Thematic Integration 4 Literature Review Dominic Jackson Lib

thematic integration 4 Literature Review Dominic Jackson Liberty University BUS1 730 May 10, 2019 Dr. Randy Kuhn

Thematic integration is essential in blending faith and learning within the context of business education. This literature review synthesizes key research findings related to financial resource allocation, performance measurement, and the integration of biblical principles into business practices. The exploration underscores how strategic financial management serves not only economic objectives but also aligns with divine purposes, reinforcing the moral responsibility of business practitioners.

Understanding the importance of strategic allocation of financial resources is foundational for sustainable business success. According to Adedeji (2014), ratio analysis serves as a critical tool for measuring organizational performance, enabling managers to make informed decisions that optimize resource utilization. Similarly, Bhandari and Adams (2017) review how effective use of free cash flow calculations can influence strategic planning and financial health assessments. These tools are crucial for ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and in a manner consistent with long-term organizational goals.

Performance measurement frameworks also play a vital role in guiding resource allocation decisions. Awadallah and Allam (2015) critique the balanced scorecard as a performance evaluation tool, highlighting its ability to incorporate financial and non-financial metrics. This comprehensive approach allows organizations to align their resources with strategic objectives and spiritual values, fostering integrity and accountability. Childress (2015) emphasizes decision-making processes at the educational level, which parallels corporate strategic decisions, underscoring the importance of ethical considerations and faith-based principles in guiding fiscal choices.

Financial metrics such as economic value added (EVA), profitability ratios, and liquidity indicators are emphasized in the literature for their role in assessing financial health and guiding resource deployment. Daraban (2017) elaborates on EVA as a measure of true economic profit, encouraging managers to prioritize investments that generate genuine value. Similarly, Mohanty and Mehrotra (2018) explore the relationship between liquidity and profitability, illustrating how maintaining optimal liquidity levels is critical for sustaining business operations and supporting growth. These metrics embody a balanced approach to resource management, integrating economic performance with ethical considerations.

The strategic allocation of resources must also consider broader firm boundaries and strategic choices. Levinthal (2017) discusses how resource allocation decisions influence firm boundaries, advocating for strategies that balance diversification and specialization in line with organizational purpose and ethical standards. Maritan and Lee (2017) further emphasize the alignment of resource deployment with strategic intent, advocating for a cohesive approach that integrates financial and moral dimensions.

Integrating faith into these strategic considerations involves recognizing the biblical purposes of business. Keller and Alsdorf (2014) articulate how work can be connected to divine stewardship, emphasizing that economic activities should serve God's purposes by promoting justice, stewardship, and service. Van Duzer et al. (2018) argue for a biblical framework that informs the calling of business, advocating for responsible and purpose-driven resource allocation that reflects spiritual principles.

Research also highlights the role of financial information in ethical decision-making. Zager and Zager (2016) emphasize that accurate financial data underpins transparent decision processes, which align with biblical values of honesty and integrity. Rienzi (2013) questions the religious liberty of money-makers, prompting reflection on the moral responsibilities inherent in financial activities and the importance of aligning business practices with faith-based ethics.

Overall, the literature underscores that strategic financial resource allocation is not solely an economic activity but also a moral and spiritual act. Incorporating biblical principles into financial decision-making fosters integrity, purpose, and sustainable success. Businesses that align their financial strategies with divine intentions can contribute meaningfully to God's purposes on earth, promoting justice, stewardship, and moral accountability within the marketplace.

References

  • Adedeji, E. A. (2014). A tool for measuring organization performance using ratio analysis. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 5(19), 16-22.
  • Awadallah, E. A., & Allam, A. (2015). A critique of the balanced scorecard as a performance measurement tool. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 6(7), 99-110.
  • Bhandari, S. B., & Adams, M. T. (2017). On the definition, measurement, and use of the free cash flow concept in financial reporting and analysis: A review and recommendations. Journal of Accounting and Finance, 17(1), 11-19.
  • Childress, A. L. (2015). Examination of decision-making processes for resource allocation at the college-level and school-level within an academic unit. Open Access Dissertations, 438.
  • Daraban, M. (2017). Economic value added: A general review of the concept. Economic Sciences Series, 27(1).
  • Keller, T., & Alsdorf, K. L. (2014). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God's work. Dutton.
  • Levinthal, D. A. (2017). Resource allocation and firm boundaries. Journal of Management, 43(8), 2580–2587.
  • Maritan, C. A., & Lee, G. K. (2017). Resource allocation and strategy. Journal of Management, 43(8).
  • Mohanty, B., & Mehrotra, S. (2018). Relationship between liquidity and profitability: An exploratory study of SMEs in India. Emerging Economy Studies, 4(2), 169–181.
  • Van Duzer, J., Franz, R. S., Karns, G. L., Dearborn, T. Daniels, & D. Wong, K. L. (2018). Towards a statement on the biblical purposes of business: The calling of business. Journal of Business Ethics, 8, 1-19.
  • Zager, K., & Zager, L. (2016). The role of financial information in decision making process. Innovative Marketing, 2(3), 34-40.

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