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MBA Program
School of Business
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-3028
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Independent Research Projects |
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Many of our MBA students choose to conduct independent research projects under the supervision of our faculty. Click here for an independent study proposal form.
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RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS |
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Dr. Yunus Kathawala and Christoph Heeren. "IT Outsourcing: China Grasps for the Lead", Graziadio Business Report (Vol.12, Issue 3, 2009) & Global Supply Chain Review (Volume 12, Issue 3, 2009). Abstract: Rough economic times make the outsourcing of information technology (IT) an even more critical area of discussion for businesses. Recently, there has been a great deal of debate on whether a shift in the global outsourcing of IT is occurring. India has long been know for its dominance in the field; however, Chica, which plays a leading role in the outsourcing of manufacturing, is making strong headway in the industry and may soon pose a major threat to to India's supremacy. Dr. Yunus Kathawala and Benjamin Tueck. "The Use of RFID for Traffic Management," International Journal of Technology, Policy, and Management (Vol. 8, No. 2, 2008). Abstract:Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a globally accepted technology, which has a great success in the area of supply chain management and particularly inventory management. Businesses benefit from this cost efficient opportunity to scan and track inventories. The tracking of items with RFID devices is applied in a variety of areas, such as retailing, healthcare and traffic management. Traffic congestions in metropolitan areas have developed a major problem in many countries all over the world. They have a negative impact on the economy, the environment and the overall quality of life. The purpose of this article is to discover the use of RFID technology to manage traffic congestions and to reduce the negative impact on the economy. RFID devices would give the opportunity to control the traffic in real-time and to gather valuable information about the development and the sources of congestions. Bottlenecks could be detected early and infrastructure could be aligned accordingly. Further research is suggested to achieve a well-discovered solution, developed globally by experts. Dr. Dean Elmuti and Dr. William Minnis and Michael Abebe. "Longitudinal Assessment of an Integrated Industrial Supply Chain," Supply Chain Management (Vol. 13, No. 2, 2008). Abstract:The purpose of this article is to invesigate the impact of integrated supply chain management on productivity, efficiency, and performance of participants in the system, in an industrial setting in the USA. Dr. Dean Elmuti and Benjamin Tueck and Friederike Kemper. "Analyzing Cross-Cultural Adaptability Among Business Students: An Empirical Investigation," International Journal of Management (Vol. 25 No. 3, Sept., 2008). Abstract: Cross-cultural adaptability is a crucial point in gaining a competitive advantage in the global market. This paper provides both an empirical study and a conceptual discussion of cross-cultural adaptability and the impact on American business students (domestic) and international business students in the United States, with further implications on students, but also on global managers. The paper compares the two student groups using the cross-cultural adaptability inventory and different statistical tests. An unpaired t-test identifies statistical differences between both groups and stresses the area where cross-cultural training is needed. The survey was conducted at a Midwestern university in the United States. The sample is a random selection of 100 international students and 100 domestic students. Dr. William B. Joyce and Ivana Milosevic. "Value Maximization, Executive Compensation And Ethics," Ethics & Critical Thinking Journal (Volume 2006, Issue 4). Abstract: Value maximization is the only true company objective. The increase in company value leads to the increase of the shareholders' wealth, which can later be invested, spent or saved: anything that shareholders desire. However, many ethical issues can arise from value maximization, and wrong decisions could lead to catastrophic results. Further, conflicts between managers and shareholders can also contribute to value decrease and threat of takeovers and failures on the market. This paper examines value maximization, ethical issues that might arise from the process, and ways to keep in check conflicts between managers and shareholders through compensation plans, management monitoring and threat of takeover. European prospective is also examined. Abebe, Michael & Dr. Dean Elmuti. (March/April 2005). "Reshaping the Global Supply Chain: The Role of RFID in Improving Performance," Industrial Management. Mezei, Viktoria and Dr. William Joyce and Dr. Tom Moncada. "Relation of Executive Pay to Firm Performance," Business Journal for Entrepreneurs, December 15, 2001, vol. 2001, Issue 4, Section 2, pp. 1-10. Abdou, Khaled and Dr. Yunus Kathawala. "Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for the On-Line MBA Programs: A Literature Review for the Future," Journal of United States Distance Learning Association, Vol. 15, No. 90, September 2001. Abdou, Khaled and Dr. Dean Elmuti and Dr. Yunus Kathawala. "The Global MBA: A Comparative Assessment for its Future," Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 26, No. 1, 2002, pp. 14-23. Abdou, Khaled and Dr. Yunus Kathawala. "Prediction and Customization in Intervention Programs: A Classification Model for Enhancing Student Retention," Emerging Issues in Business and Technology Conference Proceedings, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, November 2001, pp. 135-139. Winter, Andrea and Dr. Cheryl Noll. "It's a Dot.com World," Society for Case Research Conference Proceedings, Chicago, Illinois, February 2002, pp. 36-43. |
INDEPENDENT STUDIES |
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Faculty Mentor(s):Dr. Dean Elmuti Abstract:"Measuring Effectiveness of Supply Chain Management in the Health Care Industry": Supply Chain Management is a well documented topic in the literature. In today's business organizations with increasing globalization, it is important for organizations to differentiate themselves to accomplish a competitive advantage. The supply chain management approach is one opportunity to increase efficiency and to decrease costs. Several large companies integrated supply chains to generate extensive cost savings and therefore a competitive advantage. The purpose of the article is to investigate the impact of supply chain management in the health care industry. A framework is developed, which provides a roadmap how to address the supply chain management issue in the industry. This study gives evidence for the use of supply chain management in health care and stresses the positive impact on the effectiveness of this approach. (Summer, 2007) Student Name(s): Benjamin Tueck Faculty Mentor(s):Dr. Dean Elmuti Abstract: "Analyzing Cross-Cultural Adaptability Among Business Students: An Empirical Investigation": Cross-cultural adaptability is a crucial point in gaining a competitive advantage in the global market. This paper provides both an empirical study and a conceptual discussion of cross-cultural adaptability and the impact on American business students (domestic) and international business students in the United States, with further implications on students, but also on global managers. The paper compares the two student groups using the cross-cultural adaptability inventory and different statistical tests. An unpaired t-test identifies statistical differences between both groups and stresses the area where cross cultural training is needed. The survey was conducted at a Midwestern university in the United States. The sample is a random selection of 100 international students and 100 domestic U.S. students. (Summer, 2007) Student Name(s): Benjamin Tueck Faculty Mentor(s):Dr. Yunus Kathawala Abstract: "Metrics and Measuring Supply Chain Management Implementation: An Evaluation of Academic and Practical Approaches": This work addresses the shortage of clearly defined frameworks for the area of metrics and measurements in supply chain management. The area of supply chain management is well-researched and sufficiently described. However, the area of metrics and measurements of supply chain activities lacks clear definition and frameworks. The purpose of this paper is to show several frameworks for the purpose of achieving useful metrics and measurements. Academic and real life sources are combined to reach the best validity. The SCOR studies of the supply chain council are combined with other approaches. Conceptual terminologies are defined to get access to the topic. Subsequent to the various frameworks, challenges, pitfalls, successes and failures for the implementation of metrics are presented. The use of metrics and measurements is common, whereas frameworks for the implementation are rare. The conclusion addresses this problem and recommends further studies in this area.(Summer, 2007)
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OTHER PROJECTS |
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Student Name(s): Rodney Dawson Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Richard Palmer Abstract:"The Usage of Commercial Cards within United States Governmental Agencies": This study investigates the different types and functionality of commercial cards used by the U.S. Government including purchase cards, travel cards, and fleet cards. The cost savings associated with using commercial cards promotes more efficient use of taxpayer dollars by the U.S. Government. This study examines trend data based on spending, transactions, and cardholder factors. This study presents a screening procedure for converting this data into useful information. Finally, the study discusses the benefits that the U.S. Government gains by using commercial cards including administrative cost savings and rebates from a total cost savings perspective. Student Name(s): Christoph Heeren Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. David Boggs Abstract: "Corporate Social Responsibility in Sin Industries": This study compares "sin" industries to determine if their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approaches vary across cultures. Previous research has shown that CSR approaches differ between countries and among industries. U.S. organizations normally justify their CSR initiatives using economic arguments. Studies of European organizations have shown that they typically justify their CSR activities using sustainability and financial arguments, but these studies do not refer to specific industries. Although different industries employ different CSR strategies, "sin" industries tend to be unique. Their economic activities focus on products or services that can be addictive, thereby highlighting social responsibilities concerns. Further, this study investigates differences in CSR strategies between "sin and non-sin industries. Student Name(s): Caleb Freeman Faculty Mentor(s):Ms. Jeanne Dau Abstract:"Sister City Business Exchange": The purpose of this project was to identify possible “sister cities” for Charleston, Illinois, to facilitate economic development and prosperity. The comparison was based on eleven variables pertaining to demographic and economic data; each will be specifically discussed in the presentation with the outcome to determine what types of businesses/services are present and have been successful in a similar economic environment. After evaluating the potential cities, a proposal was constructed of how this “sister city” program could be beneficial to not only Charleston, but the selected “sister city,” Macomb, Illinois. (Spring, 2008) Student Name(s): Caleb Freeman Faculty Mentor(s):Ms. Jeanne Dau Abstract:"Critical Skill Shortages Initiative": Eastern Illinois University’s Business and Technology Institute along with the assistance of Crossroads Workforce Investment Board is conducting a Community Audit and Critical Skills Shortage Initiative to determine the differences between the supply and demand for significant work skills in the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Region. With input from the regional community, skill shortages will be identified, along with the root cause of the shortages. The final report will serve as a roadmap for the Crossroads Workforce Investment Board and their partners to develop a plan of action. (Spring, 2008) Student Name(s): Ivana Milosevic Faculty Mentor(s):Dr. Yunus Kathawala Abstract: "Benefits and Challenges of the Expansion to the South East European (SEE) Markets": International expansion is a growing trend among companies today and it will most likely continue into the future as a result of the increasingly saturated western markets and scarce resources. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the SEE markets as potentially very beneficial for western companies in terms of both growing demand and resource availability. However, as with any international expansion, the activity holds a certain degree of risk that needs to be managed in order to achieve the benefits. The paper examines the major challenges companies face in their expansion to the region and offers alternatives that can provide insight to manage them. In addition, the privatization process, as the main mode of entry, is examined together with the opportunities and constraints it carries. (Spring, 2008) Student Name(s): Robert Schlanser Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Denise Smith Abstract:"State and Local Immigration Laws Versus Federal Regulation: Who Should Be Taking the Lead on Immigration Reform?": Courts have consistently held that Congress has the exclusive authority to regulate immigration. While state law enforcement agents have some authority to enforce federal laws, some attempts by states to control immigration have been struck down on the basis of the Supremacy Clause and the Equal Protection Clause. However, in response to increasing numbers of undocumented immigrants and the seeming inability of the federal government to enforce federal immigrations law, an increasing number of states have undertaken the task of regulating immigration. As of November, 2007, 46 states had enacted 244 bills dealing with immigration issues related to employment, public benefits, health, education, and other areas of concern. This paper will discuss states’ attempts to control employment of undocumented workers and the challenges that multi-state employers face in their efforts to comply with different and sometimes conflicting state requirements. It will advocate federal legislation that will address immigration issues and pre-empt state efforts to regulate in this area. (Spring, 2008) Student Name(s): Benjamin Tueck Faculty Mentor(s):Dr. Yunus Kathawala Abstract:"The Use of RFID for Traffic Management": Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a globally accepted technology, which has a great success in the area of supply chain management and particularly inventory management. Large retailers such as Wal-Mart benefit from this cost efficient opportunity to scan and track their inventory. The tracking of items by using RFID devices is applied in a variety of areas such as retailing, health care and traffic management. Traffic congestions in metropolitan areas have developed to a major problem in many countries all over the world. Traffic congestions have a negative impact on the economy, the environment and the overall quality of life. The purpose of this article is to discover the use of RFID technology to manage traffic congestion and reduce the negative impact on the economy and society. RFID devices would give the opportunity to control the traffic in real-time and to gather valuable information about the development and the sources of congestions. Bottlenecks could be detected early and the infrastructure could be aligned to use that information. By doing this, bottlenecks and resulting congestions, could be avoided before they can develop. The use of RFID in this area incorporates other benefits, such as the steering of emergency vehicles in congested traffic and law enforcement activities. (Spring, 2007) Student Name(s): Amie Janssen Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Patricia Graves and Dr. Cheryl Noll Title: "Evaluating Performance in Team Learning Activities," Society for Case Research Conference Presentation, Chicago, Illinois, February, 2002. |
