Business Programs Research Articles

Una metodología de despliegue de mejora continua replicable en escuelas de negocios en México

Continuous improvement fosters adaptability and the ability to respond to changes and challenges in the environment, so in a constantly evolving context, organizations must continuously learn to remain competitive. Continuous improvement provides a structure and mindset that promote innovation and the ability to anticipate the changing needs and expectations of consumers of goods and services, such that the focus on continuous improvement impacts efficiency, adaptability, and innovation within organizations. In this context, the research problem in this paper is to propose a methodology for deploying continuous improvement that is replicable in business schools in Mexico, based on an updated and relevant theoretical framework in line with the guidelines of a major international accrediting organization for higher education, in this case, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The methodology used in this research was documentary and descriptive, collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing existing information on continuous improvement in business schools according to international standards in order to provide a solid foundation for further research in this field of study, and to describe the characteristics and accurate representation of the continuous improvement process in business schools in accordance with the guidelines of leadership, planning, stakeholder listening methods, learning assessment, human capital, and administrative processes.

Investigating Brand Awareness, Brand Image, and Perceived Quality on Customer Loyalty

This study investigates the impact of brand awareness, brand image, and perceived quality on customer loyalty, with a focus on Telkomsel users within the Creative Business program at Universitas Indonesia. Employing a quantitative research methodology, data were collected from 50 respondents using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 26. The findings reveal that all three factors—brand awareness, brand image, and perceived quality—positively influence customer satisfaction, which in turn significantly enhances customer loyalty. Specifically, perceived quality emerged as the most influential factor driving customer satisfaction, followed by brand image and brand awareness. The study underscores the critical role of perceived quality in fostering customer loyalty, suggesting that Telkomsel’s success in retaining customers is largely attributed to its high service standards. This research contributes to the literature on brand management in the telecommunications sector and offers practical insights for enhancing customer loyalty through strategic improvements in brand perception and service quality.

The Effect of Digital Literacy, Technological Adoption, and Collaborative Learning on Student Engagement in Business Education

This study explores the influence of digital literacy, technological adoption, and collaborative learning on student engagement in business education. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 300 undergraduate students enrolled in business programs through a structured questionnaire. The analysis employed descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression techniques to investigate the relationships between the variables. The results revealed that digital literacy, technological adoption, and collaborative learning significantly contribute to student engagement, with collaborative learning emerging as the strongest predictor. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing digital literacy and promoting technology use in educational settings, alongside fostering collaborative learning experiences, to improve student engagement in business education. These insights have implications for educators and curriculum designers seeking to create more effective and engaging learning environments.

Child leader standing on a precipice: a case study of NextGenInnov8

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, students will be able to identify the traits required in child leadership and the ability to apply “The Whole Leadership Framework” child leadership model today, identify and discover opportunities to promote child leadership and analyse its sustainable impact and analyse how innovation clubbed with sustainability will create a competitive advantage with special reference to the innovative ultraviolet-C light sterilisation Suraksha Box. Case overview/synopsis Aditya Pachpande was a child prodigy of India, who had stunned the world with his trailblazing attitude ever since the tender age of 12. Aditya’s father, Sandeep Pachpande, a Harvard alumnus, wondered – “My son is ahead of his time. Would institutions ever acknowledge my innovative boy as a child leader? Will my child become a teen chief executive officer (CEO)? Will he ever get accepted?” Aditya leads by example as a student, changemaker, edupreneur, innovator and keynote speaker. He thinks, “Age is just a number”, but has had to shout out loud to be heard. With the nickname “Lecture man” given by his teachers and peers, he went on to contribute in endorsing skill-based experiential and discovery-based teaching-learning that addresses real-world issues and sustainable development goals. A CEO at the age of 11 years, he co-founded NextGenInnov8 Global Solutions Private Limited and NextGenInnov8 Social Foundation. Although achieving these milestones, he had to manoeuvre through several curve balls hurled at him by the system. Not the one to ever compromise on ethics, values and purpose, today he was at the crossroads – whether he should choose social change over-commercialisation of his business, simplicity and minimalism over product perfection, crowdfunding over loans or angel investors, manufacture in China or make in India just to name a few. The unstoppable Aditya, aspiring for acceptance, dreamt that someday, these policymakers and businesses would acknowledge child innovators and not write them off just because they were adolescents. Aditya, standing on a precipice, dreamt along. Complexity academic level This case has been particularly focused on postgraduate-early stage-level students pursuing business or entrepreneurial education-related programs. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Ethical empowerment: Examining the impact of business education in Indian universities through the lens of international standards and CIPP model

This study assessed the effectiveness of Indian postgraduate business education in addressing ethical challenges, integrating International Education Standards (IES) and the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) model. Using a positivist approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted, focusing on 233 postgraduate business students through various sampling methods. Data analysis employed descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential (multiple linear regression) statistics. Findings revealed a significant 75% alignment with IES 4 in surveyed universities' business programs. Participative teaching methods were found to be used often in ethics instruction, particularly in accounting courses. Students perceived the program as highly effective in meeting ethical requirements, influenced by age, religiosity, and to a lesser extent, gender. Future research should explore components affecting ethical preparedness, considering content, teaching methods, case studies, long-term impacts, and cultural variations. The study, which was constrained by self-reported data and student perspectives, highlights the need for diverse viewpoints and methods in future cross-cultural research.

Students’ Life Skills with Reference to the Socio-Economic Status and Discipline of the Study in the Context of NEP-2020

Objective: The main aim of this paper was to examine the relationship between life skills and the socioeconomic status of the students enrolled in different disciplines of study in universities and colleges of Punjab State. Method: 600 students who were majoring in science, the arts, or business programs in the universities and colleges of Punjab State, India served as the sample. Modified Kuppuswamy (2022) Socio-economic scale (SES) was used. As per scale- families are placed into one of five categories: upper class, upper middle class, lower middle class, upper lower class, and lower class. A family’s total score can range anywhere from three to twenty-nine points, and it can only be determined by combining information about the members of the family’s education level, occupation level, and income level. Life skills were measured by self-developed tools. This test measures 10 life skills, including critical thinking, self-awareness, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, empathy, stress management, and dealing with emotions. Each dimension has five statements, and a 5-point scale is used to rate each. Findings: It has been found in the present study that students of science disciplines have higher life skills in comparison to Commerce and Social science Streams. Similarly, students from higher SES backgrounds tend to have better Life Skills compared to those from lower SES backgrounds. Novelty: This research uniquely compares socio-economic status, academic discipline, and students' life skills within the NEP-2020 framework. It stands out by examining how these variables collectively impact life skills development, providing a nuanced understanding of their interdependence. By focusing on the diverse socio-economic backgrounds and varied academic disciplines, the study offers novel insights into tailoring educational strategies that foster essential life skills. In this research paper, an analytical approach has been applied to analyze the data as per NEP-2020's holistic and inclusive vision, aiming to bridge educational disparities and enhance student outcomes in a comprehensive manner. Keywords: Life Skills, Socio-Economic Status, Science, Social Science and Commerce Disciplines of study, NEP 2020

FROM EFL TO EMI: A CASE OF THAI INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ L2 LEARNING MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT IN CHINA

This study aims to explore Thai international students’ attitudes towards teaching approaches maximizing their second language (L2) learning motivation and engagement and the motivating and demotivating factors influencing their L2 learning experiences during the transition from EFL to EMI contexts. The participants, selected by the purposive sampling method, were five senior Business English major undergraduates in southern Thailand who were enrolled as international students in a Chinese multilingual university for two semesters. Semi-structured interviews were employed, and qualitative data was inductively analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that all participants felt motivated and engaged to take the English for International Business and Trade course within the field of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in the EMI Business Program. They tended to sustain their intended effort to complete communicative-based tasks and term projects related to their future professional goals, acquire specialized business knowledge, and develop digital literacy skills. Despite experiencing fluctuating motivation and transitional challenges, they reported their native-speaker teacher helped them reduce their constraints regarding English language use by editing their writing tasks and presentation scripts. Furthermore, they developed their English language proficiency, L2 self-confidence, and intercultural competence. These findings illuminate several factors influencing the student sojourners’ L2 learning motivation and engagement in EMI settings. The study sheds light on the pedagogical implications of implementing practical courses and developing the instructional quality of the curriculum in internationalized higher education institutions.

Key Factors for Student Startup Success: Insights from Higher Education Professors

The study aims to identify and analyse the key factors of student start-ups from the perspective of higher academic institution professors. Entrepreneurial students in higher education face challenges such as limited funding, scarce resources, lack of business experience and struggling to balance academic commitments with their start-up ventures. Additionally, they struggle with navigating complex business regulations and often lack access to proper networks or mentorship. This research contributes to a better understanding of how the entrepreneurial ecosystem in higher education institutions can support student start-up initiatives to succeed. For the research, a survey was conducted targeting ten experts from higher education institutions engaged with business or entrepreneurial study programmes. The research used the content validation method and descriptive statistical analysis to evaluate the responses, focusing on measures of central tendency and variability to determine the degree of consensus among respondents regarding the 36 statements provided. The study results revealed that while respondents agreed on the importance of student attitudes towards failure and self-confidence, there was strong disagreement among them regarding the belief that non-business students have a lesser chance of creating a successful startup. Also, experts suggested that entrepreneurship education should place more emphasis on the development of students' entrepreneurial mindset, which is considered to be an essential quality for the uncertain journey of entrepreneurship. Finally, the survey results indicated that networking and experiential learning are crucial for startup development. This underscores the importance of scientific debate not only on innovative funding models but also on non-financial support systems that surpass traditional educational methods in higher education environments.

Analytics: What Do Business Majors Need and Where Do They Get It?

Analytical skills are important for all business majors. Because of the statistical underpinnings, statisticians are a natural fit for the delivery of these skills. Unfortunately, there is a lack of common understanding of what skills and competencies are needed. This article has two primary objectives: determine how business analytics course offerings delineate course content (i.e., where statistical and analytical topics are currently offered in business disciplines); and determine the industry analytical needs of various business domains. We performed two phases of analysis. First, we collected course listings and descriptions from the top thirty undergraduate and graduate business programs in the United States to determine what analytics courses are currently offered. Second, we collected industry data to determine what skills are needed across business disciplines based on job postings that identify analytics. Our results indicate there is some overlap of content between current courses. We also find that there are varying analytical skills and competencies needed in other business domains based on job postings. These results can help guide the structure of analytics offerings in business schools.

Artificial intelligence-based learning model to improve the talents of higher education students towards the digitalization era

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is a hallmark of the 4.0 revolution. The two main issues in Indonesia are infrastructure that needs to be equipped with technology and intelligence-based curriculum integrated with business and industry programs, and lecturers as educators who do not want to use and develop AI technology in applying guided learning models. This research aims to create a learning model based on AI that will help college students develop their talents while maintaining the Pancasila principles in the age of digitization. This study contains four stages: data collection, data analysis, research analysis outcomes, and validation of research analysis results. This research developed an AI-based learning model for use in higher education consisting of four dimensions: input, process, output, and outcome. The input dimension includes components such as students, lecturers, organizations, and infrastructure ready to adopt AI-based learning models. The process dimension consists of the elements that influence the operation of the AI-based learning model system and the functionality provided by the learning model. The output dimension includes characteristics that may be directly measured and process feedback. Finally, the outcome comprises the predicted outputs from the AI-based learning model.

Exploring the barriers to farmer participation in soil carbon projects under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme

ABSTRACT The Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme was established to incentivise reductions in emissions or carbon storage. However, there has been low participation by farmers in soil carbon projects since the first soil carbon method was established for agriculture in 2014, even though carbon prices are high and management changes to sequester carbon on farms should be complementary to other business outcomes. This study explores the barriers that might limit participation in soil carbon projects. A novel approach is that instead of interviewing landholders, we worked with agents, service providers and agencies in Australia to gain their insights about the participation challenges for farmers. The main barriers identified are information gaps, risk and uncertainty about returns, high upfront costs, poor knowledge, limited business cases and program complexity. Potential opportunities to overcome barriers include increasing awareness of and access to factual and science-based information, reducing risk and uncertainties, reducing measurement and practice change costs, increasing financial support and incentives, quantifying environmental benefits and complementary benefits of the practices, and simplifying the methods and program systems. This study also suggests better business models for carbon projects need to be developed, with adjustable scenarios, so that farmers can tailor them to their enterprise.

Perceptions of Teachers on Bilingual Education in Business Education

In the process of global integration, international cross-cultural business interactions are becoming closer, and the importance of English as an international lingua franca continues to grow. Business programmes aimed at developing both business and foreign language skills are faced with the challenge of adopting bilingualism teaching. The study adopts qualitative and quantitative research methods, mainly using literature method (referring to relevant domestic and foreign literature materials and related information retrieval), and questionnaire survey method to conduct questionnaire surveys with students and teachers in Jiangsu University of Technology. The paper intends to probe specific aspects of bilingual teaching and to give suggestions for effective ways to carry out bilingual teaching for Business Majors. This study finds that at present, in the process of bilingual teaching of business courses, there are problems or challenges such as students’ difficulties in studying in bilingual environment, insufficient studying teaching in bilingual resources and materials, cross-cultural adaptation problems, etc. In order to address these problems, programmes such as enhancing teacher preparedness, developing curriculums, developing teaching resources, providing student support services, and reviewing evaluation and assessment are proposed.

The interdisciplinary curriculum alignment to enhance graduates' employability and universities’ sustainability

The employability of university graduates mainly depends upon the skillset they acquire through curriculum, subject specializations, and pedagogical practice. Contemporary analytical, big data-driven, and IT-based skills are imperative for supply chain graduates and business schools' sustainability. This study aims to provide directions and guidelines on the curriculum framework that offers an equilibrium of qualitative and quantitative skills for supply chain management graduates' employment and relative sustainability for universities. We utilized a three-pronged methodology to identify analytical, big data-driven, and IT-based skills. First, literature review was used to identify 18 criteria organized into 3 themes. Second, we conducted interpretive content analysis of the curricula of 38 Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited supply chain management programs across the world. Third, in-depth interviews with 16 leading academics and industry experts were conducted to conclude the study and draw meaningful insights. Specific solutions aimed at combating the contemporary challenges and the implications of redesigning interdisciplinary curricula for students in specialized business programs – such as supply chains, logistics, and operations – are also offered. This research provides new insights to continuously improve interdisciplinary curricula, enhancing students' employability and contributing to universities’ financial sustainability.

Cultural Education Sustainability and Development of Vocational Business Education in Nigeria

Culture and art is a significant aspect of human life, and the aim has been to create ideas relevant to the new interdisciplinary education as no society survives without cultural values. Culture is one of the phenomenon that shape individuals toward moral integrity and human development. Culture therefore helps to engender development and sustainability in the society. Without culture no society can make progress into the sustainability of its future civilization. Thus this paper is designed to evaluate the contributions of cultural education sustainability towards the achievement of developing vocational business education in Nigeria. The paper adopted explanatory descriptive approach which is content analysis. The paper discourse is centred on: concept of culture and cultural education, value/importance of cultural education, overall impact of cultural education and contributions of cultural education to the development of vocational business education in Nigeria. The paper concluded that sustainable Culture and vocational business education are connected phenomenal that collaborates to build a society with human and sustainable civilization. The development of culture influences the development of vocational business education and Nigeria can only leverage on the values of culture to shape a better curriculum of vocational business education. Thus, vocational business education cannot achieve its laudable objectives in Nigeria without embracing the norms and caprices of the culture of the society. Consequently, the paper recommended among others that educational institutions should develop curriculum guidelines and resources that incorporate cultural education components into vocational business programs at all levels of education, from secondary schools to tertiary institutions. Ensure that cultural education is integrated across relevant subjects, such as entrepreneurship, marketing, tourism, and international business.

Students' Intention to Engage With ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Business Studies Programmes

This initial qualitative study used in-depth interview data from students to examine their perceptions of ChatGPT and intentions regarding using artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. The students were sampled across business programmes at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at an International University in the UAE. As of mid-2023, understanding student attitudes becomes crucial as AI increasingly becomes integrated into educational settings, therefore necessitating initial research. Additionally, the ethical dimension of ChatGPT use in assessment and future impact on careers was explored, considering concerns related to privacy, data security, bias, and transparency. Whilst all participants reported that they were familiar with the chatbot, a proportion of them indicated that the tool could help them improve their assignments, particularly in improving grammar. Some participants expressed concerns about the algorithm behind ChatGPT as well as the potential displacement of the labour force.

M4 - Small Business Program: Implementation of a Technological Solution to Support Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the Primary Care Setting

M4 - Small Business Program: Implementation of a Technological Solution to Support Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the Primary Care Setting

Dark and light university: The relationship between dark and light personality traits and educational choices and the desire for power as a mediating factor

The present research investigates the role of dark and light personality traits in determining academic discipline preferences among university students. Two studies showed that university students with relatively high scores on dark personality traits (specifically, narcissism and Machiavellianism) and relatively low scores on light personality traits are over-represented in business and law programs, compared to psychology and other academic disciplines. The results further suggest that personality is a distal determinant of academic discipline choice, with human values being the proximal determinant. Specifically, high scores in dark/low light personalities express a desire for power, which explains why they choose economics or law as their academic discipline. Contrary to our expectations, low dark/high light personalities were not over-represented in psychology, compared to other academic disciplines. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of considering personality traits and human values in understanding academic discipline choices among university students. Recognizing these factors can inform educational institutions in developing strategies to better support students in aligning their academic pursuits with their personal characteristics and values.

Structuring ethics education in undergraduate business programs: a proposal

This paper examines the role that business schools can play in reducing the occurrence of unethical business practices. Recent experience has highlighted the persistence of unethical conduct, especially in the finance industry, and the limitations of legislation in curtailing this type of conduct. In response, alternative approaches, including self-regulation through industry codes of conduct and firm-based ethics training programs, have increased in importance. But these approaches have also been ineffective. Recognising this, the potential for ethics education at the university level is highlighted. This would reflect an Aristotelian perspective based on virtue ethics where participants in the financial system would possess ‘virtues’ or ‘character traits’ that would cause them to refrain from unethical behaviour because of the education they had received in their business degrees. This raises questions about how to ensure that universities realise this potential on the one hand, and the best way to realise it on the other. The paper argues for a mandatory ethics subject in the core of all business degrees as a condition of accreditation by bodies such as AACSB and EQUIS.

English Proficiency Requirement for Improving Global Real Estate Business Program

This paper looks at both the felt (present situation) and perceived needs (target situation) English communication needs of Korean university students enrolled in the Global Real Estate Business program which uses English only as medium of instruction. Data was gathered using 8-item questionnaire composed of scales, checklists, and open-ended questions. Statistical and interpretive approaches were used to analyze the profile of the respondents, identify the both the present situation and target situation English communication needs of the students to inform possible program evaluation. Based on the study conducted, it was found that of the four communication skills in English, the respondents consider ‘listening’ as the most used, most practiced, most important, but most difficult. This study is important for the Global Real Estate Business Program teachers to consider, so that they can device ways on how listening comprehension can be improved. Also, the list of Global real estate business related skills and vocabulary focus will inform the teachers of which to emphasize and focus so that their classes will be able to better address what actual communication needs their learners feel are most important. In the future, it will continue to be necessary to manage practical global real estate business programs while continuously improving basic English skills, focusing on listening, to enable students to perform classes taught only in English.

The Markov Chains to Predict Malaria Incidence and Death in Gazira State, Sudan From 2001 to 2021

Background: Malaria is considered the most deadly and difficult parasitic disease in the world. This study aims to use Markov chains to predict the probability patterns of stability or change in malaria incidence and deaths. Methods: Markov chains were used to analyze the data on malaria incidence and deaths through the Windows Quantitative Systems for Business (WINQSB) program. Data was obtained from the Ministry of Health, Gazira State, Health Information Centre, Sudan. The data is a time series, from 2001 to 2021 per year, according to three cases of decrease, stability, and increase. A transitional matrix is built for the three cases. Results: The results revealed that the probability that malaria incidence and deaths will reach a stable state in one year and in the long run; the probability of transitioning to an increased state was 0.66 of malaria incidence; and the probability of moving to a decreased state was 0.52 of malaria deaths. Conclusion: The results show that the malaria incidence will increase and malaria deaths will decrease in the short and long run from 2022 to 2030 in Gazira State. It is necessary to reinforce means and resources for case management and to investigate the determinants of the situation. Thus, strategies are urgently needed to arrest the unacceptably high incidence and death rates. Keywords: Markov Chain, Predicting, Malaria Incidence, Malaria Death, Gazira State.