The Bureau was initially established in the fall of 1982 within the Dillard College of Business Administration, and Dr. Yoshikazu Fukasawa was chosen as the inaugural Director. The primary objective of the Bureau was to promote research and public knowledge of economic affairs. To that end, it assisted and encouraged student and faculty research related to the economic development of the Wichita Falls community and the region. It also promoted business and local community partnerships around contemporary economic, business, and governmental issues. Additionally, as a member of the nationwide Association for University and Economic Research, the Bureau published the journal Midwestern Business and Economic Review.
After a brief hiatus in its functionality from summer 2022 to summer 2023, the Bureau was redesigned in Fall 2023 to actively promote original faculty research in all business areas in general: economics, finance, management, accounting, marketing, and management information systems. However, research questions, particularly focusing on government policies and implications, are highly encouraged to carry forward the original essence of the Bureau. Such questions may include U.S.-specific studies, cross-national investigations, or any other country-specific studies at any level of the government: local, state, or federal.
Research topics, papers, and presentations will present the points of view of the authors only and do not reflect those of the Bureau of Business and Government Research, the Dillard College of Business Administration, or Midwestern State University. The faculty author(s) assume responsibility for the authenticity and accuracy of facts presented in each research project.
Below, each link provides the research endeavors of the Bureau for the corresponding academic year.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bureau is delighted to announce the launch of the "DCOBA Faculty Research Fellow (FRF) Program" in March 2025. Please click here to learn more about the program's goals and operating procedures.
AY2024-2025
In Spring 2025, the DCOBA FRF Program evaluated pertinent research endeavors by faculty in the AY2023-2024. With that, we are delighted to recognize the following six research fellows as the inaugural recipients of the award:
Susan Anders, Jamie Chen, Sanchari Choudhury, Niyati Kataria, Adam Lei, Lin Wang.
Congratulations to all on the well-deserved recognition!
Seminar 1: October 4, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Andrew Holt (Economics)
Paper Title: “Industrial Concentration and Wages: An Examination of the National Labor Relations Act”
Authors: Andrew Chase Holt (MSU TX)
Abstract: Using a difference-in-difference model, I find evidence that a structural change between wages and industrial concentration occurred in the winter of 1936-1937. This structural change likely occurred due to the National Labor Relations Act increasing the bargaining power of unions, allowing them to obtain a larger share of rents originating from imperfect competition. Because employment did not increase or decrease as wages increased, this suggests that the economic rents unions and firms bargained over originated from frictions in both labor and product markets. I also find evidence that this structural change led to a decline in within-industry wage inequality between white-collar and blue-collar employees.
Seminar 2: November 22, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Yang Xu (Management)
Paper Title: “Cognitive Bias Training for Improving Resource Allocation: A Field Experiment Involving Military Officers”
Authors: Yang Xu (MSU TX)
Abstract: In a field experiment using two variations and a no-training control condition, 40 military officers were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received cognitive bias training. Training in cognitive biases improved resource allocation as assessed through both objective and subjective measures, compared with a control condition; however, subsequent training of the control group produced minimum improvement in decision making.
Additional Short Presentation: Dr. Xu will also share her insights on the following topic if time permits, which she presented at the 2024 AOM conference: "Using AI in Teaching."
Seminar 3: March 21, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Sonia White (Management)
Paper Title: "Improvise to Thrive: Exploring the Role of Improvisational Capabilities in Organizational Resilience (Dissertation Thesis)"
Authors: Sonia White (MSU TX)
Dissertation committee: Committee Chair: William E. Gillis, Ph.D. University of South Alabama; Matt C. Howard, Ph.D., University of South Alabama; Scott C. Manley, DBA., Georgia College & State University; Chris M. Lawrey, Ph.D., University of South Alabama
Abstract: This study explores organizational resilience and performance outcomes when improvisational capabilities mediate dynamic capabilities. Drawing from the dynamic capabilities framework and the conservation of resources theory, I explored how improvisational capabilities mediate the relationship between dynamic capabilities, organizational resilience, and organizational performance. I empirically examined the discriminant difference between dynamic and improvisational capabilities with an initial pilot study which was confirmed by subsequent samples. I tested a mediated model with PLS-SEM analysis using three independent samples; the first was a snowball methodology from MBA students at three universities and business professionals targeted on social media platforms, and the last was a cross-sectional and time-lagged survey from small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Overall, this research supported the positive relationship between dynamic and improvisational capabilities, provided mixed support for partial mediation, and demonstrated that dynamic and improvisational capabilities are distinct concepts.
Dr. Sonia White presents at the Brown Bag Luncheon on March 21st, 2025.
Seminar 4: April 25, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. John Zhu (Texas Water Development Board)*, Dr. Jamie Chen (Marketing), Dr. Abigail Torres Rico (Marketing), Dr. Franklin Tillman (Marketing)
Paper Title: "Marketing Strategies for Water-Smart Turfgrass on Texas Golf Courses"
Authors: Jamie Chen (MSU TX), Abigail Torres Rico (MSU TX), Franklin Tillman (MSU TX)
Abstract: Texas faces a severe water shortage due to decreasing water supplies and higher demand. Golf courses across the state are experiencing the impacts of water shortage and very high costs on their business operations. Water-smart turfgrass offers a promising sustainable golf course management solution. Drawing from existing literature on superintendents, golfers, and turfgrass sustainability, we propose a theoretical framework that draws from prospect theory and temporal discounting. We conducted two in-depth interviews with the golf managers and superintendents at Wichita Falls Country Club and River Creek Golf Course in February and March 2025. We will continue interviewing more golf courses in the DFW and Houston areas and also start a golfers' user study survey. We aim to explore the appropriate business strategies to promote better water-smart turfgrass varieties among golf courses, which constitute one of the largest user groups of the turfgrass industry. Our research objectives include (1) assessing golf course superintendents' knowledge and attitude toward climate-smart turfgrass varieties; (2) estimating golfers' demand for these improved varieties in terms of aesthetics, playability, and environmental effects; and (3) designing marketing strategies for promoting these varieties to more golf courses and advertising the adopted golf courses among potential golfers. Our investigations help develop marketing strategies and guidelines that reduce environmental impact, maximize market performance, and improve golf course sustainability.
*Dr. John Zhu is a hydrologist and water data scientist at the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for nearly 20 years, responsible for data processing, analysis, modeling, and assessment of surface water availability for water resources planning, development, and management in Texas. Prior to TWDB, Dr. Zhu worked at the Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK and the Water Bureau in Papua New Guinea. Dr. Zhu will speak for the first 15 minutes to give an introduction about water availability in Texas.
Dr. John Zhu presents at the Brown Bag Luncheon on April 25th, 2025.
Dr. Abby Torres Rico presents at the Brown Bag Luncheon on April 25th, 2025.
AY2023-2024
Seminar 1: February 23, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Ashok Bhattarai (Marketing)
Paper Title: "The Effects of Roasting Versus Toasting Brand-to-Brand Communications on Consumer Perceptions"
Authors: Anh Dang (Northern Kentucky University), Ashok Bhattarai (MSU TX), Jose Saavedra Torres (Northern Kentucky University)
Abstract: Our research explores brand-to-brand communication, specifically "roasting" versus "toasting" and their impacts on consumer brand perceptions and attitudes. Through a series of studies, including web scraping and online experiments, we found that "roasting" enhances consumer perceptions through heightened entertainment value, especially when the humor is effectively neutralized. The positive effects of "roasting" are more pronounced for familiar brands, while "toasting" is advisable for lesser-known brands to foster a positive image. This study offers strategic insights into using humor in digital brand communications, emphasizing the importance of brand familiarity and message neutrality.
Seminar 2: April 19, Friday, 12-1pm, Priddy Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Lin Wang (Accounting)
Paper Title: "Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Premium to Meet/Beat Earnings Benchmark"
Authors: Lin Wang (MSU TX), Lanyi Yan Zhang (University of Houston - Downtown), Yu Bai (Louisiana State University in Shreveport)
Abstract: This study examines the effect of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) performance on the market premium to MBE (meeting or beating earnings benchmark). We hypothesize and find that CSR performance reduces the market premium of MBE, particularly when firms are habitual beaters. The findings are robust to a multitude of control variables and alternative measures. Our results suggest that CSR is a double-edged sword and may have a detrimental impact on firm value when management deviates from long-term value creation that benefits society to deliver short-term positive outcomes. These findings carry implications for regulators and companies engaged in CSR initiatives.