Business Commons^™

Branding For Hope Services, Roberta Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Hope Services is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization located in Seaside, California. Hope Services was in need of a new marketing and branding plan in order to reach more people throughout the various communities that are being served. The first contributing factor is limited outreach throughout the community, the consequence to that is low client rates which brings less staff. The second contributing factor is limited caseworkers, the consequence is low levels of applications being accepted or seen. The last contributing factor is limited access to technology, the consequence is low levels of knowledge of resources for possible clients. The capstone …

An Evaluation Of Product Descriptions And Brand Trust As Influencers Of Purchase Intent In A Luxury Second Hand Ecommerce Shopping Environment, Nyiesha Jones

Research Psychology Theses

In a world where fashion is a one-and-done look for an Instagram photo, represents 4% of global waste, and is growing at a rate of 11 times faster than traditional retail, there is a growing interest to reduce the carbon footprint of fashion by offering outlets for consumers to circulate their wardrobe through consignment opposed to throwing it away (Bird, 2018). Research has been done to evaluate the importance of information on e-commerce websites, with little focus on secondhand e-commerce. Previous research on secondhand shopping focuses mostly on shopping motivations, but once a customer has decided to shop secondhand what …

The Impact Of E-Service Quality On The Customer Satisfaction Of Electronic And Small Appliances Online Shoppers In Saudi Arabia, Majed A. Almobarak

Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this quantitative study, which utilized a non-experimental, correlational predictive design, was to evaluate the association between perceptions of e-service quality by Saudi Arabian adult residents and their overall satisfaction with the online retailer from which they buy their electronics and small appliances products. The study also sought to determine to what extent e-service quality factors, as a group and independently, predict the customer satisfaction of the participants of this study. The participants of this study were limited to adults (18 years of age or older), male and female, who live in any region of Saudi Arabia, and …

The Buzz Behind Alcohol Advertising: A Study Of How Alcohol Advertisements On Social Media Impact Behavior, Alexis Morgan Campbell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Alcohol advertisements are known to be appealing and memorable, and several researchers have investigated what makes these advertisements so attractive. Several trends have emerged regarding the content within alcohol advertisements: themes of parties, celebration, and social success within television, magazines, and social media since the 1970s. Recently, several studies found that new themes in alcohol ads have been found to be popular, especially in social media advertisements (Campbell & Chung, 2022). The elaboration likelihood model (ELM) provides insight into why a person’s attitude could be more susceptible or why their behavior could be more easily influenced by certain types of …

The Effects Of Online Reviews And Promotional Messages On Product Performance : Review Helpfulness And The Power Of Language, Ziru Bao

Lingnan Theses and Dissertations (MPhil & PhD)

This dissertation contains two essays. For Essay One, previous studies on review helpfulness focus on what makes a review helpful and how to predict review helpfulness. In so doing, researchers hope to identify the most helpful reviews for consumers and improve the recommendation system. However, little is known about the effect of these helpful reviews on product performance. Thus, this paper investigates how helpful reviews or the helpfulness votes influence product sales. Since product sales are only available at the group (product) level, estimating the effect of helpfulness votes presents a challenging multilevel problem. This research considers both the disaggregating …

Converting Horizontal Media For Vertical Platforms, Eric A. Hernandez

Graphic Communication

Today, most media is viewed on mobile phones and seen on a vertical screen. There are very few methods for converting horizontal media into vertical media for vertical platforms. This manual shows new ways to redesign horizontal content so that it looks better on vertical displays; I imagine watching things like the Super Bowl or the The Grammys on TikTok or Instagram with a new broadcast design that is more attractive.

Mother Lou Studio: Branding For A Handcrafted Jewelry Business, Amanda K. Hall

Graphic Communication

In the height of the pandemic I gained interest in jewelry-making. Needing a new hobby, I researched the many methods of making jewelry and soon began practicing the craft. Sand casting became a form of meditation, and I hope to gain more experience in silver smithing in the near future. For my senior project, I wanted to combine my personal, creative abilities with the skills I have learned through my Graphic Communication courses. This project showcases my design and business skills, while building a unique brand that will be a part of my future career.

Take Flight Music Festival Branding, Maxwell Bo Chen, Jake Oxenham

Graphic Communication

We created a branding and design campaign for the Take Flight music festival on campus. The project covered many aspects of event creation and marketing such as name, logo, content creation, social media, printed media, vendor outreach, and administration outreach. All these pieces had to work together to create a strong and cohesive brand image for this event which would help ensure a successful turnout and event overall.

Talia Cooks 4 You: Brand And Product Development, Shannon L. Brierty

Graphic Communication

I created a Cookbook for Talia because I wanted to incorporate easy to follow recipes and helpful techniques to teach food science basics. She is a fourth-year Food Science major with a concentration in Culinology. Her love for cooking and baking led her to food science, which has changed the way she sees food and cooking for the better. She has a significant following so I wanted to create a brand for her that she can build off of in the future. My three deliverables for this project are a physical cookbook, marketing for her product, and a website to …

A Glimmer Of Hope: Environmental Change And Strategy Adaptation At World Wrestling Entertainment (Wwe), Siraat Mustafa Jd/Mba

Major Papers

This paper addresses the strategic and environmental adaptation of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the undisputed leader in the professional wrestling and sports entertainment industry. With over three decades of dominance, the WWE surpassed $1 billion in revenues and continues to produce live content in new ways, which successfully increased audience interaction and engagement. As the WWE continued to adapt its business to the changing media environment during the global pandemic of COVID-19, it completed an important agreement to license its WWE Network content to Peacock. The agreement is expected to expand the reach of its brands and enhance the …

The Future Of Name, Image, And Likeness In Advertising, Olivia E. Nuss

LSU Master's Theses

This study explores the unique intersection of the law and the theories of communication related to a student athlete’s ability to receive compensation based off their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The purpose of this study is to understand the future of NIL legislation application as it relates to emerging media and student-athletes’ privacy interests in order to better understand influencer marketing and the impact new legislation will have on student-athlete brand deals. Through a series of semi-structured, in-depth interviews, I explored industry trends in NIL as it relates to brand partnerships and advertising, focusing on key players, methods, and …

The Use Of Ethnonyms In Communication Strategies, Cristina B. Gonzales Otoya Villanueva

Student Theses and Dissertations

This research aims to explore the effectiveness of the language used in external communications, including brand campaigns already launched targeting different ethnic groups, with a particular emphasis on the Hispanic, Latino and Latinx communities. The final objective is to provide recommendations on the appropriate use of ethnonyms in their marketing strategies while authentically approaching their target market to generate brand affinity and long-standing trust.

The Significance Of Sonic Branding To Strategically Stimulate Consumer Behavior: Content Analysis Of Four Interviews From Jeanna Isham’S “Sound In Marketing” Podcast, Ina Beilina

Student Theses and Dissertations

Purpose:
Sonic branding is not just about composing jingles like McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It.” Sonic branding is an industry that strategically designs a cohesive auditory component of a brand’s corporate identity. This paper examines the psychological impact of music and sound on consumer behavior reviewing studies from the past 40 years and investigates the significance of stimulating auditory perception by infusing sound in consumer experience in the modern 2020s.

Design/methodology/approach:
Qualitative content analysis of audio media was used to test two hypotheses. Four archival oral interview recordings from Jeanna Isham’s podcast “Sound in Marketing” featuring the sonic branding experts …

Essays On Market Design And Auctions, Mingshi Kang

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

My thesis consists of three chapters that contribute to redistribution-driven market design and sponsored link auctions.

Chapter 2 and 3 (co-authored with Charles Zheng) study redistribution-driven market design with endogenous buyers and sellers. In Chapter 2, we consider a large market environment with each individual endowed with equal shares of a limited resources and allowed to buy or sell the shares. We characterize the interim (incentive-constrained) Pareto frontier subject to market clearance and budget balance, and find that at most two prices are needed to attain any (interim) Pareto optimum. Under robust conditions of the primitives, the Pareto optimal allocation …

Jonny Boy Cookies' Event Campaign Targeting College Students, Ye'senia L. Agosto-Rivera

Honors College Theses

The evaluation of data from social media sites can offer valuable decision-making data for small businesses. Generally, college students are dependent on the Internet and social media sites precisely to connect with others socially. Can small businesses with limited finances and limited technical knowledge compete in this new social media-driven market to develop more in-person events? This paper discusses a detailed event campaign for Jonny Boy Cookies to expand their college student demographic beyond their current middle-aged women demographic. Quantitative approaches will be used to guide the research and implementation of new methods.

Refund Psychology, Tianjiao Yu

Olin Business School Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Consumers frequently receive refunds from prior purchases. In this research, I examine if money refunded from previous purchases is more likely to be spent than money that does not go through a refund process. Across eight fully pre-registered studies, I test how consumers’ willingness to spend depends on the transaction history of their money. I find that money refunded from a previous purchase is more likely to be spent on items unrelated to that purchase than non-refunded money that is otherwise identical in its source. I suggest that this pattern arises because the refunded money is earmarked as “spending money” …

How Brands Go Viral: An Analysis Of Successful Brand Marketing On Tik Tok With Gen Z, Alyssa Rezek

Honors Theses

This thesis seeks to examine the unique relationship between Generation Z and the social media platform TikTok, especially in regard to its marketing function. A literature review, survey, and interviews were conducted to examine the social media habits of Generation Z and the attitudes they have towards these platforms. The data suggests that highly visual platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, are more widely used and trusted by members of the generation in question. These trends indicate that brands wishing to market toward this generation should become proficient in the use of these platforms. This research seeks to examine the …

Rising From The Ashes: An Analysis Of How One Infamous Promotional Event Caused A Company's Ruin And A Concept On The Future Of Influencer Experiences, Janis B. Kruger

Honors Theses

This thesis and its research focuses on the topic of modern influencer marketing through digital media. Throughout the thesis, traditional marketing tactics and the power of influence is discussed, and then it moves into the topic of modern advertising and the role that modern social media influencers play in reaching the consumer. The methodology behind influencer marketing is explained and consumer behavior is analyzed. The 2017 Fyre Festival promotional event is then used as an example to dissect this marketing tactic and how the event impacted the future of influencer marketing. Finally, a modern-day, hypothetical campaign based on the concept …

Recipe For Good: Analyzing The Authenticity Of Csr Commitments Among The Leadership Of A Parent Company To Global Restaurant Brands., Lauren E. Reuss

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a form of private self-regulation conducted by businesses; CSR aims to contribute to societal goals of philanthropy, activism, and ethics by improving society, policy, and or the environment. Corporate social responsibility is becoming a greater aspect of modern business, but as it becomes part of the modern discourse, it is right to question whether its efforts are authentic to those driving these initiatives? This case study seeks to understand how the leadership within the parent company of a global foods brand depicts authenticity and communicates its social and environmental efforts to stakeholders. Building on existing …

Creative Brief For Blakeman's Fine Jewelry, Abigail Bouve

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

According to recent trends, the global luxury market has grown due in part to a shift in young adult luxury consumers, including generations Y and Z, and millennials. Recognizing that consumer interest in luxury goods exists within this age range, new marketing strategies and insights are vital to encourage a lifetime of brand loyalty (Eastman, Shin, & Ruhland, 2020). With respect to brand loyalty, if a person were to have an exceptional experience while purchasing their first piece of fine jewelry at a store, then they would be more likely to remain a loyal customer at that same store as …

Harvesting Growth -- An Internship Thesis, Emma Conover

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

During the Summer of 2021, I had the privilege to Intern with Harvest Group in Rogers, Arkansas. During this 12-week internship, I was placed in the Client Services division and was a part of a consumables team that served several clients. I gained invaluable experience from this internship and developed both personally and professionally.

Bucwild, Morgan Mcclanahan

Undergraduate Honors Theses

BucWild is a student-led organization, by the students for the students. We are closing the gap between student life and athletics through social media. We believe that in order for students to have the best experience possible at ETSU, involvement is crucial. In May of 2021, we began our mission to launch this organization for the 2021-2022 school year. Here is an in-depth look at how we did this.

Arclothmasks: A Pandemic Startup Journey, Adam Jackson

Information Systems Undergraduate Honors Theses

Covid-19 changed the way the world operated when it became a pandemic in 2020. The need for personal protection equipment was unexpected and suppliers were not prepared for the demand. The government mandate of masks furthered the need of PPE across the nation. To help fill this shortage, many companies began to retool their manufacturing processes from clothing to masks. This thesis will dive into one PPE company and its journey from the start of the pandemic. The business plan for the company will follow it along with graphs and charts that help tell the tale of the startup.

Implementing A Micro-Business Internship Program In Dangriga, Belize, Shaadee Shojai

Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Over the Summer, I was able to work with Peacework in Belize through the University of Arkansas. While I was unable to physically go to Belize due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, I feel that I was still able to learn about the culture, in both the casual and business workplace, as well as help the people of Dangriga. The goal of my project was to help consult with the Tourism Department of Dangriga to help develop their small business into businesses that were more appealing to tourists. Unfortunately, most people who own small businesses in Dangriga can’t support themselves with …

Achieving Brand Authenticity In The Age Of Cancel Culture: Why Brands Can No Longer Be Neutral Without Being Seen As Complicit, Caitlin Paris

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

As cultural controversies arise, brands experience pressure from consumers and competitors to take a stance. The looming presence of cancel culture has increased this feeling, as users are quick to point fingers at organizations they think are falling short. However, increased brand engagement has created a gap between superficiality and moral accountability. When a crisis strikes, the media arena becomes filled with statements, pleas, and promises, but when the dust settles, those who lack action are quick to be criticized. Companies must strike a balance between focalized brand authenticity and short-term reactivity, in a culture where it is unacceptable to …

Crip Theory And Creative Briefs: Interpreting Disability In The Creative Process, Josh Loebner

All Dissertations

Brands, advertising agencies and other partners collaborate through curated phases to create marketing and advertisements, but within this process, how does the creative brief shape disability inclusion or exclusion? By moving the conversation from interpreting disability representation in an advertisement or finished marketing piece, to analyzing disability at the onset of the creative process, these insights present a critical contribution to scholarship on disability, marketing and consumer culture. Framed within crip theory, the research investigates how disability identity is—or is not—manifest in a creative brief within the creative process.

Much of marketing, advertising and disability studies scholarship centers on finished …

A Descriptive Study Of College Students’ Preferences Toward Rhetorical Devices In Advertisements, Rachel Beyer

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

Advertisements are specifically created to convince people of the importance to either buy a product or subscribe to an ideal. Companies are the primary users of advertisements, where advertisements are designed to increase profitability (Roberts, 2020). The advertising industry in America is quite large. Food is a diversified and competitive industry, this competition in the food industry causes companies to be dependent on consumer preference and knowledge (UC Davis Nutrition Department, 2020). With Generation Z on the rise, there should be an increased focus on their preferences and needs in all industries, including the food industry (Southgate, 2017). The purpose …

The Four Agreements Analysis Los Cuatro Acuerdos De Don Miguel Ruíz, Dulce Morales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The Toltecs were an indigenous Mexican culture of great warriors and artists with a very unique wisdom on life and behavior, that lived around 1000 years ago. Their extended knowledge on life and behavior certainly can be of help on developing a great leader in any organization based on the four agreements they practiced to better themselves spiritually, emotionally and physically. Therefore, Don Miguel Ruiz did some research of the Toltecs Wisdom and learn more about these four agreements:

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.

After learning how to apply …

Student Government National Network, Alexander Chiarelott

Honors Projects

My project is the creation and utilization of the Student Government National Network. This is a joint effort between many student leaders from around the country, but the idea for it was started by me and the former BGSU USG President Harrison Carter. My specific role in the development phase of this organization has been to bring in the student leaders in my network, as well as to consider the long-term marketing and financial routes we want the organization to take. I will be developing the marketing and economic plans for this organization, which have a major bearing on how …

Análisis De Los Factores Que Influyen En Un Grupo Asociativo De Organizaciones Agropecuarias Y Campesinas Hacia La Articulación Con El Sector Empresarial. Estudio De Casos Municipio Puerto Asís 2021, Ileana Alicia Tutistar Montezuma

Maestría en Administración

En Colombia, ha existido una débil inserción del sector agropecuario en el mercado internacional, esto ha generado un factor crítico que afecta el desempeño sectorial y a la población que lo ejerce (CAF & FAO, 2019). En este sentido, la promoción de la asociatividad y sus diferentes actividades, son elementos presentes en el marco programático nacional, primordialmente en el sector de la agricultura familiar y mercados inclusivos con los que se instauran trabajos dirigidos a apoyar los pequeños productores para la inclusión en las economías del país (APC-Colombia, 2016).

En ese sentido, existe un interés más local dadas las características …