Business Commons^™

Brand On The Run: The Effects Of Internal And External Stakeholder Communication Of Corporate Rebranding Efforts, Abby Vandiver

Honors Theses

A company’s most valuable asset is its brand. Not just limited to its name and logo, a brand is loosely defined as the identity of an organization. A strong brand identity can create strong customer loyalty. Changing even a part of this identity can cause confusion and ultimately revenue loss. This study examined how business owners and marketers communicate with their stakeholders when they decide a rebrand is necessary. After researching current literature on this topic, businesses in Oxford, Mississippi which have undergone a rebrand in the last decade were recruited to answer questions. Ten organizations participated either through interview …

The Value Of An Integrated Marketing Campaign To Grow Interest In Visiting The U.S. National Parks, Hermine Granberry

Honors Theses

When the centennial celebration of the National Park Service was approaching in 2016, the National Park Service launched a two-year campaign to only commemorate the last century of NPS, but to also reconnect Americans with the parks. Ten years have passed since the initial creation of the campaign. This thesis researches the value of how another integrated marketing campaign could increase visitation to the U.S. National Parks in the future.

Through evaluating the previous Find Your Park campaign and current trends in travel and vacation, this research investigates not only future campaign ideas but also the use and incorporation of …

A Marketing Analysis On Disney Cruise Line, Erin Bradley

Honors Theses

The objective of this thesis is to discuss the SWOT analysis and PEST analysis of Disney Cruise Line and to provide recommendations. The SWOT analysis involves identifying the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, while the PEST analysis focuses on analyzing external factors that could impact the company's success such as political economic, sociocultural, and technological factors. The SWOT analysis highlights the opportunities for the company to expand into new destinations, form partnerships and acquisitions, and capitalize on industry growth, while also identifying the threats of competition, changing consumer preferences, and economic downturns. The strengths of the company include its …

An Imc Approach To Building Trust Among Nonprofit Donors, Catherine A. Romaine

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the role of a holistic Integrated Marketing Communications strategy within the nonprofit sector. The research aims to identify the effectiveness of different marketing communication tactics in soliciting donations for nonprofit organizations. It examines the influences and motivations of donors when choosing one organization over another for their monetary contributions. The thesis investigates the impact of specific integrated marketing strategies in building and maintaining relationships with different stakeholders such as donors, volunteers, and employees.

Through a literature review of successful nonprofits and missteps within the sector, this thesis identifies various factors that contribute to nonprofit marketing success, including …

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 …

'The Power Of A Suit' And Other Tools For The Modern Music Marketer, Andrew Gardner

Honors Theses

The following thesis records the creation of a new persona. Mr. Neptoon is a concept, a brand, and most importantly, an authentic musician. He is an artist who wants to make and spread his art as widely as possible. We document the career trajectory from September 2021 to March 2022. The high-stakes experiment: utilize big-picture marketing goals to inform an approach to crafting the art and commercial material. Research informs the artistic direction. Research informs the messaging and marketing direction. The artist is creating and selling a full-length, fourteen-track concept album—aided by the project's marketing research — to be completed …

An Imc Approach To Entrepreneurship: How Generation Z Is Changing The Landscape Of Entrepreneurship, Kylie Nicole Cockrell

Honors Theses

Generation Z entrepreneurs capitalize on the fast-paced environment of the marketing industry and adapt to changing customer needs and expectations to deliver the best product or service from their business. This thesis researches the current media trends and marketing approaches Gen Z entrepreneurs are using in their businesses and how access to entrepreneurial-focused programs make Generation Z the leading generation in entrepreneurship.

Inspired by the researcher’s own experience as an online clothing business owner, this thesis investigates how members of Gen Z are increasingly becoming entrepreneurs. A mixed methodology of primary and secondary research was deployed to explore consumer trends. …

Arbor Day Foundation Programs: Analysis And Recommendations, Justin Myers, Emily Alston, Cameron Claborn, Charles Erker, Braelyn Isernhagen, Jonathan Jameson

Honors Theses

We are proposing the enhancement of the current Tree City USA program to include a special recognition program for high-achieving communities. These “Golden Oak” tree cities will be recognized each year based on a variety of metrics detailed in a new and more comprehensive program application. Recommendations:

● Updated application to include more information about both quantitative and qualitative insights

● Special recognition program awarding “Golden Oak” status to communities in village, town, city, and metropolis categories based on either percentile or benchmarking system

● A cumulative “Golden Oak” award given to the State that achieves the highest percentage of …

Arbor Day Foundation Consulting Proposal, Katelyn Bonham, Grace Novak, Kayla Brumley, Amanda Purintun, Lauren Niesen, Sarah Rakes

Honors Theses

Over the course of one semester, our group has worked with the Arbor Day Foundation as part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business Honors Academy. The Arbor Day Foundation is a local nonprofit conservation organization with a focus on trees. As consultants for the Arbor Day Foundation, our team discussed and observed the current needs of the company. We then developed creative solutions to address these needs, concentrating on Arbor Day’s Tree City USA program. Our solutions can be described utilizing the acronym “S.A.P.” which stands for “Segmentation”, “Awareness”, and “Portal”. These three recommendations build on each other …

Changing The Script: An Investigation Of How Gender Roles And Stereotypes Influence Women’S Career Choice In Marketing, Skylar Laine Read

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how the portrayal of gender roles and stereotypes have influenced young women growing up and how this representation has affected women’s career choices—specifically in sales. This thesis will explore the evolution of the Disney Princess, how the gender roles of these characters have influenced young girls’ perception of their role models, career choices, and perceptions of themselves in the workplace. This exploration is done through three different studies. The first is a case study of three Disney Princesses and the portrayal of women in their respective eras. The second study consists of …

Connecting Charities With Creatives: Bridging The Gap Between Local Nonprofit Organizations And University Of Mississippi Students, Natalie Pruitt

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the need for marketing resources among North Mississippi nonprofit organizations and apply the findings to develop and launch a website based on primary and secondary research that connects local North Mississippi nonprofit organizations with University of Mississippi graphic design, marketing, bachelor of fine arts and integrated marketing communication (IMC) students seeking experience to complete various marketing and graphic design- related tasks and develop and implement an integrated marketing plan to promote and raise awareness for the website.

Nonprofits face the challenge of allocating funds from donations to create functional and creative communications …

A Study Of The Marketing Analysis Concerning Mind The Gap: A Wall-Bed Space Saving Platform, Brenna Johnson

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to conduct a marketing analysis on the capstone project concerning the product titled Mind the Gap. The thesis will explore the potential industries that could be entered and marketing strategies that would be implemented if the Mind the Gap product was mass produced and either sold online or through brick and mortar locations. Outlined in this research is an analysis of the competitive landscape, potential target markets, situational aspects concerning this product, and the resulting recommended marketing mix. The Mind the Gap is centered around a practical and efficient process which has a goal …

Arbor Day Foundation, Demi Van Reeuwijk, Drew Spadaro, Frances Munro, Leigh Hanson, Trevor Lockard, Mason Smalley

Honors Theses

Over the past 4 months, our team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Business Honors Academy has been working directly with Nebraska’s own, Arbor Day Foundation, or Arbor Day, in hopes of applying our skill sets and mindsets to solve a pressing problem Arbor Day currently faces. We have been tasked with the challenge of identifying creative, scalable, and profitable new business ventures for Arbor Day that will aid the generation of new revenue sources. With these sources of revenue, Arbor Day desires to further inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees and in turn solve some of the …

Arbor Day Foundation Consultation, Frances Munro, Drew Spadaro, Trevor Lockard, Mason Smalley, Leigh Hanson, Demi Van Reeuwijk

Honors Theses

Over the past 4 months, our team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Business Honors Academy has been working directly with Nebraska’s own, Arbor Day Foundation, or Arbor Day, in hopes of applying our skill sets and mindsets to solve a pressing problem Arbor Day currently faces. We have been tasked with the challenge of identifying creative, scalable, and profitable new business ventures for Arbor Day that will aid the generation of new revenue sources. With these sources of revenue, Arbor Day desires to further inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees and in turn solve some of the …

Arbor Day Foundation Consulting Project Mngt 475l, Trevor Lockard, Demi Vanreeuwijk, Drew Spadaro, Frances Munro, Leigh Hanson, Mason Smalley

Honors Theses

Over the past 4 months, our team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Business Honors Academy has been working directly with Nebraska’s own, Arbor Day Foundation, or Arbor Day, in hopes of applying our skill sets and mindsets to solve a pressing problem Arbor Day currently faces. We have been tasked with the challenge of identifying creative, scalable, and profitable new business ventures for Arbor Day that will aid the generation of new revenue sources. With these sources of revenue, Arbor Day desires to further inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees and in turn solve some of the …

Arbor Day Foundation New Business Venture, Leigh Hanson, Frances Munro, Demi Van Reeuwijk, Drew Spadaro, Trevor Lockard, Mason Smalley

Honors Theses

Over the past 4 months, our team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Business Honors Academy has been working directly with Nebraska’s own, Arbor Day Foundation, or Arbor Day, in hopes of applying our skill sets and mindsets to solve a pressing problem Arbor Day currently faces. We have been tasked with the challenge of identifying creative, scalable, and profitable new business ventures for Arbor Day that will aid the generation of new revenue sources. With these sources of revenue, Arbor Day desires to further inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees and in turn solve some of the …

Arbor Day Foundation Consultation, Drew Spadaro, Leigh Hanson, Demi Van Reeuwijk, Fran Munro, Mason Smalley, Trevor Lockard

Honors Theses

Over the past 4 months, our team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Business Honors Academy has been working directly with Nebraska’s own, Arbor Day Foundation, or Arbor Day, in hopes of applying our skill sets and mindsets to solve a pressing problem Arbor Day currently faces. We have been tasked with the challenge of identifying creative, scalable, and profitable new business ventures for Arbor Day that will aid the generation of new revenue sources. With these sources of revenue, Arbor Day desires to further inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees and in turn solve some of the world’s …

Involvement Of College Football Fans At The University Of Southern Mississippi, Cameron S. Kenney

Honors Theses

The modern college football market faces several challenges including the fact that game day attendance numbers have continued to drop for the past few years and show no signs of slowing down. Understanding the psychological involvement of sports fans could play a major role in improving attendance numbers and providing consumers with a greater experience during football games. The primary goal of this research was to determine predictors of sports involvement among Southern Miss football fans. Another goal was to determine which facets of involvement predicted return intentions. With those who had attended a home Southern Miss football game in …

A Strategic Audit Of Oriental Trading Company, Isaac Coleman

Honors Theses

Oriental Trading Company is a direct marketer and seller of toys, novelties, wedding favors, custom apparel, and other event supplies. Its products are sold by five brands, each of which participates in a different market. Though its flagship brand, Oriental Trading, is a powerful market leader in novelties and is doing extremely well, the four most recent brands each face distinct challenges and have low name recognition. To increase name recognition and direct sales of these brands, this audit proposes that OTC revitalize its social media presence, add a blog to all of its websites, and resume public participation in …

Sustainability Of Direct Sellers In Marketing, Ashten N. Holloway

Honors Theses

This paper examines the characteristics of people who are a good fit for a career in direct selling marketing as well as the characteristics of those who are not. It is also an examination of the motivations to join direct selling and the different levels of “success” that some may find in their careers as direct sellers. Some of the motivators for success came from emotional drives while some were situational. Analysis of the questionnaires given to each participant led to the discovery of three common determinants of what does make a successful direct seller and four determinants of characteristics …

Hello Kitty's Long-Standing Cross-Cultural Popularity In The United States And Japan, Melanie Matchette

Honors Theses

Hello Kitty’s success is unique in that the character is popular across the world and has been popular for decades. This paper seeks to determine how Sanrio has gained and maintained success in both the United States and Japan despite their differences in consumers. I will explore the differences and similarities in marketing strategies employed in each country. I develop themes that attempt to explain the success of marketing techniques unique to each country as well as marketing techniques that worked for both countries.

After exploring the reasons behind marketing success in each country, I determine what Sanrio could do …

Movement Marketing Of Nonprofit Organizations: Creating Consumer Advocates, Laura B. Hunt

Honors Theses

The title of my thesis is called Movement Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations: Creating Consumer Advocates. The purpose of the study was to determine how nonprofit organizations use marketing to further their cause. The study involved interviewing employees of nonprofit organizations using a standard questionnaire to gather information about how the organization utilizes marketing internally and externally. After analyzing the information gathered from the personal interviews, several techniques were used by all of the organizations. The organizations use movement marketing by first starting to spread the passion for their cause within the organization through employees, volunteers, and board members. These advocates …

What Impact Does Cause-Related Marketing Have On Professional Sports Teams?, Christina Damore

Honors Theses

In today's competitive business climate, firms must find new and innovative ways to differentiate their brand from others in their field. American Express Credit Card Company discovered such a marketing tool in 1981 when they sponsored the Statue of Liberty Restoration Project by donating a predetermined percentage of their card sales. The purpose of the sponsorship was twofold: American Express wished to increase card usage as well as support a cause to gain an overall better corporate image. In the end, American Express experienced a 28% increase in card usage and was able to donate $1.7 million to the Statue …

Investigating The Role Of Online Social Media In Consumer-Firm Relationships, Janna Cole

Honors Theses

Regarding the role of Web 2.0 in business activities, three primary areas of interest are under discussion: (1) how Web 2.0 tools should be integrated into firms' marketing strategies, (2) how Web 2.0 tools should be used to build or retain brand equity and create value with consumers, and (3) how the participation of brands in Web 2.0 influences consumers attitudes and behaviors, if at all. There are some overlaps between these subjects, particularly involving the role of consumers in appreciating or diminishing brands' reputations, as well as information gaps to be filled by further research as these technologies continue …

How Does Color In Package Design Lead To Emotional Appeal And Consumer Behavior?, Andrea Floyd

Honors Theses

Consumer behavior can be broken down into specific components including different behaviors, such as attention, motivation, and persuasion, which can all lead the consumer to purchase. Within the literature, there is a common order that consumer behavior tends to follow, and all consumers go through a series of steps in their decision process before making a purchase. Scholars claim that attention leads to motivation, which leads to purchase. Many scholars also recognize emotional appeal and emotional value and their large influence on consumer behavior. Attention, motivation, and purchase can all be provoked using emotional appeal. Scholars suggest that emotional appeal …