Globalization has brought about a major shift in our understanding of how companies organize themselves and how they compete. The fragmentation of firms in their scope and structure, the vertical disintegration of firms through greater outsourcing, and the rise of global supply and value chains...

The branding image of commercial streets can be an important factor for inviting new shops and attracting customers and visitors to the area. It can also contribute to changing the image of declining downtown shopping streets and regain tenants and customers. The images of commercial streets...

This thesis focuses on the concept of Collective Economics and develops a set of recommendations by which groups with common interests can effectively utilize their purchasing power for collective benefits. Working with Lawrence Community Works (LCW), the thesis provides an economic profile of...

This research study examines the role that workforce intermediaries within Boston play in creating career pathways for economically disadvantaged, under-skilled residents in the local health care industry. Using a case study analysis, this study compares the outcomes of two workforce...

Teaching Modules are sets of cases, references, and other materials organized around a special theme. While a single case or reading can be illuminating, a set of materials can show you multiple points of view on an issue, the main debates around an issue, or how a case comes to life through...

I design an input-output model to investigate the energy supply chain of coal-coke-steel in China. To study the demand, supply, and energy-intensity issues for coal and coke from a macroeconomic perspective, I apply the model to test two hypotheses: (1) coal and coke intensities in individual...

Non-observance of environmental standards among small firms in traditional industries such as garment, footwear, furniture and tanneries have caused major environmental degradation in many places throughout the world. Because these firms provide significant employment and income in poor regions...

The debate on the impact of modern logistics on industrial location choice and property markets focuses on (1) whether modern inventory control and supply- chain configuration consolidate manufacturing and distribution locations and (2) whether modern logistics have reduced the demand for...

Emergence of India as a major center in the world for software production since the early 1990s has been a remarkable success story of economic development. However, within the country, the growth in this industry has been concentrated in mainly the southern and the western parts. Regional...

The Office Business Center (OBC) is a shared office facility, which is fully equipped, staffed and furnished. Many small business and sole proprietors choose OBC space over traditional leased office space because it alleviates the upfront cost and time required to maintain and manage an...