Digital Commons Network^™

National Culture, Institutional Quality, And Financial Development: International Evidence Before And After Financial Crisis, Selma Izadi, Frankie J. Weinberg, Mamunur Rashid

Economics and Finance Faculty Research

This study examines the impact of Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions and institutional quality on financial development in the periods preceding and following the global financial crisis. The study analyzes data from 33 countries spanning 2001 to 2021 using a combination of OLS, two-stage GMM, and PVAR models and concludes that inflation and economic growth negatively, and exchange rate and institutional quality positively significantly enhance financial development. Countries characterized by low masculinity and uncertainty avoidance scores, alongside high individualism and indulgence scores, tend to exhibit greater financial development. The results also indicate that cultural factors ought to be regarded as dynamic …

Will Vegas Bet On Itself?, Quintez Gatewood

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Abstract:

• Las Vegas faces a serious dilemma post covid, whats next? After having been decimated with the shot to hospitality it nearly collapsed the city.
• The question I am supposing is how do we prevent this?
• Like any investor would suggest, diversify your portfolio to mitigate risk. So why hasn’t Vegas done this with the job market?
• I seek to answer this by using models and illustrating how the outcome will be

Impact Of Remote Work On Wages In Nevada’S Labor Force, Lauren Tomlinson, Sean Atias, Renato Salazar, Ezrah Tayag

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Remote Work Evolution and COVID-19

• In 2019, 7% of full paid workdays were done remotely. During the pandemic, that number substantially grew to 60%, and by 2023 it shrunk down to 28%. Elements of remote work have even spread to multiple industries such as healthcare, finance, and education (Barrero et al., 2023).
• Direct relationship between self-perceived job performance and remote work productivity. However, living with children under 18 negatively impacts remote work engagement and productivity (Toscano & Zappalá, 2021).
• Remote work can be associated with increases in Total Factor Productivity (TFP). Between 2019 and 2021, a 1% increase in the …

Investigating The Factors Influencing The Rejection Of Cognitive Performance Tests In The Banking Sector Of Pakistan., Faraz Ali Memon, Uzair Inayat Memon

Business Review

This study explored the barriers hindering the adoption of cognitive performance tests in HR practices within Pakistan’s banking sector and developed practical recommendations for enhancing their implementation. A qualitative approach was adopted, and 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HR professionals from major banks in large cities. It aims to explore potential barriers to using and incorporating cognitive ability tests in selection practices. The data was later interpreted, and the findings highlighted five key themes. The results revealed factors influencing the rejection of cognitive performance tests in Pakistan's banking sector. It includes cultural factors such as senior management resistance and …

Table Of Contents And Front Matter, Bjur Staff

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Employee Engagement In The Manufacturing Industry, Aubrey A. Miller

Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

The primary objective of this paper is to analyze employee engagement in the manufacturing industry while explaining the implementation processes for putting engagement initiatives in place. Employee engagement has shown to have an impact on overall business performance and this paper examines the original introduction of engagement in a workplace setting, theories relating to employee engagement, the need for engagement in the manufacturing industry, the key drivers of employee engagement, and human resource practices. This paper also walks through my 10-week internship with Klein Tools, and the processes I took to implementing employee engagement methods at Klein Tools’ manufacturing plant …

Managing Change In Higher Education: Implementing Mobile Credentials Across Usnh, Amy R. Gray

M.S. in Leadership

As higher education institutions continue to embrace digital transformation, mobile credentials are emerging as an innovative solution for modernizing campus ID systems. Literature suggests that these digital versions of campus ID cards, stored on smartphones, offer enhanced security, operational efficiency, and a more seamless campus experience. This research project explored best practices and key factors necessary for implementing mobile credentials across the University System of New Hampshire (USNH), with a focus on leadership’s role in managing change. Using a mixed-methods approach—including case study analysis, a literature review, and survey research—this study examined best practices, challenges, and strategies for successful adoption. …

Sustainability Progress In Retail Small Businesses On The Big Island Of HawaiʻI, Lori E. Okami

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

This study examined sustainability awareness, adoption, and needs of retail small businesses on Hawaiʻi Island, specifically in the retail trade and accommodation and food services sectors. It began by determining sustainability awareness of small businesses, as perceived by owner or manager representatives. The study proceeded by exploring sustainable practice adoption differences based on residency, location setting (i.e., urban vs. rural), and industry sector, then sought to determine whether a positive correlation existed between the size of small businesses (i.e., by number of employees) and the adoption of sustainable practices, and if there was a negative correlation between the years of …

Exploring Contributions Of Partnerships Between Employers And Disability Organizations On Recruitment, Hiring, Training, Retention, And Accommodation Of Individuals With Disabilities In Mississippi, Peter Oluwadare Kalejaiye

Dissertations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities (IWDs) by prohibiting discrimination in employment. However, one out of four IWDs face discrimination in employment in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Additionally, despite establishing the Office of Disability Employment Policy and enacting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to help integrate IWDs into the workforce, IWDs face barriers to equal and equitable employment (NASEM, 2017). Previous studies recommend partnerships between employers and disability organizations (DOs) to provide employment opportunities and benefits for IWDs through recruitment, hiring, training, retention, and …

The Digital Incorporated Worker Narrative: A Mixed Methods Study Of Digital Capital, Work Selection, And Outcomes In The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Tracie King

Dissertations

Digital technology permeates society and industry, making digital-ready workers necessary for firms of all sizes as a firm seeks competitiveness in the market (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; de Ruyter et al., 2018; Gorski et al., 2022; Karaboğa, 2023; Kim et al., 2017; Qureshi Zia, 2019). Firms seeking digital-ready workers face a complex digital divide that creates a worker shortage (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; Karaboğa, 2023; Qureshi Zia, 2019). This study aims to describe workers' work selection, work experience, and outcomes in a complex digital society.

Most digital divide research focuses on the individuals excluded from owning, accessing, and having skills …

Federal Telework Intensity, Perceived Organizational Support, And Perceived Supervisor Support As Predictors Of Affective Commitment In A Post-Pandemic Environment, Jamaris Moore

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many governments to transition to non-traditional work such as telework (Lunde et al., 2022). However, in a post-pandemic environment, federal agencies required their employees to return to the offices (Office of Management and Budget, 2021), which led employees to agency hop, looking for more accommodating work arrangements (The Committee on Oversight and Accountability, 2022). Therefore, the researcher sought to determine if telework intensity (TI), perceived organizational support (POS), and perceived supervisor support (PSS) predicted employee organizational commitment (OC). The researcher used a quantitative correlational cross-sectional survey to assess 202 federal employees from two Department of Defense …

Examining The Moderating Role Of Work Modality On Employees’ Engagement And Perceptions Of Inclusion, Eric Shapiro

Dissertations

In the evolving landscape of work, organizations increasingly adopt diverse modalities, including on-site, remote, and hybrid arrangements. This quantitative correlational study examines the relationship between work modalities, employee engagement, and perceived inclusion, with a focus on the moderating role of work modalities. Recognizing employee engagement as a key driver of organizational performance and perceived inclusion as essential for well-being and innovation, survey data were collected from 402 employees across multiple industries. Results revealed a strong, positive correlation between perceived inclusion and employee engagement (r = 0.789, p < .001). Work modality significantly moderated this relationship, with hybrid workers experiencing a weaker inclusion-engagement link, while remote workers showed no significant moderation effect. Additionally, on-site workers demonstrated a robust inclusion-engagement relationship. Hybrid workers reported higher perceived inclusion scores, though engagement levels remained consistent across modalities. These findings underscore the need for tailored inclusion strategies to optimize employee experiences and enhance organizational effectiveness. This study provides actionable insights for fostering inclusive workplace cultures and improving employee well-being in modality-diverse environments.

Analyzing The Recruitment And Retention Strategy Of The Federal Government At Fort Cavazos, Frank Ceballos Jr.

Theses & Dissertations

The U.S. federal government is the largest employer in the United States of America, employing over two million Americans to fill positions that support the American people. This includes providing service and support to all military installations, including Fort Cavazos. With such a large workforce, challenges are natural, and one of the biggest challenges is retaining and recruiting for its current workforce. Fort Cavazos is not immune to these recruitment and retention challenges. This qualitative study was conducted to provide possible solutions that may help recruitment and retention. The qualitative study was conducted in two phases. The first phase was …

Women And Finances − What Utahns Need To Know: A 2025 Update, Robyn C. Blackburn, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

The history of Utah women and finances shows how various policies, societal beliefs, and behaviors impact the financial standing of women in the state. Upon the arrival of pioneers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Salt Lake Valley in the 19th century, 41 women were allocated lots during the initial distribution of the land, including single, widowed, and “head of household” women whose husbands were away.¹ Interestingly, around the same time, the Oregon Donation Act of 1850 incentivized female migration to the West by allowing women land ownership rights. Additional federal land laws, such …

Mindful Symbiotic Ecosystems. Designing For Women In Remote Workspaces, Andrea Guevara Araujo

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Women represent 61% of designers in the workforce but hold only 29% of leadership roles. This disparity highlights a critical need for an ecosystem that removes barriers and cultivates mentorship, community, and leadership among women (Bolt, 2020). Even though women have proven their ability to succeed in male-dominated corporate cultures, the real question is not about capability but sustainability. Driven by overwork, competition, and burnout, the workplace does not just push women out; it leads to long-term instability for the entire organization (Krivkovich et al., 2024). In the workplace, a culture of masculinity reinforces harmful, outdated mindsets and glorifies aggressive, …

Differences Between Media And Industry Professionals’ Views On Welfare Issues At Equine Racetracks In The United States, Olivia Burris

Honors College Theses

The objective of this project was to see if there was a difference in views between lay publications in the media and industry professionals regarding welfare issues occurring at equine racetracks. This study focused on the issues of drug usage and racing-related injuries in racehorses. This project examined current lay publications versus surveys of industry professionals discussing the specific welfare issues. These lay publications were reviewed and summarized for comparison to the industry professionals’ responses to the survey.

Front Line Innovation In Federal Agencies: U.S. Department Of State Passport Services Innovation Portal Engagement Program, Bill Langer

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

This project explores strategies for enhancing front-line innovation within federal agencies through employee engagement with the U.S. Department of State's Passport Services Innovation Portal. Rooted in the principles of creative leadership and intrinsic motivation, the project addresses persistent barriers to innovation in federal settings, such as bureaucratic inertia and a lack of feedback mechanisms for idea submissions. Utilizing the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) model and a modified 21st-century facilitation framework, the project team designed and implemented an engagement program that included informational briefings and targeted newsletters. Quantitative data from website analytics and idea submissions were analyzed using paired t-tests and …

Research On The Structural Antecedents And Contingencies Of Fluid Team Performance, Xiaodong Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In response to rapidly evolving markets and the pursuit of organizational agility, fluid teams—characterized by dynamic membership and flexible structures—have become prevalent as a key organizational form for addressing complex tasks and uncertainty. However, inherent challenges such as frequent member mobility and multiple project participation pose significant management difficulties and performance risks, including project delays and cost overruns, particularly evident in China's fintech sector. While existing research has begun examining fluid teams, systematic investigation into their structural antecedents and performance mechanisms—especially their contingencies across contexts—remains limited.

The study examines structural antecedents and contingencies of fluid team performance through a mixed-methods …

Incorporating Media Coverage And The Impact Of Geopolitical Events For Stock Market Predictions With Machine Learning, Vinayaka Gude, Daniel Hsiao

Faculty Publications

This paper explores the impact of the Israel–Palestine conflict on the stock performance of U.S. companies and their public positions on the conflict. In an era where corporate positions on geopolitical issues are increasingly scrutinized, understanding the market implications of such statements is critical. This research aims to capture the complex, non-linear relationships between corporate actions, media coverage, and financial outcomes by integrating traditional statistical techniques with advanced machine learning models. To achieve this, we constructed a novel dataset combining public corporate announcements, media sentiment (including headline and article body tone), and philanthropic activities. Using both classification and regression models, …

Equity Fund Monthly Report, May 2025, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Empowering Diversity: A Comprehensvie Approach To Minority Risk Management Education, Jahqethea Johnson

Applied Science Program: Theses

Federal programs are pivotal to the foundation of the United States agricultural sector. Program payments impact the economic well-being of agricultural producers, yet accessibility, outreach and education disparities remain prevalent among socially disadvantaged producer and agriculturists. From 2020-2024, an average of $21.7 billion dollars in federal agricultural payments have been paid to producers. Although federal funding historically supports commodity crops, livestock producers also depend on a distinct set of federal risk management programs, which are often less visible but pertinent for operational sustainability. There is a growing focus on the need for addressing disparities faced by socially disadvantaged producers and …

Small Business Development In The Tourism Industry In Dangriga, Belize, Jonathan R. Kasper

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

The thesis, Small Business Development in the Tourism Industry in Dangriga, Belize, examines efforts to bolster economic opportunities and entrepreneurial resilience in a culturally rich but economically underserved town. The project focused on addressing the underperformance of Dangriga’s tourism sector relative to other Belizean destinations, despite its potential. By engaging directly with local entrepreneurs and organizations, the initiative aimed to improve marketing practices, digital presence, and long-term business viability through practical interventions.

Major accomplishments included the development of a reservation-capable website for the Bonefish Hotel, social media and marketing consultations for various small businesses, and advisory work for the …

The Price Of Profit: A Literature Review On Private Equity's Impact On Patient Care And Healthcare Costs, Sahil Shrimankar

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

In healthcare, private equity (PE) firms have rapidly expanded their presence across sectors, acquiring and consolidating providers. They typically operate on short investment cycles and employ strategies like heavy debt financing, roll-ups of fragmented practices, and aggressive cost-cutting to maximize returns. This expansion has sparked debate: supporters argue PE provides needed capital and efficiency to struggling providers, while critics contend that profit-driven ownership risks compromising care quality and access. This literature review synthesizes current evidence on how PE’s profit-driven approach affects patient care and healthcare costs. Overall, the findings suggest that PE ownership often raises costs—through higher prices and increased …

Decoding Oncology-Focused Biotechnology Firms: Lifecycle Analysis And Predictive Insights For Valuation From A Junior Associate's Perspective, Kesav P. Chandrasekhar

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

Oncology-focused biotechnology firms present unique valuation challenges due to high R&D costs, long development timelines, and uncertain clinical outcomes. This thesis addresses such challenges by integrating the clinical development lifecycle with financial valuation models to provide predictive insights into company value. A structured framework is developed that primarily focuses on stage-specific probabilities of success (PoS) for drug candidates and their impact on firm valuation, embedded in techniques such sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) analysis. By quantitatively linking clinical trial phases and likelihoods of approval to cash flow projections, the model enables a more realistic, risk-adjusted estimation of a biotech firm's worth. Through lifecycle …

The Influence Of Political Uncertainty On Financial Markets During U.S. Elections: A Comprehensive Analysis, Ryan Hale

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the impact of U.S. presidential elections on financial market performance, focusing on volatility, investor behavior, and market returns. Political uncertainty during election years often triggers market fluctuations, influencing investor confidence, policy expectations, and sector-specific reactions. By analyzing historical election-year data, this study identifies consistent patterns of increased volatility, shifts in investor sentiment, and post-election market stabilization. Findings suggest that while short-term uncertainty affects market behavior, long-term investment strategies should prioritize broader economic trends over election-driven fluctuations. These insights provide practical guidance for investors navigating politically uncertain environments.

Treasury Analysis & The Digital Divide, Alivia Shaver

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper outlines the daily tasks of a Treasury Analyst Intern and highlights the problematic issues that arise from the digital divide in the telecommunications industry.

Exploring Emotional Intelligence As A Determinant Of Sales Performance: An Analysis Using The Ability Model Of Emotional Intelligence, Madison A. Kuntz

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This multi-phase research project explores the evolving role of emotional intelligence in the sales profession by focusing on four key themes: comprehending the intricacies of the sales field, understanding emotional intelligence, comparing emotional quotient to traditional sales tactics, and ultimately, harnessing emotional intelligence as a sales advantage. The study begins with an in-depth review of emotional intelligence theories and models, ultimately selecting the Ability Model as the framework for further analysis. Using this model, an emotional intelligence assessment was administered to students participating in the Walton College Sales Competition. Statistical analysis was then conducted to determine whether a correlation exists …

How Individuals’ Perceptions Of Health-Related Content On Social Media Are Shaped: The Impact Of Information Sources And Message Characteristics, Grace Mclain Hensley

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, serve as major sources of health-related information. However, the credibility and accuracy of this information remain a critical concern. This study used a 2 x 3 between subject experiment design to examine the effects of two information sources (individual influencers, nonprofit organizations) and three message types (general message, message with statistics, message with testimony) on perceived credibility and engagement. Participants were recruited through two primary channels to ensure a diverse and engaged sample. First, an email invitation was distributed by the head of the Butler University Honors Program to all students within …

Preying For A Spot At The Table Examining Regulatory Policies And Solutions To Combat Predatory Microfinance Practices, Nicholas R. Brenner

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Microfinance involves financial services such as small loans, savings accounts, and insurance to low-income populations typically excluded from traditional financial markets. While the services it provides can encourage entrepreneurship and work to alleviate poverty, insufficient regulation can lead to borrower exploitation and continued cycles of debt. This thesis explores the regulations leading to successful microfinance outcomes. Particularly, the variance in outcomes between Ghana and Jordan will be examined as a case study. In Ghana’s Wa West District, effective policies and financial literacy programs have enabled microfinance to promote economic growth. In the country of Jordan, however, a lack of strict …

Changing The Game: Examining The Impacts Of Name, Image, And Likeness Legislation On Dominance Within Ncaa Division 1 Men’S Basketball, Jaclyn Noel Lawrence

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

On July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) implemented a policy change allowing collegiate athletes to benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), enabling them to earn additional income through partnerships without penalty. This shift sparked widespread debate regarding its potential impact on competitive balance and dominance within college athletics—a principle the NCAA has long cited in defense of its amateurism model. Controlling for player, coach, and institutional characteristics, this study estimates a comprehensive model to assess the relationship between the presence of NIL opportunities and team success. We found no evidence that NIL alone has significantly …