Business Commons^™

The Effect Of Internet Firms’ Data Analytics Capability On Their Innovation Speed And Innovation Quality: A Dynamic Capability Perspective, Yeyu Hua

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

With the advent of big data era, data plays a pivotal role in sustainingfirms’ competitive advantages. Although a few studies have shown that data analytics capability contributes to firms’ innovative performance, these studies either focus on general innovative performance or specific types of innovation, such as incremental innovation, radical innovation, and supply chaininnovation. In this thesis, I enrich this stream of literature by conducting twostudies to further examine the relationship between data analytics capabilityand innovation speed as well as innovation quality. This thesis consists of twostudies. Study 1 is a survey study, in which I investigate the relationshipbetween data analytics …

Essays On Empirical Asset Pricing, Luying Wang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The dissertation consists of three chapters on empirical asset pricing. The first chapter examines
the market return predictability of media coverage on climate change. Specifically, we introduce a
comprehensive media climate change concern (ΔCMCCC) index, derived from unexpected climate
change coverage across diverse media channels, including print (newspapers), voice (radio), and
video (television). We show that this index negatively predicts aggregate stock market returns, both
in-sample and out-of-sample, offering potential gains for investors. Our findings emphasize the
media’s influence on market returns through climate change discussions, mainly via the cash-flow
channel. This reveals possible shifts in product demand, while demand …

Essays On The Impact Of Acquisitions On Alliance Portfolios And Interorganizational Dynamics, Jiawen Ma

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This dissertation investigates the impact of acquisition activities on the current partners of the involved firms and the restructuring of their alliance portfolios. The first essay examines how acquisitions by a firm’s current alliance partners influence this firm’s subsequent alliance formation. The literature suggests that if a focal firm’s current alliance partners acquire targets that are in the same industry as the focal firm, the focal firm would be concerned about these alliance partners’ commitment, their increased bargaining power, and opportunistic behaviors. This essay contends that in response, the focal firm will form alliances with new partners to mitigate concerns …

Impact Of Hr Slack On Firm Performance: An Empirical Study On Chinese High-Tech Firms, Weixiong Feng

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

As part of organizational slack, HR slack plays a role in managing external risks and opportunities when the global business environment is in turmoil. In recent years, Chinese high-tech companies have faced external shocks such as reverse globalization, the decoupling of economic and trade relations, supply chain disruptions, and epidemics. These have posed new challenges to their strategy formulation, business operations, and talent acquisition. High-tech Chinese companies must know whether they must prepare adequate human resources as buffers to address these challenges and opportunities. For high-tech companies, this study proposes, for the first time, that HR slack must be analyzed …

Exploring Divestitures: Studies On Motivation Factors And Tools, Yun Qiao

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This paper explores the phenomenon of 'big company disease' commonly experienced by large companies as they expand. In Western markets, companies are more inclined to respond to the financial market by undergoing divestitures to address this issue. Divestitures simplify the company's structure, making it easier for investors to understand its value. Consequently, this facilitates companies in acquiring more capital resources and provides strong incentives for management. However, in emerging markets, divestitures are less likely due to a less developed financial market and the advantages associated with maintaining a large size and control.

The first study focuses on how listed companies …

Cloud One Migration Schedule Drivers And Schedule Growth, Ryan J. Jansen

Theses and Dissertations

Cloud One, chartered in 2017 under the guidance of Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) leadership, continues to serve as the USAF’s leading cloud services and hosting platform by providing secure computing environments, application migration assistance, and data management. Prior research has yielded qualitative insights regarding Cloud One’s personnel requirements, application of technical performance, requirements fulfillment, security risks, and various other cost metrics, but schedule improvement recommendations based on the quantitative analysis of migration schedule data has yet to be provided. This research identifies trends within migration sprint schedules and completed schedule data for Cloud One’s completed application migrations. …

A Computer And Processor Analysis: Developing Cost Relationships And Factors Of Satellite Subsystems, Dawson J. Vasconi

Theses and Dissertations

By establishing the United States Space Force in 2019, the United States recognized the space domain as a primary focus and prioritized the rapid fielding, amplification, and development of their space enterprise. One step to dominate the domain is to efficiently manage costs within the USSF space satellite portfolio. To achieve this step, it is paramount to understand the importance of lower-level cost driving components, like microelectronics, within the work breakdown structure (WBS) of each space satellite program. In this thesis, one area of cost-driving microelectronic is investigated within the lower-level of the WBS: computers and processors. These components on …

Factors Affecting The Retention Of Active Duty Airmen, Gregory A. Picardi

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the factors influencing the early exit of active duty Airmen, particularly in the context of the recruitment challenges faced by the USAF in Fiscal Year 2023. The research highlights the significant impact of the implementation of MHS Genesis, a healthcare administration program, on recruitment processes and the broader issues affecting military recruitment, including physical and emotional trauma concerns among potential recruits. Through a survey conducted at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base involving 251 participants, the study utilizes a Chi-square test to explore the primary and secondary reasons for leaving active duty, with family pressure, stability, and financial reasons …

Measuring The Comparative Performance Of Usaf Behavioral Health Clinic Operations: Emphasis On Capacity, Daniel L. Straw

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the operations of behavioral health clinics in Air Force Continental United States facilities, with a focus on operational efficiency and capacity through Data Envelopment Analysis. Most facilities operate near capacity, demonstrating efficient resource usage, but concerns arise with the potential of increased demand. Days-to-care and leakage are identified as major sources of inefficiency, suggesting that addressing these issues can enhance operations and reduce costs. The study also explores the impact of COVID-19 on care delivery.

Comparative Analysis Of Satellite Battery Technologies: A Cross-Sectional And Temporal Study Within And Across Battery Types, Andrew H. Chung

Theses and Dissertations

Trends in costs for batteries incorporated in satellite electrical power systems (EPS) have been identified by Space Systems Command (SSC) within the Unmanned Space Vehicle Cost Model (USCM) database. A subset of pre-1980s data consisting of Nickel-Cadmium battery costs was excluded from battery cost estimating relationship (CER) development as a result of this determination. This research aims to ascertain the impacts of these trends on satellite cost estimating practices by assessing developments in battery costs over time, comparing normalized Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) / NickelHydrogen (NiH2) / Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery costs, identifying differences between the NiH2 and Li-Ion modern battery types, and …

A Job Satisfaction Evaluation Of Nursing In The United States And Greece Utilizing The American Nurses Association's Scope And Standards Of Practice, Audrey Narhi

Honors Projects

Nursing is a multifaceted profession that is constantly evolving with the health needs of the populations it serves. Professional organizations within the field utilize evidence-based practice to provide guidelines of what best-practice nursing is. This study aims to evaluate if the American Nurse's Association (ANA), a professional nursing organization in the United States, supports the realities of nursing in a rural US hospital. An international perspective is also considered by evaluating the same principles to a urban hospital in Athens, Greece. Categories that align with ANA Scope and Standards, including workplace environment, career development, supervisor relationships, and personal work practice, …

Jetty, Gabriella Plue

Graphic Communication

In recent years, the intersection of environmental consciousness and consumer behavior has catalyzed the emergence of innovative brands committed to sustainability. Among these is Jetty, a sun care brand that epitomizes the ethos of environmental stewardship while meeting the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, particularly surfers. By blending the principles of eco-friendliness with high-performance sun protection, Jetty not only addresses the immediate concerns of sun exposure but also aligns with broader initiatives aimed at coral reef conservation. This paper delves into the inception, development process, marketing strategies, and theoretical underpinnings of the Jetty project, while also reflecting on potential avenues for …

Electric Vehicle Support Equipment Deployment At Military Installations: A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Approach, Katelyn M. Barton

Theses and Dissertations

This research provides insights into a mixed integer linear programming model that finds the ideal number and type of Electric Vehicle Support Equipment (EVSE) required to meet U.S. military installations’ electric energy demands. Executive Order No. 14057 (2021) requires federal agencies to transition to electric non-tactical vehicles by 2035. This research determines minimum cost solutions to implement the transition incorporating real-world constraints, including the weekly vehicle mileage demand, EVSE cost, charging time, and EVSE capacity. This study contributes to the broader effort of the U.S. military to combat climate change and enhances the understanding of efficient EVSE deployment strategies in …

Examining The Effect Of Contractor Logistics Support On The Reliability Of Military Aircraft, Rodrigo S. Campos De Moura

Theses and Dissertations

This study utilizes survival analysis for examining the effect of Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) on the reliability of military aircraft before and after implementing CLS. The provider of CLS in this study is the original equipment manufacturer that designed and produced the target aircraft of this study, the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano.

Advanced Intermediate Manufacturing (Aim) Supply Chain Concepts Leading To Reduced Lead Times And Improved Responsiveness, Eric S. Draudt

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the optimization of the supply chain for key aircraft components, focusing on the implementation of Advanced Intermediate Manufacturing (AIM) production facilities. Utilizing anyLogistix, the study compares the current supply chain model based on Supply Chain Operations Wing (SCOW) data with various AIM production facility configurations: single, dual, quadruple, and three utilization-driven models (high, medium, and low). The findings demonstrate that integrating AIM production facilities significantly reduces lead times, with even a single facility dramatically cutting down the lead time from over 800 days to approximately 104 days. The utilization models further provide insights into operational flexibility under …

An Integer Programming Model To Optimize Us Army Deployment Cycle And Maximize Unit Availability, Grant R. Engel

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this paper is to determine an optimal cycle length, in months, that minimizes costs and maximizes availability for deploying units in the United States (US) Army. The US Army must be cost efficient while maintaining the flexibility required to adapt to dynamic mission demand. The current practice is to deploy units for a length between the range of 6 to 12 months; however, this varies from unit to unit and the best policy is not clear. We address these issues by forming a mathematical programming model with unique characteristics that distinguish it from others of similar design. …

The Impact Of Solar Angle And Cloud Shadows On 3d Reconstruction Of Rolling Stock Cargo, Carlina M. Ostrand

Theses and Dissertations

Meeting the relentless demand for more efficient air cargo transportation is paramount. This paper explores an innovative approach, harnessing cutting-edge stereoscopic vision technology to create 3D point clouds of rolling stock cargo, adaptable to varying solar angles and cloud shadow conditions. A virtual cargo image is generated by systematically organizing depth and location points. Accuracy is rigorously tested across six camera positions offering detailed, real-time insights for optimized cargo loading in unpredictable outdoor conditions. The findings reveal the impact of solar positioning, cloud coverage, & camera placement, pushing the boundaries of possibilities for cargo logistics in challenging environments.

Cost Estimating Relationships For Avionics Recurring Production Box Costs, Carla J. Cisneros

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates a dataset of 286 Department of Defense (DoD) avionics boxes, employing regression methods to establish seven cost estimation relationships (CERs) for predicting avionics recurring production box costs. Not confined to T100 costs, three baseline models use Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) T100 cost, explaining 83%, 86%, and 83% of dataset variation. Additionally, four robust models depict mean and median, T100 OLS, and T100 non-linear learning curves, explaining 67%, 65%, 97%, and 87% of the variation. These models strike a balance between simple baseline and overly complex computational models. Identified cost drivers include weight, year of first flight, volume, …

An Assignment Model For Lateral Transfers Matching Base Repair Facilities To Xf3 Coded Nsns Requiring Repair, George D. Valaika

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses challenges in efficiently distributing reparable National Stock Numbers (NSNs) to base-level repair facilities, aiming to ease strain on depot resources. It establishes a network integrating bases with similar repair capabilities for NSNs and allocates NSNs to balance repair capacities. Drawing from USAF reparable inventory modeling and inventory management theory, it generates data mimicking historical data to maximize total expected part repairs by assigning NSNs based on the best percentage of base repair (PBR).

Development Of Cost Factors For Satellite Rechargeable Batteries, Katelyn A. Clements

Theses and Dissertations

Factors are often used by the cost estimating profession to predict costs of future projects or project components. Cost factors can be useful when little to no cost data is available from which to build an initial estimate or as an easy-to-use cross check of a primary estimate. Specific to satellites, previous studies have examined cost factors at higher Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) levels (e.g., Level 2 or Level 3), while this research analyzes cost factors developed using data specific to rechargeable batteries at USCM WBS Level 4 and its parent, the Electrical Power System (EPS) at Level 3. Within …

An Introduction Of Adaptive Training Aid Concepts And Its Application To Accelerated Training For Air Battle Managers, John C. Gillispie

Theses and Dissertations

Over the years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable autonomous systems has undergone transformative shifts in the Department of Defense (DoD), revolutionizing capabilities and strategic approaches. To further optimize these advancements, varying levels of autonomy have been introduced across critical military applications, spanning intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), air battle management, and offensive/defensive air operations. As the technological landscape expands, so do the opportunities for autonomy to augment operations through human-agent teaming. Within the Air Force, one notably cognitively demanding role that stands to benefit from these strides is that of the Air Battle Manager (ABM). In support of …

Level 2 Work Breakdown Structure Cost Growth Analysis, Kyle P. Marquis

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis analyzes first and second level WBS elements of 59 historical USAF Acquisition Category I RDT&E programs for accuracy and influence on the overall program cost growth. For the accuracy analysis portion, the mean, 15th, and 85th percentiles of common practice estimates at completion are compared with the same percentiles for distributions generated using the data. The results reveal a trend of substantial underestimation of risks associated with cost overruns. For the influence portion, this thesis analyzes the effect that cost growth trends of different second level WBS elements have on cost growth of the overall program through regression …

Exploring Fiscal Year Budget Assessments: A Look At Sbir/Sttr And Congressional Rescissions, Bryan N. Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between acquisition programs within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (LCMC) and budgetary assessments from both the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR & STTR) programs, as well as Congressional Rescissions. It analyzes the tendency and severity of budget cuts across different programs, considering factors such as completion time, budget activities, and a variable akin to true Acquisition Category (ACAT) levels. Key findings include a significant difference in the rates of proportion of programs assessed between appropriations 3010 (23.65%) and 3600 (67.05%) from fiscal years 2010-2023. The research indicates a …

Applying Digital Engineering To Defense Acquisitions Through Model-Based Systems Engineering And Discrete Event Simulation, Michael T. Shutlock

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) faces a critical challenge as acquisition professionals strive to grasp the intricacies of the acquisition process. This study proposes an innovative approach to cultivate a more informed and capable acquisition workforce through the integration of digital engineering, specifically Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) toolsets. Embracing digital transformation with MBSE provides a comprehensive understanding, implementing step-by-step procedures with an interface designed to handle vast amounts of information differently. The merging of MBSE's visual modeling with DES's dynamic simulation offers a holistic view, empowering acquisition professionals with robust planning and risk management …

Human Capital Impacts In Military Acquisition, David K. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense has historically struggled to control both cost and schedule growth within acquisitions programs. Many studies have investigated these issues, but very few have explored the impact of human capital in improving performance outcomes. This study provides a description of current acquisition team manning and performs contingency table analysis to evaluate the impact of personnel, base, and ACAT on cost and schedule performance. The results of the study suggest that personnel has little to no impact on performance metrics of any kind, indicating that teams are allocated effectively. The study also suggests that ACAT 3 programs are …

Valuing Circularity: Sustainable Finance With Real Options Methodology, Mostafa Alloub

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents an enhanced framework for valuing circular investments based on the Value Hill model using real options analysis. We propose a new flexible numerical methodology for valuing circularity using the Least Squares Monte Carlo simulation (LSMC) method of Longstaff and Schwartz (2001). The Value Hill model of circularity represents the course followed by the value of an asset, specifically after primary use. To validate the efficiency of our model, we conduct an empirical study on the smartphone business using the case of Apple. Results of our empirical analysis show that investing in circularity enhances financial value. Our model …

Consumers' Acceptance To Buy And Dispose Of Recycling Textile Products, Roa Alsayed

Theses and Dissertations

The textile industry is the second most polluting worldwide, following food manufacturing. It is one of the industries that is rarely scrutinized in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This work analyzes the fashion industry from the perspective of consumer attitudes towards the purchase and disposal of clothing, and their behavior with regards to old garments. The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two countries that achieved similar results in the fashion industry. The methodology is divided into three phases. First, the manuscript begins with a review of topics such as sustainability, consumer behavior in the …

Is Esg A Determinant Of Banks’ Resilience And Growth Everywhere? A Response From An Ai-Aided Approach, Mohamed Elklawy

Theses and Dissertations

There are many calls for banks to expand their contribution to the transition towards a sustainable world by sponsoring initiatives that promote the United National Sustainable Development Goals. This role is more materialized in developing countries as banks are the key source of funding; thus, they have the power of money to mutate the DNA of businesses to operate responsibly with respect to the surrounding environment and society. Various studies consider the reflection of adopting sustainable approaches by banks, though focusing on developed countries who took the initiative to lead this change. As the banks in developing countries try to …

Assessing Adoption Barriers Of Sustainable Packaging In Egypt, Carol Ramses Morgan

Theses and Dissertations

Sustainable packaging has become an essential part of business decisions and corporate directions. With the rise of environmental damages due to improper waste management and unsustainable practices, businesses have a major responsibility to analyze their products’ life cycles and redesign them with sustainability in mind. Applying sustainable packaging could save companies large amounts of resources, therefore cutting costs, while also achieving the legal and social duty as a corporation towards society and the environment. Many developing countries, with specific focus on Egypt, have recently focused on legislative and corporate decisions in order to encourage more sustainable practices. Egypt’s new Waste …

Strategies Adopted By Tourism Leaders To Reduce Tourist Harassment, Shawn Marie Scarlett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some hotel tourism managers and small and medium-sized business owners lack strategies to reduce tourist harassment. Tourism leaders are concerned with tourist harassment because it is one of the significant causes of dissatisfaction for guests. Grounded in the stakeholder theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore strategies adopted by tourism leaders to reduce tourist harassment. The participants comprised four tourism leaders and experts in the tourism sector who employed strategies to diminish tourist harassment in their organizations. The data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of implemented policies. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis …