Business Commons^™

Enhancing Inclusive Entrepreneurial Activity Through Community Engagement Led By Higher Education Institutions, Emma O'Brien, Thomas M. Cooney

Articles

While supporting entrepreneurship through government intervention has become a global phenomenon, the OECD (2021) has identified that several communities (including women, youth, seniors, unemployed and immigrants) remain under-represented in terms of entrepreneurial activity. Inclusive entrepreneurship policies seek to enhance economic and social inclusion and emphasise the significant contribution that people from within these communities could make to local and regional development if appropriate support was offered. The purpose of this study is to examine how higher education institutions (HEIs) can co-create inclusive entrepreneurial training initiatives with local communities that support economic and social inclusion.

Networked To Work?: An Analysis Of A Community College Workforce Development Program, Cynthia Finley, Kim E. Bullington, Mitchell Williams, David Ayers

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

Barriers to education and training can have a generational impact on socioeconomic status and economic development. Post-traditional students have been shown to experience a variety of barriers to education and family sustaining employment. Social capital has been shown to help alleviate some of the barriers for students resulting in stronger economic outcomes, such job retention, and higher wages.

The purpose of this case study was to determine if the Network2Work model at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) can affect outcomes for students from low socio-economic backgrounds by comparing Network2Work outcomes to non-Network2Work noncredit industry training outcomes. The research compared outcome …

Digitalization Of Railway Transportation Through Ai-Powered Services: Digital Twin Trains, Salih Sarp, Murat Kuzlu, Vukica Jovanovic, Zekeriya Polat, Ozgur Guler

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Digitalization is a key concept that transformed the various industries through technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twin (DT). Although innovations provided by the advancement of digitalization have paved the way for more efficient operations and products for transportation, the rail transportation sector struggles to keep up with the rest of the transportation industry, since trains are designed to last for decades, and the insufficient infrastructure investment leads to multiple railroad derailments across the globe. Therefore, the primary aim is to transform current railway systems into human-centric, adaptable, sustainable and future-proof networks, aligning with Industry …

Improving Discharge Education Quality In Urgent Care Settings: A Quality Improvement Project, Brielle N. Patscheider

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND:

Effective discharge education is vital for improving patient care by enhancing health outcomes and reducing hospital readmission. When patients receive thorough and personalized discharge instructions, they are better able to manage their health, follow treatment plans, and identify symptoms needing further attention. This not only boosts patient satisfaction and safety but also reduces the strain on healthcare systems by decreasing preventable readmissions.

LOCAL PROBLEM:

Urgent care facilities serve diverse populations with a range of common, non-emergency ailments. The rapid service and walk-in availability often lead to a high volume of patients with diverse and complex medical needs. To eliminate …

Ai Fairness In Action: A Human-Computer Perspective On Ai Fairness In Organizations And Society, David De Cremer, Jack Mcguire, Jack Mcguire

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are being increasingly adopted by society, governments, and organizations in various decision-making contexts. For example, organizations use AI systems to decide whether applicants can be considered for a job, whether bonuses and other rewards should be allocated, or whether promotions and further training need to be invested in. In fact, as AI is seen as an important catalyst of economic growth, organizations today seem to know no boundaries in their AI adoption efforts, making employees and society more dependent on and thus also more vulnerable to the decisions made by or in partnership with AI (De …

To Revise Or Not To Revise: How Feedback Type, Interpersonal Liking, And Messenger Credibility Influence Revision, Rachel Jane Jensen

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Revisions inevitably occur during project creation and curation; many of which are influenced by received feedback. Previous research has highlighted the role goals, perceptions of self, and task complexity play in revision, but little research has examined how feedback type and an individual’s feelings toward their feedback giver influence revision. A quasi-experimental design examined how feedback type (additive, subtractive, or none), interpersonal liking for a feedback-giver, and perceived credibility of a feedback-giver affected students’ (n = 155) willingness to revise, self-reports of revision, and calculated actual revision score. Results indicated that participants in a feedback-receiving condition reported higher levels of …

Emotional Expression Between Ceo And Chairperson As A Micro-Foundation Of Organizational Capabilities: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study, John Paul Stephens

Faculty Scholarship

The work relationships between CEOs and Chairpersons are key to the functioning of the firm. This study uses survey and interview data to explore how these work relationships serve as a micro-foundation for an organization's communication climate. Survey data suggested that CEO-Chairperson relationships can be characterized by emotional carrying capacity (ECC; constructively expressing more positive and negative emotions). The survey-based model further demonstrated that CEOs and Chairpersons perceive their ECC to positively predict organizational communication climate and, in turn, knowledge creation capabilities. The latter, in turn, are positively associated with firm performance. CEO-Chairperson dyadic interview data supplemented the associations identified …

Project Wars: A Serious Game To Teach Decision Making In Project Execution, Cecil Eng Huang Chua, Veda C. Storey, Linda Wallace

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Project execution (i.e., the production, delivery, and deployment of an information system project's outputs) is a difficult concept to teach effectively because of the many real-time decision-making variables facing a project manager. This paper introduces Project Wars, a web-based serious game designed to teach the project execution concepts of deferral of gratification, organizational mindfulness, and discipline in the face of adversity. Project Wars serves as both a platform to instill these concepts and as a basis for discussions on other critical concepts. The latter includes project team management and control, project leadership, the relationship between productivity, slack, and overtime, and …

Token-Based Reviewer Economies: Proposed Institutions For Managing The Reviewer Shortage Problem, Cecil Eng Huang Chua

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

This opinion paper presents two proposed token-based systems to fix the information system academy's review system. At present, the review system consumes more human resources than the information systems academy has by an order of magnitude. The cost of this overflow is borne entirely by information systems researchers. I argue this is because the review system is based on a gift economy that cannot handle the currently sized market. Both proposals involve the creation of tokens and a central governing body. The first proposal involves a market built around a review bank (central governing body) that issues review tokens that …

Information Extraction From The Reviews Of Ai Applications Using Sas Text Mining Process, Imranul Kabir Chowdhury, Wen Bin Yu

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

The recent surge in AI advancements, particularly generative AI, has grabbed the attention of major tech companies who are all striving to integrate it seamlessly into their products. This highlights the need to evaluate the various AI products on the market and identify the features that resonate most with users. SAS Enterprise Miner, a powerful text analysis tool, can be used to uncover hidden insights from user reviews. In this study, we will leverage various SAS functions to analyze reviews of different AI applications. By analyzing these reviews, we aim to pinpoint the unique strengths of these AI applications and …

The Ban On Trophy Hunting In Botswana: Local Communities’ Perceptions, Lelokwane Lockie Mokgalo, Peet Van Der Merwe

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Economic pressures on rural livelihoods in Botswana are ever-increasing, especially for peripheral areas where resources harnessed for tourism purposes are prevalent. One of the avenues to achieve this balancing act is the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) program of Botswana, which devolved management of resources to local communities to incentivise conservation through hunting tourism. However, due to questions over hunting sustainability as a conservation tool by conservation non-governmental organizations and animal rights groups, trophy hunting was banned in Botswana in 2014. The resultant impacts were felt not only by the hunting industry but also by communities through the loss of …

Brand Trust Equation: The Role Of Brand Trust And Its Impact On Pro-Social Behavior In Peer-To-Peer Accommodation, Md Zaker Hossin, Yeasun K. Chung

ICHRIE Research Reports

Peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodations, like Airbnb, often don’t have the same rules and oversight as traditional hotels. This can make it riskier and less predictable to stay in P2P accommodations, and the quality of the stays varies more. Thus, this study aimed to examine the following objectives: examine how different trust dimensions influence brand trust in P2P accommodations, evaluate how brand trust influences guests’ prosocial patronage behaviors, and assess how brand trust influences guests’ prosocial stewardship behaviors. The study used a scenario-based survey of U.S. travelers. Key variables included ability, benevolence, integrity, predictability, brand trust, prosocial patronage behavior, and prosocial stewardship …

Dine Green, Be Kind: Local Vs. Chain Restaurants In Sustainability, Brand Attachment, And Pro-Social Behaviors, Md Zaker Hossin, Yeasun K. Chung

ICHRIE Research Reports

The restaurant industry is characterized by excessive waste and resource consumption, and it faces a pressing need to adopt environmental sustainability practices (ESPs). This research aims to explore the sequential relationship from ESPs to brand attachment (BA) to pro-environmental behaviors while examining the enhancing role of locally-owned restaurants in strengthening these relationships. The survey used a scenario-based survey of U.S. diners and collected data about waste reduction, recycling, minimum water usage, energy conservation, brand attachment, restaurant ownership (local/chain), pro-environmental patronage behavior, and pro-environmental stewardship behavior, using a seven-point Likert Scale. This study aims to advance our understanding of the potential …

Attitudes And Perceptions Of Adoption Of Amusement Park Mobile Applications, Thomas Schrier

ICHRIE Research Reports

Many amusement parks across the US have developed mobile applications. Considering the potential business impact of mobile applications, it is important to understand amusement park visitors’ perceptions and attitudes toward mobile applications. This study proposes a conceptual model that incorporates variables from the technology acceptance model, the task-technology fit theory, and the theory of planned behavior. These variables will be used to investigate the attitudes, perceptions, and behavioral intentions of amusement park visitors. Structural Equation Modeling will be utilized to test the conceptual model. This study can provide amusement park operators with guidance for the improvement and efficiency of mobile …

Addressing Labor Challenges In The Hospitality Industry: Insights From College Students, W. Clarke Griffin

ICHRIE Research Reports

The hospitality industry is facing a growing labor crisis. College students were surveyed on their perceptions of the hospitality industry and a roundtable discussion of industry experts occurred to explore the results. College students described that the starting hourly wage and a flexible work schedule were the most important factors influencing their employment decisions. The study's findings suggest that the hospitality industry can attract and retain more college students by prioritizing employee welfare and effectively communicating the benefits of a career in hospitality. This could involve offering higher wages, more flexible work schedules, and better benefits. Creating a positive work …

Event Technology And Attendee Experience: A Systematic Review And Research Agenda, Jijun (Jackie) Chen, Shinyong (Shawn) Jung

ICHRIE Research Reports

The events industry is experiencing growth, both as a sector of the tourism industry and in the technology that impacts the attendee experience during an event. While research into event-related technologies is robust, there is not much research on the specific roles that technology can play in facilitating attendees’ experiences at an event. This study proposes to use the PRISMA approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of technology-enabled experiences within the context of events. Results will drive future research in this area of study.

The Impact Of Linguistic Styles On Message Delivery In Encouraging The Use Of Leftover Bags For Food Waste Reduction, Jae Eun Park, Chang Ma, Alei (Aileen) Fan

ICHRIE Research Reports

Plate leftovers are a major cause of food waste in restaurants. To reduce food waste, many restaurants encourage customers to use “doggy bags” to take away their plate leftovers. However, the efficiency of adopting such leftover bags is still questionable as some customers may feel embarrassed to use leftover bags. Hence, the current research aims to explore how to leverage different linguistic styles (figurative vs. literal language) to encourage the usage of leftover bags for food waste reduction purposes. Furthermore, this research will investigate the linguistic style efficiency in various restaurant dining contexts across two empirical studies. Study 1 will …

The Impact Of Sound Systems On Customer Experience, Jonathan Alonso

ICHRIE Research Reports

Sound systems have a profound impact on customer experiences, shaping perceptions, managing noise pollution, and enhancing a business's brand image. This document provides an in-depth exploration of the factors involved in designing, integrating, and programming commercial audio-visual (AV) systems. The process entails understanding the unique needs of a business, assessing the physical environment, and selecting the most suitable audio and visual solutions, followed by careful integration and programming for an optimal user experience. A critical aspect of AV system design is zoning, which allows for tailored auditory experiences in different areas within a venue. While the initial investment in a …

Telework In A Digitalizing Hotel Landscape, Reed Davisson, Susan E. Gordon

ICHRIE Research Reports

As many work processes grow more digitalized, jobs traditionally thought only to be executed on-site can be done remotely, even in hospitality industry operations. Using a full-service hotel as a case study, this research sought to understand the structure and benefits of telework roles in the front office and hybrid roles in the housekeeping department. Findings show that employee perceptions of telework and hybrid work were generally viewed as positive with no negative guest impact, challenges were solely focused on communication and mitigating those, and human resource considerations revolve around telework as a retention tool and ensuring employees feel deserving …

Mgmt 4411: Managing A Diverse Workforce (Syllabus), Kurt Kraiger

Management Syllabi Archive

Course Description: Overview of the multiple dimensions of human diversity and the impact diversity and inclusion have in the modern workplace. Students work towards a personal philosophy of diversity and inclusion as well as the skills to function effectively in multi-cultural settings.

Sugardale Marketing Research - Group 5, Alex Gee, Greg Lewis, Carley Nastasi, Anna Nosek, Anna Pond

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Sugardale research findings for group 5

Sugardale Marketing Research Project, Brandon Gray, Xavier Zup, Alexis Rossilli, Robert Britton

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This is a marketing research project for Sugardale meat company. Our group will be conducting primary and secondary research in order to answer questions and achieve goals that will help the Sugardale meat company market to millennials.

Business Archives As A Tool For Academic Business Researchers, Annette Bochenek, Ilana Stonebraker

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This paper examines the structure and collections in business archives in order to create a list of suggestions to better prepare researchers seeking historical business data prior to 1970. Four business archivists were chosen for interviews from a variety of industries. The article shares seven tips gained from the interviews, including getting to know what is housed or not housed in the business archive, looking for archives with museum arms, and considering the importance of legal permission as part of the process for utilizing business archives. The authors also explore how business librarians can better support the work of business …

Hartville Potato Chips Proposal, Colton J. Zweifel, Augustine M. Holben, Ashlyn T. Pinkerton, Adam J. Weidmann, Nick S. Maricocchi, Madyson E. Miller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

My Honors Research Team is assisting the small company called Hartville Potato Chips in their positioning and marketing in the business world. Our group looks to assess position where this company occupies in consumers' minds, how they can leverage their unique position, what companies they can partner with, what companies they partner with that are most successful, and where, financially, company is doing well. Our research will consist of interviews, second hand research, working with client, analyzing of financial materials, and focus groups. The goal overall is bring the company to a better spot in location of customers' heads.

Honors Project Hartville Potato Chips (Final) - College Of Business - Team 5 (Marketing Partnerchip), Isabela Schroeter, Justin Kriess, Trent Thomas, Devin Maddox, Irina Hacck, Jake Lubic

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

TO EXPAND THE HARTVILLE POTATO CHIP COMPANY BRAND IN A WAY THAT WILL CREATE A UNIQUE POSITION IN THE MIND OF THE CONSUMER.

The Art Of Online Arbitrage: Essential Practices For Third-Party Sellers, Jesse Llamas

Theses and Dissertations

The topic of arbitrage is an essential concept in the financial world. It involves taking advantage of price discrepancies for an asset or security across different markets. The emerging third-party retail and online e-commerce arbitrage sellers industry is growing and becoming a popular income source for many individuals. While there is various research on arbitrage and its impact on the economy, there is scant literature on third-party retail e-commerce arbitrage selling. The goal of this research is to build upon existing scholarly work by examining optimal methods, tactics, and obstacles encountered by e-commerce arbitrage sellers who operate through third-party retail …

Addressing Burnout: A Shift To The Progressive Work Model, Monika M. Doss

Theses and Dissertations

Worker burnout is a prevalent global issue and has persisted for decades. Commuting, traffic, and work schedules conflicting with personal responsibilities are just a few of many frustrations workers often experience as a part of the current way of working. This research brings light to a new work model that mitigates worker burnout. Maintaining focus on the worker, this study asked: Does a progressive organizational work model mitigate burnout? The Progressive Work Model (PWM) is a forward-thinking framework used to organize work activities and processes within an organization that meets the work-life balance needs of the modern workforce by mitigating …

Exploring The Role Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior And The Intention-Behavior Gap In The Adoption Of Products And Solutions By B2b Organizations: An Analysis Of Organizational Culture As Moderators Or Mediators, Ronil Prasad

Theses and Dissertations

New product adoption by business-to-business (B2B) organizations is explored through an examination of the influence of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), organizational culture, and the presence of the intention-behavior gap. A phenomenographic design, utilizing qualitative surveys, enabled a detailed analysis of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as key factors influencing adoption intentions and actions within US-based organizations. The study collected responses from a purposively sampled group of experienced decision-makers with authority over new product selection. A total of 86 B2B decision-makers responded to the invitation to participate

Thematic analysis revealed perceived behavioral control as the most influential …

Hasta La Raíz: An Exploration Of Latinidad In Venture Capital, Mariela Salas

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the multifaceted experiences and career management strategies of Latinos/as in the venture capital industry, an area marked by significant underrepresentation. This study aims to illuminate the unique challenges and strategies of Latino/a investors. Drawing on literature from identity formation, Latinidad, diversity and inclusion, and career management, this research addresses the gap in academic literature regarding the lived experiences of Latinos/as in venture capital. The study utilizes 18 narrative interviews with active Latino/a investors of diverse backgrounds and varying experience levels to develop a conceptual framework. This framework highlights the constructed identity of the venture capital investor through …

Sourcing Strategies To Mitigate The Risks Of Trade Actions, Marlene A. Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the impact of trade actions on supply chain organizations and explores the procurement strategies employed to mitigate associated risks. Through a two-paper format, the study delves into the perceptions of supply chain managers regarding disruptions caused by changing trade policies and examines the factors influencing their procurement decisions. By conducting qualitative interviews and quantitative analyses, the research aims to provide insights into how supply chain managers prioritize trade actions, adapt their supply base, and implement sourcing strategies to address trade-related challenges. With a focus on the US-China economic relationship and the utilization of trade policy tools such …