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Articles 1 - 30 of 206
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Lessons From The Five Data Breaches: Analyzing Framed Crisis Response Strategies And Crisis Severity, Bokyung Kim, Kristine Johnson, Sun-Young Park
Lessons From The Five Data Breaches: Analyzing Framed Crisis Response Strategies And Crisis Severity, Bokyung Kim, Kristine Johnson, Sun-Young Park
College of Communication & Creative Arts Faculty Scholarship
To fill a gap of research that explores cyber crisis management, this study analyzed news stories of the five largest data breaches experienced in 2014 by retailers (i.e. Target, Michaels, Neiman Marcus, Home Depot, and Staples). Corporate crisis communication and its news coverage (n = 64) were evaluated for crisis communication strategies and framed situational factors. Despite companies’ use of multiple strategies, newspapers reported their use of advocate strategies more often. Massmediated crisis response strategies were even different among the five companies. Newspapers also reframed crisis severity and crisis controllability. Finally, our findings addressed the key to dealing with the …
The Changing Focus Of Education: How Rowan University Professors View The Shift Toward Online Education, Genevieve Cross
The Changing Focus Of Education: How Rowan University Professors View The Shift Toward Online Education, Genevieve Cross
Theses and Dissertations
This study explores Rowan University professors' attitudes toward online education and its increasing prevalence. The researcher used an online survey program by which participants' feedback was gathered. The survey was sent to 201 Rowan University professors, and the data was analyzed with the computer program, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to obtain calculations and percentages. The survey results are presented in both narrative and chart form. The researcher concluded that from the results of the study that Rowan University professors' have diverse opinions about online education, but also recognize the value in this asset to higher education. Specific …
Character Education And Parental Involvement: Impact On Academic Achievement, Katie Hood
Character Education And Parental Involvement: Impact On Academic Achievement, Katie Hood
Theses and Dissertations
This study was conducted to determine (a) if a positive correlation exists between character education and academic achievement in three New Jersey public elementary schools and (b) if a positive correlation exists between parental involvement and academic achievement in the same three schools. NJ ASK data supported the notions that character education and parental involvement related to academic achievement. A content analysis of two documents about each school provided the researcher with the level to which each school promoted character education and parental involvement. Interviews with public school administrators and staff discussed the relationships that exist among these three factors …
An Analysis Of The Marketing Tactics Used To Influence Millennial Generation Students In Their Decision To Attend A Two-Year Or A Four-Year College, Andrea Stanton
Theses and Dissertations
This study will attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of college recruitment marketing tactics used to influence Millennial Generation students, ages 17 to 22 years old, in their decision to attend either a two-year or a four-year college. Changing demographics and projections indicate a decline in the number of high school graduates within the next three to five years. This shift translates into fewer college applications and more competition among institutions of higher learning making it easier for most students to get accepted into college. The researcher will use focus groups and a survey to examine the perception of community colleges …
Why Do We Just Do It: A Study Of Adolescents' Influences For Nike Sneakers, Kyle Gallagher
Why Do We Just Do It: A Study Of Adolescents' Influences For Nike Sneakers, Kyle Gallagher
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research project is to examine the motivations, influences and purchase-decision behavior of adolescent boys regarding athletic footwear and apparel. Due to its supremacy in the athletic apparel and equipment industry, the author focused on Nike during this study. The researcher collected a convenience sample of fifteen adolescent boys residing in Southern New Jersey to participate in a focus group session and telephone interviews, and complete a 24-question survey. The researcher segmented the population into three groups, using age ranges as the parameters. Group A consisted of five boys ages 10-12 years old, Group B consisted of …
Alerting The Public During Food Product Recalls: Social Media's Impact On Organizational Reputation, Salita Demary
Alerting The Public During Food Product Recalls: Social Media's Impact On Organizational Reputation, Salita Demary
Theses and Dissertations
Crisis managers are constantly striving to find the best media outlets to reach the public in the event of a crisis or emergency and still maintain good public reputation. This researcher uses the food industry to examine the impact social media is having on the way the public is gathering news. This researcher will also study generational divides and how news gathering preferences differ among generational groups. This study also investigates the impact social media use has on organizational reputation in a crisis. A focus group and content analysis will serve as this study's qualitative measures and a surveymonkey.com survey …
A Comparative Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Nasa Media Relations Strategies And The Relationship To U.S. Space Policy, Julian Gibson
A Comparative Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Nasa Media Relations Strategies And The Relationship To U.S. Space Policy, Julian Gibson
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes for this comparative analysis were to (a) compare the efficacy of NASA media relations strategies according to NASA's stakeholders and (b) reveal if these media relations strategies have a causal relationship or correlation with U.S. space policy. NASA employees reflected positive responses to questions related to the efficacy of NASA media relations strategies and the overall communications philosophy of the organization. Journalists who report on NASA through traditional and online channels had mixed responses toward the organizations media relations efforts during crisis situations like the Columbia and Challenger shuttle disasters. However, journalists were very supportive of NASA's dissemination …
The Impact Of Social Media On The Access Of Music Among Rowan University Students, Douglas Cohen
The Impact Of Social Media On The Access Of Music Among Rowan University Students, Douglas Cohen
Theses and Dissertations
The study's primary goal was to determine the extent and impact of social media on Rowan University student's access of music. Social media and music have become a significant part of college student life. The vast majority of student age ranges from 18 to 24. The study's secondary goal was to determine if social media has replaced the traditional music label of feature films and whether it affects more males or females in the 18 to 24 year-old demographic. To ascertain both levels of data, the researcher used intercept surveys and questionnaires. The intercept surveys were administered to 400 Rowan …
Using Public Relations Techniques To Market Organic Food: Understanding Consumer Buying Behavior, Catherine Girone
Using Public Relations Techniques To Market Organic Food: Understanding Consumer Buying Behavior, Catherine Girone
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this research were to determine which consumers tend to purchase fresh organic food and which consumers tend to purchase packaged organic food, which type of messaging organic food distributors rely on to entice customers and which messages work most effectively to promote organic food consumption, and which channels different organic consumers use to gain knowledge about organic food. Implications for organic food marketing are discussed.
Public Relations 'Tech'niques: Vocational School Recruitment, Rachel Graeff
Public Relations 'Tech'niques: Vocational School Recruitment, Rachel Graeff
Theses and Dissertations
The problem is that the large majority of high school graduates pursue four-year college degrees when there are not enough professional jobs that require four-year degrees but rather require workers to have job-specific skills. These skills are taught by vocational schools at both the high school and the post-secondary levels. The purpose of this study was to determine what public relations techniques vocational schools use and how they can improve on these techniques to increase enrollment. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with PR/marketing practitioners at vocational schools to find out what techniques and channels their school uses to attract students. …
Consumer Perception Of The Efficacy Of Social Media Branding By Non-Profit And For-Profit Organizations, Melissa Novak
Consumer Perception Of The Efficacy Of Social Media Branding By Non-Profit And For-Profit Organizations, Melissa Novak
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this exploratory investigation were to (a) examine if organizations using social media maintain relationships with their loyal consumers, and do not direct their marketing toward new consumers, and (b) determine if non-profit organizations use social media more effectively and issue stronger call to actions than for-profit organizations. This study includes a survey of 234 participants, a content analysis of ten organizations, and interviews with eight professionals in the marketing and public relations field who work with social media on a daily basis. This study shows that although industry professionals enjoy the vast reach of social media and …
Social Media Influence On Evolving Health Care Marketing Communication, Michele Cash
Social Media Influence On Evolving Health Care Marketing Communication, Michele Cash
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this investigation were to (a) determine how much of an impact social media has on health communication (b) understand the evolving impact of social media effectiveness and (c) consumer preferences for health care communication. The author conducted both qualitative and quantitative research. This research includes an in-depth interview, a survey and a website content analysis of two health care organizations in the Delaware Valley. This will provide health care organizations with communication techniques to use for current and future consumers. The research revealed that the majority of consumers prefer to hear messages from a trusted source. Both …
The Effects Of Technology On Interpersonal Relationships Among Rowan University Students Ages 18 - 25, Michelle Nelson
The Effects Of Technology On Interpersonal Relationships Among Rowan University Students Ages 18 - 25, Michelle Nelson
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this study were to (a) determine how young adults are communicating with each other and (b) understand what is driving them to communicate using different methods of communication. After completing a literature review, the researcher conducted primary research using survey instruments and interviews. What people are trying to communicate determines how they are going to relay messages. The urgency of a message affects how respondents answer the message.
Engaged Or Just "Friends": Using Social Media For Membership Engagement Or Identity Management Through Group Affiliations, Emel Crawford
Engaged Or Just "Friends": Using Social Media For Membership Engagement Or Identity Management Through Group Affiliations, Emel Crawford
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study investigation was to ascertain the engagement levels of emerging-aged adults that affiliate and hold membership in groups both on and offline. In-person and online participation levels were examined, and motives for online activity on groups' social media pages were investigated to understand how profile identity formation played a role in emerging-aged adults' associations. Information acquired through this study assists in further examining Facebook and Twitter's influence on social capital production within groups. Group members demonstrated a preference for email and in-person communication over social networking sites, higher levels of offline engagement versus online, and an …
Influence Of Social Media Networks On Corporate Communication Strategies, Sylwia Majewski
Influence Of Social Media Networks On Corporate Communication Strategies, Sylwia Majewski
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the use of social media networks for corporate marketing and communication by United States based companies. The researcher surveyed marketing, advertising, communications and sales professionals of nearly 80 companies and conducted in-depth interviews with four corporate marketing experts. Survey participants provided data about the extent of use of social media networks in corporate marketing and communication strategies and their effectiveness. The findings show that the majority of corporate marketing strategies (77%) incorporate the use of social media. The social media networks are also viewed as an effective means of communication.
The Impact Of Social Media Use On Fundraising As Reported By Nonprofit Organizations In Southern New Jersey, Rose Howerter
The Impact Of Social Media Use On Fundraising As Reported By Nonprofit Organizations In Southern New Jersey, Rose Howerter
Theses and Dissertations
This research study examines the impact of social media use on fundraising activities as reported by nonprofit organizations within three southern New Jersey counties. The study does this by exploring the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of participating nonprofits toward social media use in fundraising and communication. The author surveyed 40 nonprofit organizations to discover the extent of their knowledge, attitudes and use of social media. The author designed a 30-question survey, posted it online at SurveyMonkey.com and contacted the selected population by email. By categorizing the participating nonprofits into two groups - nonprofits using social media and nonprofits not using …
Shooting For The Skies: Leveraging Public Relations To Improve The Image Of Commercial Airlines, Elisa Durand
Shooting For The Skies: Leveraging Public Relations To Improve The Image Of Commercial Airlines, Elisa Durand
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this study was to determine if commercial airlines can improve their image by soliciting feedback from their customer base and responding accordingly. The results of both qualitative and quantitative research methods show that travelers lack confidence in the level of concern commercial airlines hold for their satisfaction. Multiple national customer service surveys administered to travelers paint a recurring pattern of unhappy fliers who believe airlines are unaware of their concerns and needs. The results of two primary questionnaires demonstrate that airlines are not in concert with customer expectations. The data results indicate that by leveraging customer feedback …
Applying The Power Of Social Media To Generate Awareness And Support For Symphony Orchestras Among Younger Target Markets, Gina Bittner
Applying The Power Of Social Media To Generate Awareness And Support For Symphony Orchestras Among Younger Target Markets, Gina Bittner
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this exploratory investigation were to (a) provide insight to communication managers at symphony orchestras into how social media can be used in their marketing efforts and to (b) ascertain how to effectively use social media as a strategy to attract younger demographic groups (ages 19-35). The researcher distributed an online survey to communication professionals at U.S. symphony orchestras (n=220) selected at random from the 2010 Musical America Directory and conducted in-depth interviews with members of the 19 to 35 age group in the southern New Jersey area. The average survey responder demonstrated interest in social media, but …
Communicating A Centralized Message Within A Decentralized Political Movement: The Tea Party, Michael Walsh
Communicating A Centralized Message Within A Decentralized Political Movement: The Tea Party, Michael Walsh
Theses and Dissertations
This study examines the effectiveness of how well the Tea Party movement has communicated its message to both members and non-members. This research indicates that the present day populist political movement has done an exceptional job informing the public of its goals. While many non-members of the Tea Party movement disagree with its goals, they were, nonetheless, well versed in both the primary and secondary goals of the movement. Additionally, the research showed that the message has been consistent over various channels including broadcast and cable television, social media, websites, radio, and face-to-face.
Is Diesel A Dirty Word? Examing The Communication And Public Relations Challenges Faced By Auto Manufacturers Who Want To Introduce Small Diesel Engines To The American Market, Christopher Nelson
Is Diesel A Dirty Word? Examing The Communication And Public Relations Challenges Faced By Auto Manufacturers Who Want To Introduce Small Diesel Engines To The American Market, Christopher Nelson
Theses and Dissertations
Cars with small diesel engines make up a large part of the automobile market in virtually every region of the world but the United States. In this study, the researcher sought to determine if there are preexisting attitudes toward diesel fuel and engines among American consumers and whether those attitudes affect consumers' expressed opinions (i.e. buying habits) which contribute to that disparity. The researcher carried out two studies. The first was a modified Delphi study of public relations professionals in the automotive field. Respondents were given several basic questions regarding diesel engines in the American market followed by a series …
An Evaluation Of The Writing Abilities Of Entry-Level Public Relations Practitioners And The Industry Demand To Effectively Write For New Media, Diana Gervasi
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this exploratory investigation were to (a) evaluate the current writing abilities of entry-level public relations practitioners (b) determine the industry's demand to effectively write for new media and (c) identify educator's perceptions of entry-level public relations practitioners' writing abilities and current curriculum changes as well as future industry projections. The researcher conducted Web-based surveys of management level public relations practitioners who were all members of PRSA and telephone interviews with educators in college and university public relations programs across the country. The data collected from Web-based surveys showed a slight improvement in the perception of entry-level practitioners' …
The Effect Of Media Bias On Legislation: A Case Study Of Arizona's Senate Bill 1070 On Immigration, Rachael Burgess
The Effect Of Media Bias On Legislation: A Case Study Of Arizona's Senate Bill 1070 On Immigration, Rachael Burgess
Theses and Dissertations
In order to understand the relationship between government, media and public opinion in the case of Arizona Senate Bill 1070, Arizona's bill to combat illegal immigration. The purpose of this study was to (a) examine whether the media coverage of Arizona Senate Bill 1070 initiated government action and (b) examine whether the media coverage presented emotional or legal arguments supporting or not supporting the bill. Examining tone, use of emotional and legal arguments, subjectivity and objectivity in two national newspapers and interviewing four communications directors for the state of Arizona, the study showed the existence of media bias and subjectivity, …
Thinspiration: New Media's Influence On Girls With Eating Disorders, Victoria Stonebridge
Thinspiration: New Media's Influence On Girls With Eating Disorders, Victoria Stonebridge
Theses and Dissertations
The use of thinspiration and social networking by girls with eating disorders on social media websites and through user-generated content aids the disease in general. The purpose of this research exploration is to find out how influential these specific forms of new media are on girls with eating disorders. A content analysis will serve as the primary quantitative measure for this study. A survey, via SurveyMonkey.com, will be used to find what kind of impact new media has on girls with eating disorders. The researcher will also conduct a personal interview with an expert in the field of psychology and …
Public Relations And Marketing Techniques Used By Assisted Living Communities To Attract And Retain Residents, Brianne Rabouin
Public Relations And Marketing Techniques Used By Assisted Living Communities To Attract And Retain Residents, Brianne Rabouin
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this study were to determine the public relations and marketing techniques used by assisted living facilities (ALFs) to attract and retain senior residents, investigate the perception of effectiveness in PR and marketing practices among assisted living administrators and identify the role of community relations within ALFs. Consistent with previous research, interviews and surveys with assisted living professionals reveal communities operate using traditional techniques and channels including, but not limited to, newspaper ads, facility tours, community events, word-of-mouth promotion, direct-mail marketing/materials, newsletters, facility websites and professional referral development. Respondents report minimal use of new media, yet maintain an …
Redefining The Agency Model: The Benefits Of An Imc Approach, Rebecca Gatto
Redefining The Agency Model: The Benefits Of An Imc Approach, Rebecca Gatto
Theses and Dissertations
This study will seek to find out if full-service agencies are more effective than agencies that focus on only one marketing component or separate components. While some companies and agencies have fully embraced integrated marketing communications (IMC), others think the cons outweigh the pros. Many companies do not think the process of getting the individual functional groups to work together is worth the effort. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with one full service agency, one advertising agency and one public relations agency to gain insight into the perceptions and effectiveness of IMC. A content analysis of the company websites of …
The Influence Of Layout And Design On Purchasing Behavior: Examining Print Advertisements For Sneakers, Nancy Reighn-Garron
The Influence Of Layout And Design On Purchasing Behavior: Examining Print Advertisements For Sneakers, Nancy Reighn-Garron
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this exploratory investigation is to ascertain the influence layout and design of print advertisements has on consumers and how this influence affects purchasing behavior. This research further examines the difference in design preferences between men and women. Information acquired assists in the understanding of relationships between advertisers, marketing representatives and public relations practitioners and a targeted audience. The research findings support that men and women process advertising differently, that consumers are influenced by visual cues and provides information that is beneficial to better serve and persuade audiences to achieve successful product promotion.
Men In Public Relations: Saving An Endangered Species, Nancy Long
Men In Public Relations: Saving An Endangered Species, Nancy Long
Theses and Dissertations
It has been 25 years since the publication of The Velvet Ghetto, the seminal work on gender in public relations. Looking ahead, the study forecast a field that was "ghettoized" as the workforce became increasingly female. Has that been the case? Since the mid-eighties, women have solidified their hold at nearly all levels in the public relations industry. While the advancement of women is to be applauded, is this imbalance a good thing? The industry, to date, has ignored this trend. What strategies should be employed to make the field more diverse and balanced from a gender perspective? Now that …
The Role Of Public Relations Strategies And Tactics In Building Symmetric Donor Relationships, Justine Spack
The Role Of Public Relations Strategies And Tactics In Building Symmetric Donor Relationships, Justine Spack
Theses and Dissertations
This study researched relationships between nonprofit organizations and their donors. The researcher looked into the different public relations strategies and tactics that nonprofits use to build and maintain relationships with their donors, and then examined the effectiveness of those strategies and tactics. The study required a content analysis of nonprofit websites to determine the strategies and tactics that nonprofit organizations use to build relationships with their donors. It also included a focus panel of nonprofit donors who discussed which strategies and tactics donors need to establish and maintain and mutually beneficial relationship with a nonprofit organization and which strategies and …
Social Media, Fan Relations And The Music Industry: A Coalition Of Unsigned Artists And Record Labels, Heather Aponte
Social Media, Fan Relations And The Music Industry: A Coalition Of Unsigned Artists And Record Labels, Heather Aponte
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this investigation were to (a) provide the music industry with the research it seems to lack in order to understand (b) how social media will change its field and (c) how it can utilize it. To provide the knowledge necessary to adapt to the shift in musical power, the author will conduct both qualitative and quantitative research. This research includes a preliminary content analysis of comment tone on social media profiles and in-depth interviews. The researcher aims to further the understanding of social media networks and the independent musicians who use them. This will provide the music …
Mixed Messages: Assessing Communication In Architectural Education And Practice, Amanda Weko
Mixed Messages: Assessing Communication In Architectural Education And Practice, Amanda Weko
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of communication in both the academic and professional architecture communities. The author addressed (a) whether profession-specific communication skills are part of any National Architectural Accrediting Board-accredited U.S. undergraduate architecture program; (b) how architectural educators feel about communication studies; and (c) how registered architects feel about communication skills in their practice. Research findings pointed to a dichotomy in academic and professional perceptions of the importance of communication training in undergraduate architecture education. While only 13.8 percent of academic programs require communication coursework directly related to architectural practice, 94 percent of architects surveyed …