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If your TV spoke to you, would you buy it? Study finds people spend more on some “talking products”

Researchers at Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that AI-driven products with human-like features, such as eyes and speech, can influence consumers' perceptions and decision-making. The study suggests that complex products are more likely to trigger anthromorphism, leading to increased willingness to pay.

SourceIndiana University·JournalDecision Support Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Hankering for status drives non-executive directors to outstay effectiveness

A study by the University of Bath and Queensland University of Technology found that non-executive directors who serve beyond recommended tenure limits prioritize their social status over their duty to shareholders. Prolonged tenures can compromise board renewal, financial performance, and governance concerns for boards and shareholders.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAccounting Forum·TypeCase study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Regulation makes crypto markets more efficient

A new study finds that regulated cryptocurrencies create the most efficient markets, providing protection for investors. Unregulated ICOs were found to be the least efficient, while IEOs and exchange-based regulation approached traditional stock market levels of efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

Chung-Ang University study reveals a higher market valuation of cash holdings of firms adopting electronic voting

A study by Chung-Ang University found that electronic voting enhances shareholders' perception of corporate governance, increasing the market value of a firm's cash holdings. Firms with larger free cash flows and minority ownership saw stronger governance effects from adopting electronic voting.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 4, 2024

Are retrospective adjustments to sustainability reports helping CEOs score a bonus?

New research found that companies are altering their sustainability reports to improve their environmental and social performance metrics, which are tied to CEO bonuses. Only 15% of revisions were reported as due to error, while 69% were attributed to changes in measurement, suggesting manipulation may be occurring.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Management Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 23, 2023

Research shows how airline pricing really works

Researchers found that airlines use a pricing heuristic called Expected Marginal Seat Revenue-b to set prices, resulting in large gaps between ticket prices. Airlines also don't directly incorporate competitor prices into their automated price-setting, leading to dampened competitive benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2023

When the media believe that a firm is really green

A study by Anne Jacqueminet and colleagues identifies three favorable patterns for positive media coverage: congruent signalers, balancing signalers, and firms using a combination of less credible signals. Highly credible third-party signals play a complex role in media perception, delivering a single congruent message.

SourceBocconi University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 31, 2023

Historical memories have long reach in consumer preferences, study finds

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that historical memories have a lasting impact on consumer behavior, particularly in the automotive industry. The research analyzed vehicle registration data and archival records to show how past conflicts can affect car sales, with Japanese cars experiencing significant drops in sales...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalMarketing Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2023

How government guarantees give banking customers peace of mind and keep banks open

A new study from the University of Missouri found that government guarantees decrease the frequency of 'income smoothing' in financial reports. This practice, where banks delay reporting high income to smooth out volatility, is a form of manipulation that can impact market stability and investor confidence.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Financial Services Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2023

Computational ‘short cuts’ offer fast answers to complex supply chain problems

Computational heuristics like Grey Wolf Optimizer and Whale Optimization Algorithm offer fast solutions to complex supply chain problems, providing accurate results within a shorter time frame. The research suggests these tools can be a valuable addition to supply chain management, especially in responding to unexpected disruptions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Warm-up time corrects creativity power imbalance

Researchers at Cornell University found that employees who are not in positions of power can become more creative when given time to warm up to a task by engaging in it multiple times. This challenges the idea that power boosts creativity and suggests a simple intervention to empower all employees.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateApr 19, 2023

Looking to boost revenue as an online retailer? Charge an upfront membership fee in exchange for unlimited free shipping

Researchers found that membership-based free shipping (MFS) can increase net customer revenue by up to 12.75%, as heavy buyers consolidate their spending after enrollment. Light buyers contribute the highest percentage change in revenue contribution, while heavy buyers may exploit free shipping benefits and lose money for retailers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 12, 2023

Secondary selling: how salesperson behavior beyond the salesperson-customer dyad increases sales revenues and customer satisfaction

Researchers found that secondary selling, a salesperson's considerate behavior with secondary entities like customers and company property, increases sales revenues and customer satisfaction. The study suggests training initiatives and making secondary selling behaviors visible to customers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 14, 2022

Strategic brand factors that moderate the impact of business cycles on brand equity

A new study examines the role of six brand factors, including price positioning, advertising spending, and distribution breadth, in moderating the impact of business cycles on brand equity. The research finds that premium pricing, market leadership, and extensive distribution contribute to brand equity during economic expansions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 14, 2022

Upscale hotels benefit from EV charging stations, study shows

A new study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University finds that upscale hotels in Texas benefit most from hosting Tesla charging stations between 2015-2018. The study suggests that the benefits are due to brand alignment and the presence of nearby tourist attractions, which attract customers seeking charging services.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Travel Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Higher minimum wage may reduce rent defaults but raise rent payments

A new study found that a higher minimum wage was associated with fewer people defaulting on their rent payments, particularly among those at the lower end of the housing expense market. However, landlords responded by increasing rent payments, offsetting some but not all of the increased income.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Urban Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2022

Modern slavery still not a priority for one in five Australian businesses

New research from UniSA finds that confusion, lack of knowledge and disinterest are hindering businesses' progress in addressing modern slavery. The study provides a framework to help companies improve their approaches, but warns that without effective measures, global efforts to stop modern slavery will be unlikely to succeed.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe British Accounting Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

The gatekeepers of German business: How companies attain coveted key positions

A study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg reveals that mid-sized collaborations are crucial for companies to become gatekeepers in Germany's business network. These collaborations lead to improved innovation and profits. Large companies dominate the gatekeeper position, but smaller collaborations can also be beneficial.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalEuropean Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021

Eliminating cash could benefit average U.S. families

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that eliminating physical currency could benefit average Americans as long as certain taxes are lowered too. The research finds that reducing cash transactions would lead to lower tax evasion, allowing governments to reduce other taxes and boost overall well-being.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateSep 7, 2021

Thanks, statistics! A faster way to improve mobile apps

A new text-mining method developed by Cornell statistician Shawn Mankad and his colleagues can help developers improve mobile apps faster. By aggregating and parsing customer reviews in one step, the method provides guidance on a single app's performance and compares it to competing apps over time.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateNov 12, 2018