Articles Published in 2025
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"Measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of simulation optimization metaheuristic algorithms"
Journal of Heuristics
Shane Hall · Assistant Professor of Management
Co-authors: Benjamin G. Thengvall, Michael P. Deskevich
Abstract: Metaheuristic algorithms have proven capable as general-purpose algorithms for solving simulation optimization problems. Researchers and practitioners often compare different metaheuristic algorithms by examining one or more measures that are derived through empirical analysis. This paper presents a single measure that can be used to empirically compare different metaheuristic algorithms for optimization problems. This measure incorporates both the effectiveness and efficiency of the metaheuristic algorithm, which is especially important in simulation optimization applications because the number of simulation runs available to the analyst (i.e., the run budget) can vary significantly with each simulation study. Therefore, the trade-off between the effectiveness and efficiency of a metaheuristic algorithm must be examined. This single measure is especially useful for multi-objective optimization problems; however, determining this measure is non-trivial for two or more objective functions. Additional details for calculating this measure for multi-objective optimization problems are provided as well as a procedure for comparing two or more metaheuristic algorithms. Finally, computational results are presented and analyzed to compare the performance of metaheuristic algorithms using knapsack problems, pure binary integer programs, traveling salesman problems, and the average results obtained across a diverse set of optimization problems that include simulation and multi-objective optimization problems.
"(Re)focusing on planetary boundaries for corporate sustainability research"
Strategic Organization
Brooke Lahneman · Assistant Professor of Management
Co-author: Judith Louise Walls, University of St. Gallen
Co-author: Kerrigan Marie Machado Unter, George Washington University
Co-author: Jennifer Howard-Grenville, University of Cambridge
Abstract: Earth’s natural systems are increasingly destabilizing as human industrial activity has overshot planetary boundaries such as climate change and biosphere integrity (biodiversity loss). While organizational scholarship on sustainability is increasing in prevalence and importance, the planetary boundaries framework has been under-studied and under-applied. To advance scholarship and practice, we assert the planetary boundaries framework can guide future research in three ways: (1) tuning to and measuring the state of particular planetary boundaries, (2) inviting attention to temporal and spatial properties, and (3) as a tool for inter- and transdisciplinary scholarship. We develop a reference framework that conceptualizes interactions between organizations and the planetary boundaries to develop specific, researchable questions. Organizational attention to planetary boundaries is driven by their dependence on them, which consequently impacts planetary boundaries and ecosystem resilience, with contextual influences shaping these interactions. We hope to encourage organizational scholars to explore how organizations can strategize and implement practices as embedded within planetary boundaries.
"The influence of branded business gifts on consumer reciprocity and purchase intention"
Journal of Product & Brand Management
Brittney Stephenson · Assistant Professor of Marketing
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine how the presence of brand elements (i.e. brand name, logo) on a business gift influences reciprocity motivation among gift-receiving consumers.
Findings: Branded (versus unbranded) business gifts result in lower reciprocity motivation. This is explained by increased perceived egoistic (over altruistic) brand motive, followed by decreased brand warmth. Self-brand connection moderates the effect, such that the effect attenuates for consumers with high self-brand connection. Furthermore, branded (versus unbranded) business gifts reduce purchase intent through reduced reciprocity motivation.
Practical Implications: This paper suggests that there are situations in which unbranded business gifts will be more effective than branded gifts in eliciting reciprocity in consumers. This paper provides managerial guidance on the benefits of gifting unbranded versus branded gifts while also providing a relevant boundary condition of self-brand connection.
"Effect of country characteristics and exogenous shocks on philanthropic impact: Opportunities for marketing strategy influence for nonprofits "
AMS Review
Eric Van Steenburg · Associate Professor of Marketing
Abstract: Four primary factors affect public policy development related to philanthropy and the resulting social impact: (1) national economic environments, (2) type of government, (3) legal constraints, and (4) role government plays. Each of these affects the source of philanthropy, the destination of the funding, and the type of benefits received. This research examines the factors involved in philanthropic policy to develop a conceptual framework that attempts to explain the impact of the general economic environment and public policy on philanthropy, and the ability of nonprofit organizations to operate successfully.
Conclusion: Understanding the influence of government, economic and legal systems on nonprofit marketing in the context of transformative consumer research allows nonprofits to craft more relevant, effective, and ethical strategies. It enables them to navigate diverse global landscapes, ensuring they achieve their missions while being responsive to the unique cultural, political, and economic conditions in which they operate.
"Value creation in Chinese equity transfers"
Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies
Haoyang Xiong · Assistant Professor of Finance
Abstract: Equity transfers in China represent a strategic mechanism for corporate restructuring that can promote sustainable financial development and foster inclusive economic growth. We find that such transfers generate significant positive abnormal returns in the short-term and robust buy-and-hold returns over one- and two-year periods. The long-term value creation is particularly pronounced when there is an increase in the proportion of tradable shares and a broadening of the controlling shareholder base, indicating stronger corporate governance and enhanced transparency. These outcomes are especially notable in firms operating within pillar industries, those engaged in multiple equity transfer transactions, and those that demonstrate rising ownership concentration, signaling a shift toward more responsible and accountable corporate stewardship. Post-policy shifts such as the Split Share Structure Reform, the global financial crisis, and national deleveraging campaigns further emphasize the role of equity transfers in strengthening financial resilience.
"Does the Adoption of iXBRL Improve Data Usability? Evidence From Future Earning Response Coefficients"
The Journal of Corporate Accounting & Finance
Yimei Zhang · Assistant Professor of Accounting
Abstract: This paper examines how the adoption of iXBRL affects future earnings response coefficients (FERCs), which measure investors’ ability to predict future performance and impound the prediction into the current-year stock price. We find that the adoption of iXBRL is positively associated with FERCs. This finding indicates that investors can better anticipate the future performance from iXBRL filings and reflect it on the current stock price. We also find that the number of standardized and extension tags can strengthen the association between iXBRL adoption and FERCs, demonstrating the benefit of those two tags in enhancing investors’ capabilities to analyze complex financial disclosures. Our findings are informative to the SEC regarding the effectiveness of the iXBRL mandate. We also contribute to the emerging literature on iXBRL adoption and the usability of iXBRL filings.
Conclusion: This study investigates whether the adoption of iXBRL impacts investors’ ability to predict firms’ future performance, measured by FERCs. We also investigate the relationship between the usage of standardized and extension tags in moderating the effect of iXBRL adoption on FERCs. We find a positive association between the adoption of iXBRL and FERCs. This finding indicates that investors with iXBRL filings can better anticipate future performance from public firms’ current-year financial statements and reflect the predictions of the change in current stock price. We also find that using standardized and extension tags drives the enhancement of FERCs from iXBRL adoption.
