Professor, alum publish case study together

Galloway, N.J. — Joy Jones, associate professor of Business Administration – Management at Stockton, and Rifat Mahmud '22, '23, published a case in "People Management Skills in Practice:A Case Study Collection." The process was one rooted in collaboration and teamwork, as Jones faced a traumatic cancer diagnosis during the research. 

Jones, who joined Stockton in 2017, shared how their research and project came to life.  

 

It sounds like this publication request's timing and the student's independent study request was serendipitous. Can you talk about why these collaborations are important and how they benefit students? 

Independent study requests often come from students who have transferred from community colleges or other four-year universities that utilize a three-credit course system. In the past, I've denied requests because I was unsure if students would benefit from independent study, given the lack of peer collaboration and curriculum guidelines. However, when Ngoc Tran, a student from my Business Communication course, approached me with a request, I knew of her strong writing skills and scholarly potential.  

Around the same time, Rifat Mahmud, an MBA student with aspirations for a doctoral degree and an outstanding work ethic, also requested an independent study. Both had a shared interest in global leadership. 

Coincidentally, around the same time, I received a request to submit a case study on cross-cultural communication for a management book titled "People Management Skills in Practice: A Case Study Collection." I reached out to Ngoc and Rifat, and they were enthusiastic about the opportunity. We started the "Global Leadership and Cross-Cultural Communication" course in the summer of 2022, during which they completed the preliminary research and proposal. 

The following January, after the case proposal was accepted, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and went on medical leave. During this time, the editor worked with Rifat and brought in Elizabeth McCrea, associate professor of Management from Seton Hall, to help Rifat complete the project in my absence. Dr. McCrea is also the Director of the Division of Teaching, Research and Learning for the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall, but I first met her when she served as the President of the Eastern Academy of Management. 

Thanks to a selfless research team, all parties involved were able to meet their goals. I was able to complete the submission of the case during cancer treatment and chemotherapy; Rifat was able to collaborate on the research with faculty members from diverse institutions and backgrounds, and Ngoc was able to complete her required credits and graduate. Although Ngoc did not want to be part of the project after her initial research, her early help with this project was invaluable. The work of this team resulted in a case titled "Culture Clash and the Unraveling of an Immigrant Entrepreneur's American Dream," which is part of a book on practical managerial cases that will be available in November 2024. This book covers the essential aspects of managing employees, providing relevant case studies to enable students to develop the management skills and approaches needed at all levels.  

  

With this specific case study, were there any findings that surprised you? 

As a researcher of organizational communication, I was aware of the cultural and communication barriers immigrants face in entrepreneurship. However, before completing this research, I hadn't fully considered the many other obstacles beyond linguistic and cultural gaps, such as securing financial resources, navigating tax and accounting regulations, and starting a business without a professional network. This highlights the importance of organizations like the New Jersey Small Business Development Center and the Microenterprise Development Program; however, greater awareness of these and similar programs is needed to better support immigrant entrepreneurs. 

 

What were some highlights and some challenges? 

A challenge we faced was that both Rifat and Ngoc had limited research experience. While Rifat, an MBA student, had completed some applied research, we needed to delve into case studies and qualitative research. Ngoc, a Communication Studies major focusing on public relations, had minimal background in corporate or cross-cultural communication. Similarly, Rifat lacked exposure to communication theory and cross-cultural leadership theory. Therefore, we began our independent study by (a) discussing qualitative and case study research, (b) exploring cross-cultural leadership and communication theory, and (c) understanding the theoretical implications of our case research. 

Working with Rifat and Ngoc was a joy from start to finish. Their enthusiasm for the process and the opportunity was evident, and it was clear this course was more than a fulfillment of a requirement—the course and resulting project allowed all of us to grow and learn through collaboration. 

 

Can you share how this experience was impactful for you? 

Working with Ngoc, Rifat, and the editor of this book, Dr. Laurie Levesque, was incredibly rewarding. Although I've always wanted to collaborate with students on research, this was the first time everything aligned perfectly—the right opportunity, people and time. We had no idea when we started this project in May 2022 that I would be diagnosed with cancer eight months later. It was deeply touching to see Dr. Levesque, Dr. Elizabeth McCrea, and Rifat come together to ensure the project's completion. 

This experience also highlights the value of a strong professional network. The opportunity came to me through my involvement with the Eastern Academy of Management. I served as Track Chair for the Management Education and Development track of the Eastern Academy of Management for three years prior to this project, and without my involvement in this organization, this independent study and research opportunity would not have occurred. 

Rifat is now in an Ed.D. program in Higher Education Leadership at St. Joseph's University.

 

Reported by Mandee McCullough

Photo submitted