Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.), Franklin University, 2022, Health Programs

This narrative inquiry dissertation study explored the experiences of nonclinical hospital staff placed on pandemic-imposed telework status from the spring of 2020 – spring 2022 due to COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to address gaps in the existing literature regarding the feasibility of hospital staff to telework and identify ways to strengthen manager trust in the context of remote work. The study provides an in-depth narrative on the impact of telework on nonclinical care hospital departments and to addresses lessons learned in making remote work more feasible. This study utilized qualitative narrative inquiry approach to address the central research question and two sub-questions. A convenience sample of 11 hospital staff who experienced pandemic imposed telework participated in open ended Microsoft Teams interviews and gave in depth feedback on their lived experience with telework. Verbatim transcripts were used to code and analyze emerging themes. ATLAS.ti Cloud software was used to code and develop thematic analysis of the interviews. A total of 72 unique codes and eight themes resulted from the analysis of the interviews. The result is six recommendations that support the roll out of telework within hospitals. These findings support current research regarding strengths and weaknesses of telework and identify ways to support managers and staff moving forward. Additionally, the research fills the gap in literature regarding the feasibility and experience of telework by nonclinical hospital staff.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2022, Computer Science and Engineering

With the continuous increase of time series data, more and more research is focused on using these data to improve people's lives. On the one hand, the Markov Decision Process (MDP) is used widely in decision-making. An agent can decide the best action based on its current state. When the agent is applied to time series data, the model will help people make more informed decisions. However, state identification, which is very important in obtaining an optimal decision, has received less attention. On the other hand, with the development of deep learning, identifying the category of a time series has become more and more precise. As a result, the recognition of complex time series sequences has become the hub of public attention. In this dissertation, we focus on developing an automatic state selection using MDP and investigate the application of deep learning in recognizing time series data. We propose a method that combines decision-tree modeling and MDP to permit automatic state identification in a way that offers desirable trade-offs between simplicity and Markovian behavior. We first create a simplified definition of the host state, which becomes the response measure in our decision-tree model. Then, we fit the model in a way that weighs accuracy and interpretability. The leaves of the resulting decision-tree model become the system states. This follows, intuitively, because these are the groupings needed to predict (approximately) the system evolution. Then, we generate and apply an MDP control policy. Our motivating example is cyber vulnerability maintenance. Using the proposed methods, we predict that a Midwest university could save more than four million dollars compared to the current policy. Prechtl's general movements assessment (GMA) allows visual recognition of movement patterns in infants that, when abnormal (cramped synchronized, or CS), have very high specificity in predicting later neuromotor disorders. However, training req (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.), Franklin University, 2021, Business Administration

The United States economy currently suffers a significant skills gap in its workforce, one that approaches crisis proportions. This skills gap (Christo-Baker et al., 2017; King et al., 2017; Laboissiere & Mourshed, 2017) will have profound effects on future U.S. economic growth and, by extension, on global economic growth. Researchers have highlighted the ineffective workforce development programs adopted by business organizations in the United States and recommended incorporating work-integrated learning (WIL) to address the skills gap, but their focus has been overwhelmingly on production/service-execution. This study focuses elsewhere – namely, exploring the effectiveness of a Transformational WIL (TWIL) to address procedural gaps in business development (i.e., pre-execution) through the lived experiences of senior executives and the issues they perceive as mandating a transformational application of WIL to address this “upstream” segment of business operations specifically for the small-business sector. The research employs a conceptual framework based on the work-integrated learning model developed by Sattler (2011). Three research questions guide this proposed study. This researcher used a qualitative phenomenological research design method. The research participants included fifteen senior executives from for-profit business organizations and higher education institutions that meet the recruiting criteria. The organization of workforce-development constructs here involved systematic training, structured work experience, and institutional partnerships. This research advances business knowledge and contributes scholarship to the field by re-targeting WIL on a business segment previously unaddressed by systematic workforce development. This research also results in highly practical practices and business strategies designed to immediately boost the procedural capabilities of small business in OH, benefiting that state's graduates, employees, employers, and the l (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Management, Case Western Reserve University, 2020, Weatherhead School of Management

While mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are attractive strategic choices for many organizations seeking to expand or to increase their value and market power, the rate of failure of these efforts is significant. The human side of M&A remains the most important but often overlooked factor with a significant impact on M&A outcomes. This study employs an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to explore how managers address the factors that influence M&A outcomes and the factors that shape between employer and employee outcomes. The study was conducted using two inquiries (qualitative and quantitative). The greater purpose of this study was to integrate the previous qualitative and quantitative phases to derive more in-depth insight into the human side of M&A outcomes. Ultimately, we found that most managers leverage communication, employee engagement, encouragement, autonomy, empowerment, workplace relationships, and employee wellbeing to address human capital challenges influencing M&A outcomes in the qualitative study. Perceived organizational support (POS) and reciprocity emerged as the primary mediators between employer and employee M&A outcomes.

Honors Theses, Ohio Dominican University, 2021, Honors Theses

House “flipping” is a trend that has caught the widespread attention of the public in recent years. Research papers and quality articles currently available to potential house flippers are quite limited. While there is some scholarly level research on house flipping, many of the existing articles are low-level and not particularly useful (McLaughlin & Jobe, 2018). A study conducted by Depken, Hollans, and Swidler (2009) serves as a foundational model in academic research on information that relates to house flipping, while a corporate replication and expansion later conducted by McLaughlin and Jobe (2018) further built upon their model. While both of these studies are very useful, they are difficult for the public to access, and the complexity of the information given makes them difficult for the average potential property investor to use. This paper and study aim to rectify some of the current issues in the resources available to aspirational home flippers. This work includes an overview of house flipping, providing potential and current property investors with key information about issues of relevance to residential property investing today. This work then transitions to discussing a research study conducted by the author that explores key characteristics of a home flip and explores property data in a Midwestern suburb. This work reaffirms that the average flip property is smaller and older than the average non-flip home, and identifies an average ownership duration given the dataset and predetermined definition of a flip.

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2021, Manufacturing and Technology Management

Drones are a hot topic. While once exclusively a military tool, in recent years, drones have found a number of civilian applications. They are in the news, shown in movies, given as toys for children, used by hobbyists for shooting videos, and the government for surveillance. They are becoming part of our culture. This has created a great deal of anticipation and speculation as to how far this new technology could be pushed. The most obvious possibility would be for package delivery. The race to commercialize this new customer service channel is advancing quickly outside of the U.S. Pizza delivery by drone is being tested in the U.K. Textbooks are being delivered in Sydney, Australia. Medical supplies are rushed to emergency sites across Europe through drones. Yet, in the United States, concerns over the risks of accidents have lead regulators to all but prohibit autonomous drones. However, firms such as Amazon, DHL, and UPS are eagerly waiting for these regulations to be lifted, and it is only a matter of time. Meanwhile, many firms wait on the sidelines and consider how using drones might benefit them. Some will wait until the technology has matured, but others want to grasp a potential first-mover advantage. However, there are many questions that have to be answered. The use of drones is surrounded by a good deal of hype and speculation. A firm considering drone delivery would want to know what drones can do. They would also want to determine how drones might be integrated into their existing operations - or what new operational models they might adopt. Potential cost savings would have to be explored. Finally, market research would be needed to determine if a potential customer would even want the service. This doctoral dissertation seeks to address these questions in separate chapters. The first chapter explores how drones are currently being used, the legal hurdles to overcome, development efforts by large domestic firms, and an over (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2021, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Chronic disease is a growing burden in the United States. The greatest risk factors for the leading causes of death include high BMI, high fasting plasma glucose, high cholesterol and kidney disease known as cardiometabolic risk factors. Behavioral interventions are recommended by leading professional health groups in doses ranging 12-26. Ideally, chronic diseases are best managed in primary care settings, but primary care providers report barriers to providing nutrition counseling. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) are experts skilled at facilitating lifestyle modification through the practice of medical nutrition therapy but are not often employed in primary care settings. There is a paucity of research regarding referral and appointment types for RDNs. This IRB exempt study identified 3,770 referrals for 3,599 individual patients that resulted in 8,576 appointment types with a 46% completion rate. Overall, $904,605 were charged for 9,548 units of service with a 36% collection rate which covers salary costs for the average mid-western RDN.

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.), Franklin University, 2020, Business Administration

The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of the Ghanaian banking crisis on the customers. The study identified and uncovered what the perspective of the affected customers were and what they thought the banks should focus on to help restore and improve the lost confidence in the Ghanaian banking industry. A general qualitative research design was selected because it was suitable for gaining an in-depth view of customers' experiences and their perspective of the Ghanaian banking landscape. Data was collected using open-ended semi-structured interview questions. Data collection gathered responses from 20 banking customers spread across Accra and Kumasi: ten from Accra and the remaining ten from Kumasi selected using convenience and snowball sampling methods from the population of the affected customers of some of the failed banks in Ghana. The data collected information on customers' banking experiences during the crisis, fluctuation of their confidence in the banking system and ideas on how they thought banking confidence could be restored and improved in Ghana. The study found that confidence had declined significantly during and after the bank crisis and the perspective of customers about the future of the Ghanaian banks is gloomy. Finally, the study provided new insights into the importance of customer perception and attitude in the profitability of the banks and the impact that risky banking activities have on the economic lives of consumers and the Ghanaian economy.

Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2019, Latin American Studies (International Studies)

This thesis strives to analyze the fast casual food market in order to understand if Chipotle would be successful in Brazil and what the concerns would be if the American chain decides to internationalize its operation to Brazil. This thesis has developed as a prospective case study based mainly on business and cultural analysis. The study analyzed Brazil by using the theory of market assessment, and also analyzed the fast casual, fast food, and food service industries and products by applying other business theories such as PESTEL, Porter Five Forces and VRIO. Furthermore, the study interviewed one entrepreneur in the fast casual industry in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil to understand the local industry dynamics. Regarding all the information analyzed, this thesis creates a business model that consists on explaining how Chipotle would operate in the country. Brazil is an attractive market for Chipotle, there is room for rapid growth, and Chipotle could provide a positive impact for Brazilians.

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2019, Leadership and Change

Blind and visually impaired people in the United States face a dire employment situation within professional careers and corporate employment. The purpose of this research study was to gain insights into the phenomenon of employment of blind people through analyzing the lived experience of successfully employed blind adults through ethnographic interviews. Previous research has shown that seven out of ten blind adults are not in the workforce, that a large percentage of those who are employed consider themselves underemployed, and that these numbers have not improved over time. Missing from previous research were insights into the conditions leading to successful and meaningful employment for blind adults. My top research questions were: what experiences and relationships were most significant in the lives of successfully employed blind adults in U.S. corporations, and what the most significant factors were, from employers' perspectives, leading to these successes. Based on semi-structured interviews of 11 blind adults who self-identified as successfully and meaningfully employed in corporate America, I found successfully employed blind adults have largely forged their own paths, with family support, valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities, and a strong sense of agency playing crucial roles. Corporate inclusion of blind employees is in its infancy. The implications for social change revolve around changing societal perceptions of the capabilities of blind people, transforming corporate cultures to ones of integration rather than differentiation, and building family, school, community, and service provider mechanisms to instill a strong sense of agency in young blind people. My recommendations to others are to focus on a leveraging difference framework of diversity and inclusion, in which every individual is valued for their unique characteristics, and make sure that blind people are positioned to be part of this societal transformation. This dissertation is availa (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2018, Business Administration

Buy-online-ship-from-store (BOSS) is a relatively new and increasingly popular omnichannel fulfillment strategy for retailers. Shipping from stores allows retailers the capability to offer in-store inventory to online customers. The combined inventory available in stores and their locations closer to the customer make them attractive for online direct-to-consumer order fulfillment. In three essays, we identify statistical-economies-of-scale benefits from this pooling technique across asymmetrical retail channels. Working with a retailer, we detect ship-from-store contributed store stockouts. We also examine consumer behavior in response to stockouts according to the channel of intended purchase. In the first study we use chance constrained analytical models and Monte Carlo simulation to demonstrate the distinctly different inventory pooling behavior caused network-wide when implementing buy-online-ship-from-store. The asymmetrical availability of inventory to online customers versus in-store customers allows for unique to omnichannel captive inventories within stores. When online demand is strong enough, all safety stocks can be redirected to online customers. Otherwise, safety stocks can remain stagnant in the stores. In our second study, we partner with an apparel retailer and distinguish the counter-phenomenon observed in essay one. We observe stores unevenly stocking out when contributing to online demand fulfillment. Using panel data from the 2016 holiday season, we utilize store-based fixed-effects models to show that assigning stores to fulfill local online demand where both channels have strong sales leads to uneven store stockouts across the network. By utilizing consumer experiments, our third study demonstrates that in-store customers are more likely to remain with the retailer and substitute for out-of-stock products. Online customers are more likely to leave the retailer to seek their exact desired product elsewhere. Mitigating strategies for the ret (open full item for complete abstract)

BA, Oberlin College, 2018, Environmental Studies

Plastic straws are one of the most abundant items found in oceans and coastal cleanups around the United States and internationally. Plastic does not decompose over time, so all the plastic we have ever made is still around, affecting every ecosystem on the planet. Drinking straws are made of 100% recyclable material, but because of their small size most recycling plants are not able to process them so they are sent to landfills. Petroleum-based plastic production is also a large source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making up 1-3% of the United States' carbon emissions alone. By considering green alternatives to PP drinking straws, we can see if there actually are affordable alternatives that can help reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions. This case study focuses on the Feve, a restaurant in the City of Oberlin, and aims to understand the cultural significance of drinking straws in town, and uses that information to suggest ways of changing straw distribution behavior and minimize plastic waste. This study also compares the environmental and financial costs of the Feve using petroleum-based polypropylene (PP) drinking straws versus “greener” alternatives by constructing a modified life cycle analysis to determine if switching to biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) plastic drinking straws decreases the Feve's carbon and plastic waste footprint. By tracing GHG emissions created in the production of plastic resins, transportation of materials and products, and disposal of plastic straws, I compare the carbon footprint of three products to see if one is better for the environment than the others. I hope this study can be used as a model to help other restaurants make plans to reduce their plastic waste and carbon footprint at an affordable cost.

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2018, East Asian Languages and Literatures

Abstract Within the last 10 years in both China and the world, construction 3D printing technology has continuously improved in both speed and efficiency, with the advent of this technology, it can enable the construction of buildings in a faster and quicker manner. Within the same time, in China especially within the megacities such as Shanghai and Beijing, the cost of housing is drastically rising yearly. The Chinese companies Winsun, Zhuoda Group, and Huashang Tengda promote construction 3D printing by unveiling buildings built with the technology. The companies all state that the technology is safe, environmentally friendly, and requires significantly less time and labor. This research explores the relationship that the burgeoning Chinese construction 3D printing industry can possibly have on the housing market of China, and whether construction 3D printing technology can be implemented to deflate the ever-growing bubble in China's housing market. By way of interviewing the companies involved in China's construction 3D printing technology, and researching the Chinese housing bubble, this paper will provide a framework on understanding the progress and limitations of China's 3D printing Construction and if the claims held by the companies using it has complete veracity. This paper will also explore the negative claims held against two of the three Chinese construction 3D printing companies and if these claims have merit. It will then conclude by explaining if the housing bubble of China can be affected by construction 3D printing technology, and if there is no effect, the reasons behind there being no effect.

BA, Kent State University, 2018, College of the Arts / School of Fashion

This paper explores the use of technology to address sustainability on a global scale, by changing the small, yet essential detail of hangtags and labels. On every fashion item sold, hangtags and labels act as key communication tools between consumer and seller. Relating extensive product information, some of these minute pieces are mandated by law, others are attached for marketing and consumer convenience. All of this data is valuable, but financially wasteful and fleeting, as the tags and labels end up in landfills along with 11 million tons of American textile waste. This paper discusses how using technology for hangtags and labels has the potential of improving marketing, matching consumer preferences, and lowering variable costs for businesses, while also tackling the second most polluting industry in the world. These are addressed by eliminating the traditional label and suggesting the implementation of near field communication (NFC) technology. Consumer perceptions of tags and labels for the potential of NFC, is examined in the form of a survey. Improvements in supply chain management, consumer education, counterfeit control and contributions to increased transparency are also examined.

BBA, Kent State University, 2018, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Ambassador Crawford / Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Organizations throughout the country struggle to communicate with prospective members, current members, and other interested parties, including other organizations . Even with organizational fairs and existing social media, organizations often have difficulty attracting new members, promoting events, and marketing themselves to their schools and communities. Currently, no standardized platform exists to enable organizations to use to communicate. Instead, they rely on a non-standardized communication variety of tools. Clubhub101.com will provide a standardized platform in the form of a central website and mobile application for organizations, allowing them to easily connect and share information with interested parties across the country.

Master of Environmental Science, Miami University, 2017, Environmental Sciences

The purpose of this research was to determine the best design for a solar array to be located at Miami University to produce all of the University's electricity needs over any given year. Computer simulations were carried out using the NREL PVWATTS online calculator and the NREL System Advisor Model (SAM) which both use the NREL Typical Model Year (TMY) climate data sets. Two primary types of solar arrays were analyzed: fixed position (FP) and single-axis tracking (SAT). Simulations were repeated using varied solar panel tilt angles and array azimuth angles. Hourly expected electricity generation data from simulations was given a dollar value from the hourly rates charged to the University by Duke Energy. Simulations were then compared by hourly total electricity generation and total dollar value to determine the best configurations. Analysis showed that the best configuration for FP solar was a tilt of 31.5° away from horizontal, and an azimuth of 195°S, and a default tilt of 31° and azimuth of 185°S for SAT. The SAT array required 22.1% fewer panels, and 6 more acres. Either array would also save 1,641,813 metric tons of carbon emissions. Financial analysis found a PPA to be the most economically feasible option.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2017, Mechanical and Systems Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

Demand uncertainty has been an important obstacle in production systems and supply chains in recent decades. This uncertainty in demand has stimulated many researchers and practitioners to find new ways--such as combining Make to Stock (MTS) and Make to Order (MTO) manufacturing systems--to handle the uncertainty problem. In this research, applying the hybrid MTS/MTO system is developed in three different manufacturing frameworks. The first framework considers a production line, which produces semi-finished products based on a Make To Stock (MTS) strategy until a specific process is finished, and operates based on a Make To Order (MTO) strategy after this process. Two scenarios are studied in the first model: 1- In the first Scenario, the production line applies the MTO strategy after the OPP, which leads to an idleness cost when there is no order in the system. 2- In the second Scenario, the production line either applies the MTO strategy or the MTS strategy after the OPP, based on the presence of an order for semi-finished products in the line. This second scenario comprises the holding cost of completed products on MTS strategy, but does not have an idle cost. The second framework considers the demand uncertainties in two consecutive echelons of a supply chain--unlike most of the field research--which has only focused on the final customer's demand uncertainty. In order to decrease the operating costs of a manufacturer, a model is proposed to use hybrid manufacturing in two different levels of a supply chain with two echelons of manufacturers. The output of the presented model is the quantity of semi-finished products ordered by the decoupling point upstream manufacturer. The third problem studies a multi-product, two-echelon supply chain within a newsvendor framework, in which semi-finished products are produced by a supplier and customized according to specific customer orders. The focus of this paper is to investigate a situation where the manufacture (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2017, History

Tyson, Chick-fil-A, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby's presence within the faith-based business community is mostly thanks to corporate lineages that reached well into the previous century. Tyson was founded in 1935, Chick-fil-A in 1946, Walmart in 1962, and Hobby Lobby in 1972, each undergoing various business model and philosophical shifts along with their executives' changing understanding of Christian faith. This thesis analyzes these businesses through a series of case studies, highlighting various uniting themes in their corporate narratives, exploring the ways they interact with their customers and the cultures in which they flourish, while noting that there is a discernible, yet-unexplored gap between faith-based business and workplace spirituality. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that faith-based businesses choose to identify as such as an expression of belief in a Christian supernatural deity's influence in their careers rather than as a way of garnering specific markets or making a profit.

Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2017, Biology

Gene therapy has still not been approved in the USA. Many companies are currently conducting clinical trials for gene therapy. Abeona Therapeutics is one such clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is conducting gene therapy clinical trials for life-threatening rare genetic diseases that especially affect children. They are currently developing two gene therapy products ABO-102 and ABO-101 targeting the missing enzymes SGSH and NAGLU respectively. ABO-102 is being developed to treat MPS III A and ABO-101 is being developed to treat MPS III B, both of which are rare lysosomal storage disorders that affect children between the ages of 2-6 years. Glybera, a gene therapy which was approved in Europe had a price tag of almost $1.4 million. This raises many concerns and questions regarding the high cost of gene therapy and the justification for this high cost. All these gene therapy companies are trying to come up with a pricing and reimbursement strategy simultaneously as they conduct their clinical trials. However, none have openly discussed their strategy to arrive at the estimated cost of gene therapy. Complications for setting the price of gene therapy include the fact that it is a one-time treatment and that the long-term effects of gene therapy and the disease free period are unknown. If the estimated cost of most of the gene therapies turn out to be close to, or over a million dollars, then a one-time payment would be difficult to afford, not only for patients but insurance companies. This thesis will explore several payment and reimbursement models such as the annuity model, consumer loan and pay for performance models, to be applied to gene therapy for the Sanfilippo syndrome. (MPS III and B)

Master of Science in Engineering, Youngstown State University, 2017, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Aircraft operators must maintain and sustain their aircraft through the platform's life cycle. The Department of Defense (DoD) is no exception. Many DoD missions may require a time-sensitive production of spare parts. This lends itself to spare parts production by the Department of Defense itself and such an approach could be enabled by additive manufacturing. In order for the government to be able to produce spare parts in-house an entirely new business model between the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the government has to be established. A physical spare part would not be the transacted item; instead the technical data package (TDP) would be exchanged. Industry needs to be incentivized to adopt a data focused business model. A key question is can industry achieve equivalent profit similarly to the traditional spare parts production? This research explores business models from the perspective of industry. A survey was provided to both government and industry to identify differences and similarities in assumptions and expectations. Four different business models were developed. The business models were applied to two different case studies to evaluate the pros and cons of the various models. This analysis provides industry and government a reference for discussions on approaches toward future maintenance and sustainment manufacturing operations.