MSI Announces Results of the 2015 Clayton Dissertation Proposal Competition

The Marketing Science Institute (MSI) is pleased to announce the results of the 2015 Alden G. Clayton Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Competition. Started in 1984, this annual competition is intended to encourage doctoral work on topics of importance to the marketing community. Students submitted their dissertation proposals between September 2014 and August 2015, at a point when their dissertation work was no more than 50% completed.

The finalists were selected from the 85 submissions. Three blind evaluations of each submission were solicited from outside academic experts. We are grateful to the more than 120 marketing scholars who generously contributed their time to serve as reviewers.

WINNERS

Mahdi Ebrahimi, University of Houston, Advisor: Vanessa Patrick

To Merge or to Balance? How Integration versus Segregation of Multiple Identities Influences Time Perception

Beth Fossen, Emory University, Advisor: David Schweidel

The Role of Online Word-of-Mouth in Brand Strategy

Max Nohe, Tilburg University, Advisors: Barbara Deleersnyder and Inge Geyskens

The Retailer’s Role as a Regulator, Enabler, Rival, or Gatekeeper: How Does it Impact Supplier Performance?

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Valeria Stourm, University of Pennsylvania, Advisors: Eric T. Bradlow and Peter S. Fader

New Insights from Emerging Types of Retail Loyalty Programs

Raluca M. Ursu, University of Chicago, Advisors: Ali Hortaçsu and Pradeep Chintagunta

The Power of Rankings: Quantifying the Effects of Rankings on Online Consumer Search and Choice

Maya Vuegen, KU Leuven, Advisors: Anne ter Braak and Lien Lamey

Essays on Service Innovations in Retail

The competition winners receive $5,000, and each honorable mention receives $3,000. All are invited to attend MSI’s spring 2016 Trustees Meeting, where their work will be acknowledged.

We congratulate the finalists as well as the authors and thesis chairs/advisors of the many other fine submissions received.

Kay Lemon and Ross Rizley
Marketing Science Institute

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