Business Commons^™

Book Review: The Leadership Style Of Jesus By Michael Youssef, Danielle M. Boudjouk

MBA Student Scholarship

The leadership book examined is The Leadership Style of Jesus by Michael Youssef. This book is an enlightening book that challenges the reader to consider their own characteristics. The author examines five parts of leadership including the beginnings of leadership, the qualities of leadership, the temptations of leadership, the problems of leadership and the future of leadership. Each section includes sub-segments that pose challenges, scenarios and stories related to the topic at hand. After reading the book, I have evaluated three sections I found the most interesting including forgiveness as a quality of leadership, anger as a temptation of leadership …

Leadership Case Study: Spending More On Ads To Overcome A Slump, By Kermit Pattison, Danielle M. Boudjouk

MBA Student Scholarship

Firehouse Subs has been a successful submarine sandwich chain for 16 years. Based in Jacksonville, FL, the chain experienced year-over-year growth even after the company transitioned to a franchise business model in 2001. However, with the economic slump in 2008, Firehouse Subs began to experience a decrease in sales of about six percent below prior year performance. Given the company had been thriving from inception this concept was completely alien to the founders, Robin and Chris Sorensen. In a down economy, typically consumers will resort to lesser expensive restaurant options; one of which Firehouse Subs would be classified under. Therefore, …

Differences In Leadership Styles Between Genders: Outcomes And Effectiveness Of Women In Leadership Roles, Naga Sai Sindhura Lakshmi Chaluvadi

MBA Student Scholarship

Women, today constituting a large portion of the work force have very few leaders at the top constitutional or organizational positions. In this paper we try to analyze what’s causing hindrance to their growth focusing primarily, if there exists any differences in the leadership styles employed by male and female leaders. As was the case in previous literature, the evidence for sex differences in leadership behavior is still mixed, yet it is clear that these sex differences have not vanished. It is argued that sex differences in leadership styles are largely a consequence of the context in which male and …

A Book Review: The Ten Golden Rules Of Leadership, Holly Moore

MBA Student Scholarship

In The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership: Classical Wisdom for Modern Leaders, authors Panos Mourdoukoutas and M.A. Soupios present a different approach to leadership. The authors take a back to basics approach with this book, segmenting leadership into ten main points derived from ten quotes from philosophers (or leaders) of ancient times. These quotes (or philosophies) are then further examined and applied to the meaning of leadership (as the author’s interpret them), resulting in The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership.

A Research Proposal: The Effects Of Restaurant Environment On Consumer Behavior, Qiuyu Jin

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this research proposal is to investigate the effects of restaurant environment on consumer behavior. Five journals that are relevant to the relationship between restaurant environment and the behavioral intentions of consumers are delved into this paper. The self-administered questionnaires will be distributed to patrons in ten selected middle and upscale full-service restaurants. Data collection will be constructed through tables and charts that are useful in obtaining a more comprehensive result. Restaurants will be able to use this research proposal to find the appropriate ways to improve consumers’ satisfaction and also to increase profits.

Cumulus Media, Inc. Strategic Analysis, Barry Y. Zoll

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a strategic analysis of the broadcast radio industry with a focus on Cumulus Media, Inc. This analysis will outline a brief history of Cumulus and a timeline of major events in its history, along with an explanation of the company’s purpose. Then, the external environment will be analyzed and the potential effects on Cumulus. Using Dr. Michael Porter’s Five Forces Analysis, an assessment will be made of the threat of entrants, the factors affecting the power of buyers and sellers, the threat of substitutes of broadcast radio, and trends in the industry. …

End User Information Security: How Infosec Literacy Affects Business, Michael Aiello

MBA Student Scholarship

It is commonly stated that the end user is one of the biggest security risks in a company. All it takes is once user to be socially manipulated into divulging confidential information, and critical company data can become compromised. This study will investigate the correlation between a user’s InfoSec Literacy, credulousness, and their willingness to divulge information that can be used to compromise company data. A sample of the general population will be given a survey that will be presented to them as a general IT survey. On this survey, they will be first polled on their overall InfoSec literacy …

Ethical Conflicts And Cultural Differences Among Employees In The Hospitality Industry, Boram Lee, Sukyung Lee

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between ethical conflicts and cultural differences among colleagues and apply the relationship in the hospitality industry. Exploratory sample data (N=100) were collected from MBA students at Johnson and Wales University. The instrument consisted of three parts: demographic features, work experience of business ethics, and perceptual experience of business ethics. Also, t-test is used to address the hypothesis. The results of the study indicated that there is a significant relationship between ethical conflicts and cultural differences between employees in the hospitality industry, therefore, it is important to fully understand the reasons …

Strategic Analysis – Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Jamie Levitt

MBA Student Scholarship

The amusement park industry represents leisure facilities that “operate mechanical rides, water rides, games, shows, themed exhibits, refreshment stands and other attractions” (Industry Overview, 2014). It encompasses 482 businesses in the United States (Industry at a Glance, 2014) and generated revenue of $15.4 billion dollars in 2013 (Industry at a Glance, 2014). The industry is currently growing, but faced a decline in attendance and revenue during the economic recession (2007-2008) (Industry at a Glance, 2014). Furthermore, it is heavily reliant on a declining demographic (children aged 10-19) (Industry Outlook, 2014). Considering these contrasting variables and outcomes, this outlook will clarify …

An Empirical Study On Use Of Social Media In The Hotel Industry In China: A Study Of Customers’ Preferences And Attitudes, Ruolin Wang, Tianyue Chen

MBA Student Scholarship

With the development of the technology, business corporations start to use social media to promote their businesses. This study focuses on the preferences and attitudes of travelers’ in China with the relationship between usage of social media (based on WeChat and Sina Weibo) with the option of hotel choice in the hospitality industry. There are two instruments used in this study: (1) sending out online surveys and (2) scheduled interviews with people who are working in the hotel industry. From our survey data (N=245) were participants who completed questionnaires located all over China. However, the results of the study indicate …

Ceo Compensation: A Position Paper, Kathleen Sands

MBA Student Scholarship

CEO compensation has been a topic of interest and debate for the past several years. It has been discussed and analyzed in sources such as Fortune Magazine, Businessweek, and a plethora of academic literature. The primary concern is whether or not CEOs are overpaid. Considering the financial performance of a company is the basic determinant of the appropriate compensation for a CEO, many individuals question why most CEOs are paid what seem to be disproportionally high salaries in regards to the financial performance of the firms they lead.

A Book Review: The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People, Timur M. Sibgatulin

MBA Student Scholarship

The Stephen R. Covey's book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” tells about ways to increase individuals’ effectiveness and make them more successful. To accomplish these goals, the author proposes the practice of seven main principles or habits. These include: being proactive; beginning with the end in mind; putting first things first; thinking win-win; seeking first to understand rather than to be understood; synergizing; and sharpening the saw.

Online Traveler Ratings: Impact On Determining The Top 25 Hotels, Yaitza Enid Matos-Rodríguez

MBA Student Scholarship

The hospitality industry has changed the way the traveler makes a decision to stay in a hotel. Travelers use the social media and electronic word of mouth (eWOM) to search and evaluate different places. Traveler reviews and ratings have had an influence on the decisions of prospective new guests. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site for travelers. TripAdvisor displays the Top 25 hotels in the United States based on traveler reviews. This research proposal is to identify the relationship between travelers’ ratings and the top hotels. The purpose of this study is to provide hospitality management an opportunity to …

A Research Proposal: Does The Glass Ceiling Show Signs Of Breaking In The 21st Century?, Sally A. Wilson

MBA Student Scholarship

Unfortunately, today women are still trying to prove themselves equal to men. Women are often over looked in many industries just due to the fact of being a woman. There are many negative assumptions regarding women. Some examples are: women cannot do a job meant for a man, women cannot work late hours due to children, women are too soft and don’t represent a strong leader in a top level position. It’s hard to even think that in the 21st century the glass ceiling is continuing to block women from entering and advancing in managerial and supervisory roles. Women have …

Does Social Media Affect Consumer Decision-Making?, Patarawadee Sema

MBA Student Scholarship

Does social media affect consumer decision-making? Social media becomes an important communication tool that people use to connect to other people or organization. People use social media to share their experiences, reviews, information, advice, warnings, tips and/or any kind of issues that are interesting to their “connection” or friends. That information is a helpful source, which may influence consumer’s decision-making. Most of studies showed that people use information on social media as the guideline for their future purchase or planning their future trip. Also, social media is used as an advertising for the marketer. Marketers take this advantage and create …

Brown-Forman Corporation And The Distilleries Industry, Keely J. Higbie

MBA Student Scholarship

This study showed that Brown-Forman Corporation’s (Brown-Forman) has a winning business strategy. It passes the three major tests, which are the Fit Test, Competitive Advantage Test, and Performance Test. The company’s strategy effectively addresses the company’s situation both internally and externally. The strategy takes advantage of most of the industry’s trends, mitigates the negative impacts of the industry’s driving forces, and ensures that the company meets the industry’s key success factors. It helps the company achieve sustainable competitive advantages by fully utilizing its biggest resources and capabilities.

The strategy has also directly contributed to the company’s financial success and market …

Factors Influencing Students’ Selection Of A Bank, Wei Tai, Jiage Zhu

MBA Student Scholarship

The paper aims to determine what factors influence students’ choice of bank. Exploratory sample data (N= 100) was taken from students at John & Wales University, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island (All Southern New England). The instrument was comprised of fourteen questions, ten being derived from the related literature: service provision, the proximity of ATM, branch location, card design, students benefit, service charge, financial products, recommendation, security, and online service. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed using convenience sampling; 94 were returned, and among them 89 were deemed valid, yielding a response rate of 89%. This …

Assessing The Financial Literacy Of Domestic And International College Students, Jane Boyland, Rex Warren

MBA Student Scholarship

Improving student financial literacy has become a major goal of colleges and universities within the United States in recent years. Many schools are now instituting programs to increase student financial literacy in order to improve their students’ later quality of life and decrease student loan default rates. The purpose of this study is to assess the current financial literacy of undergraduate students at a southern New England university in order to provide insights on how such a program could be customized to the unique needs of its student body. The Jump$tart Survey was administered to 92 junior and senior students …

Factors Affecting Students’ Decision Of Hotel Selection, Mingyang Liu, Ritong He

MBA Student Scholarship

The goal of this research is to identify the factors affecting students’ hotel choices, to examine the impact of hotel servers when a potential guest selects a hotel, and to determine how hotel servers influence a student’s preference. The target populations for this study were Johnson & Wales University students who had stayed in U.S. hotels. A print-out questionnaire survey was distributed, descriptive statistics, and z-tests were used to address the research hypothesis. The results of the study indicated a significant positive relationship between hotel services and students’ decisions on their hotel selection. Location of the hotel, online information, and …

The Value Of Foreign Languages In Business Communication, Racquel Moreau

MBA Student Scholarship

There are several factors that a company considers when deciding to operate in an international territory or with a foreign company. Factors such as language and culture greatly affect the success of business. Being able to effectively communicate ideas and strategies can be challenging in a new business environment. Determining the importance of language by a company is crucial to its success. Studying another language helps to understand the culture of the studied language which will assist in a corporation’s decision making process. English is a popular language in conducting business; however, communicating in other languages is gaining popularity. The …

Stress Related Issues Due To Too Much Technology: Effects On Working Professionals, Katherine Walz

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine stress related issues on working professionals within a retail organization and Information Communication Technology (ICT). This type of stress is known as “technostress.” Employees within four job levels; entry, middle, management and upper management were surveyed to learn what types of Information Communication Technologies they use in the workplace and what kinds of stress they experience because of these technologies (Brod, 1984; Ayyagari, Grover, and Purvis, 2011). Previous studies have shown that information communication technologies may be related to stress, but the specific kinds of stress related issues have not been …

Personal Social Networking: Affects On Companies Hiring Decisions, Damaris Betances, Robert Solarczyk, Cathy Bellows

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the effects personal social networking sites had on candidate’s opportunities for obtaining employment and how and to what extent hiring managers used this information in the hiring process. Hiring managers across four industries: Retail, Banking, Healthcare and Hospitality were surveyed to learn how they are using social media sites to “screen” potential mid-level (and above) managers for their organizations. Additionally, the researchers wanted to determine what social media content was most influential in developing negative perception of the candidate. The results of the study showed contrasting results to prior studies which …

The Impact Of Nationality, Gender, And Education On Students’ Buying Attitudes Towards Ethical And Socially Responsible Products, Christina Blundin, Suphamas Chatvisedphan, Siraprapa Dusadeewanich, Elena Perova, Xuebo Wang

MBA Student Scholarship

In today’s corporate climate, a company’s ethical and social responsible (ESR) involvement raises concern amongst consumers. Companies seek methods to demonstrate their high level of ESR in order to win customers’ loyalty. Prior research has been performed examining different variables with regards to the purchase of ESR products. This study utilizes empirical evidence from a private university in Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University to investigate the significance of demographic variables such as nationality, gender and educational level with regards to students' ESR buying attitude. Additionally considered and analyzed external factors are product price, advertisement and industry concern. Results indicate …

Corporate Social Responsibility: Fallacies And Flaws, Christina Blundin

MBA Student Scholarship

Over time, the ideals of business and society have become discordant from one another. When exactly this occurred is not as important as the effects it has had. When society began asking more from business, it voiced its concerns over companies solely existing to create profits, as well as their lack of responsibility to society. Consequently, businesses were coerced into performing acts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and philanthropy, to justify the profits they receive. However, in the pursuit of CSR, both business and society got short changed. They misconstrued the tenants of CSR. Each thought that it was the …

Analysis Of The Real Estate Investment Trust (Reit) Industry, Frederic Juillet

MBA Student Scholarship

In 2009, most REITs opted for the recapitalization of their balance sheets in order to respond to the recent global credit crisis, thus reducing their leverage and strengthening their financial statements (REIT, 2011b). In 2011, the REIT industry represented $54.3 billion in revenue and a profit of $7.8 billion. The industry annual growth expectation for the next 5 years (from 2011 to 2016) is 5.1% or $69.7 billion (IBISWorld, 2011b). The Hotel & Motel industry counted 14 REITs in the lodging/resort sector in the U.S. (REIT, 2011c) and represented 10.5% of the equity REIT Industry (IBISWorld, 2011b). The REIT structure …

Wynn Resorts, Ltd., Myung Ji Doh

MBA Student Scholarship

Wynn Resorts, Ltd. ("Wynn Resorts"), established in 2002, is an international corporat ion, providing the luxurious casino resorts destinations in two areas: Las Vegas and Macau. A total of four properties offers casino and non-casino services including rooms, F&B, entertainment, meetings, retail outlets and otbers. The company generates approximately 70% of revenues from casino and Macau properties. The company sets up several subsidiaries to operate business more effectively and retains the most influential person, Steve Wynn, in the casino resorts business. The maturity of the casino resorts varies based on the region: the US market is in the mature stage …

Red Lion Hotel Corporation, Yin-Chia Shao

MBA Student Scholarship

This paper is a strategy executing research project of Red Lion Hotels Corporation. The research content includes the nature of the business, environmental analysis, strategy position within the industry, competitive advantage, strategic history, evaluate strategy and a conclusion. The company grew from a focused differentiation strategy to a broad differentiation diversification. Examining the business environment analysis, the external environment has a moderately strong impact on the company and the internal environment has a moderately weak position. The inferior position is a disadvantage to the Red Lion Hotel Corporation's growth. In addition, compared the company with Choice International Hotels, Inc and …

Carnival Corporation & Plc, Ye Zhou

MBA Student Scholarship

Carnival Corporation & plc is a global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world. This paper researches the company by analyzing environmental factors, strategic position within the cruise industry and competitive advantages. After reviewing company's strategic history, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of the company's present strategies (Carnival Corporation and PLC, 2010b).