Business Commons^™

Knowledge Gaps About Micronutrient Deficiencies In Tanzania And The Effect Of Information Interventions, Pius Kilasy, Brandon R. Mcfadden, Kelly A. Davidson, Leah H. Palm-Forster

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Reducing micronutrient malnutrition (“hidden hunger”) in low-income countries is a global challenge, particularly among women, children, and high-poverty households. Countries like Tanzania have developed diverse strategies to combat malnutrition, including the biofortification of staple foods. However, broad awareness and knowledge of micronutrient deficiencies and beneficial foods are needed for these strategies to be effective. The objectives of this study were to (i) examine Tanzanian consumers' initial awareness and knowledge of deficiencies for four micronutrients and associated biofortified foods, and (ii) to examine the effectiveness of targeted communication approaches (i.e., information and branding) to improve knowledge. Data were collected from 1029 …

How Will California’S Electric Vehicle Policy Impact State-Generated Transportation Revenues? Projecting Scenarios Through 2040, Asha Weinstein Agrawal, Hannah King, H. A. “Burt” Tasaico

Mineta Transportation Institute

California faces unprecedented uncertainty about how much revenue the state will raise from a package of taxes on motor fuels and annual registration fees on light-duty vehicles that was established in 2017 by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). The SB 1 taxes are by far the largest source of revenue that the State of California generates to support maintenance, operations, and improvements for state highways, and the funds also contribute substantially to local transportation and public transit budgets. To help policymakers navigate the uncertainty about future SB 1 transportation revenue, this study used spreadsheet models to project revenue from the …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 49, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Mixed Reality For In-Field Construction Activities: A Systematic Literature Review To Identify Challenges And Solutions, Sumanth Sai. P., Jason Lucas

The Professional Constructor

With the new industrial revolution, “Industry 4.0,” it is important to understand and incorporate the new standards and technologies evolving in the market. Industry 4.0 relies on the integrated use of big data and analytics coupled with various technologies to help make decisions and manage projects. This revolution has brought Mixed Reality (MR) into the construction field. Mixed reality (MR) offers significant benefits for smart industries, such as enhancing productivity, training, manufacturing, error correction, assembly, and packaging processes. But how feasible are Mixed Reality Technologies (MRTs) considering the high initial investment required for acquiring devices, subscribing to services, planning and …

Computer-Integrated Construction Management With Procore, Vedanth Ashoka, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry faces difficulties in managing the enormous amounts of data generated at each stage of a project, impacting project coordination and decision-making. Currently the industry is facing the issue of a lack of interoperability among the multiple software programs being used for different functions. To address this lack of interoperability, there is a need for an integrated environment that allows seamless flow of data between different functions. Among the few software tools that have emerged in recent year, Procore, a cloud-based construction project management software, has emerged as a widely used solution in the industry, enabling collaboration among …

Understanding The Impact Of Trade Policy Effect Uncertainty On Firm-Level Innovation Investment: A Deep Learning Approach, Daniel Chang, Nan Hu, Peng Liang, Morgan Swink

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Integrating the real options perspective and resource dependence theory, this study examines how firms adjust their innovation investments to trade policy effect uncertainty (TPEU), a less studied type of firm specific, perceived environmental uncertainty in which managers have difficulty predicting how potential policy changes will affect business operations. To develop a text-based, context-dependent, time-varying measure of firm-level perceived TPEU, we apply Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), a state-of-the-art deep learning approach. We apply BERT to analyze the texts of mandatory Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) sections of annual reports for a sample of 22,669 firm-year observations from 3,181 unique …

Non-Monotonic Generation Of Knowledge Paths For Context Understanding, Pei-Chi Lo, Ee-Peng Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Knowledge graphs can be used to enhance text search and access by augmenting textual content with relevant background knowledge. While many large knowledge graphs are available, using them to make semantic connections between entities mentioned in the textual content remains to be a difficult task. In this work, we therefore introduce contextual path generation (CPG) which refers to the task of generating knowledge paths, contextual path, to explain the semantic connections between entities mentioned in textual documents with given knowledge graph. To perform CPG task well, one has to address its three challenges, namely path relevance, incomplete knowledge graph, and …

Root And Causes Of Skilled Labor Shortage In Construction Industry: Comprehensive Literature Review, Nicholas Hardy, Carolina Barbosa-Resende, James Kereri, Arash Taghinezhad

The Professional Constructor

The skilled labor shortage is well documented from a historical perspective via studies focusing various construction trades such as carpentry, mechanical, electric and plumbing, and tile setters. Causes of such shortages such as industry image, college as a preferred choice after high school, and construction being a last resort have been investigated extensively. Consequently, possible solutions ranging from amplifying shop classes in high school to intensifying recruiting efforts for union training programs have all been addressed throughout the last 40 years. However, recent studies have focused on identifying the magnitude and reach of the skilled labor gap while limited attention …

The Role Of The Social Network In Adopting New Turfgrass Varieties: An Analysis Of Twitter Data, Joohun Han, Chanjin Chung, Yanqi Wu

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study examines the effect of social learning on new turfgrass variety adoption decisions using data from 231 turfgrass professionals’ Twitter accounts between 1 Jun 2018 and 31 Dec 2019. To determine the social learning effect, we decompose networking effects into social learning, individual-level and group-level similarities, herd behavior, and clustering effects. Our study estimates a spatial autoregressive probit model that directly incorporates the social network structure to account for unobservable networking effects and potential reflection problem. A Bayesian estimation procedure is used to alleviate the convergence problem caused by the complexity of model specification. Empirical results show that the …

Interrelationships Among The Rice Export Prices Of Major Exporting Countries: In Search Of The Leader And Followers, Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb, Alvaro Durand-Morat

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

By examining the econometric interrelationships of rice export prices of India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, this study examines the most influential rice-exporting countries in the international rice export market. The sampled countries are the source of more than 80% of the global rice exports. In the process, this study relies on online data portals of the United Nations and country-level sources for aromatic and non-aromatic rice export price information from India, Pakistan, and Thailand. This study employed the Prais-Winsten and Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) estimation processes with the error correction procedure. Combining the findings from …

Horse Racing And Historical Horse Racing’S Impact On The Kentucky Economy: Possible Hhr Saturation?, Thomas E. Lambert

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

The Commonwealth of Kentucky currently has 5 thoroughbred racing tracks and 3 harness racing tracks (Kentucky Horse Racing Commission 2023 and Mint Julep Louisville 2021). As Table 1 below shows, the industry employees roughly 7,000 people (direct jobs), and these jobs annually support another 2,000 jobs or so throughout the state. These 2,000 jobs are jobs that are provided by the suppliers to the horse race tracks (indirect jobs) and jobs that are created by the spending of the race track employees and the employees of suppliers on food, housing, transportation, and clothing by vendors and retailers throughout the state …

“Safe” Annuity Retirement Products And A Possible Us Retirement Crisis, Thomas E. Lambert, Christopher B. Tobe

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This paper examines a looming possible crisis in many Americans’ retirement plans due to the proliferation of annuity products in their retirement investment portfolios. As defined benefit pension plans have almost completely disappeared as a means of retirement savings and have been replaced by defined contribution retirement plans over the last 40 to 50 years, a great number of private and public sector defined contribution retirement plans have become laden with insurance contracts called annuities. Of the remaining solid defined benefit plans many, through a process called Pension Risk Transfer are being converted to high-risk single entity annuities. Such products …

Historical Horse Racing Dominates Gambling Expenditures In Kentucky—Even Outperforms The Lottery. But Why?, Thomas E. Lambert

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

With sports gambling coming to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in September 2023, another competitor to various gaming activities in the state raises the question of how it is doing relative to the others, especially its major competition. As can be seen in the table below, for its first four months of operation, sports gambling in the state brings in almost $900 million and averages around $223 million per month. This average is better than typical monthly lottery sales which come in at around $161 million per month and is far above on and off-track (including simulcasting) racing betting which averages …

The Impact Of Resilience On A Middle Manager’S Resistance To Organizational Change, April D. Hall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Change is never ending in organizations, as it is necessary to maintain a competitive advantage. Although change is needed, research shows most change implementations do not succeed.

Middle managers (MMs) are considered the main facilitators of change. They receive directive for change and are tasked with not only processing and accepting the change but also communicating the directive down into the ranks and executing upon it. This basic qualitative study explored how resilience can aid an MM when implementing change, where resistance is present. The conceptual framework for this study included Lewin’s (1947) three-stage model of change theory and the …

Empowering Voices: Exploring The Career Trajectories Of Women Of Color Hr Professionals Amid Disruptive Change, Brandi R. Muñoz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated strategies to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives in organizational leadership, focusing on supporting women of color in the workplace. The specific problem addressed was the underrepresentation and barriers faced by women of color in leadership positions despite their potential contributions to organizational success. The study employed a qualitative approach, combining qualitative interviews with socioeconomic data analysis. Data collection methods included semistructured interviews with women of color and a survey to gather demographic and employment information. The sample consisted of 16 women of color human resource professionals working in various industries and organizational settings across the …

End-User Device Management In The Air And Space Forces, Joshua Bonvissuto

Theses and Dissertations

When achieving technical superiority is a matter a national security, it is critical that the Department of the Air Force (DAF) employs a robust Information Technology Asset Management (ITAM) strategy that maximizes mission effectiveness. Since 2022, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (SAF/CN) has been developing a plan to transform the Air Force’s ITAM strategy, primarily intending to centralize End User Device (EUD) procurement to the DAF level. For this study, a Delphi study was conducted to gather expert opinions on key aspects of SAF/CN’s new ITAM strategy to identify strengths, weaknesses, and implementation challenges. This research provides valuable …

Enablers, Barriers And Strategies For Adopting New Technology In Accounting, Denise Jackson, Christina Allen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Although the benefits of technological innovation are widely recognised, the accounting profession continues to undervalue and inadequately leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and blockchain. This study builds on earlier work on the antecedents and barriers to technology adoption and considers the role of technological, organisational and environmental factors in the accounting context. The mixed methods design involved surveying 585 accounting managers in Australia and parts of South-East Asia and interviewing 20 Australian accounting managers. Using the Technology–Organisation–Environment model, the study explored differences in the importance of factors by region and organisational type and investigated manager perspectives …

Investigating The Impact Of Company Announcements On Stock Prices: An Application Of Machine Learning On Australian Lithium Market, Ahmad Kianrad, Mohadeseh N. Arani, Karim Hasani, Masoumeh Zargar, Eila Erfani, Amir Razmjou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper investigates the effects of various types of announcements made by lithium producers on stock prices. We collected data from 40 lithium-producing companies listed on the world's largest stock exchanges, spanning from May 2020 to September 2022. To analyze the impact of announcements such as quoted and unquoted securities, market announcements, company reports, public meetings and presentations, financial announcements, and technical announcements on stock prices, we employed an extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model. Our results indicate that stock exchange market announcements and announcements about public meetings and presentations significantly influenced the stock prices of all eight large-cap companies studied. …

An Experimental Study For The Decision-Making Support Of Shared Transport Options In Western Australia, Ferry Jie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The road transport systems have a direct impact on both passenger and freight movements, leading towards negative environmental effects plus economical and societal costs. It has reached an alarming level. Afford to purchase more than one vehicle by an individual who can pay for it may solve the transportation problem for them; however, not everyone has a personal vehicle for movement. Moreover, providing public transport facilities to everyone on a demand basis or on time basis is not possible for several reasons. Further, personal or commercial vehicles are not being used all the time or not carrying passengers in full …

Assessing The Eco-Efficiency Of Cruise Tourism At The National Level: Determinants, Challenges, And Opportunities For Sustainable Development, Ruihong Sun, Xinliang Ye, Qianyu Li, Noel Scott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In the face of the cruise industry's rapid global expansion and its significant interplay with national tourism, economic growth, and environmental conservation, a notable gap exists in comprehensively evaluating its eco-efficiency. This study aims to fill this gap by implementing a novel analytical framework, merging the undesirable slack-based measure (SBM) model with fraction regression model (FRM) analysis. This approach is designed to dissect the complex relationship between economic development, environmental impact, and resource consumption in the context of cruise tourism. The study applies this integrated methodology to data from 11 countries, spanning from 2010 to 2018. The findings reveal marked …

A Review Of The Business Capstone: Working With An Education Program, Hanna Tran

University Honors Theses

This review thesis walks through the business capstone process which is a hands-on experience with a local business client. The business client, Company A, is an arts and education program that has reached out to the School of Business's capstone class to help them improve their reach to potential customers and find alternative funding other than student tuition and donations. To achieve these goals, our group conducted several analyses and thorough research combined with our existing business education. Our findings and final recommendations are shown in presentations and a final report that the business client can utilize for their future …

Impact Of Geopolitical Risk And Crude Oil Prices On Stock Return, Chinmaya Behera, Biswashree Tanaya Priyadarsini, Debasis Patnaik

Bulletin of Monetary Economics and Banking

This study examines the impact of oil prices and geopolitical risks (GPR) on sectoral stock returns in Australia, Japan, USA, and India. Using data from September 13, 2017 to May 30, 2023 and Westerlund and Narayan's method, the study finds oil prices positively affect pharma and commodity stocks, while GPR benefits commodity stocks, excluding banking in Australia. Further, GPR negatively impacts only banking stocks due to increased uncertainty and risk aversion in USA. Similarly, GPR adversely affects banking stocks in India that leads capital outflows and economic instability, while oil prices positively influence pharma and commodity stocks. Policymakers …

Promoting Financial Inclusivity, A Route To Economic Growth: An Empirical Analysis From Sub-Saharan African Countries, Sulayman Jallow, Pradipta Kumar Sahoo, Bamadev Mahapatra

Bulletin of Monetary Economics and Banking

The present study deep dives into the relationship between financial inclusion and per capita income growth of 42 sub-Saharan African countries from 2007 to 2020. With the help of the generalized method of moments (GMM) modeling framework, the study discloses that a rise in the number of bank branches, automated teller machines, and savings stimulates per capita economic growth. Conversely, an elevated number of credit provisions to the private sector and high growth of population hinder per capita economic growth. The policy recommendation is for banking authorities to expand their services to underserved areas, raise interest rates on deposits, and …

Marketing Management Of Online Negative Reviews Of Medical Services, Christopher Edward Feltes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Various internet platforms contain the ability to share information about medical services. These internet platforms include patient review websites, online forums, and social media websites. Some of the information that customers share are reviews of their negative medical experience. Much of the related research includes exploring the problem of online negative reviews of medical services from a medical professional perspective on how to manage the situation with the patient. This research project includes exploring the role of marketing professionals and the situation of customers producing online negative reviews of medical services. The general problem addressed is the detrimental impact of …

2024-02-29 Pg-57 Revisal, Morehead State University. Staff Congress.

Staff Congress Records

Revisal of PG-57 Retired Faculty and Staff Re-Employment Program as presented to the Staff Congress on February 29, 2024.

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning On Organizations Cybersecurity, Mustafa Abdulhussein

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As internet technology proliferate in volume and complexity, the ever-evolving landscape of malicious cyberattacks presents unprecedented security risks in cyberspace. Cybersecurity challenges have been further exacerbated by the continuous growth in the prevalence and sophistication of cyber-attacks. These threats have the capacity to disrupt business operations, erase critical data, and inflict reputational damage, constituting an existential threat to businesses, critical services, and infrastructure. The escalating threat is further compounded by the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which have increasingly become tools in the cybercriminal arsenal. In this dynamic landscape, the emergence of offensive AI introduces …

The Impact Of Social Media On Customer Behavior – Evidence From Lebanon, Nada Jabbour Al Maalouf, Jean Elia, Chadia Sawaya, Fawzy Boutros

Arab Economic and Business Journal

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of social media advertising on customer behavior; specifically its impact on customer decision-making through social proof, customer perceptions of brands, and customer loyalty. No studies tackled this topic in Lebanon and this gap was the main motive behind this study.

Method: A quantitative deductive method was employed and a questionnaire was sent to Lebanese customers to achieve the objective of the study. The final sample obtained is 147.

Findings: The findings revealed a positive correlation between social media usage, customer decision-making, customer attitudes and perceptions toward brands, and customer loyalty. The study's findings …

Attitudes Of Intercollegiate Athletes Toward Transgender Individuals And Transgender Athletic Participation, Austin R. Anderson, Eric Knee, Alison Fridley

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Debate around the participation of transgender athletes in competitive sport has been increasing recently. These debates, and the discourse surrounding transgender athletes, have had wide ranging consequences, including changes to gender participation policies by sport governing bodies. While policy changes are being made, little data exists around the attitudes of athletes on the participation of transgender persons. This study explores the attitudes of intercollegiate student-athletes on transgender individuals and transgender collegiate athletic participation, using a sample of three collegiate athletic programs. Findings suggest that attitudes towards transgender persons and political ideology are significant factors in the acceptance of transgender athletic …

The Making Of Modern-Day Nil Laws: The Past, Present, And Future Of Amateurism And Commercialization In College Sport, W. Andrew Czekanski, Amanda Siegrist

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of state laws governing collegiate student-athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and place the laws within the framework of the NCAA’s historic and current views on amateurism and commercialization. To accomplish such, a content analysis of the 30 existing NIL laws/executive orders was performed to identify trends in the statutes and establish what commonalities and differences exist across states. The analysis found five themes/sections common across state laws (i.e., definitions, basic NIL rules, limitations, disclosures and review processes, agent and representation rules, and required workshops). Moreover, the evaluation revealed …

Does All Work And No Play Make Me A Winner? Institutionalized Perceptions Of Hours Worked And Athletic Program Success, Matt R. Huml, Elizabeth A. Taylor, Calvin Nite, Jacob Ackermann, Elenor Ishida

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The belief that more hours worked equate to higher levels of success has been institutionalized within sport. However, research has yet to interrogate this taken for granted notion. The current study examined the relationship between hours worked and athletic department success. Data were drawn from college coaches and athletic administrators in the United States and consisted of self-reported work hours, team postseason appearances, Directors’ Cup points, and Directors’ Cup rankings to determine if higher work hours were predictive of success. This study also examined the moderated effects of work/family conflict between gender and number of hours worked. The findings show …