Business Commons^™

Fixed Income Report, December 2018, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Equity Fund Monthly Report, December 2018, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Ceo Compensation After Harvester Director Departure, Victor Jarosiewicz

Finance Department Faculty Journal Articles

I examine the effects of board member departures on CEO compensation using a sample of high growth IPO firms. Agency theory predicts that a reduction in board monitoring by harvester directors (VCs and private equity investors) will result in an increase in CEO pay. I find that departures of the last harvester director on a board result in an immediate and lasting increase in CEO equity compensation, while prior departures by other harvester directors are not significant. The results hold even when controlling for other governance mechanisms such as CEO wealth, CEO turnover, board composition, and external blockholder ownership.

Equity Fund Monthly Report, September 2018, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Fixed Income Fund Report, September 2018, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Testing Market Response To Auditor Change Filings: A Comparison Of Machine Learning Classifiers, Richard Holowczak, David Louton, Hakan Saraoglu

Finance Department Faculty Journal Articles

The use of textual information contained in company filings with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, has gained the increased attention of finance and accounting researchers. In this paper we use a set of machine learning methods to predict the market response to changes in a firm's auditor as reported in public filings. We vectorize the text of 8-K filings to test whether the resulting feature matrix can explain the sign of the market response to the filing. Specifically, using classification algorithms and a …

Cointegration And Causality In Capital Markets, A. Can Inci

Finance Department Faculty Journal Articles

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the efficiency of different oil and gas markets. Most previous studies examined the issue using low frequency date sampled at monthly, weekly, or daily frequencies. In this study, 30-minute intraday data are used to explore efficiency in energy markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Sophisticated statistical analysis techniques such as Granger-causality regressions, augmented Dickey-Fuller tests, cointegration tests, vector autoregressions are used to explore the transmission of information between oil and gas energy markets.

Findings

This study provides evidence for efficiency in energy markets. The new information that arrives either to futures markets or spot markets …

Socio-Economic Sourcing: Benefits Of Small Business Set-Asides In Public Procurement, Timothy G. Hawkins, Michael J. Gravier, Wesley S. Randall

Marketing Department Faculty Journal Articles

Purpose

Small businesses are critical to economic health and encouraged in government spending by set-asides – annual small business sourcing goals that often are not attained. Little research has explored the negative and risky stigmas associated with small business sourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

This research explores reduced transaction costs of small business sourcing to government buyers. A survey of 350 government source selections reveals lower transaction costs derived from lower perceived risk of receiving a bid protest and via more efficient source selection processes.

Findings

Contrary to common bias, the performance level of small businesses is no less than that of large …

Fixed Income Fund Report, June 2018, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Of Warehouse Drone Adoption And Implementation, Edward Companik, Michael J. Gravier, M. Theodore Farris Ii

Marketing Department Faculty Journal Articles

While aerial delivery drones capture headlines, the pace of adoption of drones in warehouses has shown the greatest acceleration. Warehousing constitutes 30% of the cost of logistics in the US. The rise of e-commerce, greater customer service demands of retail stores, and a shortage of skilled labor have intensified competition for efficient warehouse operations. This takes place during an era of shortening technology life cycles. This paper integrates several theoretical perspectives on technology diffusion and adoption to propose a framework to inform supply chain decision-makers on when to invest in new robotics technology.

The Role Of Dynamic Capabilities While Expanding A Nonprofit Abroad, Alison Feehan

Honors Projects in Management

The purpose of this senior capstone is to research and fully comprehend the dynamic capabilities field of strategic management as well as the experience students at Bryant University’s Zhuhai campus are having. I gained insight into the Bryant Zhuhai student experience by surveying professors and students who have been users of the campus for at least one semester. The data collected from these surveys was analyzed with excel, analysis enabled researchers to identify trends in student experience. The survey questions are tailored to understand the university’s sensing, seizing and transforming capabilities. The sensing question set focuses on uncovering how well …

Hospital Cost Accounting: Saving Lives And Saving On Costs, Amanda Whitehouse

Honors Projects in Accounting

Within an industry constantly pursuing accuracy, a cost accounting system that addresses the ongoing concerns of saving money and increasing efficiency is a must. Now more than ever, hospitals require reliable information to combat the conflicting relationship between an increase in spending on new instruments and specialized staff, but a decrease in funding. This project explores potential avenues to find a successful cost accounting method using past research, analysis of hospitals’ current environments, and expert opinions from hospital and healthcare personnel. Each hospital is different based on their environment, surrounding population, type of services provided, and personal demands. This study …

Corporate Governance A Comparative Analysis In India And The Us, Pallak Bhandari

Honors Projects in Accounting

My senior capstone project focuses on the importance of transparency and monitoring within corporate governance, especially in India and the US. To understand corporate governance, I studied the different theories and models of corporate governance as well as sustainability reporting. This research discusses the legal and regulatory environment within India and the US, and through a comprehensive study of the regulatory bodies within the two countries, I determined the best practices of corporate governance. I conducted a comparative analysis across India and the US with focus on 13 elements: insider trading, disclosure and certification of financial statements, remuneration disclosure, code …

An Empirical Investigation Of Information Technology Mediated Customer Services In China, Jianhua Xiao, Suhong Li

Information Systems and Analytics Department Faculty Conference Proceedings

Information technology mediated customer service is a reality of the 21st century. More and more companies have moved their customer services from in store and in person to online through computer or mobile devices. Using 208 respondents collected from two Chinese universities, this paper investigates customer preference over two service delivery model (either in store or online) on five type of purchasing (retail, eating-out, banking, travel and entertainment) and their perception difference in customer service quality between those two delivery model. Results show that a majority of Chinese students prefer in store and in person for eating out. For ordering …

Seeking To Understand Subaru’S Turbocharged Appeal: A Study Of Brand Communities, Product Utility, And Corporate Promotion, James Imrie

Honors Projects in Marketing

This study attempts to analyze Subaru’s significant and unique appeal in the greater automotive market. The primary research findings are presented in a video documentary, while frameworks for existing research on certain facets of brand management and consumer groups are presented in the following paper. Based on analysis of existing data and interviews conducted with people connected to the brand, we can conclude that the phenomenon is a result of an appealing product that offers differentiated utilities at an affordable price, the formation of consumer groups around the various offerings, and insightful promotion on Subaru’s part. The degree to which …

The Business Of Being Good: Crm Strategies And For-Profit Organizations, Danielle Crepeau

Honors Projects in Marketing

Many studies have measured the impact of cause related marketing (CRM) strategies on non-profit organizations, however few have been able to measure the impact that these strategies can have on the for-profit organizations employing them. This study hypothesizes that a co-branded CRM strategy will have greater benefits for a for-profit organization than will a jointly-branded strategy or no strategy at all. This hypothesis was tested using two studies, both with a 2x3 factorial design for firms with both a positive and negative brand reputation. It was found that, for an organization with a negative image, consumers viewed the organization more …

How Technology Has Changed Direct Selling, Robert Anthony Norris

Honors Projects in Marketing

Traditional direct selling has undergone a dramatic transformation as new technology, products, and methods have developed over the last few years. The industry has adapted to these advancements in order to stay relevant in today’s changing market place. In some ways, these technological advancements have created opportunities, though some believe the essence of direct selling is now at risk. There has been little research in the field of direct selling and even less on the impact technological advances have on the industry or players involved. The purpose of this research is to uncover how the development of technology and social …

Advertisements’ Perpetuation Of Rape Culture: A Look At How Images Containing Objectification And Victimization Impact Consumers, Lauren Leedberg

Honors Projects in Marketing

The research I have conducted explores connections between images shown in advertisements and the perpetuation of rape culture and gendered stereotypes in society. It was guided by the Cultivation Theory which looks at how media, such as advertisements, can shape our reality. After an extensive literature review, data was gathered via an experimental design utilizing surveys. Within these surveys, respondents were randomly shown an advertisement I created containing the variables to be tested (i.e. images with objectification and victimization). After viewing the ad, they answered questions regarding their attitude toward the brand/product depicted, purchase intentions, a rape myth acceptance scale …

Passion With Purpose A Case Study Of St. Jude Children’S Research Hospital, Allyson Favuzza

Honors Projects in Management

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is “leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases” (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital). Fifty-five years ago when St. Jude opened its doors, the overall childhood cancer survival rate was 20 percent; today, the overall childhood cancer survival rate exceeds 80 percent. Through research and discovery, St. Jude has played a pivotal role in increasing this survival rate. St. Jude, a non-profit organization and hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, operates primarily through donations. St. Jude-American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) is the fundraising and awareness organization with the …

Financial Literacy: Impact On Student Success, Alexandra Cummingham

Honors Projects in Accounting

Financial literacy has proven to be an essential skill for young adults to help in achieving success and reaching one’s potential. Many studies find that those with a stronger background in financial literacy are more likely to demonstrate positive behaviors, both financially and in other areas. This study will attempt to draw a link between Bryant University students’ background in financial literacy and benefits within the college classroom. Specifically, my study will look at whether having a stronger background in financial literacy leads to increased confidence in the classroom, decreased accounting anxiety, and superior academic performance. The study uses primary …

Public Accounting Vs. Private Accounting: Student Intentions, Robert Lazzaro

Honors Projects in Accounting

Most accounting students are faced with a big decision as they near the end of their undergraduate career. Will they work toward the Certified Public Accountant license and enter public accounting or will they will choose private accounting? Both fields have their pros and cons which makes this a difficult decision. This research indicated that students more focused on extrinsic rewards, such as compensation, are more likely to choose public accounting, while students more focused on lifestyle factors, such as work-life balance, are more likely to choose private. These findings were derived from surveys distributed to accounting students at Bryant …

Terrorism Risk Insurance: Is It Really Working?, Rebecca Demarest

Honors Projects in Mathematics

This paper investigates terrorism risk insurance in the United States as well as those programs offered in other countries throughout the world. In the United States, particular attention is devoted to the interaction of government with private insurers to maintain an effective insurance program. An analysis is performed comparing terrorism insurance before and after the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The paper looks into actual terrorist events that have occurred focusing on 56 world-wide events that are associated with property losses greater than $10 million. This paper not only investigates the losses that were incurred …

Can Students Studying Abroad Use Forward Exchange Rates As A Tool For Better Budgeting Their Semesters?, Emalee Dunbar

Honors Projects in Finance

Traveling abroad requires an immense amount of planning and attention to detail. Budgeting is a difficult task in one’s own country, but when planning across borders, that task becomes even greater. Differences in exchange rates and buying power have the potential to adversely affect the budget set ahead of time, placing more stress on the traveler. Financial tools available in the foreign exchange market, if used strategically, may provide a reliable method to budgeting travel abroad as accurately as possible. There are many individuals, students especially, that plan on traveling or studying abroad yet are on tight budgets. Having a …

Fixed Income Fund Report, March 2018, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Rise To The Challenge & Reach New Heights!, Jennifer Hyman, Jody Urquhart, Nely Galan, Brigid Schulte

Women's Summit Presented by Bryant University

It has been quite a year since our last Women’s Summit – one filled with accomplishments, changes, and challenges.

In the Fortune 500 annual list of top CEOs, women claimed 32 spots – a record number that included the first Latina. The reality, however, is that they make up just 6.2 percent of those listed, and U.S. women earn 20 percent less than men, on average.

The painful experiences that many people encounter in their careers became public through revelations about misconduct that surfaced in entertainment, business, sports, the news media, and in politics. These events – which continue to …

The Archway Investment Fund, Annual Report 2018, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

Sustainability is a unique focus of the Archway Fund’s investment strategy. Specifically, the fund pursues socially responsible investing by recognizing the environmental, social, and corporate governance impacts of potential and current holdings. ESG, as the concept is commonly referred to, considers an investable firm’s relationship with the natural environment, its relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and the community, as well as its leadership, ethics, and business practices. The ESG Committee works alongside Security Analysts (SAs) and Portfolio Managers (PMs) to help the fund reach its sustainability goals by educating students about ESG developments and providing resources for research about individual …

A Comparison Of Information Technology Mediated Customer Services Between The U.S. And China, Suhong Li, Hal Records, Robert Behling

Information Systems and Analytics Department Faculty Journal Articles

Information technology mediated customer service is a reality of the 21st century. More and more companies have moved their customer services from in store and in person to online through computer or mobile devices. Using 442 responses collected from one USA university (234 responses) and two Chinese universities (208 responses), the study investigates customer preferences over two service delivery models (either in store or online) on five types of purchasing (retail, eating-out, banking, travel and entertainment) and their perception difference in customer service quality between those two delivery models in the U.S. and China. The results show that the majority …