Business Commons^™

Meta-Sustained Nurturing Greener Events Using The Metaverse Technology, Conner Brown, Christopher Eastment, Smita Singh Dr.

ICHRIE Research Reports

The case study focuses on the integration of sustainability principles with metaverse technology in the field of event and meeting management. The primary goal is to tackle global challenges by embedding sustainable practices that align with selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Responsible Consumption and Production. This educational approach utilizes immersive simulations that allow students to develop and propose solutions to real-world sustainability issues. The content encourages students to understand the interconnectivity of different sustainability practices and their applications. By leveraging technology, the case study aims to enhance educational experiences and promote sustainable behaviors. …

First Solar Strategic Audit, Sydney Pelster, Abigail Cota, Katherine Schoenfelder, Nolan Mauk, Eli Waring

Honors Theses

This case study explores First Solar, a global leader in the photovoltaic solar module industry. Using strategic management strategies and principles, we have curated a strategic audit to analyze the company’s competitive position. We used First Solar’s publications and website as well as general articles on the solar industry, analyst findings, and additional public findings as the basis of our analysis. Overall, our goal was to apply the learned strategic management concepts to a complex organization and identify First Solar’s potential competitive advantages.

We looked at many factors for First Solar, including firm analysis, industry analysis, external analysis, internal analysis, …

Lululemon Strategic Audit, Tessa Mozingo, Olivia Eno, Molly Mitchell, Connor Morrissey, James Eshleman

Honors Theses

This case study focuses on lululemon, a prominent athleisure apparel company. Our team conducted an audit of the company revolving around strategic business management principles. Our research used publicly available information that included the company’s website, SEC filings, news articles, lululemon’s annual reports, financial statements, IBIS industry reports, and online sources. The goal of this strategic audit is to develop an understanding of lululemon’s business activities and strategies, collect and analyze both internal and external data, and evaluate lululemon based on strategic management concepts.

In this strategic audit, we conduct internal, external, performance, and competitive analyses and an examination of …

Delta Air Lines Strategic Audit, Victoria Diersen, Rebecca Koppelman, Nicholas Lauver, Aaryan Naik, Drake Vorderstrasse

Honors Theses

This case study focuses on Delta Air Lines, a prominent company in the airline industry. We conducted a strategic audit utilizing theories and principles central to strategic management to complete the case study. Our research used publicly available information that included the company’s website, SEC filings, news articles, and industry analysis. The goal of this case study is to collect and analyze data, apply strategic management concepts to a contemporary organization, and evaluate the firm’s potential for competitive advantage.

We looked at many factors for Delta Air Lines, including firm analysis, industry analysis, external analysis, internal analysis, performance analysis, competitive …

Lockheed Martin Strategic Audit, Trevor Deboer, Gunnar Lombard, Sam Nelson, Tj Taylor, Paul Wynegar

Honors Theses

Abstract

This case study explores Lockheed Martin, a global leader in defense contracting. Our team performed a strategic audit using the theories of strategic management. Our research was pulled from various sources, including Lockheed Martin’s website, SEC filings, related news articles, and relevant industry analysis. The goals of this case study revolved around collecting data and performing analysis to evaluate Lockheed Martin’s potential for competitive advantage in the airplane and parts manufacturing industry.

Some of the various analyses performed on Lockheed Martin include firm analysis, industry analysis, internal analysis, external analysis, competitive dynamics, business-level strategy, corporate-level strategy, and exploring their …

Mattel Strategic Audit, Ellie Anderson, Samuel Gertner, Logan Connealy, Julia Michner, Chris Payant

Honors Theses

This case study focuses on Mattel, Inc., a prominent company in the toy industry. To complete the case study, we conducted a strategic audit utilizing different theories and principles used in management. We conducted significant research using publicly available information, including the company’s website, SEC filings, news articles, industry analysis, and more. The goal of the report is to analyze data and use a real-world company to apply management concepts.

We looked at many factors for Mattel, including industry analysis, external analysis, internal analysis, performance analysis, competitive dynamics, business level strategy, and corporate level strategy to complete the case study. …

Accountancy 420 Case Study Analysis, Olivia Peterson

Honors Theses

During my junior year at the University of Mississippi, I took part in an accountancy practicum course, titled Accountancy 420. I was able to work on ten cases involving a multitude of accounting topics. During the first semester, I analyzed a 9/11 documentary, conducted research around potential cities for accounting internships, became Excel certified, investigated the financial impact of COVID-19 vaccines, and completed an interview with a business professional. These projects make up the first five cases of my thesis. We additionally were able to learn from speakers at many impressive firms about different topics surrounding the accounting industry. In …

Airbnb Strategic Audit Overview, Andrea Curnes, Audrey Kreun, Tyler Royal, Jacob Zadalis, Cody Hohn, Jason Dirks

Honors Theses

This study provides an overview of Airbnb, an online marketplace for short-term rentals and experiences. It highlights the company's history, business strategies, value chain, acquisitions, code of ethical conduct, and organizational structure. With a Blue Ocean strategy combining differentiation and cost leadership, Airbnb has achieved remarkable success, boasting a valuation of over $67B and generating annual revenue exceeding $1.5B. The company's unique business model involves participating in all parts of the value chain, and it has expanded geographically through acquisitions and product market expansion. Airbnb's code of ethics reflects its core values, and its organizational structure fosters flexibility and remote …

Strategic Audit Report Pfizer – Brand-Name Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (U.S.), Madeleine Grimm, Meghan Schuette, Trent Lockard, Connor Boudreau, Kollin Goff

Honors Theses

The purpose of this strategic audit report is to provide an in-depth analysis of different aspects of Pfizer Inc.’s business operations and an overview of the different types of strategies that Pfizer employs within the Brand-Name Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry. The audit contains analyses of the company’s history and strategic leadership strategies, external environment, internal environment, performance, and competitive dynamics. These aspects are examined to provide a foundation for further analysis of Pfizer’s strategies in the context of the environment. This report also analyzes the company’s business and corporate-level strategies, the impact of recent mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance practices, and …

Diageo Strategic Audit: A Deep Dive Into The Management Strategies Of Diageo, Hailey Hoogers, Maria Alessandro, Joel Myers, Abigail Grimm, Harrison Gates

Honors Theses

Diageo is a multinational premium drink producer and supplier with over 200 brands and sales in over 180 countries. A conglomerate since its founding, Diageo controls and operates some of the world’s well-known and loved drinks, like Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Bailey’s, Captain Morgan, and Crown Royal. The firm is an industry leader in consumer insight, innovation and creativity, and sustainability efforts. Diageo believes pursuing sustainability, efficiency, and positive drinking allows them to compete, now and in the future. This audit analyzes the history, leadership, business model, mission, external environment, internal environment, core competencies, recent performance, competitive dynamics, business level …

Marriott International: A Managerial Strategic Audit, Brooke Eschenbrenner, Alex Zlatic, Madison Bechtel, Brandon Collins, Charlotte Straley, Grant Gubbels

Honors Theses

A strategic management audit of the public firm, Marriott International, was conducted to identify various factors and managerial strategies that affect Marriott and the global hotels and tourism industry. At the industry level, we conducted a PESTEL and Five Forces analysis, researched the competitive landscape, and assessed the total value potential. We found that the industry experienced a major decline during the COVID-19 pandemic but saw recovery as international travel opened up again. On the company level, we conducted an internal analysis, identified Marriott’s management structure, and identified the firm’s structure and strategies through a SWOT analysis and other relevant …

Johnson & Johnson Strategic Audit, Hannah Headley, Lucy Peterkin, Ryan Nyffeler, Joshua Wiemers, Bailey Birkholtz

Honors Theses

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is a healthcare company that generates economic value from its three core business segments: Consumer Health, Pharmaceuticals, and Medical Devices. Recent innovations include new pharmaceutical products, remote clinical trials, automated patient recruitment, improved scientific and digital literacy amongst employees, and innovative digitized models for supply chain planning. J&J has a competitive edge in R&D efficiency, with a 4.35 return on research capital ratio. Sociocultural, technological, and economic factors will play a large role in changing the pharmaceutical industry environment, and J&J is well positioned to benefit from sources of growth such as the increase in aging …

A Strategic Audit Of A Company In The Alcoholic Beverages Industry: Anheuser-Busch Inbev, Ava Dunne, Patrick Malec, Andrew Shank, Elizabeth Foral, Hannah Rethmeier

Honors Theses

This strategic audit provides a comprehensive analysis of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer. The audit examines the company's business model, competitive position, financial performance, and future growth prospects. It also assesses the impact of external factors such as changing consumer preferences, government regulations, and technological innovations on the company's operations. The audit identifies key strengths and weaknesses of Anheuser-Busch InBev, as well as potential opportunities and threats in the beer industry. Based on this analysis, the audit provides recommendations for strategic actions that the company can take to enhance its competitive position, achieve sustainable growth, and mitigate potential risks. …

Exploring Social Entrepreneurship Of The First Social Enterprise In South Korea: The Case Of The Founder Of Dong Wha Pharm, Ji Hee Song

Asia Marketing Journal

A great deal of attention has been paid to entrepreneurship and social enterprises that help improve societies' ability to solve social problems and develop new ways of thinking (Drucker 1995). Dong Wha Pharm, founded in 1897, was the first social enterprise in South Korea. The purpose of this study is to provide meaningful insights into the theoretical development of social entrepreneurship and how to achieve social innovation by fostering social entrepreneurship. Drawing on the five critical elements of social entrepreneurship developed by Dees (1998), we explore social entrepreneurship by investigating the first Korean social entrepreneur, Kang Min, the founder of …

A Case Study: Do Board Consultants And Funders Have It Wrong?, Mike Burns

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

The following case, a moment in time for a 25+ year-old nonprofit, features a smart, committed, driven, savvy, and uber persuasive nonprofit founder/executive who decided it was time to expand the building. Also featured: a board that has never been more than a figurehead to the executive and the public. This case is intended to highlight that the popular thinking about board and executive as partners may be no more than a false narrative throughout the nonprofit sector that should in-fact be rewritten to reflect more of a reality. As a subplot, this case acknowledges that when a board cannot …

A Strategic Audit Of Hasbro, William Weiner, Amanda Fuechtmann, Avery Smith, Michaela Webb, Zach Buhman

Honors Theses

This strategic audit dives into ten components of Hasbro’s strategic management. The first component discusses Hasbro’s history and current strategic leadership. This is followed by an analysis of the impacts of its external and internal environment. Next, the audit examines Hasbro’s recent performance and competition it faces in the Toy Wholesaling industry. The sixth, seventh, and eighth components consider different levels of strategy that Hasbro pursues. Lastly, the strategic audit considers Hasbro’s corporate governance and its organizational structure and controls.

Overall, we conclude that Hasbro is a mature company in a slow-growing industry. Its ability to translate its iconic and …

Building A Supply Chain For Emergency: A Case Study Of Kingfa's Mask Supply Chain, Nanjing Li

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In case of emergency such as pandemic or earthquake, there are usually surge demands for some necessary products, which are usually far more than available production capacities thus it is necessary to quickly build more production capacities. However, building production capacities is not just building production lines but to constructing whole supply chains, from raw materials and equipment sourcing, manufacturing flow lines to demand management.

To quickly construct a supply chain for fulfilling such emergency demands is very challenging both theoretically and practically. This thesis aims to develop a model of supply chain construction for emergency demand and identify the …

Practicum In The Study Of Financial Accounting, Laine Keel

Honors Theses

This paper was intended to be a practicum in the study of financial accounting. The different sections encompass many distinct aspects of the field and was completed over two semesters. Each section had a goal to investigate a specific area related to accounting, and my mission was to focus on this area and express my thoughts on the section. To do this, I would explain how each topic was related to accounting and how that would affect me in my future positions – often alone but sometimes as a part of a group. Additionally, this deep dive into the various …

A Series Of Case Studies, Bailey Baudier

Honors Theses

Throughout the course of my junior year at the University of Mississippi, I was given the amazing opportunity to work with Dr. Victoria Dickinson and complete my thesis as an accounting major. Each week, we were given a case assignment to work on with a different topic to cover. From potential future living arrangements to researching a financial crisis, our range never settled for anything lower than the high expectations given as an honors student. All of this was used to prepare us for the dedication we needed to put in for our most important assignment. In the last semester …

Case Studies: A Study Of Accounting Practices And Concepts, Anna Brock

Honors Theses

This accounting thesis includes multiple case studies on the topics of accounting principles, uses, and concepts. Throughout two semesters, research and contemplation have been conducted on various topics relating to accountancy. Case studies were conducted using different methods. Some were completed within a group, and the others were completed on their own. The methods were to reflect and enhance group work and conversation, as the accounting profession is a very social career.

The topics range from ethical decisions to a multiple-week case study performed with peers. The case study took place in the second semester, and I worked on a …

A Case Study On Gender Inequality In A Defense Setting, Nicole L. Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Women are gaining education, skills, strength, and have adequate drive yet, gender inequality is still blocking their advancement into senior leadership especially in the United States (U.S.) Defense Industry. The purpose of this study was to explore gender inequality within organizational leadership, specifically within the Department of Defense (DoD) civilian sector, to identify potential barriers to ceasing the advancement of qualified women. The main research question driving this research is, what internal and external barriers exist in the defense department regarding the professional advancement of women and what factors contribute to advancement into leadership. Follow-up questions include how veteran status, …

Franchisepreneurship, A 10 Year Case Study, Peggy L. Lane, Michael R. Lane, J. Logan Jones

Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship

An entrepreneurial philanthropist who wanted to help students “get on the field” of owning and operating their own businesses provided funding to name a school of business in the Midwest. He focused on the concept of working with a franchisor to help locate opportunities to get young “franchisepreneurs” started. The University would train the students on how to operate a small business, and the franchisor would help the university locate an underperforming franchise and sell the franchise to a student at a relatively low price. To qualify, a student would have to win a “franchise” competition hosted by the university. …

Trader Joe's Case Study, Madisson Magee

Honors Theses

My senior project is focused around analyzing Trader Joe’s business model and writing a case study focusing on the management strategies of the company. I wanted to know what made them so successful and recognizable as brand in the grocery store industry. My case study is based off of a Harvard Business School published case. Not only did I want to understand their success, but also what factors impact them and what issues they face in maintaining a successful business model. To do this, I analyzed many aspects of their company, where they stand against competitors and internal and external …

Resilient Leadership In Chicago Hotels: Case Study In A Global Pandemic, Deborah Popely Dba, Michael Krause Cha, Chia, Msed

Kendall College Research

The impact of COVID-19 on the hotel industry has been catastrophic and like elsewhere, the Chicago hotel market has faced steep declines in occupancy, revenues and profitability, resulting in severe staff cuts and drastic operating changes. Yet many hotels continued operating, albeit at a reduced level. What factors made it possible for hotels to adapt to these conditions? To answer this question, a case study was developed from in-depth surveys with 16 Chicago hotels combined with interviews with 7 leaders from these hotels, providing a snapshot of resilient leadership in the Chicago hotel market before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. …

Koreksi Pajak Masukan Atas Jawaban Konfirmasi“Tidak Ada” (Studi Kasus Pt. X), Elsie Sylviana Kasim, Muhammad Kemal Pasha

Jurnal Administrasi Bisnis Terapan

This study discusses the input tax correction to “no” confrmation answer (case study of PT X). Data collection techniques used in this study is literature studies (Library Research) and field studies (Field Research). The results of research and analysis can be concluded as follows the examiner’s correction on the input tax credit is cause by input tax originating from non-PKP and the confirmation answer states “no”. PT X does not agree with the correction of the audit tem on the input tax credit. PT X has provided evidence showing the existence of payments. This research is expected to provide input …

Conflict Resolution In A Multi-Level It-Enabled Outsourcing Network: A Structured Solution Approach, Shreekant Vijaykar, Mahesh Gupta Prof., Pradip Kumar Bhaumik Dr.

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Using the case study of an Indian Technology and Outsourcing Service Provider, SmartKey (real but renamed company), a technology vendor to a global healthcare provider, this paper analyses offshore outsourcing issues using IT-enabled services to gain deeper insights needed to understand the core conflict and propose a well-reasoned solution approach. Reasoning, the conscious thought process leading to a well-justified decision, is an important managerial skill required for making dynamic decisions, resolving conflicts, and thereby developing human resources. This paper explores Goldratt’s Evaporating Clouds (ECs) as a systematic approach to reasoning in particular, and as a system for developing human resource …

Development And Implementation Strategies For Open Innovation Pharmaceutical R&D Projects, John A. Maher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

US pharmaceutical company leaders who lack strategies for developing and implementing open innovation (OI) Research & Development (R&D) projects may experience weakened competitive positioning in the industry. Grounded in the open innovation capability framework, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore implementation strategies R&D directors use to implement OI R&D projects in the US. Participants were five US pharmaceutical R&D directors from a single organization. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, public information, and OI literature and analyzed using Castleberry and Nolen’s five-step model. Four themes emerged: roles and responsibilities, business and OI strategy alignment, leadership …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Accounting Environment And Procedures Through A Series Of Case Studies, Ryan Mccarty

Honors Theses

The following thesis is a culmination of twelve case studies completed throughout the academic year of 2018-2019 under the direction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson, as a requirement of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and completion of the ACCY 420 course. Each case study is independent of the next, and is an in-depth response to questions and theories that are found outside of this document. Each analysis is accomplished by myself alone and through the studies of Financial, Managerial, and Cost accounting courses in my career at the University of Mississippi. The thesis is intended to analyze accounting procedures and …

An Analysis Of The Principles Of Financial Reporting And Their Applications Through The Use Of Case Studies, Thomas Fowlkes

Honors Theses

The following thesis is a collection of case studies that were completed during two semesters of enrollment in Accounting 420, directed by Dr. Victoria Dickinson. It is presented as a fulfillment of the requirements for the University of Mississippi, the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and the Professional Research and Development Thesis Program. While each of the twelve cases is different, they all provided a significant contribution to my own personal understanding of the principles of financial reporting and how those principles apply to the accounting profession. Each week of the thesis course, I would receive a different set of …

Text Messaging Between School Counselors And Students: An Exploratory Study, Nicholas R. Gilly

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

This exploratory case study examines the impact of text messaging on mentoring relationships when used as an outreach between school counselors and high school students, where established relationships are lacking. An SMS gateway was used to mediate communication between school counselors (N=2) and students (N=5) over a three-month timeframe. The SMS gateway converted email, sent from counselors, to text messages, which were received on mobile devices of students and allowed students to respond back to counselors. Findings indicate that the use of text messaging may ease scheduling of face-to-face meetings between counselors and students, but evidence does not support any …