Browsing by Author "Deem, Jack"
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- ItemApplying Critical Biography Perspective to the Work of Frank Gilbreth(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2016) Gibson, Jane Whitney; Deem, Jack; Einstein, Jacqueline; Humphreys, JohnPurpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the life and work of Frank Gilbreth using a critical biographical approach to draw connections between his life experiences and the major contributions he made to management history. Design/methodology/approach – The research design is critical biography. First, a biography is provided that reveals critical incidents from his childhood, his early career before marriage, his life after his marriage and his key personality traits. Gilbreth’s major contributions to management thought are then considered in context of his biography. Findings – Although Frank Gilbreth is recalled for his contributions to management history through his work in advancing efficiency through motion studies, he should likewise be credited for his foresight of management theories related to the human element in organizations. The major influences on Gilbreth’s career include Lillian Gilbreth and Frederick Taylor. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of critical biography is that researchers cannot address causality but, rather, are focused on drawing connections between life experiences and significant accomplishments. Originality/value – Critical biography can illuminate theory and practice by providing greater clarity by examining concepts in depth and in context. The authors situate Frank Gilbreth’s work in the context of his lived experiences.
- ItemBusiness Models (and a Little Luck) Matter: The Case of Motown Records(2019-02-15) Deem, Jack; Gallagher, Lisa
- ItemEntrepreneurship That Led to the Development of Florida(2018) Gallagher, Lisa; Deem, Jack; Bourne, Bea; Schubert, Carol
- ItemHenry Flagler and Henry Plant: Entrepreneurship that Led to the Development of Florida(Small Business Institute, 2018) Gallagher, Lisa; Deem, Jack; Bourne, Bea; Schubert, CarolThe purpose of this paper is to present events and circumstances which motivated Henry Flagler and Henry Plant’s entrepreneurial efforts. A critical biography methodology was used to present a historical representation of Henry Flagler and Henry Plant in the development of their business enterprises. A critical biography methodology was chosen to provide a framework for analyzing Flagler and Plant’s entrepreneurial contributions to the development of Florida. Flagler and Plant’s business ventures provided the infrastructure that enabled Florida to be transformed into a destination for health, tourism, and land ownership. Prior to the contributions of Flagler and Plant, Florida was one of the most economically challenged states in the United States. In 1870, Florida’s population was one of the smallest in the U.S. compared to other states east of the Mississippi. After railroads were built in Florida, it was promoted as an area suitable for a life of leisure or as a place referred to by many as a Tropic of Hope (Knight, 2013). Flagler and Plant’s entrepreneurial efforts were crucial in making Florida one of the largest states in the United States with an economy larger than 90% of the nations in the world (Henry Morrison Flagler Museum). The paper highlights the importance of vision, strong entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and the ability to rebound from failure, willingness to take risks, strategic thinking, and perseverance despite personal and professional challenges. This paper uncovers events and circumstances which motivated Flagler and Plant’s business ventures, practices, and any signs of collaboration between the two men.
- ItemHenry Flagler and Henry Plant: Entrepreneurship That Led to the Development of Florida Critical Biography Research(2018-02-17) Bourne, Bea; Deem, Jack; Gallagher, Lisa; Schubert, Carol
- ItemImproving the Asynchronous Online Learning Environment Using Discussion Boards(i-Manager Publications, 2015) Ringler, Ilene; Schubert, Carol; Deem, Jack; Flores, Jimmie; Friestad-Tate, Jill; Lockwood, RobertDiscussion Boards are at the heart of an Asynchronous Online Learning or Distance Education Environment and can have a great impact on the learning experience. Understanding the individual factors that create a high quality discussion board experience for students and their interrelationships is critical to continuous improvement in distance education. Research which contributes to increased effectiveness of virtual Discussion Boards for both instructors and students can result in greater student involvement and success in learning new skills. This paper discusses Phase 1 and 2 of a multi phase applied research effort on improving the quality of virtual Discussion Boards. "Applied research is defined as systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to determine the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met" ("Research and development," 2010, para 4). The study was completed in two phases with additional phases to be developed as the data analysis continues to yield results. In Phase 1, a literature review was completed and qualitative data employing a focus group methodology was completed. The focus group was comprised of full time faculty from a large, proprietary, online university with significant experience in the use of Discussion Boards. The data was collected from the focus group and was analyzed to create hypotheses for additional research on the topic. Phase 2 focused on collecting data utilizing a quantitative research methodology supported by continued research of the literature on this topic. The results of the data analyzed during these phases will become the basis for additional studies on recommended best practices in discussion board participation as it applies to both the student and the instructor.
- ItemThe Relationship of Employee Status to Organizational Culture and Organizational Effectiveness(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2015) Deem, Jack; DeLotell, Pam J.; Kathryn, KellyPurpose – This study investigates the relationship between employment status (full time (FT)/part time (PT)), organizational culture and institutional effectiveness in higher education. The purpose of this paper is to answer the question, “Does the growing population of PT faculty preclude effective cultures from developing and, accordingly, adversely affect institutional effectiveness?” Design/methodology/approach – The study surveyed 159 PT faculty and 65 FT faculty from seven schools of an online, proprietary university. The instrument, consisting of the Organizational Culture Survey Instrument and demographic questions, was distributed and data collected utilizing an online survey application. Statistical analysis methods including descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings – The study found no significant differences between perceptions of organizational culture or institutional effectiveness FT and PT faculty. Inter-school differences in perceptions were identified. Further research in this area is warranted to investigate discipline as a cause for the inter-school differences. Research limitations/implications – The study included respondents from only one online university. Therefore, additional studies involving traditional, ground based and hybrid institutions are required to establish generalizability. Additionally, self-assessments of institutional effectiveness were used. Future studies should consider quantitative research models for the measurement of institutional effectiveness. Practical implications – The study indicates that PT faculty are not less committed to the institution than their FT counterparts. This strengthens the case for using PT faculty, particularly in an online environment. Originality/value – This study investigates the relationship between organizational culture and institutional effectiveness in higher education from the faculty perspective. This has not been done before.
- ItemThe Influence of Early Life Experiences on Later Life Behaviors: An Examination of the Life of Walt Disney(Journal of Behavioral and Apllied Management, 2023) Deem, Jack; Starnes, David; Ziegler, JamesIn this paper we tell the story of Walt Disney, synthesizing the concepts of critical biography with those of life-span theory (LST) from sociology and psychology literature. In this manner, we can better understand how events in one’s life can have a significant impact throughout that person’s life. The paper focuses on four themes: (a) work ethic and pursuit of success, (b) perseverance – bounce back from adversity and keep moving forward, (c) alliance with others who complement one’s own strengths and offset one’s weaknesses, and (d) commitment to excellence. Through these themes, we demonstrate how early life experiences influenced Walt Disney’s behavior throughout his life. Table 1 is provided to outline the key events in the life of Walt Disney, cross-referencing the events as reported within the major Walt Disney biographies.
- ItemUsing Critical Biography to Enhance Student Learning(2020-11-10) Deem, JackSmith (1984, p. 302) posits that as a qualitative research method, biography is a “rich and only partiallyexploited form of inquiry for reaching multiple intellectual goals and purposes.” This presentation specifically focuses on Critical Biography in a Management History context. Jacobs(2007, p. 105) defines critical biography as any biographical work, from a review of a critical incidentexperienced by the subject, to a comprehensive presentation of the subject’s life and importantcontributions. Through critical biography we are able to see management history through the “diffusion,persistence, and disappearance of ideas and practices in different contexts (Abraham & Gibson, 2009, p. 9).In essence, we are able to see not only the contributions of individuals to management thought, but thepolitical, economic and social factors affecting them.The presentation will show how Critical Biography can be used to enhance student learning as well asprovide opportunities for scholarship.
- ItemViewing the Work of Lillian M. Gilbreth through the Lens of Critical Biography(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2015) Gibson, Jane Whitney; Clayton, Russell W.; Deem, Jack; Einstein, Jacqueline E.; Henry, Erin L.Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the significant contributions of Lillian M. Gilbreth through the lens of critical biography to put her work in the context of her life events, her key roles, the turning points in her life and the societal context within which her contributions to management thought were made. Design/methodology/approach – Critical biography examines the interaction of a person’s life events with the social, economic and political contexts surrounding his or her life and draws inferences as to why the person made specific decisions and contributions. Findings – Key contributions to management thought made by Lillian M. Gilbreth are linked to her biographical events, including the multiple roles she played as daughter, student, wife, mother, author, engineer, psychologist, breadwinner, domestic scientist and teacher. Various turning points in her life are identified, including being allowed to go to college, taking her first psychology course, marrying Frank Gilbreth, publishing Fatigue Studies and Frank’s death. Key societal factors that influenced Gilbreth’s contributions were the growing interest in scientific management, the status of women and the increased interest in domestic science. Research limitations/implications – The qualitative technique of critical biography is demonstrated as a useful methodology for examining individual contributions to management history. The authors acknowledge the limitation of subjective interpretation. Practical implications – The reasons behind Lillian Gilbreth’s contributions, which were considered a precursor to the human relations era, are extrapolated from this research. Social implications – The influence of social context is examined, as it pertains to the life and work of Lillian Gilbreth. Originality/value – This paper provides a critical biography of Lillian M. Gilbreth and her work within the context of her life and times.