Business Commons^™

And Food Justice For All: Advancing Access To Just And Sustainable Food Systems, Makenna Grace Landry

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

A collection of work exploring food justice and food access programming in Western Montana, as well as a critique of the Bayer-Monsanto merger.

To Revise Or Not To Revise: How Feedback Type, Interpersonal Liking, And Messenger Credibility Influence Revision, Rachel Jane Jensen

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Revisions inevitably occur during project creation and curation; many of which are influenced by received feedback. Previous research has highlighted the role goals, perceptions of self, and task complexity play in revision, but little research has examined how feedback type and an individual’s feelings toward their feedback giver influence revision. A quasi-experimental design examined how feedback type (additive, subtractive, or none), interpersonal liking for a feedback-giver, and perceived credibility of a feedback-giver affected students’ (n = 155) willingness to revise, self-reports of revision, and calculated actual revision score. Results indicated that participants in a feedback-receiving condition reported higher levels of …

A Tale Of Two Working Landscapes, Sage C. Sutcliffe

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Effect Of Nil Laws On College Athletic Department Revenue, Dylan C. Cherullo

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

This paper examines the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws on revenue for public Division I universities' athletic departments, challenging the long-standing debate within the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). Utilizing panel data from the Knight Commission on College Athletics, which encompasses over 350 public Division I universities from 2002 to 2021, this study employs a difference-in-differences model. The model investigates state-level changes in university athletic department revenue from sponsorships (sponsrev), with special focus on the post-NIL law era. The analysis is bolstered by controls for various factors including ESPN’s FPI data, coach and equipment expenditures, and COVID-19 …

The Economic Obstacles To Electric Vehicle Adoption In Montana, Lily B. Duray

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Beginning in 2008, electric vehicles, otherwise referred to as EVs have increased in popularity. However, most rural areas like Montana still have not adopted these types of vehicles because of three major obstacles. By addressing EV driving range, availability of public EV charging stations, and the charging times of EVs, EVs can become a credible substitute for traditional vehicles in Montana.

The Relationship Between Food Retailers And Distributors, Madison Seigler, Julia Anderson, Aidan Morton, Cassandra Williams, Victoria Bloomgren, Jacob Tutty

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Our understanding of the science of anthropogenic climate change and its immediate and indirect impacts has grown within the last decade.Alongside anincrease in concern for the inequities within the industrialized food system, climate change is impacting agriculture and the communities that depend on it in myriad ways. These challenges have catalyzed investment in sustainable agriculture, “eat local” food movements, and rethinking of all aspects of food systems, including consumers, producers, retailers, and distributors. The body of literature on food systems primarily focuses on the connection between consumers and retailers; however, there is a notable absence of literature on the relationships …

Understanding And Measuring Net Positive Business Strategies, Luke Ruffner Robinson

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Despite their attempts to mitigate ecological impacts through sustainability initiatives, businesses are a major cause of the world's ecological problems. Some progressive businesses are attempting to move beyond “net zero” in terms of achieving neutral environmental impacts and instead are now pursuing a goal of net positive. Net positive refers to the idea that business activities could contribute value-added benefits to earth’s ecological systems, for example, by using technologies that sequester and store carbon. However, except for a handful of high-profile corporate case studies, little is known about how companies are developing their strategies to become net positive and …

A Conservation Marketing Toolkit: Systematic Literature Mapping, Microtargeting Conservation Easements, And Conservation Corridor Prioritization, Hannah Josie Leonard

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

In a changing world with limited resources for conservation efforts, conservationists, wildlife managers, and land managers must look for creative ways to realize conservation goals. A new wave of conservationists is investigating how other disciplines, namely psychology and marketing, might improve our ability to understand and change conservation-related human behavior. In this thesis, I review existing applications of “conservation marketing” and apply a subset to advance two specific conservation challenges. In Chapter 1, I present a systematic mapping of the conservation marketing literature to understand the lay of the land in how conservationists have already applied marketing techniques to conservation, …

Focus On Activities - Montana Visitors' Key Niche Activities, Norma P. Nickerson, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

For 12 months, nonresidents were intercepted at gas stations, rest areas, and airports and completed a questionnaire about the activities they participated in while visiting Montana. Results were compared to activities promoted by CVBs and travel regions in Montana. Visitor’s primary and favorite activity were highlighted by quarter. Results showed that while scenic driving was a top activity in all four quarters (mass tourism type activity), more niche-type activities became their favorite: skiing/snowboarding, day hiking, car/RV camping, watching wildlife, fly fishing, hunting, river rafting/floating, snowmobiling, and visiting breweries. Marketing and policy suggestions were provided.

2016 Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures & Economic Impact Estimates, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A collection of 2016 full year and quarterly estimates of nonresident visitation, expenditures by nonresident travelers, and economic impact estimates, including expenditures by purpose of trip, airport of arrival, and international visitors.

Beyond The Bike; Identity And Belonging Of Free Cycles Members, Caitlyn Lewis

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

A qualitative analysis was conducted at the community bicycle shop, Free Cycles, in order to examine participants’ identities and belonging within a community of practice. Semi-structured interviews with 19 members of the community and 50 hours of participant observation were conducted. Data analysis followed the grounded theory methodology of Strauss and Corbin (1990). Four research questions were proposed to examine the ways participants at Free Cycles identified with the bicycle-related practices of bicycle riding and maintenance, co-constructed the collective organizational identity, and developed a sense of belonging within the community amongst other members. The constructs of identity and belonging were …

Poison In Pink, Sydney V. Cook

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Humans slather, spray, mist, and cleanse their bodies with personal care products like lotion, hairspray, cologne, and shampoo every day. Our cupboards are stocked full of them, but few of us understand what is in those jars and bottles. We trust that if it’s on the shelf at the store, it’s safe. However, this is not always the case, and many personal care products contain chemicals that are harmful to human and environmental health.

My multi-disciplinary Environmental Studies thesis project combines evidenced-based research, interviews, nonfiction narrative, and science communication to create part of a book manuscript intended to educate general …

Economic Contributions Of The Yellowstone River To Park County, Montana, Jeremy L. Sage

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

On August 19, 2016, Montana’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) instituted a temporary emergency closure on a large extent of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries between the northern Yellowstone National Park boundary near Gardiner, MT and Laurel, MT, about 183 miles downriver. The closure applied to all water based recreation uses on the affected rivers and streams. FWP’s actions followed the identification of the presence of an invasive parasite known to cause proliferative kidney disease in mountain whitefish. FWP’s decision to institute the temporary closure was based not only on the observed presence of the parasite, but …

The Montana Expression 2016: Vacation Planning, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The Montana Tourism Advisory Council, Office of Tourism and Business Development, and individuals in the tourism industry are interested in learning more about visitor behavior for a Montana vacation, namely their use of Montana airports and their advanced reservations and purchasing. This “snapshot” of Montana residents and visitors highlight these behaviors.

2016 Spartan Race Survey Kit Visitor Study, Megan Tanner Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitor Bureau to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2016 Spartan Race. Paper surveys on site were completed by 432 attendees and/or participants of the event. Results show that 49% of respondents were registered participants of the event while 51% were spectators. Residents of Montana made up 47% of the respondents and of those Montana residents, 33% were from Flathead County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.73 nights away from home. Of those nights, an average of 3.70 nights were in Montana and 1.40 nights …

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2016, Megan Tanner Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2016 annual festival in Missoula, MT. Paper surveys were completed by 288 attendees at the event and another 146 email surveys were completed by attendees after the event concluded. Results show that 83% of respondents were residents of Montana and of those Montana residents, 88% were from Missoula County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 5.25 nights in Missoula and more people spent money on restaurant/bar, hotel/motel/b&b purchases, and retail while visiting the area than any other spending categories. …

Assessing Going-To-The-Sun Road Travelers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, And Perceptions Of Bicycling, Brian Battaglia, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Visitors of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) are primarily scenic drivers, yet niche groups of bicyclists have a stake in sharing the GTSR. Conducting a quantitative survey assessment on the bicycling attitudes of visitors produced key findings for determining visitor support for bicycling along the GTSR. Park officials are in a position to evaluate data on bicycling attitudes for visitor management and transportation decision making along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

A Comparison Of Vacationer Spending Segments, Kara Grau, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics of vacationers segmented into three groups: high-spenders, mid-range spenders, and low-spenders. This report contains information comparing the similarities and differences between these three groups of vacation travelers in Montana during 2015.

Montana Winter Fair - 2016, Megan Tanner Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Montana Winter Fair to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees to the event that has been celebrating agriculture since 1946. Paper surveys were completed by 233 attendees of the event. Results show that 96% of attendees were residents of Montana and of those 19% came from outside of Fergus County. Visitors from outside of Lewistown spent an average of less than two nights in the city. More people spent money on groceries/snacks, hotel/motel, restaurant/bar, and retail goods while visiting the area than other spending categories. Respondents to the survey reported total spending of …

The Sacrificial Ram, Charles Ebbers

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Every January and February, Montana and other western states auction tags to hunt big horn sheep, moose, mountain goats, bears and other big game species to the highest bidder, at a series of hunting shows in Nevada. Some states call them “governor’s tags,” while others like Montana call them auction tags.

The purpose of the auctions is to raise funds for state conservation programs meant to keep wildlife populations healthy. In Montana, the funds raised are species specific, meaning that the proceeds from a bighorn sheep tag must be used to help bighorn sheep. Yet, the revenue from these tags …

Montana Folk Festival 2015, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the non-profit Mainstreet Uptown Butte, to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2015 Montana Folk Festival. Paper surveys were completed by 371 attendees of the event. Results show that 75% of respondents were residents of Montana and of those Montana residents, 39% were from Butte-Silver Bow County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 2.81 nights in Butte-Silver Bow County and more people spent money on motel/hotel/b&b purchases, gasoline, and restaurant/bars while visiting the area than any other spending categories. Restaurant/bar purchases received the highest total dollars spent during the event. Respondents to …

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering And Western Music Rendezvous 2015, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees to the thirtieth annual event. Paper surveys were completed by 82 attendees of the event. Results show that 65% of attendees were residents of Montana and of those 63% came from outside of Fergus County. Visitors spent an average of four nights in the Lewistown area. More people spent money on restaurant/bar, hotel/motel, and retail goods while visiting the area than other spending categories. Respondents to the survey reported total spending of $36,852 in Lewistown/Central Montana. Results provide …

The Event At Rebecca Farm 2015, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for Montana Equestrian Events, Inc. to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees to the fourteenth annual The Event at Rebecca Farm. Paper surveys were completed by 473 attendees of the event. Results show that 60% of attendees were residents of Montana and of those 29% came from outside of Flathead County. Visitors spent an average of 6.29 nights in the Flathead Valley area. More people spent money on hotel/motel, restaurant/bar, and gasoline while visiting the area than other spending categories. Respondents to the survey reported total spending of $261,020 in the Flathead Valley. Results provide …

2014 Economic Contribution Of Nonresident Travel Spending In Montana Travel Regions And Counties, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Money spent by those traveling to and through Montana has an effect not only on the businesses where spending occurs, but it ripples throughout the state’s economy, as well. Statewide, spending by nonresidents (averaged over two years) totaled $3.79 billion. This report details the methods and results of the economic impact analyses for each of Montana’s travel regions, as well as analyses for counties in which nonresident travelers spent approximately $50 million or more.

Spartan Race 2015, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitor Bureau to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2015 Spartan Race. Paper surveys on site were completed by 423 attendees and/or participants of the event. Results show that 53% of respondents were registered participants of the event while 47% were spectators. Residents of Montana made up 48% of the respondents and of those Montana residents, 39% were from Flathead County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.43 nights away from home. Of those nights, an average of 3.41 nights were in Montana and 1.30 nights …

The Montana Expression 2015: Bicycling, Norma P. Nickerson, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

8,435 residents responded to a survey about their bicycling participation, safety issues and knowledge of laws. Results showed that most residents are not familiar with Montana bicycling laws and do not feel that highways are safe places to bicycle. Forty-six percent of Montana residents 18 and over have bicycled in the past 12 months and of those, only 11 percent bicycled in the winter while 97 percent bicycled in the summer season. Most bicyclists rode within a community on a roadway (62%) followed by 48 percent who rode on a paved path. The smallest number was highway bicycling, where 12 …

2014 Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures, And Economic Impact Estimates: Estimates By Full Year, Quarters, Trip Purposes, And International Visitors., Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A collection of 2014 full year and quarterly estimates of nonresident visitation, expenditures by nonresident travelers, and economic impact estimates, including expenditures by purpose of trip, airport of arrival, and international visitors.

Tourism And Recreation Trends And Outlook: Montana's Varied Traveler - A Look Into Quarterly Differences, Norma P. Nickerson, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report shows a Montana tourism and recreation outlook for 2015 and a review of 2014 data.

The Economic Review Of The Travel Industry In Montana: 2014 Biennial Edition, Kara Grau, Jake Jorgenson, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This review provides current and historical data of nonresident travel and tourism in Montana, and offers the industry's economic contributions to the state.

Preliminary 2014 Montana Nonresident Traveler Expenditures And Economic Contribution, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report shows the 2014 preliminary economic contributions, expenditures, and average daily spending of nonresident visitors to Montana.