiconductors, hailed as the "grain of industry", are of utmost significance to China, a country that builds its foundation on manufacturing. With the escalation of China's industrial upgrading and global competition, a large number of semiconductor enterprises have been established in China in recent years.

Based on the Upper Echelons Theory, this paper commences from the literature on founder research in entrepreneurship studies, and in conjunction with small-sample interviews, proposes the "521" model for observing Chinese semiconductor enterprise …

Competitive Advantage Of Short Food Supply Chains For Organic Vegetables In India: A Multi-Stakeholder, Mixed Method Study Of Farmers, Consumers And Intermediaries, Bhoovarahan Thirumalai Nambakkam

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Competitive advantage of Short Food Supply Chains for organic vegetables in India – a multi-stakeholder, mixed method study of farmers, consumers and intermediaries.

Short food supply chains (SFSC) are characterized by one (or zero) intermediaries (structural proximity), short distance (geographic proximity), trusted relationships (relationship proximity) and alignment of values (values proximity) between consumers and farmers.

This multi-method case study investigates proximity of SFSCs as a driver for increased willingness to pay (WTP) by consumers for organic vegetables in a global south developing country - India. The study analyzed revealed preference (published prices of a conventional chain and SFSCs), stated preference …

Trade War And The Reshaping Of Global Supply Chain In The Automotive Industry, Feng Wang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The China-US trade war disrupted nearly half a century of trade liberalization, impacting the global distribution of production and the configuration of supply chains. This paper focuses on automobile production and tire supply to analyze the impact of industrial layout changes during the China-US trade war on the global supply chain structure. The study finds that for US automobile production, the trade war presents both positive and negative effects. While tariffs on automobiles protect the local automotive market, the increased production costs due to tariffs on components place US-made cars at a competitive disadvantage in the global market, negatively affecting …