Business Commons^™

Understanding Career Advancement Challenges Of Mid-Level African American Leaders: A Phenomenological Case Study, Adrienne N. Long

PhD in Organizational Leadership

As workplace demographics become increasingly more diverse globally, the curation of organizational inclusion is becoming more dire (Shore et al., 2018). One workforce dynamic, however, has fundamentally remained unchanged: the underrepresentation of African Americans in executive or senior leadership roles (Beckwith et al., 2016). Despite tremendous legislative progress in gender and racial equality, a pervasive gap persists in organizational cultures that fail to intentionally and consistently provide equitable career advancement opportunities for African Americans to attain senior leadership roles. This study employed a phenomenological qualitative research methodology to examine the career advancement challenges faced by mid-level African American leaders and …

From Claims To Commitments: Does Corporate Governance Help Firms Walk Their Talk?, Wafaa Salah, Nel Frederick George, Hussain Nazim

Business Administration

Purpose – This study investigates how corporate governance (CG) influences the alignment between firms’ environmental performance and their environmental disclosure practices. Drawing on the concept of policy– practice decoupling, the study examines whether CG mechanisms enhance the credibility and consistency of environmental reporting. Design/methodology/approach – Using a panel dataset of 80 Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed firms covering the period 2012 to 2023, the study employs panel-corrected standard error regressions and various robustness tests. Corporate carbon performance (CCP) is used as a proxy for environmental commitment, and environmental disclosure level (EDL) captures the extent of implementation. Findings – The results show a …

Issue 9, Why I Chose Bryant, Shantell J. Dorley

Thrive

No abstract provided.

Decoding Influence: Cosmetic Industry Strategies, Media Beauty Standards, And Their Mental Health Impact On Generation Z Consumers, Tatiana Avila Velasquez

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This research explores the complex relationship between cosmetic industry marketing strategies, media-driven beauty standards, and the mental health of Generation Z consumers. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study examines how frequent exposure to curated beauty ideals and persuasive advertising shapes self-esteem, confidence, and personal identity among young adults. Through surveys and in-depth interviews, the research highlights the evolving nature of cosmetic use, revealing how early engagement with beauty products often stems from social conditioning and personal insecurities. Participants describe a shift from using cosmetics as a means of concealment to embracing them for creative expression and self-care. However, …

Estabilización Estructural Y Desigualdad Financiera: La Proliferación Del Crédito Al Consumo Y La Bancarización Estratificada En El Área Metropolitana De Buenos Aires Entre 1983 Y 2001, Elias Mceaneney

Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights

This study analyzes how the neoliberal reforms implemented in Argentina between 1983 and 2001 transformed household access to credit and reconfigured financial inequality in the Metropolitan Region of Buenos Aires. Through a mixed-methods strategy that combines long-run quantitative analysis of macroeconomic, labor, and economic indicators with a qualitative reconstruction of institutional and sociopolitical change, the research demonstrates that the stabilization achieved under the Convertibility Plan enabled a rapid expansion of the banking system and consumer credit. However, this growth did not generate broad financial inclusion; access to accounts, loans, and credit cards remained strongly conditioned by labor formality, income level, …

Because I Care: The Effect Of Value Congruence And Compensation Scheme On Target Setting In Social Mission Organizations, Wioleta Olczak, Tyler F. Thomas, Dimitri Yatsenko

Accounting Faculty Research and Publications

Many organizations, including for-profit firms, seek to support a social mission. This study experimentally examines how superiors' value congruence and compensation scheme affect superiors' target-setting decisions in social mission organizations. We predict and find that more value-congruent superiors set higher targets for their subordinates than less value-congruent superiors to motivate

their subordinates to advance the organization's social mission. We also find that superiors set higher targets for their subordinates when compensated with performance-based pay rather than a fixed wage. We highlight the importance of superiors' value congruence with the organization's social initiatives and compensation scheme on their target-setting decisions. Organizations …

Would An Earlier Inception Of Omt By The Ecb Have Prevented The 2012 Greek Default?, Nicolas Mäder

School of Business: Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Fundamentals Of Business Communication Eco 21660 - Unit 2, Assignment 3: Key Concept Report, Catherine M. Young

Open Educational Resources

The Business Communications Key Concept Report assignment prompts students to "compose a business report using the analytical, indirect strategy business writing style." Students select a concept based on their interests and define it. They then select a company and discuss their concept within the context of the company. Students must access three outside resources for their report. A holistic rubric describes A-range, B-range, and C-range work. The assignment provides the foundation of Unit 2's oral presentation curriculum.

Search Engine Marketing (Seo) – Discussion Board Assignment, Feygens Saint-Joy Jr

Open Educational Resources

Discussion board on SEO best practices and discovery.

Entrepreneurship At The Base Personal Business Plan Assignment, Ouafaa Hmaddi

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Educational Pathways In East Texas: The Smartest Decisions, Manuel Reyes-Loya, Cecilia Cuellar, Sara Maldonado

Hibbs Brief

This Hibbs Brief examines how educational pathways affect careers and earnings in East Texas. It finds that bachelor's degrees generally lead to higher lifetime earnings, while associate degrees and certificates provide quicker, more affordable routes into in-demand jobs. East Texas trails state and national averages in degree attainment, which may limit economic growth. The brief emphasizes that choosing the right educational path depends on personal goals and local labor market needs.

Diffusion Of Innovation Of Port Decarbonization Measures : A Case Study Approach, Clint Rocky Mcculloch, Lucas Fernando Vaquero Roviriego

Port Management Dissertations

The dissertation is a study of how stakeholders diffuse innovation in port decarbonization strategies through a case study approach, with emphasis on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) relating to the technical and operational measures in the developing regions. Port, being a critical hub in global supply chains, have to manage the increasing pressure of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in alignment with International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2023 GHG strategy as well as the Paris Agreement. However, there is a gap in empirical research, specifically in non-European regions like South America and the Caribbean, highlighting the need for insights from stakeholders’ …

Will Labor-Saving Automation Save Western Agriculture?, Lynn Hamilton, Bryan Lohmar, Michael Mccullough

Agribusiness

Among the most salient and intractable challenges facing labor-intensive western agriculture is the rapidly rising cost of labor, driven primarily by reduced availability of workers. Unlike field grains, oilseeds, and cotton, producers of fresh fruit and vegetables still rely extensively on hired manual labor to carry out multiple tasks, particularly harvesting. Nearly one third of total U.S. agricultural labor expenses occur in California alone, a state dominated by fruit, vegetable and horticultural (FVH) crops (Win, Rutledge, and Maredia, 2024). To address the rising cost of labor, producers have been adopting several innovations leading to automated irrigating, weeding, and crop protection …

Las Mujeres Que Tejen Su Poder A Través Del Turismo: Video Documental En La Comunidad De Huilloc (Cusco, Perú), Adina Veloz-Remis

Peru: Indigenous Peoples and Globalization

This research examines how tourism has transformed the lives of Indigenous women in Huilloc, Peru, specifically through the sale of woven textiles. Through a documentary, the study analyzes how the commercialization of their crafts has expanded the economic opportunities available to the weavers, supporting their financial autonomy. It also explores women’s empowerment, including new gender dynamics, greater independence within the household, and increased recognition from the community. The use of documentary film allows the women's voices to be amplified in their own language and cultural context, reinforcing their capacity and autonomy to narrate their stories from their own perspective.

Tejedoras Indígenas Y La Política Económica Del Turismo En Chinchero, Perú: Centrales En La Economía, Marginales En La Política, Maria Herr

Peru: Indigenous Peoples and Globalization

This report is based on fieldwork carried out in Chinchero (Cusco, Peru) in November 2025 and examines the participation of women weavers in the local tourism economy and its relationship to municipal economic policy. It shows how Indigenous weavers, who are central to the district’s tourism, remain in a marginal position within formal spaces of economic decision-making. The study has four specific objectives: to describe the forms of participation of women weavers in Chinchero’s tourism economy; to analyze the mechanisms of collaboration between the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC) and other artisan associations with local public institutions; to …

**Human Capital Migration And International Trade: A Comparative Case Study Of Germany And Austria, 2000 To 2024**, Jahnvi Jha

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

This study examines migration of people and international trade in Germany and Austria between 2000 and 2024. Both countries saw sharp rises in immigrant populations, with foreign-born residents reaching 18 percent in Germany and 22 percent in Austria, while their exports grew to record levels. The research explores whether human capital migration like workers bringing skills, education, and networks has complemented or substituted trade. Evidence shows migration often reduces barriers to commerce by creating trust, demand for home-country goods, and professional connections. Skilled workers in high-tech industries further boost export capacity. Contrary to fears that migrants might weaken competitiveness, the …

Cybersecurity Risk Disclosure And Regulatory Compliance: Evaluating Market Sensitivity And Disclosure Effectiveness In U.S. Public Companies, Kingsford Brakye, Abdul Basit Karim Adam

Research & Publications

This paper analyzes disclosing cybersecurity risk and regulatory compliance by the U.S. public companies, with reference to the sensitivity of the information in the market and the effectiveness of disclosure. With rising cyber threats, there is mounting pressure on firms to safeguard their financial systems and adhere to rules such as the 2011, 2018, and 2023 guidelines issued by the SEC, which require firms to report incidents in time and to disclose detailed risk management. However, the disclosure is often done in generic, boilerplate terms, and this limits its use by investors and raises the question of transparency. The study …

Contracting For Consumer Trade Compliance, Christine Abely

Dickinson Law Review (2017-Present)

Export compliance is becoming increasingly important for parties required to abide by U.S. law, including many online sellers of consumer products. These retailers’ contractual terms with their customers set forth a number of provisions governing the relationship between them, including those which deal with arbitration, indemnification, disclaimer of warranties, and other issues. Many such agreements also purport to create obligations on the part of the consumer as to export control and sanctions compliance relative to the products they purchase. These contract provisions attempt to do so, however, in often markedly different ways, and with language that may leave notable gaps …

Governance In The Absence Of Government, Tracy H. Pearl

Dickinson Law Review (2017-Present)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an unprecedented pace, with generative systems exerting growing influence over social, economic, and political life. While AI offers opportunities for innovation and efficiency, it also poses risks ranging from misinformation and job displacement to existential threats if highly autonomous systems evade human control. Across industry, government, and civil society, there is broad consensus that AI requires oversight. Yet traditional U.S. regulatory approaches face six significant barriers: (1) technology outpacing legislation, (2) limited AI expertise among policymakers, (3) regulatory capture, (4) political gridlock, (5) outdated governance structures, and (6) the inherent complexity of AI. Combined …

Leveraging Machine Learning And Causal Inference For Loan Default Prediction, Luca Guida

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This research explores a systematic application of machine learning techniques combined with causal inference to predict loan defaults in peer-to-peer lending. Accurately forecasting loan defaults is crucial for mitigating financial risk and optimizing lending strategies. This analysis is based on multiple datasets of loan applications spanning over a decade, containing detailed financial and credit information about borrowers. Beginning with extensive Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) coupled with scaling strategies, the research identifies key trends in loan performance across a large number of factors, such as interest rates or borrower creditworthiness, and one objective is to determine from the many available predictors …

Barriers And Best Practices In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion (Dei) Initiatives: A Case Study From The United States Aerospace And Defense Industry, Jeremy A. Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The main objective of this study was to unpack the barriers around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and then provide best practices to improve DEI efforts in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. There has been a multitude of research conducted on DEI in the past few years. However, very little research has focused on DEI practices in the A&D industry. This case study focused on one large company in this industry to explore and understand various aspects of DEI initiative implementation. As organizations strive to meet industry and client objectives, as well as address employee needs, two research …

Monte Carlo Simulation Models To Enhance Air Cargo Network Resilience And Sustainability, Shereen Marie Hashemi

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This dissertation focuses on developing and validating an empirical set of simulation models for an air cargo network under large-scale disruption to test recovery strategies that improve resilience. Understanding and quantifying network resilience and recovery strategies is critical for ensuring sustainable operations. These operations become essential during disruptive events as air cargo is used to transport time-sensitive and critical goods. The collective research steps result in a Monte Carlo simulation framework to evaluate air cargo network resilience and identify strategies that enhance performance during disruptions.

The modeled system is a hub-and-spoke network centered on Memphis (MEM) with 23 domestic airports …

Construction Of China's Online Platform Information Value Evaluation System, Shuyue Fang, Yuan Sun, Yuwei Ye, Liling Xia

Journal of Scientific Information Research

[Purpose/significance] This paper aims to explore the construction of the information value evaluation system of online platforms in China, so as to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the information management of online platforms.

[Method/process] This paper firstly explores the connotation and dimension of the information value of the online platforms, and uses the analytic hierarchy process to distribute the weight, then,obtains the comprehensive evaluation results of the information value of each online platform through the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.

[Result/discussion] Through the comprehensive evaluation of the information interaction platforms, the multilateral trading platforms and the complementary innovation platform, …

Leaders: To Be Or Not To Be?, William Chase Dds, Maom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

A guest editorial by former MDA Journal editor Bill Chase discusses the importance of becoming an effective leader, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Dr. Chase highlights key leadership qualities: positive influence, being a role model, competence, charisma, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills. Successful leaders are transformational, inspiring others and demonstrating competence and confidence. Importantly, they should handle conflicts by initiating dialogue rather than debate, respecting all followers’ opinions. The former editor believes these traits reflect high Emotional Intelligence (EI), which includes self-awareness, motivation, empathy, and social skills, adding that the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) promotes leadership development through its LEAD …

Staff Matters: Maintaining Empathy And Respect When Performance Issues Occur, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In her monthly column, human resource expert Jodi Schafer provides guidance on managing employee performance issues and terminations with empathy and respect. She highlights that a practice's reputation is influenced by how it treats people, especially during difficult moments. Strategies include early intervention—documenting specific incidents and giving timely feedback instead of waiting until frustration builds. Leaders should foster open dialogue to offer support, such as training refreshers, before resorting to discipline. Difficult conversations should be held in private with honesty and compassion. If termination is necessary, leaders should "exit with grace," clearly explaining final steps and making a neutral announcement …

The Effects Of Carbon Disclosure And Carbon Performance On Agency Cost: International Evidence, Md Abubakar Siddique, Ahmed Abdel-Maksoud, Afzalur Rashid, Sitara Karim

All Works

This study examines the relationships among carbon disclosure (CD), carbon performance (CP), and agency cost (AC) using a global sample across major industries. Employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via WarpPLS, we find that increased carbon disclosure reduces agency cost, while improved carbon performance may increase it, likely due to the capital-intensive nature of environmental investments. Carbon disclosure is shown to mediate the relationship between carbon performance and agency cost. Firms in countries with emissions trading schemes and higher environmental performance indices tend to perform better in carbon management. Unlike previous studies focused solely on firm performance, this …

Trust And Ethics In Ai-Driven E-Commerce: Persuasion Vs. Privacy, Akriti Nepal

Student Publications

This study examines how AI-driven features in e-commerce influence user satisfaction and the role of trust in these interactions. Using a survey-based dataset of 100 consumers, we investigated whether trust moderates or mediates the impact of AI persuasiveness and perceptions of bias, intrusiveness, and preference understanding on satisfaction. Results indicate that AI’s perceived ability to understand user preferences strongly predicts satisfaction, while trust partially mediates the relationship between helpful AI features and urgency messages and user satisfaction. Conversely, trust did not significantly moderate these relationships, and concerns about bias and intrusiveness had minimal impact. Findings suggest that AI-driven satisfaction is …

Click Or Skip? How Ad Format And Disclosure Shape Engagement And Purchase Intention, Emily M. Burke

Student Publications

As digital marketing continues to be the dominant channel for consumer engagement, understanding the factors that influence ad effectiveness is increasingly important. This study examined how advertisement format (image vs. video) and sponsorship disclosure (non-sponsored vs. sponsored) influence engagement and purchase intention among college students. Using a 2 x 2 experimental design within an online survey, 88 participants viewed one of four real social media ads and completed measures of engagement and purchase intention. Multiple regression results showed that video ads produced higher engagement and purchase intention than static image ads, whereas sponsored ads led to lower engagement and purchase …

An Analysis Of Consumer Behavior In The Brazilian E-Commerce Market: An Investigation Of Customer Loyalty, Seasonality, And Regional Preferences, Hai Doan

Student Publications

This paper investigates key drivers of consumer behavior within Brazil's emerging e-commerce market by analyzing the Olist Public Dataset. As technology increasingly allows for data-driven marketing strategies, understanding the nuanced behaviors of diverse consumer bases, especially in an emerging market like Brazil, is critical for firm success. This study tests three hypotheses regarding the relationship between positive customer reviews and e-loyalty, the fluctuation of seasonal sales during holiday periods, and the influence of geographic urbanization on product preferences. Utilizing regression analyses on 100,000 orders from 2016 to 2018, the results showed no significant relationship between positive review scores and repeat …

Three Cheers For Print!, Jillian Lacross

AADEJ - The Communicator

This guest feature argues that print magazines are a worthwhile and necessary investment for associations, focusing on the three pillars of expectation, engagement, and experience. Print publications establish trust because they imply an inherent vetting process; affluent consumers trust print magazines the most, and print advertisements are significantly more trusted than social media ads. Print provides a respite from digital fatigue, with Worldmetrics finding that readers spend an average of 41 minutes engaging with a printed magazine, far exceeding the 3 to 7 minutes typically spent online. Printed materials enhance retention, recall, and emotional processing, strengthening the association's brand. Ultimately, …