Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

Toward A Neuroleadership Framework, Bryan G. Wood

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Neuroleadership is an emerging field that seeks to connect neural mechanisms, psychological processes, and leadership behaviors within organizational contexts. Despite continued scholarly interest, the literature remains conceptually fragmented and lacks a coherent framework for organizing its recurring themes and constructs. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for neuroleadership through a quantitative analysis of records retrieved from the PsycINFO database and interpreted through qualitative synthesis. The findings revealed recurring themes related to core leadership processes, applied contexts, and associated outcomes while also indicating thematic convergence without full conceptual integration across the field. These patterns were organized …

Military Recruiting Crisis: A Qualitative Study On The Motivation Of Generation Z, Ruth D. Kane

PhD in Organizational Leadership

This qualitative study investigates the declining motivation of Generation Z to join the U.S. military, using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a framework. Despite significant investments in recruitment, enlistment rates continue to decline, revealing a gap between military structures and the psychological needs of potential recruits. SDT provides a useful perspective by emphasizing the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in motivating and promoting well-being. Through in-depth interviews with eight Gen Z individuals eligible for service, this study explores how social, cultural, and institutional factors influence perceptions of military service and career decisions. Results indicate that motivation to enlist increases when …

As I Remember Your Tears: A Biblically Grounded, Integrated Ecosystemic Model For Mentoring Ministers In Distress, John R. Dingle

PhD in Organizational Leadership

This study addressed a gap in the literature concerning how mentoring supports ministers who are experiencing distress and turnover intention. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a biblically grounded model for mentoring ministers in distress. This qualitative study employed a two-phase design consisting of a sociorhetorical analysis of 2 Timothy and a phenomenological study of four Assemblies of God ministers who experienced turnover intention but remained in ministry because of a mentor’s intervention. The biblical text was analyzed using the sociorhetorical textures of inner texture, intertexture, and sacred texture. The phenomenological data were analyzed using open, values, and …

The Discovery Map Retreat, Kimberly Kay Bland

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) Capstone Abstracts

Title of Project: The Discovery Map Retreat

Defense Date: 3-1-2026

Candidate Name: Kimberly Kay Bland

Personal Email Address: [email protected]

First Advisor: Dr. Jolene Erlacher

Second Advisor: Dr. Debra Dean

DSL Final Project Abstract

Project Type: 2-Day Retreat

Project Overview: The capstone project focused on designing, developing, and facilitating a 2-day retreat for high-achieving women aged 38-55 experiencing burnout, exhaustion, or a sense of being stuck. The retreat is structured around reflection, the power of questions, and self-awareness, supporting authentic self-discovery in talents, passions, and values.  Through coaching, reflective exercises, group dialogue, and experiential learning, participants will engage in a process …

The Age Of Hr Delivering Stakeholder Value Through Strategic Organizational Capability: Talent, Leadership, And Culture, Anthony Nyberg, Rebecca R. Kehoe, Dave Ulrich, Patrick M. Wright

Research Briefs

A landmark collection of 62 chapters from the world’s foremost thinkers in HR strategy, talent management, and organizational leadership—written at the inflection point where AI, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving stakeholder expectations are reshaping the future of work and the humans at its center.

The Role Of Leadership Style In Team And Individual Performance In Collegiate Athletics, Luke Mulkey

Posters - 2026

• Measuring the effectiveness of leadership is important because strong leaders can bring significant contributions to both organizations and individuals

• Previous studies have said that intrinsic motivation of the individual plays a larger role than the leadership style of a coach

• Studies also show that leadership style has an influence on team success and cohesion

• This study aimed to determine the extent to which transformational leadership played a role in team success, measured in win percentage

• This study went further into the individual perception of their coach’s impact on the athlete’s performance compared to the extent …

The Power Of A Label: Examining Name Brand Purchase Behavior, Kaley Garcia

Posters - 2026

• Consumers are constantly comparing name brands and generic products.

• Brand names are often associated with quality, trust, and status.

• However, not all products are viewed the same when it comes to brand importance.

• Some people care more about price and function, especially for everyday items.

• This study looks at whether brand name actually influences buying decisions.

• It also explores if brand matters more for certain types of products.

Collaborative Ministry Leadership: A Mixed-Methods Study Into The Application Of Collaborative Leadership In United Pentecostal Churches In The Southeastern United States., Omar A. Williams

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

This dissertation examines how collaborative leadership, grounded in theological and practical applications, impacts ministry effectiveness in United Pentecostal Churches (UPCI) in the Southeastern United States. It employed a mixed-methods design, with in-depth qualitative interviews conducted with twelve senior UPCI pastors, and quantitative surveys administered to 63 members of their core leadership teams. Although collaborative leadership is a widely held ideal in ministry, a gap often exists between its theory and its practical implementation. The findings reveal a significant convergence in the relational, visionary, and developmental dimensions of collaboration. The pastors are theologically committed to rejecting autocratic models. They are perceived …

Transformational Leadership’S Impact On Employee Perceptions Of Interactional Justice In Crucial Workplace Conversations, Dana M. Mobley, Irina Toteva

AMTP Proceedings 2026

This study examined a transformational leadership style’s effect on interactional justice in crucial conversations between managers and employees, using perceived leader communication quality as a mediator and followership style as a moderator. Data was collected from an internet survey taken by 251 participants across the United States, and quantitative analysis was performed. Results indicated that perceived leader communication quality mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and interactional justice during crucial conversations. While followership style was not found to moderate this relationship, it was found to be negatively significant with interactional justice, indicating that more exemplary followers perceive slightly less interactional …

Managed Service Providers As Strategic Partners: Reframing Outsourcing Through Relational Governance And Dynamic Capabilities, Melissa N. King, Douglas Johansen

AMTP Proceedings 2026

This conceptual paper examines the strategic role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in the context of buyer-supplier relationships, and how MSPs create value for customers by enabling dynamic capabilities, relational governance, and organizational learning. Drawing from institutional theory, the resource-based view, and relationship marketing, the paper synthesizes literature on the supply chain’s evolution from transactional cost savings to strategic partnerships. It highlights how service providers such as MSPs, facilitate capability transfer, adaptability, and institutional alignment. This perspective is particularly salient in the post-2020 environment, where pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, renewed trade protectionism, and geopolitical fragmentation have challenged traditional assumptions underlying …

Transactional Platforms Under Goal Duality: Managing Tensions With Coordination Strategies, Nikolina Koporcic, Vesna Damnjanovic, Johan Frishammar, Vinit Parida

AMTP Proceedings 2026

While traditional transaction platforms like Airbnb emphasize economic value creation, some emerging platforms increasingly strive to pursue both economic and social goals. Balancing these dual goals creates tensions, especially in resource-constrained contexts, requiring innovative coordination strategies. Drawing on collective action theory and platform literature, we investigate how four start-up platforms pursuing dual goals manage these tensions. Using case study data from 64 interviews and extensive secondary sources, we identify six core tensions related to mission, user inclusion, scalability, operational control, community engagement, and stakeholder communication. We demonstrate how three key coordination strategies—framing, convening, and multivocality—help alleviate these tensions. Our study …

Kawasaki Strategic Analysis, Felicity Thompson

Honors Theses

Kawasaki Heavy Industries is a global manufacturing and engineering company that operates across  multiple industrial sectors, including aerospace, energy systems, railways, robotics, marine  engineering, and powersports. Kawasaki is structured around engineering capabilities and  large-scale industrial production, allowing it to develop innovative technologies and integrated  systems used in domestic and international markets. In FY2025, Kawasaki generated over 2,340  billion yen in annual revenue, showing its scale as a diversified industrial conglomerate. 

Kawasaki Heavy Industries operates in multiple business units that focus on different industries,  but are connected through shared engineering knowledge, research and development, and production  systems. This structure allows Kawasaki …

The Impact Of Future Business Leaders Of America (Fbla) On High School Students And Leadership Development, Thomas Michael Robert Ray

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Thomas Michael Robert Ray on April 1, 2026.

Determinants Of Future Suas Adoption: An Empirical Analysis Of Organizational And Behavioral Factors Within The Commercial Aviation Maintenance Enterprise, Jordan Baus

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The adoption of small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) represents a significant technological shift within the commercial aviation maintenance enterprise, offering the potential to improve inspection accuracy, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce maintenance-related risk. Despite these anticipated benefits, adoption intentions remain vague, influenced by a complex interplay of organizational structures, behavioral factors, and workforce perceptions. Limited empirical research has examined how these dynamics shape the willingness to adopt sUAS within highly regulated and institutionalized aviation maintenance environments. This study investigates the determinants of future sUAS adoption through an extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT …

How Do I Set Up New Hires For Long-Term Success?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

HR expert Jodi Schafer addresses the common challenge of employee retention through effective onboarding strategies. She clarifies that onboarding is a long-term process of integration and belonging, distinct from simple orientation. The article provides practical tips for reducing new-hire anxiety, such as sharing first-day agendas and assigning mentors. Schafer emphasizes the importance of pacing training, setting clear performance expectations, and establishing ongoing feedback loops during the first few weeks. By measuring metrics like time to proficiency, practices can refine their integration processes to build a stable and committed workforce.

Post-Covid Update: Magic Can Still Happen, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Michelle Dziurgot addresses the persistent staffing shortages in dentistry six years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares personal insights on managing a leaner practice by utilizing virtual assistants, cross-training existing staff, and emphasizing the "TEAM" philosophy—Trust, Education, Accountability, and Magic. Dziurgot discusses the transition to new practice models and the importance of patient communication during times of limited personnel. Ultimately, the piece encourages practice owners to find innovative ways to maintain high standards of care and team morale despite a difficult labor market.

Regulatory Compliance Solutions That Save You Money, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article outlines essential MDA-endorsed services that assist dental practices in maintaining regulatory compliance. It focuses on solutions for HIPAA, OSHA, and OIG requirements provided by Eagle Associates and highlights the importance of cyber liability insurance through Coalition. The document also features iCoreExchange for secure, encrypted email and iCoreRx for manual-error-reducing e-prescribing. By utilizing these trusted partners, MDA members can save significant time and money while ensuring their practices meet federal and state standards for patient privacy and workplace safety.

See These Great Speakers And Their Programs At Annual Session!, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature highlights the speaker lineup and curriculum for the 2026 MDA Annual Session in Grand Rapids. The program offers diverse continuing education tracks for the entire dental team, including pediatric dentistry, oral pathology, risk management, and practice growth strategies. Notable speakers include clinical experts, legal professionals, and motivational keynotes. The document also explains the transition to a simplified registration system using one-day or full conference passes, allowing attendees more flexibility to choose sessions on-site without pre-registering for individual courses.

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The April 2026 (Volume 108, No. 4) issue of the Journal is published in digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This full issue provides a comprehensive overview of the Michigan dental landscape in 2026. Key features include a clinical …

2026 Lead Class Gets To Work, Angie Kanazeh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature introduces the five members of the MDA's 2026 Leadership Exploration And Development (LEAD) class. The year-long program is a recruitment and mentoring tool designed to build leadership skills and broaden understanding of organized dentistry. Participants engage in summer retreats, virtual sessions, and hands-on governance experiences with the Board of Trustees and House of Delegates. The article highlights the program's success in preparing new leaders for roles within the MDA and ADA, demonstrating the association's commitment to mentorship and the future development of the dental profession in Michigan.

Ai Dependence And Its Impact On Human Decision-Making Quality And Supply Chain Efficiency, Jesus Salazar, Leonardo Fabbri, Axel Villegas

Posters - 2026

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming supply chain management by enabling:
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Improved forecasting accuracy
  • Enhanced operational efficiency (Choudhary et al., 2023; Ivanov & Dolgui, 2021)
• AI applications such as predictive analytics support:
  • Inventory optimization, Logistics planning
  • Procurement decisions in real time
• However, increasing reliance on AI introduces risks:
  • Automation bias (over-trusting AI outputs)
  • Reduced human critical thinking
  • Overdependence on algorithmic recommendations (Raisch & Krakowski, 2021)
• This study examines the dual impact of AI dependence on:
  • Decision-making quality
  • Supply chain efficiency
• Objective:
  • Identify whether AI improves performance or reduces human effectiveness
  • Determine the optimal balance between AI support and human …

From Ideas To Impact: Evaluating How Financial Technology Expands Financial Inclusion Across Countries, Shravani Atakari

Posters - 2026

Financial inclusion refers to access and use of financial services (World Bank, 2022). Traditional finance excludes users due to:

• High costs • Geographic distance • Limited credit History . Fintech expands access through digital tools Purpose: Analyze how fintech improves inclusion and what drives adoption

Research Questions How does financial technology reduce barriers to financial inclusion, and what factors influence its adoption among underserved populations? Objectives Identify key barriers to financial inclusion Analyze how fintech reduces these barriers Examine adoption factors (TAM + UTAUT) Propose solutions to improve adoption

A Comprehensive Marketing Plan For Calvary Christian Academy, Emily Piwowarski

Senior Honors Theses

Marketing strategies have been implemented by companies for years. The outline of a marketing plan requires businesses to do extensive research on the industry they plan to enter, including evaluating the political, environmental, social, technological, economical, and legal factors that are affecting it. This research helps to form the marketing mix–the product, price, promotion, and place strategies-–which determine what the business will offer the industry and how it will make this offer. A business will then use marketing tactics to reach its target audience. Tactics that have risen along with the advancement of technology are social media marketing and search …

Your First Hire: Building Your Team From The Ground Up, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Amrita Patel offers strategic guidance for new dentists entering practice ownership, focusing on the critical decision of the first team hire. The article describes the initial employee as a "brand ambassador" who establishes the practice’s culture and patient expectations. Patel advises against rushed hiring and suggests seeking candidates with complementary strengths rather than matching personalities. The piece emphasizes that while clinical skills can be trained, integrity and empathy are innate. Consistent leadership and clear protocol reinforcement are presented as essential for turning the first hire into a stabilizing force for long-term success.

Here Are The Candidates For 2026-27 Mda Positions, Todd Christy Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This document presents the official slate of candidates for leadership positions within the Michigan Dental Association and for representation in the ADA House of Delegates. It details the open officer roles, including president-elect and speaker of the House, along with various trustee positions. The article outlines the governance process for elections occurring during the Annual Session and provides instructions for members wishing to self-nominate from the floor. This feature ensures members are informed about the individuals seeking to shape the future policies and direction of organized dentistry in Michigan.

The Roles Of The Human Resources Management Director And Their Impact On Entrepreneurial Training:An Analytical Study At The Ministry Of Labor And Social Affairs, Ali Abd Al-Salam Abd Al-Daem

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The research problem lies in the weak level of entrepreneurial training in Iraqi ministries despite the importance of the strategic roles of human resources management. The research gap is represented by the scarcity of empirical studies that measure the relative impact of the roles of the HR manager (according to Ulrich’s model) in activating entrepreneurial training within the Iraqi public sector environment. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the relationship between the roles of the Human Resources Management Director—as a strategic partner, administrative expert, developmental supporter, and change agent—and their impact on activating entrepreneurial training at the Ministry of Labor …

The Economic Impacts Of Climate Change And External Shocks On Tourism Demand In The Kurdistan Region Of Iraq: Econometric Modeling For The Period (2007–2023), Asst. Prof. Dr. Khadeeja Qader Same, Asst. Prof. Dr. Aswad Qadir Ahmed

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to Analysis of the Economic Impacts of Climate Change and External Shocks on Tourism Demand in the Kurdistan Region for the Period (2007-2023), utilizing a rigorous econometric methodology that includes unit root tests, Granger causality, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to verify long-term equilibrium relationships through the Bounds Test. The results revealed a “developmental paradox,” where tourism demand grows annually by 18.51% despite a steady rise in temperatures, a decline in rainfall by approximately 3.15 mm per year, and an increase in dust storms. The econometric modeling proved that every unit increase in temperature inflicts …

The Impact Of Green Lean Manufacturing On Sustainability Dimensions: An Analytical Study Of Opinions A Sample Of Employees At The National Home Furniture Manufacturing Company, Rana Salim Mataab

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to determine the extent of the association and impact of green lean manufacturing practices on the dimensions of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) from the point of view of individuals working in national companies for the manufacture of home furniture. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was designed according to a five-point Likert scale. In July 2024, using the cross-sectional studies approach, (213) responses that could be analyzed statistically were collected from the study sample. These data were analyzed using two software packages: (AMOSv24) and (SPSSv26). The results indicate that green lean manufacturing practices are associated with …

The Impact Of Corporate Governance Practices On Enhancing The Quality Of Financial Reporting: An Applied Study On A Sample Of Commercial Banks Listed On The Iraq Stock Exchange, Ahmed Hashem Sakr

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study examines the impact of corporate governance practices on the quality of financial reporting in a sample of commercial banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange. Motivated by the increasing need for transparency and reliability in financial information within the Iraqi banking environment characterized by regulatory challenges and economic instability the research investigates how key governance mechanisms contribute to enhancing the credibility and accuracy of financial reports. The study focuses on three core governance indicators: board size, board independence, and audit committee activity, in addition to relevant control variables reflecting firm characteristics.Employing panel data analysis and fixed-effects regression models, …

The Impact Of Earnings Volatility On Debt Financing: A Study On A Sample Of Iraqi Banks, Ali Ayyd Al Jbori, Alaa Abdlzahra Obaid, Mohammed Sadeq Jappar

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

This study aims to analyze the impact of earnings volatility on the debt financing structure of Iraqi banks, using an analytical descriptive approach and financial data from a sample of private Iraqi banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange for the period (2017-2024). A multiple linear regression model was applied to examine the relationship, while controlling key variables (liquidity ratio and bank size). The results revealed a statistically significant negative impact of earnings volatility on the reliance on debt financing, where increased volatility led to reduced dependence on debt in the capital structure. The study concludes that capital structure decisions …