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Generative art enhances virtual shopping experience

A study by Cornell University researcher So-Yeon Yoon found that generative art can positively impact consumer behavior in virtual stores, with greater effects on mass-market shoppers. The research suggests that dynamic generative art may be more effective than static art in enhancing perceptions of exclusivity and aesthetic pleasure.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2025

Shedding light on the impact of the Bank of Japan’s exchange-traded fund purchase program

A recent study by Waseda University researchers reveals that the Bank of Japan's large-scale ETF purchases have a significant impact on both the equity market and securities lending market, making short selling easier. This suggests that the stock market functions efficiently to some extent, mitigating distortions in stock prices.

SourceWaseda University·JournalThe Review of Asset Pricing Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2025

Once dominant, US agricultural exports falter amid trade disputes and rising competition

The US has traditionally been an agricultural powerhouse but global dynamics are changing due to political and economic factors. Row crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton are experiencing stagnant or declining exports, with the trade deficit projected to worsen in coming years.

When Washington tried to starve industries of loans—and failed

A study found that Operation Choke Point, launched in 2013, failed to restrict credit for controversial industries. Targeted banks reduced lending to small businesses, but large companies continued to secure credit and even increased their borrowing. Firms responded by switching to non-targeted banks, rendering the operation ineffective.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2025

Studies find nonprofits' use of flexible labor negatively affects operational outcomes, lacks long-term financial benefit, study finds

New research from the University of Kansas found that nonprofits' increasing reliance on flexible labor leads to negative operational outcomes, such as reduced attendance at events. While short-term financial benefits may be achieved, there is no long-term fiscal improvement for these organizations.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNonprofit Management and Leadership·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 9, 2025

Hotel revenues are reaching a new high in Colorado

A study by Florian Zach found that Colorado hotels increased average monthly revenue by 25% between 2014 and 2019, primarily due to higher room bookings and daily rates. Hotels closer to dispensaries, newer and more upscale, and in high-demand areas saw the greatest benefits from dispensary legalization.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJul 22, 2025

Ingroup bias leads to troubled waters for regulatory enforcement, shows study of private shipping inspectors

A study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that ingroup bias led to shorter inspections for domestic vessels and increased scrutiny after a catastrophic accident. However, additional training can counteract this bias, suggesting that human capital is crucial in enforcing standards.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2025

Majority of riders and drivers in UK 'gig economy' suffer anxiety over ratings and pay, study suggests

A study by the University of Cambridge found that two-thirds of UK gig economy riders and drivers experience anxiety over ratings and pay, with over half risking health and safety while working. The study also revealed that local workers spend an average of ten hours a week waiting for jobs to come through on the app.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalWork Employment and Society·TypeSurvey·DateJun 2, 2025

Adoption of international auditing standards leads to better financial reporting

Research by University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that adoption of international auditing standards leads to better financial reporting. Countries with stronger enforcement and more full integration of ISA into domestic practices show the most positive impact on audit quality.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2025

Outdated assumptions about cost efficiency are costing firms millions, according to new study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that traditional methods for evaluating cost savings from diversification are fundamentally flawed. The research proposes a more accurate way of assessing production costs, highlighting the importance of considering supply chain management, resource allocation, and production bottlenecks.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

Need a business plan? Ask AI

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that AI can create high-quality business plans and even critique existing strategies. The research suggests that AI can enhance the speed, quality, and scale of strategic decision-making, potentially giving companies a competitive edge and enhancing performance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalStrategy Science·DateFeb 28, 2025

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return clothing

A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCambridge Journal of Regions Economy and Society·DateAug 11, 2024

When to let Amazon sell for you

New research from Texas McCombs suggests that small sellers have more options than previously thought. The study modeled the interactions between companies and consumers, considering factors like other channels, number of players, and substitutability. Sellers can choose to retain control over their prices or sell to Amazon, weighing t...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJul 15, 2024

For better loan terms, find a partner

Researchers found that companies in strategic alliances can access more favorable loan rates and terms through the financial networks of their partners. This is because banks with existing relationships with an alliance partner offer lower interest rates to a company entering the alliance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateJun 25, 2024

Anti-trust regulators should consider their options carefully when start-ups are acquired, new study suggests

A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management suggests that blocking killer acquisitions may stifle innovation, as startups are driven to create new products or processes to be bought by big companies. Regulators are exploring less extreme options, such as taxing acquisitions or offering subsidies to startups.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalInternational Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2024

The dangers of misaligned product co-development contracts—and how they can derail innovation in high-tech firms

Researchers found that firms with mismatched positioning strategies, functional capabilities, and governance modes experience reduced innovation outcomes. Strong marketing capabilities are associated with increased innovation performance in joint development agreements for high differentiation-oriented firms.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 5, 2024