University of Illinois Springfield MBA Program

A recent research study co-authored by Md Rasel Al Mamun, Assistant Professor in the College of Business and Management at the University of Illinois Springfield, explores what motivates users to continue using conversational AI tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants. The findings, published in the Journal AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction, reveal that users remain engaged with conversational AI not only because it helps them accomplish tasks effectively and efficiently (functional value), but also because they develop a sense of emotional connection and attachment to these technologies (emotional value).

For businesses developing or implementing conversational AI, this study suggests that long-term adoption of such tools depends primarily on delivering reliable, valuable, and high-performing AI experiences while also creating interactions that foster trust, comfort, and a positive emotional connection with users.

You can access the paper here: https://aisel.aisnet.org/thci/vol17/iss1/1/

A new research study co-authored by Siddharth K. Upadhyay, Assistant Professor in the College of Business and Management at the University of Illinois Springfield, reveals that employees with disabilities perform just as well as their peers—yet still face lower pay and higher levels of perceived discrimination in organizations. The findings challenge long-held workplace assumptions and spotlight urgent gaps in workplace accessibility and inclusion.

The study, published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior, investigates how employees with and without disabilities differ in their workplace experiences, examining factors such as job demands, performance, workplace support, psychological well-being, and economic outcomes. For more details: https://www.uis.edu/news/uis-research-finds-employees-disabilities-perform-comparably-peers-face-pay-gaps

You can access the paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001879125001241

We are proud of Dr. Sharma and all of his efforts to help the initiative succeed!

UIS professor fosters global partnerships in Mexico Sudeep Sharma, associate professor of management in the University of Illinois Springfield College of Business and Management, recently traveled to Mexico as part of the University of Illinois System's I-MMÁS: Mexican and Mexican American Students Initiative. Through the initiative, Sharma was sele...

This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about our Bloomberg terminals and get a hands-on experience using real-time market data!

CBM is hosting a workshop this Thursday, May 21st, in the Sean & Taryn Grant / Landmark Auto Trading Lab (UHB 4021) on how to operate the Bloomberg terminals. Stop by from 10am-12pm to get the chance to explore real-time market data! Please rsvp to guarantee a spot.

Check out this new course being offered this fall where students get to utilize the Bloomberg Terminals inside our new Sean and Taryn Grant/Landmark Auto Trading Lab!

Dr. Karadas will be offering a new course held in the Sean and Taryn Grant/Landmark Auto Trading Lab this fall, where students will have the opportunity to help run the UIS Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) using data and analysis from Bloomberg Terminals.

For course-related questions, contact Serkan Karadas, [email protected].
For registration-related questions, contact Nancy Haparimwi, [email protected].
For AEF Department related questions, contact Salem Boumediene, [email protected].

Yesterday, the College of Business and Management held a recognition ceremony to celebrate the graduating students and honor Graduate Academic Honors Recipients.

Our graduate assistants deserve all the recognition – we are thankful for all the time and effort you put in! Congratulations to the graduates!

Yesterday, the CBM’s Dean’s Office held a celebration lunch for our current graduate assistants to thank them for all their hard work this year! And congratulations to our graduate assistants that are graduating this semester: Jessica Marsik, Kowshik Sai Eletem, Aksh*th Kukkadapu, Silan Demirkol, and Christina Mendoza. We are so proud of all you have accomplished, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!

It was a perfect day for this event, and we are very grateful to have been included!

This past Saturday, staff from our college set up a promotional table alongside local vendors at the Color Me Holi 5K Run at Washington Park. This event was hosted by the Asian Indian Women’s Organization, and proceeds from the run benefitted ‘The Motherland Community Project’, which helps fund soil, seeds, tools, and education that will empower families and beautify our neighborhoods. Thank you to Ravneet Chhokar – UIS Safety and Environmental Compliance Director – for organizing this event and letting us be a part of this day!