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(Alphabetical by Faculty Last Name)

"The History of Design Thinking and its Contributions to Food Experiences and Well-Being" (book chapter)

Design Thinking for Food Well-Being

Graham Austin · Professor of Marketing

Summary: This chapter examines the relationships between three complimentary paradigms: food experiences, food well-being, and design thinking. This chapter first defines each concept, which are all relatively new to academic inquiry. Next, it traces the history of design thinking, noting when and how food experiences have received greater and less attention from designers and consumers. Next, the chapter examines how a design thinking approach can be used to examine and improve food experiences, and to increase food well-being.

Implications for Policy: This chapter emphasizes how food-related research can and should be put into practice by applying design thinking principles.

 

"Food Experiences Design to Prevent Unintended Consequences and Improve Well-Being"

Journal of Service Research

Graham Austin · Professor of Marketing

Abstract: This article introduces a novel and comprehensive conceptual framework for designing innovative food experiences that enhance food well-being. We call this framework the novel food experience design. It supports managers in cocreating customer-centric food experiences to limit unintended detrimental consequences and enhance individual and societal food well-being. The novel food experience design (1) employs a systemic (vs. endemic) approach to the innovation process and (2) promotes prioritizing ethical decision-making alongside economic decision-making. Building on insights derived from ecosystem theory and the ethical principles literature, we develop four fundamental propositions to innovate food experiences: do no harm, do good, ensure autonomy, and ensure fairness. Our framework promotes higher levels of individual and societal food well-being than restricted food design innovations, preventing unintended consequences. Finally, we illuminate the implications for service research and practice.



"Sensemaking and social processes in digital government projects"

Government Information Quarterly

Laura Black · Professor of Management

Co-author: David F. Andersen
Co-author: Luis Felipe Luna-Reyes
Co-author: Theresa A. Pardo

Abstract: This research identifies main feedback dynamics associated with social processes necessary to make sense of ambiguous project goals, typical of large digital government projects. The study reports on findings from a case analysis using participatory approaches in system dynamics, based on a digital government project integrating information systems of New York's criminal justice agencies. Findings stress the importance of visuals in the sensemaking process that results from the interaction of technical and social outcomes produced through identifying and continuously re-interpreting main project issues and goals. Project analyses suggest that requisite elements of successfully managing this type of project include 1) facilitation that enables diversity of ideas, 2) shared visuals and re-presentations of participants' efforts to work on the issues, and 3) iterative social construction of objectives, progress, and valid processes for doing the work; each of these plays a role in three different feedback processes sustaining (or undermining) the group engagement needed to yield successful integrative work. The study contributes to the literature in digital government by introducing the lenses of people-centered project management processes, an emerging approach in project management, to underscore the role of social processes in technical projects.

 

" Exploring Career Intentions: Impact of Entrepreneurial Mindset and COVID-19 on Engineering and Business Students"

American Society for Engineering Management

Scott Bryant · Professor of Management

Co-author: Kregg Aytes
Co-author: Agnieszka Kwapisz
Co-author: William J. Schell



"Entrepreneurial Action and Intention: The Role of Entrepreneurial Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, and Grit"

Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy

Scott Bryant · Professor of Management

Co-author: Kregg Aytes
Co-author: Agnieszka Kwapisz
Co-author: William J. Schell

Abstract: Increasing students’ entrepreneurial mindset (EM) is one of the main goals of entrepreneurship education, which is increasingly taught across multiple disciplines. One challenge in EM education is finding an effective measure. In this work, we investigate the Engineering Student Entrepreneurial Mindset Assessment (ESEMA), which intends to measure a broad definition of EM. This paper compares the constructs of the ESEMA to those found in related measures of traits and attitudes using a sample that includes engineering students, business students, and practicing entrepreneurs. In addition to validating the instrument constructs, we explore the relationship between the ESEMA factors and measures of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Grit. Our study confirms that the ESEMA survey loads into the six expected factors. We discover that ESEMA-Empathy and EI-Others’ Emotion Appraisal as well as EI-Use of Emotion and Grit-Perseverance are similar constructs. Additionally, our results show EM-Ideation, EM-Interest, and EI-Use of Emotion to consistently and positively relate to entrepreneurial action and intention while EM-Open Mindedness relates negatively. Overall, our study provides a better understanding of how we can measure students’ entrepreneurial mindset, differences in mindsets across disciplines and between students and practicing entrepreneurs, and the relationship of the constructs measured and entrepreneurial actions and intentions.

 

 

"Electric bike-sharing services mode substitution for driving, public transit, and cycling"

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment

Agnieszka Kwapisz · Professor of Management

Co-author: Tomasz Bielinski, University of Gdansk
Co-author: Agnieszka Wazna, University of Gdansk
 

Key Takeaway: Electric bike-sharing services (BSS) does not act as a substitute for car trips but act as a substitute for public transportation.

Implications for Policy: If used as a substitute for public transportation, the electric bike-sharing systems have potential to reduce the strain on the public transportation systems. However, our results suggest that an e-bike BSS may not be the tool to reduce the amount of motorized car travel since we found no substitution between cars and e-bikes. Therefore, if the city goal is to reduce car use, our results suggest that the adoption of an e-bike BSS may not be effective.

Summary:

In hopes of reducing traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and energy consumption, bike sharing is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Underlying many of the benefits attributed to bike sharing is an assumption that bike share journeys replace a significant proportion of trips previously made by car. This paper examines factors correlated with the use of an electric bike-sharing system in Tricity, Poland. We use the double hurdle estimation approach on data from two matched surveys: before and after the implementation of the system. Our analyses indicate that electric bike rides did not act as a substitute for car trips. Shared e-bikes were used by residents as a substitute for public transportation or as a first/last mile of transport to/from public transportation stops. We examined the use of e-bikes for various types of trips and identified factors encouraging and discouraging people from usage of bike-sharing and cycling in general.

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"What do female and male entrepreneurs value in business accelerators"

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing

Agnieszka Kwapisz · Professor of Management

Key Takeaway: There are significant differences in valuation of accelerator services by women- and men-led ventures. However, these differences depend on different stages of venture growth.

Implications for Policy: This research serves as a practical guide for accelerator administrators and marketers who seek to adjust their business support offerings based on the value placed for the services by different populations of entrepreneurs.

Summary:
Business accelerators facilitate new venture creation, and most research on the subject focuses on the performance of accelerated ventures. This paper aims to understand what entrepreneurs value in business accelerators and how this differs for women- and men-led ventures. The authors suggest that venture growth stage may play a mediating role in these relationships. Compared to men, women entrepreneurs place greater value on knowledge transfer benefits (i.e. business skills education) but lower value on networking benefits offered by accelerators. However, there are no significant differences in the valuations for these services between genders for high-growth ventures. Additionally, compared to men, women leading high-growth ventures place greater value on access to potential investors or funders.

"Accounting for social media effects to improve the accuracy of infection models: Combatting the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic"

European Journal of Information Systems

Christine Sung · Associate Professor of Marketing
Co-author: Sujin Bae
Co-author: Ohbyung Kwon

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, etc. have played an important role in conveying information, both accurate and inaccurate, thereby creating mass confusion. As the response to COVID-19 has reduced face-to-face contact, communication via social media has increased. Evidence shows that social media affects disease (non-)prevention through the (im)proper distribution of information, and distorts the predictive accuracy of infection models, including legacy Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Recovered (SEIR) models. Our adjusted SEIR model reflects the effectiveness of information disseminated through social media by accounting for dimensions of social/informational motivation based on social learning/use and gratification theories, and uses Monte Carlo methodology and computational algorithms to predict effects of social media on the spread of COVID-19 (N = 2,095 cases). The results suggest that social media utilisation measures should be incorporated into SEIR models to improve forecasts of COVID-19 infections. Utilising IS to analyse the spread of digital information via social media platforms can inform efforts to combat the pandemic and infodemic. Agencies responsible for infection and disease control, policy makers, businesses, institutions and educators must accurately monitor infection rates to appropriately allocate funding and human resources and develop effective disease prevention marketing campaigns.



"Augmented reality advertising via a mobile app"

Psychology & Marketing

Christine Sung · Associate Professor of Marketing

Co-author: Dai-In Danny Han
Co-author: Yung Kyun Choi

Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) mobile app advertising offers new opportunities for interactive consumer engagement to boost advertising effectiveness and elicit positive consumer responses. In this study, we investigate the role of escapism by analyzing its antecedents and consequences. We aim to shed light on how AR mobile app advertising can be used to enhance escapism experiences by considering two psychological mechanisms of mental imagery: narrative transportation (in response to ad storytelling) and spatial immersion. The consequences of escapism experiences include positive social media sharing, purchase intentions through brand attitudes, and new brand engagement via AR mobile app advertising. Prior brand preference does not affect the relationship between escapism and consumer responses after exposure to immersive AR advertising. Our findings have meaningful implications for how industry practitioners can enhance escapism in the context of AR mobile app advertising.



"Consumer Engagement via Interactive Artificial Intelligence and Mixed Reality"

International Journal of Information Management

Christine Sung · Associate Professor of Marketing
Co-author: Sujin Bae
Co-author: Dai-In Danny Han
Co-author: Ohbyung Kwon

Abstract: The use of immersive technologies has changed the consumption environment in which retailers provide services. We present findings from a study designed to investigate consumer responses toward a $17 million AI-embedded mixed reality (MR) exhibit in a retail/entertainment complex which combines advanced technology entertainment with retail shopping. Findings from our study demonstrate that the quality of AI (i.e., speech recognition and synthesis via machine learning) associated with an augmented object increases MR immersion associated with spatial immersion, MR enjoyment, and consumers’ perceptions of novel experiences. Collectively, these increase consumer engagement, and positively influence behavioral responses—specifically, purchase intentions and intentions to share experiences with social groups. Overall, findings from this study show that interactive AI and MR technology open new avenues to promote consumer engagement.


"The Effects of Augmented Reality Mobile App Advertising: Viral Marketing via Shared Social Experience"

Journal of Business Research

Christine Sung · Associate Professor of Marketing

Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) tools can increase the effectiveness of traditional marketing approaches. This study tests the effectiveness of AR advertising in the specific context of holiday mobile app marketing. Applying the experience economy framework to the AR marketing response process, this study investigates consumer responses to AR mobile app advertising by measuring shared social experience (which is associated with user-generated viral marketing behavior) and purchase intentions. Results show that immersive new brand experiences enabled by AR positively influence consumer responses. These findings suggest that practitioners should consider combining AR marketing tools with existing marketing approaches to facilitate shared social experience (i.e., unpaid brand endorsement) and increase purchase intentions. Doing so could help marketing campaigns stand out, particularly during competitive holiday marketing periods.

"Evaluating Disparities in Access to Obstetric Services for American Indian Women across Montana"

Journal of Rural Health

Andreas Thorsen · Associate Professor of Management
Sean Harris
· Assistant Professor of Accounting

Co-author: Maggie Thorsen; Montana State University
Co-author: Ron McGarvey; University of Missouri
Co-author: Janelle Palacios; Kaiser Permanente
 

Key Takeaway: Access to obstetric care is limited in remote rural areas in Montana, especially higher-level specialty care, compared to urban or urban-adjacent rural areas. American Indian/Alaskan Native AIAN women traveled significantly further than White women to access care (24.2 minutes further on average), even compared to White women from similarly rural areas (5 to 13 minutes further; after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and health care utilization). AIAN women were twenty times more likely to give birth at a hospital without obstetric services and had less access to complex obstetric care. Poor access was particularly pronounced among reservation-dwelling AIAN women.

Implications for Policy: It is imperative to consider racial disparities and health inequities underlying poor access to obstetric services across rural America. Current federal policies aim to reduce maternity-care professional shortages. Our findings suggest that racial disparities in access to complex obstetric care will persist in Montana unless facility-level infrastructure is also expanded to reach areas serving AIAN women.

Summary:
Pregnant women across the rural United States have increasingly limited access to obstetric care, especially specialty care for high risk women and infants. Limited research focuses on access for rural AIAN women, a population warranting attention given persistent inequalities in birth outcomes.  Using Montana birth certificate data from 2014-2018, we examined variation in travel time to give birth and access to different levels of obstetric care by rurality and race.

"Nested-solution facility location models"

Optimization Letters

Andreas Thorsen · Associate Professor of Management

Co-author: Ron McGarvey; University of Missouri
 

Key Takeaway: Facility location problems that involve an uncertain number of facilities to be utilized can be challenging to solve. In this paper we developed models that minimize the decision maker's regret. Essentially the model produces solutions that maintain consistency over a set of chosen facilities over a pre-selected range of facilities to utilize. For instance, if you open two warehouses, the model may suggest to put one in LA and Boston. But if you open three warehouses instead, the model suggests opening one in Salt Lake City, Dallas, and Boston. Those may be correct solutions mathematically, but what if you might need two now but are looking to expand to three a bit down the road, and you aren't interested in closing one of the first two facilities? Our paper develops models that are consistent.

Implications for Policy: Analysts may have difficulty "selling" modeling solutions if the solutions appear inconsistent. Analysts and consultants interested in maintaining consistency in the set of chosen facilities over a range of the number of utilized facilities may find our models helpful.

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"How preexisting beliefs and message involvement drive nonprofit donations: An integrated model"

European Journal of Marketing

Eric Van Steenburg · Associate Professor of Marketing

Co-author: Nancy Spears

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how individuals respond to messages asking for donations in broadcast advertising. It does so by considering both preexisting attitudes and beliefs related to donating, as well as message processing. The goal is to uncover messages that may help nonprofit organisations increase donations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research combines the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to measure preexisting beliefs and the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) to measure involvement in an investigation of donation responses to broadcast-quality advertisements developed by a professional ad agency featuring the following two messages: one that leverages social norms and another that legitimises minimal giving. Two studies collected data from a total of 544 respondents in two between-subjects 2 × 2 × 2 experiments.

Findings

Injunctive norm messages affect the intended donation behaviour of individuals who are pre-disposed to donating, but only if they are highly involved with the ad. Social legitimisation messages affect donations from individuals who look to referents to direct behaviour, but unlike what was expected, only by those not highly involved with the ad. Similarly, individuals who do not think they can donate increased donations when they saw the legitimisation message and had low advertisement involvement.

Research limitations/implications

Results extend the ELM-TPB integrated framework by discovering when and how involvement drives intended donation behaviour. The research also sheds light on message processing by focussing on the preexisting characteristics of recipients.

Practical implications

The results provide nonprofit managers with strategies to increase donations with targeted messages. Those who pay attention to the ad and have a positive attitude toward giving are going to donate if they are told others support the cause. Therefore, the focus should be on those who are not involved with the ad but still believe giving is appropriate.



"Political Polarization: Challenges, Opportunities, and Hope for Consumer Welfare, Marketers, and Public Policy"

Journal of Public Policy & Marketing

Eric Van Steenburg · Associate Professor of Marketing

Co-author: T.J. Weber
Co-author: Chris Hydock
Co-author: William Ding
Co-author: Meryl Gardner
Co-author: Pradeep Jacob
Co-author: Naomi Mandel
Co-author: David E. Sprott

Abstract:
Political polarization is a marked political division in the population, characterized by multiple manifestations. The authors argue that it can affect consumer psychology, which in turn influences marketers, policy makers, and consumer welfare. The present work introduces the construct of political polarization to the marketing literature and shows how it serves as a novel challenge for various marketing stakeholders. For consumers, the authors propose that political polarization increases the salience of political identities, alters inter- and intragroup dynamics, and amplifies cognitive biases. These effects negatively affect consumer welfare, including financial welfare, relationships, mental and physical health, and societal interests. For marketers, polarization introduces a challenge to both be more sociopolitically engaged while also navigating competing political interests. Polarization also creates new opportunities and challenges for segmentation, targeting, loyalty, and product offerings. For policy makers, political polarization creates policy gaps, impedes the implementation of policy, and obstructs governance. Building from these insights, the authors consider the drawbacks and overlooked benefits of political polarization, potential remedies, and directions for future research.

 

"Culture and the regulation of insider trading across countries"

Journal of Corporate Finance

Haoyang Xiong · Assistant Professor of Finance
Co-author: Brandon N. Cline
Co-author: Claudia R. Williamson

Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) tools can increase the effectiveness of traditional marketing approaches. This study tests the effectiveness of AR advertising in the specific context of holiday mobile app marketing. Applying the experience economy framework to the AR marketing response process, this study investigates consumer responses to AR mobile app advertising by measuring shared social experience (which is associated with user-generated viral marketing behavior) and purchase intentions. Results show that immersive new brand experiences enabled by AR positively influence consumer responses. These findings suggest that practitioners should consider combining AR marketing tools with existing marketing approaches to facilitate shared social experience (i.e., unpaid brand endorsement) and increase purchase intentions. Doing so could help marketing campaigns stand out, particularly during competitive holiday marketing periods.


 

 

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