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Who benefits from direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising?

A UMass Amherst study found that government vaccine recommendations can benefit drugmakers like Pfizer, while also increasing vaccine uptake among seniors. However, the study suggests that direct-to-consumer advertising did not lead to a significant reduction in infection and mortality rates from pneumococcal disease.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

Ambitious workers park the office politics when employer is struggling, study suggests

A study by City University London found that employees in competitive industries modify their behaviors when facing threats or opportunities from rival firms. For example, replacement riders in MotoGP tend to overtake teammates more often when the team is doing well, suggesting they want to secure a permanent contract.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

A URV study analyzes how the green transition affects competition and concentration in the business market

The study finds that a lack of investment in sustainable processes can lead to market concentration and reduced competition. However, when all companies invest in green transition, prices increase but overall benefit is maximized due to consumer willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly products.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2023

To cut global emissions, replace meat and milk with plant-based alternatives

A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 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

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

11 ways to improve airlines for customers

Research using artificial intelligence analyzed nearly 400,000 customer reviews to identify key themes and customer sentiment towards airlines. The study found that customers commonly complained about lost luggage, uncomfortable seating and flight cancellations, but praised in-flight entertainment, ground staff and business-class servi...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 24, 2023

Predicting a recession

Researchers developed a new model to predict U.S. recessions and economic slowdowns based on financial statement manipulation. The study found that high levels of potential manipulation in financial statements can improve recession prediction 5 to 8 quarters away.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Lots to learn from the Norwegian Public Sector's IT success

The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's shift to second-generation agile methods resulted in a successful project completion within budget and deadline. This approach prioritizes user friendliness, flexibility, and continuous interaction, reducing administration and coordination time while increasing productivity.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEmpirical Software Engineering·TypeCase study·DateJan 10, 2023

Making “transport” robots smarter

University of Missouri engineers are working on a collaborative human-robot order picking system to speed up the online delivery process. The proposed model aims to optimize key decisions in warehouse operations, allowing robots to navigate efficiently and collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics·DateNov 29, 2022

Recognition for that extra mile leads to improved job performance, Rotman School study finds

A study by the Rotman School of Management found that pay bonuses based on managers' assessments of employee work led to improved performance, while losing pay had a demotivating effect. The research highlights the importance of cautious use of subjective penalties in incentive systems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalManagement Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 18, 2022

Digital transformation in construction industry requires more support, study shows

A recent study published in Engineering Construction & Architectural Management identified the main obstacles preventing digital transformation in the engineering and construction industry. The three main problems are a lack of laws and regulations, a lack of support and leadership, and a lack of resources and professionals.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEngineering Construction & Architectural Management·TypeSurvey·DateOct 14, 2022

Robots, AI not as welcomed in nations where income inequity is high

A new study by the University of Central Florida reveals that workers in countries with greater income inequality are more likely to perceive robots and artificial intelligence as job threats. This association was found despite the potential benefits of these technologies to improve work and increase flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalTechnology Mind and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022

Digging through patents to make mining greener

Researchers from Kyushu University analyzed global patent applications to identify R&D strategies for sustainable mining technologies. The study found that the Paris Agreement and raw metal price trends influence CCMT development, with varying degrees of impact by country.

SourceKyushu University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 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

WHO Foundation should not accept donations from the alcohol industry

The WHO Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy does not specifically preclude donations from the alcohol industry, allowing for case-by-case acceptance. However, critics argue that this lack of transparency and safeguards against corporate influence poses a risk to the agency's integrity and public health goals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 16, 2022

Why is there no Uber for live music?

A study by Cornell University researchers found that live music platforms face difficulties in valuing intangible qualities, managing complex tasks, and achieving economies of scale. This is due to the industry's fragmented nature, with different types of gigs requiring unique expectations from clients.

SourceCornell University·JournalNew Technology Work and Employment·DateApr 22, 2022

National Cheng Kung University researchers present new solution for wastewater remediation

Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 14, 2022

The most boring person in the world discovered by University of Essex research

Researchers found data analysis, accounting, cleaning, and banking to be the most boring jobs, while religion, watching TV, and bird watching were among the dullest hobbies. Stereotypically boring people are often disliked and avoided due to preconceptions, leading to social ostracization and increased loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2022

Tech companies underreport CO2 emissions

A study by Technical University of Munich found that major tech companies significantly underreported CO2 emissions from their value chain, with 50% of emissions omitted in 2019. The researchers developed a method to identify reporting gaps and estimated the omitted emissions at 751 megatons carbon dioxide equivalents.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateNov 18, 2021

Financialization's negative effect on the American solar industry

A new study reveals that financialization in the US impaired its emerging solar industry, while Japan's photovoltaics manufacturers thrived. This case study highlights the conflicting relationship between finance and production, and calls for policies that bring productive and financial capital together to support low-carbon industries.