Alumna Profile: Shelley MitchellDegree: Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Dissertation Title: An Empirical Investigation: How Small to Mid-Sized Enterprises Use Innovation on the Path toward Ecological Sustainability Advisor: Dr. Michael Merenda |
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Description of Research
Dependence upon the natural environment is redefining the business relationship between ecological, economic, and social systems. In addition, the major market forces of diminishing natural resources, extreme transparency and increasing social expectations are reshaping a new sustainability path for companies. This empirical investigation will explore the phenomenon of sustainability in small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the link between innovation and ecological sustainability. In addressing the research questions, an Eco-Sustainability Conceptual Framework (ESCF) was developed and applied to a sample of SMEs. In addition, the development and use of an Eco-Scorecard (ES) helped to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring the extent to which SMEs are sustainable enterprises. Testing the compatibility of the ESCF and ES occurred through semi-structured interviews conducted at five SMEs, which allowed participants to identify strengths and weaknesses in terms of the company’s movement toward ecological sustainability.
Awards and Activities
- Selected to the Public & Non-Profit Division Doctoral Consortium 2012 Academy of Management Meeting, Boston, MA
- Selected to the Organizations & the Natural Environmental Division Doctoral Consortium, 2010 Academy of Management Meeting, Montreal, Quebec
- Selected to the oikos Young Scholars Entrepreneurship Academy oikos Foundation for Economy & Ecology, Urnäsch, Switzerland, 2010
- Finalist, Paul J. Holloway Business Plan Competition, University of New Hampshire, Whittemore School of Business & Economics, 2002
- Global Change Initiative Grant, National Science Foundation, 1995 Indianapolis Zoological Society
- Tropical Rainforest Experience Grant, Indiana Commission on Higher Learning 1991-1993, Indianapolis Zoological Society
- Integrated Environmental Curriculum on Wetlands Grant, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1992 Indianapolis Zoological
- The Zoo Connection Grant, Indiana Commission on Higher Learning, 1992 Indianapolis Zoological Society
Selected Presentations and Publications
- Academy of Management PDW on Teaching Sustainability; MBA Course on Sustainable Development-Interactions between MNCs and International Organizations, Co-Presenters; Debbie de Lange, Ph.D., and Shelley Mitchell, San Antonio, Texas. August 2011
- Dalhousie University Centre for International Trade & Transportation, 10th Annual Student Research Symposium. Invited Guest Presenter; How SMEs Use Innovation for Ecological Sustainability, Halifax, Nova Scotia. February 2011
- New England Society of American Foresters, Presentation on How Corporate Environmental Responsibility Contributes to Sustainability, Northeastern SAF Winter Conference, Nashua, NH. March 2010
- Mitchell, S. (2000) Case Study on the Seacoast Land Trust of Portsmouth, NH
- Mitchell, S. (1996) A Commitment To Education. Journal of Elephant Managers Association, Vol. 7 (1)
- Mitchell, S. (1996) Integrating Learning Styles Into Our Educational Programs. Journal of Elephant Managers Association, Vol. 7 (3)
- Mitchell, S. (1994) Classifying Living Things: How Organisms Are Related. Scholastic Science Place
- Mitchell, S., and Peterson, M. (1990) Threats to the Forest. Indiana Department of Natural Resource
Education
- Ph.D., University of New Hampshire ’12 - Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Durham, NH
- M.B.A., University of New Hampshire, Whittemore School of Business & Economics, Durham, NH
- Provisional Certification, Central Michigan University, College of Education, Mt. Pleasant, MI
- B.S., Forestry & Natural Resources Management, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI
Professional Affiliations and Service
- Academy of Management, Planning Committee for ONE Division Doctoral Consortium, San Antonio, Texas, 2010-2011
- Oyster River Cooperative School District Sustainability Committee (Steering Committee), 2011- present
- Academy of Management, Conference Reviewer (ONE Division), 2011- present
- Academy of Management, Member: ONE, PNP and SIM Divisions, 2009- present
- Net Impact, 2009- present
- Leadership New Hampshire, ‘Class of 2008’
- NH Businesses for Social Responsibility, Liaison for New Hampshire Public Television, 2007-2011
- Institute of Museum and Library Services, Grant Reviewer, 1997-2000
Related Link
http://www.nhptv.org/planetgranite/
While at NHPTV, I secured R&D funding and was an advisor for The PLANET GRANITE initiative, which focuses on raising awareness, presenting possible solutions, and highlighting activities that advance sustainability practices. Through a partnership of statewide organizations involved in sustainability issues, the PLANET GRANITE initiative includes educational and community outreach to encourage involvement by individuals, communities, schools, and businesses.
