Business Commons^™

A Cross National Comparison Of Family Friendly Work Policies: The Potential Influence Of Cultural Values, Adeline Grace Hardten

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Around the world people must work for a living, but also must raise their families. To balance these obligations, parents need high levels of support. But the existence of family friendly work policies, defined as paid parental leave and affordable, high-quality childcare, vary significantly across nations, making it difficult for many to obtain the necessary support. Research indicates that countries providing supportive family friendly policies see economic benefits, increases in profitability, and stronger overall youth development. Even though research reveals strong positive outcomes, there is a deficiency of exploration into why more countries still lack comprehensive policies that support working …

Sustainable Management Of Groundwater In Louisiana, Dependra Bhatta

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The common property nature of the Mississippi River Alluvial Aquifer (MRAA) results in the formation of a cone of depression in the southern portion of the aquifer encompassing Concordia parish, Louisiana. Excessive groundwater withdrawal and the resulting cone of depression formation have caused some wells to go dry and others to be affected by saltwater intrusion. The depleting groundwater stock can be managed optimally using different groundwater management policies. The findings of this dissertation are relevant to both policymakers and researchers to understand the effects of policies to keep the aquifer sustainable.

My dissertation is written in a three-essay format. …

Factors Motivating Leaders To Volunteer: An Examination Of Volunteer Leadership In Long-Term Post-Acute Care, Christian Allen Mason

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Volunteer literature presents distinct insights into the motives, individual personalities, and socio demographic characteristics of volunteers. Numerous studies exploring the cognitive, behavioral, and functional approaches to volunteerism populate the literature. However, comparatively little research has been conducted focusing on the specific motives leading association members to volunteer in nonprofit health care trade associations. Yet, non-profit health care trade associations offer some of the highest volunteer rates. Using the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI), this study examines the functional motivations of professional long-term post-acute care (LTPAC) leaders volunteering in a member-driven trade association. This research examines intrinsic and extrinsic motivations using a …

Crisis, Crisis, Read All About It! Investigating The Direct And Joint Effects Of Crisis Response Strategies, Crisis History And Strategic Actions On The Tone Of Media Coverage, Habiba Nefisa Alambo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Crisis management research has focused on how crisis stricken firms protect their reputation by communicating appropriate messages to evaluators and employing strategic actions that favorably shape public opinion about the stricken firm. Developing conversations have addressed how a firm’s crisis history may impact current crisis management efforts. However, little is known about how these factors jointly and directly influence what is said about a crisis stricken firm and subsequently impact evaluators’ perceptions.

Primarily guided by the tenets of attribution and situational crisis communication theories, I studied the interactive and main effects of crisis response strategies (accommodative, reframing and defensive), crisis …

Development Of Next-Generation, Fast, Accurate, Transferable, And Polarizable Force-Fields For Heterogenous Material Simulations, Adam E. Hogan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Theoretical modeling is extremely useful in guiding to experiment; however quantitatively accurate modeling of energy-relevant small molecule sorption at the heterogeneous interfaces present in metal-organic materials (MOMs) is currently challenging. MOMs are an emerging class of materials consisting of inorganic clusters and organic linkers that offer great potential in the areas of gas storage, gas separation, and catalysis due to the possibility of large surface areas, complex heterogeneous surfaces, and rational designability. Efficient chemical separations involving these materials could reduce the US’s total energy consumption by approximately 10 to 15%. In this dissertation, the parameterization of small molecules and metal …

Corporate Brand Impact On Sales / Revenue Per Share, Brad A. Puckey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to identify the linkage between the corporate brand and sales / revenue per share growth. Utilizing a unique database, the CoreBrand® Index, this study is a quantitative analysis of the interaction between the corporate brand and financial data. A relationship between corporate brand and financial data has been suspected by practitioners; however, it has never been proven. For the first time, quantitative analysis is conducted in this dissertation using this unique dataset.

This study is intended to help those responsible for managing corporate brands to better understand their impacts and benefits. The more that …

Who Rises To The Top: An Investigation Of The Essential Skills Necessary For Partners Of Non-Big 4 Public Accounting Firms, Amanda K. Thompson-Abbott

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The public accounting industry will face several challenges in the upcoming years. One challenge is an aging workforce that will be retiring in large numbers. This shift will result in a shortage of partner-ready candidates. The second challenge involves rapid technological disruption that is predicted to change the skill sets needed for success. Both issues underscore the need to recruit and retain talent in the public accounting profession. Academic research has focused primarily on Big 4 firms, so this paper focused on non-Big 4 firms. This study used exploratory research to examine two questions: “What skills does it take to …

An Analysis Of The Antecedents And Consequences Of Robotic Process Automation In Accounting Functions., Aharon Yoki

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Robotic Process Automation (“RPA”) is a recently emergent technology that has exploded in popularity as firms seek to capitalize upon the marketing promise of cost reduction and improved efficiency. Yet, with this expansion of RPA, very little is known about the firms’ initial drivers, perceptions during implementation, and how outcomes align with initial expectations. RPA could displace and dramatically change the workforce, but it is unclear how employees will respond to the continuing spread of RPA. This study seeks to fill that important gap in the scholarly literature with an exploratory mixed-methods study. The first chapter is an extensive literature …

Clarifying The Relationship Of Design Thinking To The Military Decision-Making Process, Thomas S. Fisher

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The complexity of today’s operational environment where military organizations are conducting campaigns to address some of the nation’s most urgent problems has grown exponentially. To address this expanding complexity, the Defense Department introduced ‘design’ into its problem-solving doctrine as a method to understand the new and dynamic challenges associated with this increasingly complex environment and provide a tool to augment its current doctrinal military decision-making process. However, it appears military ‘design’ as prescribed by the Department may be only marginally effective at producing viable solutions for solving the complex, ill-structured problems that current military campaigns were developed to resolve. This …

Do User-Generated Ratings Affect Hotel Valuations? – An Analysis Of The Chicago Hotel Market, Shailesh Patel

Dissertations

Today’s travelers are increasingly relying on aggregated online opinions to make purchase decisions. One of the sectors most impacted by these online reviews is the hospitality industry, where consumer review websites such as TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Bookings.com play a critical role in influencing consumer's choice of hotel and the price they will pay for the room. Recently, there have been studies investigating the various aspects of user-generated online reviews and ratings. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of user-generated ratings on hotel valuations. Our paper does this using regression analysis to study the impact of TripAdvisor …

Investors’ Reaction To Fund’S Performance: A Study On Fund Flow-Performance Relationship In Islamic Equity Funds - An International Evidence, Maimunah Johari

Student Works (2020-2029)

For many Islamic fund investors, in particular, the Muslims, the aim of their investment is not solely for financial rewards. Spiritual merits accrued through the observance of the Islamic principles brought forth another form of satisfaction. The compulsion to any investment, which involves any prohibited elements and businesses as prescribed by Shari’ah law, becomes an unidentified persuasion. These were despite theories, which expound that Islamic investment is a unique category of ethical investment invites a myriad of issues of investment inefficiencies. Investors who choose to invest with Islamic funds are considered irrational as they are ignoring the profitability and performance …

Bidirectional Influences Of Decisions And Outcomes On Organizational Identity And Sustainable Viability In Small, Private, Nonprofit, Mission-Focused Higher Education Institutions, Brian J. Gilliam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As educational leaders in small, private, nonprofit, mission-focused higher education institutions confront challenges, their decisions influence organizational identity, culture, and viability. Decision-making is informed in a complex environment of internal and external influences. The purpose of this research is engaged scholarship to inform practitioners of decision-making in mission-focused institutions with better understanding of why and how adaptation is occurring, and provide a conceptual framework for decision-making and further study of organizational leadership in this important sector of higher education.

Four-year private, nonprofit, degree-granting institutions represent 34% of all accredited institutions in the United States and serve over 5 million students. …

Barriers And Drivers Influencing The Growth Of E-Commerce In Uzbekistan, Madinakhon Tursunboeva

Theses and Dissertations

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) has become a major retail channel for businesses in developed countries. However, it is still considered an innovation in developing countries. Specifically, e-commerce in Uzbekistan is in the early stages of emergence despite its advance in recent years in terms of Internet penetration, a strong retail sector, new national regulations, and a young population. The study aimed to identify barriers and drivers influencing e-commerce growth in Uzbekistan. A Delphi research design was utilized to answer the research questions of the study, which categorized and ranked factors that Uzbekistani entrepreneurs are facing when engaging in e-commerce processes. A …

A History Of Nashville Children's Theatre: 1977-2019, Robert Roberts

Student Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to collect a formalized history of Nashville Children’s Theatre (or NCT), a nonprofit arts organization, between the years of 1977 and 2019. Previous theses by students at other universities have recorded NCT’s history prior to 1977, but much of the company’s evolution during the time since has only been kept via a loose oral tradition amongst employees, an oral tradition that becomes increasingly distorted and destroyed as staff members and volunteers come and go from the organization or pass-away. This thesis project collected memories from 18 individuals who worked for, volunteered with, performed at, …

Establishing Factors Affecting Tax Morale Of The Millennials In The Gig Economy, Farah Nabila Md Fadzil

Student Works (2020-2029)

The lack of clear conceptual framework and understanding of the tax morale in the gig economy is due to the contemporary literature being sparse. Considering the development of the gig economy, the purpose of this study is to provide insights on the factors affecting tax morale of those working in the gig economy. Data was then collected from millennials working in the gig economy through a questionnaire survey and analysed using second generation multivariate analysis, known as PLS-SEM. Taking into account self-efficacy and social cognitive theory as theoretical foundation, the findings reveal that while the extent of the dependency on …

Team-Based Effects On Individual Human Capital: A Proxy For Organizational Performance, Rob Carpenter

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation argues that in today’s changing and uncertain business environment, the success of an organization can be influenced by the organization’s ability to harness team-level feedback behaviors as drivers for organizational performance. This study illustrates this argument by conducting a stream of inquiry on higher-order cognitive capacities. Learning as cognition, critical thinking, sensemaking, and social identity were studied as output behaviors from the cognitive interplay of team-based activity. Then, rooted in a view of human capital theory, each higher-order cognitive output behavior was conceptually explored for successive benefit on individual human capital and a model for each benefit provided. …

Digital Identity: A Human-Centered Risk Awareness Study, Toufic N. Chebib

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cybersecurity threats and compromises have been at the epicenter of media attention; their risk and effect on people’s digital identity is something not to be taken lightly. Though cyber threats have affected a great number of people in all age groups, this study focuses on 55 to 75-year-olds, as this age group is close to retirement or already retired. Therefore, a notable compromise impacting their digital identity can have a major impact on their life.

To help guide this study, the following research question was formulated, “What are the risk perceptions of individuals, between the ages of 55 and 75 …

Consolidation In Liner Shipping : An Analysis Of Market Concentration In Liner Shipping In Ghana, Kwesi Saforo

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Capacity-Building, Corporate Social Responsibility And Cooperation In Ocean Governance : Securing A Sustainable Ocean Economy : A South African Approach, Sonia Ferreira

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Cyber-Security Risks And Liabilities In Modern Marine Insurance., Thi Hong Hanh Hoang

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Increasing Port Competitiveness By Enhancing Logistics Performance : A Case Of Madagascar, Rajoelina Francka Haingomalala

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Context And Enactment Of Faith-Based Social Entrepreneurship, Bruce R. Borquist

Business as Mission Theses and Dissertations

Faith-based organisations have been at the forefront of efforts to meet human need and effect positive social change for centuries, and they continue to make significant contributions to social welfare. However, a paucity of empirical research into the nature of faith-based social entrepreneurship limits knowledge and theory development and hinders the effectiveness of faith-based initiatives. In response, this thesis explores how a religious worldview intersects with values, gender and institutional logics to influence social entrepreneurial activity. The thesis thereby aims to develop new theoretical insights into the contextual embeddedness of the process of social entrepreneurship.

Qualitative, interpretive research based on …

Ndikimi I Pandemisë Në Zhvillimin Ekonomik, Florentina Vokshi

Theses and Dissertations

COVID-19, si ngjarje e rastësishme dhe e paparishkueshme, do të ketë ndikim negativ si në nivel të vendit ashtu edhe në nivel global, ku përpos që ka shkatërruar rendin shoqëror në fakt ky virus ka shkatërruar edhe ekonominë, duke krijuar një kollaps ekonomik si dhe duke shkaktuar humbje të mëdha të jetërave të njerëzve. Sa i përket tregut të punës në nivel vendi dhe në nivel ndërkombëtar do të ketë ndryshime të theksuara si rezultat I Covid-19, ku sipas raportit të publikuar nga ILO, për COVID-19 dhe botën e biznesit, ILO tregon se efektet ekonomike të pandemisë janë më seriozet …

Burimet E Financimit Të Firmave: Mundësitë Dhe Sfidat Rast Studimor: Gntc “Gorenje”, Skyfter Ibishi

Theses and Dissertations

Eshtë botërishtë e pranuar se NVM-të paraqesin strumbullarin e aktivitetit ekonomik, si në vendet e zhvilluara ashtu edhe tek ato në zhvillim. Posaçërisht, në ekonomitë në zhvillim, NVM-të japin kontribut të veqant në gjenerimin e vendeve të reja të punës, kontribute nëtë ardhura , inovacione teknologjike dhe qëndueshmëri sociale. Andaj, roli i financave është elementi kyq në zhvillimin e NVM-ve. Mirëpo, mungesa e financimit të nevojshëm, si dhe qasja në kredi, shpesh citohen si hendikepi kryesor në zhvillimin e NVM-ve në shumicën e vendeve të botës. Në punim do të trajtohen çështja e financimit, si në aspektin e ofertës së …

The Regulatory Framework Of The Market Of Corporate Control Legal And Economic Analysis Of The Saudi Case, Ali Al Sari

Maurer Theses and Dissertations

For many nations across the globe, especially the US and the UK, market for corporate control is a paradigm of policy agenda. This is a significant concept in of economics, finance, and law. Nevertheless, it remains a course of contention even though its merits and demerits have been extensively explored by numerous scholars. Among the various functions of market for corporate control, two stands out. First it is an external governance mechanism that provides a legal platform to discipline insiders. Secondly it has economic significance in ensuring optimal use of resources through assigning and promoting their use. Overlapping of interests, …

Market To Me: A Case Study On The Marketing Efforts Of Salesforce Software Company, Marissa Adrianna Spiess Espinola

Experience Industry Management

Social media platforms constitute outstanding channels for fostering relationships with consumers. Recently, there has been a drastic shift towards social media marketing and away from traditional marketing. Marketers are beginning to understand the importance of social media opportunity and are implementing social media marketing strategies and initiatives into companywide marketing practices. Companies cannot afford to lack presence on social media, as competitors could outpace them with marketing efforts of products and services to the public. Social media has become a necessary tool when marketing and advertising. The purpose of this study was to examine social media marketing practices of Salesforce …

The Influence Of Incumbent- And Successor-Related Factors On Succession Process In Family Firms: Exploring The Role Of Values In Family Business Succession, Shengqin Zhu

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Succession has been a major concern for family business. Although past research studies how to make successful family business succession from factors related to both incumbents and successors, most studies assume incumbents as the key driver of the succession process. Based on the literature about factors contributing to family business succession, the current research adopts a more comprehensive approach by combining qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine what factors lead to succession success and how to manage the succession process. Viewing succession as the process of mutual role adjustments of incumbents and successors, the qualitative research examines the interactions …

Employees’ Ritual Sense In Organization: A Scale Development Study And Effects Of Ritual Sense On Employee Outcomes, Jun Liang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The present research is focused on the topic of organizational rituals. On the basis of reviewing existing studies of organizational rituals, the present investigation (1) developed the scale of employees’ ritual sense and (2) empirically tested the effects of ritual sense in impacting employees’ workplace consequences. Two independent studies were conducted to develop the scale of employees’ ritual sense and to investigate how and when ritual sense is associated with employees’ workplace outcomes. Specifically, using data collected from 418 employees in China, Study 1 develops and validates an individual level measure of employee’s ritual sense. Collecting another sample of 453 …

The Warner Theater Business Plan, Nicholas Adams

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Developing A Competency Model For Highway Safety Engineers: A Delphi Method, Garrett K. Wheat

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the core competencies needed by State DOT Highway Safety Engineers as perceived by Highway Safety experts in the United States. First, a list of competencies was identified. Next, a panel of Highway Safety experts determined the importance of each identified competency for the current year (2020) and for the future (year 2030). Finally, ratings provided by the panel were tested for the presence of consensus.

For this study, the researcher used a Delphi Method as classified by Delbecq, Van de Ven, and Gaustafson (1975). Through this method, a panel of forward-thinking …