Sprott Researchers Awarded Funding for Three Innovative Projects Tackling Healthcare, Work, and Digital Commerce Challenges
The Sprott School of Business is proud to announce that three faculty-led research projects have been awarded external funding from Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to address pressing issues in healthcare, global work, and digital commerce. These projects reflect Sprott’s commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary research that supports healthier communities, equitable workplaces, and inclusive economic growth.
What About Us? An Examination of the Etiology of Hospital Pharmacist Wellbeing
Principal Investigator: Linda Duxbury, Chancellor’s Professor, Management
This project focuses on the high levels of stress, burnout, and anxiety faced by hospital pharmacists—an often-overlooked group in Canada’s healthcare system. In partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), the study will develop a tool to identify and measure workplace stressors among hospital pharmacists. The goal is to improve their wellbeing, reduce absenteeism, enhance patient care, and support a more resilient healthcare system.
Independent Workers: Challenges and Opportunities for Global Digital Work in Canada and Brazil
Principal Investigator: Luciara Nardon, Professor, International Business
This interdisciplinary project explores the rise of Global Independent Workers (GIWs)—remote workers who serve employers in other countries—through the lens of digital labour migration. Focusing on Canada and Brazil, the research will examine how these workers negotiate contracts, develop skills, and navigate emerging challenges. The findings will inform better policy and organizational supports to ensure decent work conditions in the growing digital economy.
Enabling Canadian SMEs to Compete with e-Commerce Giants: A Novel Generative AI-based Cross-Vendor Collaboration Approach
Principal Investigator: Ahmed Doha, Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management
Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) e-commerce vendors in Canada are facing increasing challenges competing against global giants like Amazon. This project introduces a new Cross-Vendor Experience e-Commerce (CVEE) system that leverages generative AI to enable SMEs to collaboratively bundle products and services. By improving pricing power and operational efficiency, this research aims to boost competitiveness, reduce consumer costs, and generate new business opportunities for Canadian SMEs.