- Full-Time Instructor, Information Technology Department (ITM), Shidler College of Business
- ITMA Faculty Advisor
Room
Phone
Academic Background
- Ph.D. in Education (Learning Design & Educational/Business Technology Systems) University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi (2019)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) Hawaiʻi Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi (2009)
- Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) Hawaiʻi Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi (2005)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi, Laie, Hawaiʻi (2003)
- Bachelor of Arts in International Business Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi, Laie, Hawaiʻi (2003)
- PMP (Project Management Professional) Certified Professional
- LSSGB Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified Professional
- CompTIA Security+ Certified Professional
- CompTIA Network+ Certified Professional
- CompTIA A+ Certified Professional
- Power BI/Tableau Certified Facilitator
- Certified DiSC Facilitator
Courses Taught
- ITM 354 Database Systems (3)
- ITM 431 Networking and Security (3)
- BUS 310 Statistical Analysis for Business Decisions (3)
- BUS 311 Information Systems for Global Business Environment (3)
- BUS 619 Data Analytics and Statistics for Business (3)
- ITM 683 Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (3)
- ITM 685 Electronic Commerce (3)
Dr. Eduard ("Eddie") Merč is a Full-Time Instructor in the Information Technology Management (ITM) Department at the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in business analytics, business intelligence, database systems, artificial intelligence, business statistics, and digital transformation.
Prior to joining UH Mānoa full-time, Dr. Merč served as an Assistant Professor and MBA Program Director at Chaminade University of Honolulu and has taught at several institutions across Hawaiʻi. His professional experience spans higher education, business analytics, information technology management, project management, organizational development, and consulting.
Before entering academia, Dr. Merč held leadership and analytics positions with organizations including Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, and the United States Air Force/Air National Guard. His industry experience allows him to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world business applications by integrating practical examples, emerging technologies, and data-driven decision-making into his courses.
Dr. Merč's research interests include artificial intelligence, business analytics, digital transformation, technology-enabled decision making, online learning, and organizational leadership. His recent work has explored the impact of AI on small businesses and the integration of AI-supported decision-making frameworks in business education.
He holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, an MBA, and an MSIS degree from Hawaiʻi Pacific University. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP), CISSP-certified cybersecurity professional, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and certified facilitator in business intelligence and data analytics technologies.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Merč enjoys mentoring students, supporting professional development initiatives, serving as Faculty Advisor for the Information Technology Management Association (ITMA), and promoting innovative approaches to leadership, analytics, and technology education.
Research Interests
Research Interests
My research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, business analytics, and organizational decision-making. I am particularly interested in how emerging technologies influence leadership effectiveness, business performance, digital transformation initiatives, and student learning outcomes. Current areas of interest include AI-supported decision-making frameworks, business intelligence, technology adoption, business process improvement, and the future of analytics education.
Selected Publications
Selected Publications
Merc, E. O., & Rose, M. (2026). Artificial Intelligence and Leadership in Small Businesses: A Hawaiʻi-Based Perspective with Broader Implications. Proceedings of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Computer, Data Sciences and Applications (ACDSA). IEEE.
Merc, E. (2025). Enhancing Assurance of Learning through Voice of the Customer and Value Stream Mapping. Proceedings of the IACBE Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting.
Merc, E. (2025). VoC and VSM Tool Implementation in Enhancing Student MBA Program Experiences. Proceedings of the 2nd Annual International Conference on Academic Research and Scholarly Development.
Merc, E. (2024). The Role of Social Integration and Sense of Connectedness in Online Courses and Their Influence on Learning and Academic Performance Among Military Students. Proceedings of the IACBE Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting. (First Place Award)
Merc, E., & Estell, P. (2023). Perceived Organizational Support, Employee Engagement, and Enterprise Technologies. Proceedings of the IACBE Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting. (First Place Award)
Merc, E. O. (2020). The Role of Social Integration and Sense of Connectedness in Online and Hybrid Courses and Their Influence on Persistence Rates and Academic Performance Among Military Students (Doctoral Dissertation). University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Merc, E. (2015). Business Education in Online Courses: Reflections from an MBA Class. Journal of Business & Economic Policy, 5(3), 78–83.
Awards & Honors
Awards and Honors
- Dennis Ching Jr. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate and Graduate Teaching, The Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (2026)
- Business Instructor of the Semester Award (MBA Programs), School of Business and Communication, Chaminade University of Honolulu (2023)
- Business Instructor of the Semester Award (Undergraduate Programs), School of Business and Communication, Chaminade University of Honolulu (2021, 2023, 2024)
- First Place Conference Paper Award, IACBE Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting, Memphis, Tennessee (2024)
- The Role of Social Integration and Sense of Connectedness in Online Courses and Their Influence on Learning and Academic Performance Among Military Students
- First Place Conference Paper Award, IACBE Annual Conference and Assembly Meeting, Orlando, Florida (2023)
- Perceived Organizational Support, Employee Engagement, and Enterprise Technologies
- Exemplary Course Design Award, Blackboard Learning Management System (2012)
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that the most effective learning occurs when students can connect classroom concepts to real-world challenges. My teaching approach combines academic theory with practical applications drawn from industry, military, and consulting experiences. Through case studies, hands-on analytics projects, business simulations, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, I strive to create engaging learning environments that prepare students to become confident, data-driven decision makers.
My goal is not only to teach technical skills, but also to help students develop critical thinking, leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities that will serve them throughout their professional careers.