Faculty Research
Cyberattack Ontology: A Knowledge Representation for Cyber Supply Chain SecurityWebsite
A study by Professor Opoku-Boateng, aims to enhance cyber resilience in cyber supply chain (CSC) systems by leveraging machine learning (ML) techniques to predict threats and minimize attack surfaces, with the goal of improving overall business continuity. The study employs various classification algorithms, such as Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, and Neural Networks, to forecast cyberattacks and identify critical assets, achieving a prediction accuracy of 70%. Moreover, this research integrates cyber resilience principles and control mechanisms to facilitate more effective responses to system failures and unexpected threats within CSC systems. The proposed approach emphasizes design principles centered on cyber resilience, focusing on critical assets and reducing the attack surface in CSC environments. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, it aims to enhance threat prediction and performance accuracy. In addition, the study takes into account both strategic and structural design aspects, analyzing stakeholder entities and system infrastructures to ensure alignment and mitigate potential conflicts throughout the CSC lifecycle.
Yeboah-Ofori, A., Swart, C., Opoku-Boateng, F.A. and Islam, S. (2022), "Cyber resilience in supply chain system security using machine learning for threat predictions", Continuity & Resilience Review, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 1-36.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/crr-10-2021-0034/full/html
Commercial Drones: From Rapid Adoption to Sustainable Logistics PlanningWebsite
A study by Professor Molavi, examines the current status and future potential of commercial drones, employing the Diffusion of Innovation theory to evaluate their position on the adoption curve, along with the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework to identify the factors influencing their adoption. The objective is to address key questions regarding the impact of drones on operations and the driving forces behind their integration into various industries, while also providing recommendations for facilitating their adoption. The aviation industry has experienced rapid growth in drone usage, transitioning from military applications to consumer and commercial uses. Companies such as Amazon and DHL are leading the way in employing drones for operations like package delivery. Despite the overall growth of military and consumer drones, the commercial drone sector has yet to attain exponential adoption. This sector comprises both large corporations that utilize drones and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that offer drone solutions.This paper explores the potential for commercial drones to achieve significant growth by leveraging the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory to examine the factors influencing their adoption and to propose strategies for accelerating this process.
Molavi, N. (2021). Commercial Drones: From Rapid Adoption to Sustainable Logistics Planning (Order No. 29705095). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global: The Humanities and Social Sciences Collection. (2721754182).
Cyberattack Ontology: A Knowledge Representation for Cyber Supply Chain SecurityWebsite
A study by Professor Opoku-Boateng, aims to enhance cyber resilience in cyber supply chain (CSC) systems by leveraging machine learning (ML) techniques to predict threats and minimize attack surfaces, with the goal of improving overall business continuity. The study employs various classification algorithms, such as Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, and Neural Networks, to forecast cyberattacks and identify critical assets, achieving a prediction accuracy of 70%. Moreover, this research integrates cyber resilience principles and control mechanisms to facilitate more effective responses to system failures and unexpected threats within CSC systems. The proposed approach emphasizes design principles centered on cyber resilience, focusing on critical assets and reducing the attack surface in CSC environments. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, it aims to enhance threat prediction and performance accuracy. In addition, the study takes into account both strategic and structural design aspects, analyzing stakeholder entities and system infrastructures to ensure alignment and mitigate potential conflicts throughout the CSC lifecycle.
Yeboah-Ofori, A., Swart, C., Opoku-Boateng, F.A. and Islam, S. (2022), "Cyber resilience in supply chain system security using machine learning for threat predictions", Continuity & Resilience Review, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 1-36.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/crr-10-2021-0034/full/html
Leadership inclusion theory: a grounded theory study on hotel executivesWebsite
A study by Professor Russen aims to develop a theory that explains how to create inclusive environments in upper management, enhancing leadership diversity and organizational effectiveness. The Leadership Inclusion Theory (LIT) posits that organizations should address individual values and systemic processes while considering societal influences to foster genuine inclusivity. LIT offers a proactive framework to tackle structural barriers and systemic biases, paving the way for equity and diversity in organizations. It is especially effective in addressing the glass ceiling and glass cliff phenomena by promoting fairness and inclusion at all organizational levels. Additionally, LIT can enhance hospitality research by linking diversity management to outcomes such as organizational trust and employee well-being. The theory provides a holistic perspective that considers individual differences and societal influences, offering strategies to overcome barriers for underrepresented groups. In summary, the article argues that LIT provides a comprehensive understanding of diversity and inclusion outcomes in the hospitality sector.
Russen, M., Dawson, M., Madera, J. M., Abbott, J., & Kitterlin-Lynch, M. (2023). Leadership Inclusion Theory: A grounded theory study of hotel executives. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 35(11), 3825-3843.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ijchm-10-2022-1252/full/html?skipTracking=true
Strict Liability for Defective Products Sold on Amazons E-Marketplace: Is the Tide Turning?Website
A study by Professor Dorocak, explores the evolution of product liability laws as they adapt to changes in commerce and manufacturing, balancing the interests of consumers, businesses, and society. It highlights an increasing emphasis on consumer protection, alongside ongoing tensions between consumer rights and the interests of manufacturers and e-commerce platforms. The article also outlines how various states approach issues like negligence, strict liability, and failure to warn, noting differences in seller responsibilities and liability. Additionally, it examines Amazon's legal challenges related to product liability, focusing on its defense that it acts as an e-marketplace facilitator rather than a "seller," which may exempt it from certain liability laws.
Dorocak, J., Johnson, A., McWeeney, T., Coates, B.E. and Van Wart, M. (2023) “Strict Liability for Defective Products Sold on Amazon’s E-marketplace: Is the Tide Turning?” in USF Law Review in production.
The performance of the faith and ethical investmentproducts: A comparison before and after the 2008 meltdownWebsite
This study evaluates the performance of socially responsible investing (SRI) and faith-based investing (FBI) by comparing indices such as the MSCI KLD 400, the FTSE KLD Catholic Values 400, and the Dow Jones Islamic Market Index. The findings reveal that these investment strategies offer above-average profit opportunities and are becoming increasingly mainstream. The research highlights the need for further empirical studies and emphasizes the impact of SRI on future investment strategies in academic settings. Additionally, the article explores the rising popularity of faith-based funds (FBF) and socially responsible funds (SRF), assessing their performance during the 2008 financial crisis and noting that certain ethical screening processes may have shielded investors from market risks.
Beer, Francisca M; Estes, James P; Deshayes, Charlotte. (2014). The performance of the faith and ethical investment products: A comparison before and after the 2008 meltdown. Financial Services Review; Atlanta Vol. 23, Iss. 2, 151-167.
https://openjournals.libs.uga.edu/fsr/article/view/3133/2800
Defining, Measuring, and Rewarding Scholarly Impact: Mind the Level of AnalysisWebsite
A study by Professor Coyle-Shapiro explores the use of the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and similar metrics for assessing individual scholarly impact, arguing that they are inappropriate because they aggregate data at the journal level rather than reflecting individual contributions. Despite their limitations, JIF is commonly used in hiring and promotion decisions, which can mislead researchers into prioritizing publication in high-JIF journals over meaningful work. The article also examines product liability law, highlighting tensions between consumer protection and manufacturer interests. It discusses how states vary in handling negligence and liability and reviews legal challenges faced by Amazon, particularly its claims to avoid certain liabilities as an e-marketplace facilitator. The authors highlight the misuse of JIF, originally intended for library management, particularly in business schools. They advocate for more nuanced evaluation methods and call for tailored approaches to promote meaningful research that accurately reflects individual contributions.
Ramani, R.S., Aguinis, H., & Coyle-Shapiro, J. (2022) Defining, measuring, and rewarding scholarly impact: Mind the level of analysis. Academy of Management Learning & Education (Special issue on Learning and Education Strategies for Scholarly Impact: Influencing Regulation, Policy and Society through Research), Vol 21 (3), 470-486.
Effects of risk perception and perceived certainty on evacuate/stay decisionsWebsite
A study by Professor Benedict explores how perceived certainty can improve evacuation planning, enhancing its effectiveness and reducing risks associated with over- and under-evacuation. The study investigates how perceived certainty about evacuation logistics—such as preparation time—affects a household's decision to evacuate, alongside traditional risk perception. Utilizing latent variable modeling, it introduces a robust statistical framework for evacuation research. By analyzing survey data from Hurricane Matthew, the study examines the relationships among risk perception, logistical certainty, and various demographic and environmental factors that influence evacuation choices. This approach highlights the importance of both immediate risk perception and logistical considerations in informing evacuation decisions.
Adjei, E., Benedict, B. C., Murray-Tuite, P., Lee, S., Ukkusuri, S., & Ge, Y. (2022). Effects of risk perception and perceived certainty on evacuate/stay decisions. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 80(1), 103247.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420922004666