Our Research Agenda
Dissertation Research Repository
Year: 2024
As an esteemed institution of higher education, SSM is committed to nurturing future leaders who will drive social and economic development within their respective regions. Pursuing this commitment, we have forged a formidable research initiative essential to our doctoral program. This initiative centers on a diverse array of fields intending to catalyze social and economic growth, encompassing Global Business and Artificial Intelligence, Logistics Management, High-Performance Organizations (HPOs), Entrepreneurial Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and Social and Economic Development
Our resolute focus on these critical domains underscores our dedication to fostering the leaders of tomorrow who will shape a brighter future.
Global Business and Artificial Intelligence
Global Business & Artificial Intelligence emerges as a dynamic and cutting-edge field of research. Here, scholars delve into the intricate interplay between the ever-evolving global business landscape and the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Through rigorous inquiry and innovation, our doctoral candidates explore how AI technologies are reshaping international commerce, optimizing supply chains, enhancing decision-making processes, and propelling organizations to new heights of efficiency and competitiveness. Join us on this exciting journey at SSM as we uncover the boundless possibilities and potential of Global Business and Artificial Intelligence, paving the way for a future where innovation and global connectivity redefine the very essence of business.
Logistics Management
High-Performance Organizations (HPO)
In today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, the quest for organizational excellence has never been more critical, and our center dedicates itself to exploring this vital field.
HPOs represent a compelling area of investigation, focusing on the essential factors that drive organizations to achieve and sustain exceptional performance. De Waal’s HPO model comprehensively explains what drives organizational excellence. It identifies critical elements, such as continuous improvement, openness and action orientation, management quality, employee quality, and long-term orientation, as the vital components that propel organizations toward peak performance. These elements form the foundation of our research exploration. Our research aims to uncover best practices and develop practical insights and solutions that empower organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Entrepreneurial Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
In an era where agility, creativity, and adaptability are paramount for business success, SMEs represent the lifeblood of entrepreneurial dynamism. Our center’s research endeavors in this domain revolve around unraveling the intricate processes and strategies that drive innovation within SMEs. We explore how these enterprises navigate the ever-changing business landscape, leveraging innovation to survive and thrive. From examining cutting-edge technologies to analyzing novel business models, we seek to provide SMEs with the knowledge and insights they need to chart a course toward sustained growth.
At SSM Research Center, our researchers are passionate about fostering innovation, nurturing entrepreneurship, and catalyzing economic development. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we uncover the transformative potential of Entrepreneurial Innovation in SMEs, helping to shape a vibrant and innovative future for small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide.
Social and Economic Development
We recognize the profound impact that Social and Economic Development research can have on communities, regions, and nations. Our commitment to this vital field is unwavering, driven by a desire to create positive change in the world.
Our researchers dedicate themselves to exploring the multifaceted aspects of social and economic development. We delve into diverse subjects, from Economic policy and sustainable growth to social equity and community well-being. Through rigorous analysis and innovative solutions, we strive to uncover actionable insights that can empower societies to flourish.
SSM Research Center promotes positive change, connecting academia, industry, and policymakers in a collaborative effort to address pressing global challenges. Join us on this transformative journey as we illuminate the path forward in the dynamic and interconnected realm of Social and Economic Development, shaping a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Transformation of Healthcare Delivery
The COVID-19 public health crisis permanently transformed global healthcare, from accelerating the adoption of new technology and care delivery models to increasing the focus on health care systems sustainability and resilience (Global Health Care Outlook, Deloitte, 2023). During this crisis, challenges regarding healthcare workforce and health equity became apparent demanding innovative healthcare management and administration solutions.
On the other hand, during the last years, health innovation funding skyrocketed globally (44 billion US$ only in 2021), a twentyfold increase in 10 years (StartUp Health, 2022). However, African countries still vastly underfund their health innovation efforts. According to a report from UNESCO, no country in Africa is spending the required by African Union 1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on innovative pharmaceutical research and healthcare development (UNESCO Science Report, 2021), Healthcare management leaders highlight the current shift towards new models of care to address the unsustainable burden of disease and to warrant the resilience of health systems against current and future challenges.
How can health industry leaders be prepared to address the challenges of a new era in healthcare, where digitally-enabled care and balancing the scales on health inequity will be the driving forces?
Within this DBA, SSM offers researchers the opportunity to conduct high-level academic research on the topic of transformation of healthcare delivery (THD), focusing on digitally-enabled care and health systems resilience and sustainability.