Digital Commons Network^™

Presenting The Michigan Dental Association Award Winners For 2025, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This file announces the 2025 MDA Award winners, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the dental profession and the community. The awards include the John G. Nolen Meritorious Award (awarded to Dr. John A. DeCarolis), the Matt Uday New Dentist Leadership Award (awarded to Dr. Riley Schaff), and the MDA Public Service Award (awarded to Dr. Denise Polk).

Other accolades include the MDA Public Relations Award (awarded to Dr. Jessica Rickert) and MDA Dental Educator Awards for faculty at the University of Michigan (Dr. Riley Schaff) and University of Detroit Mercy (Dr. Mark R. Mortiere). The Allied …

An Introduction And Examination Of Firm-On-Firm Activism, Martha Jimena Paredes Villela

Honors Theses

This research examines firm-on-firm activism, defined as public, coercive actions taken by corporations against another corporation to influence them socio-politically. I investigate how consumers evaluate this emerging form of corporate activism using costly signaling theory. I propose that consumers will perceive firm-on-firm activism as more authentic due to the financial and nonfinancial costs incurred by the firm, ultimately leading to increased consumer support. An online experiment will manipulate the type of corporate activism (firm-on-firm vs. traditional) and measure perceived costs, authenticity, and consumer support intentions. This study contributes to the corporate activism literature by introducing and examining a novel form …

The Economic Impact Of The World Of Winter Festival 2025, Grand Valley State University, Christian Glupker

Other Faculty Publications

The World of Winter 2025 festival (WoW) is estimated to have generated or supported economic benefits for the city of Grand Rapids in the following ways:

• The total economic impact on the Grand Rapids area is estimated at $38 million in economic output, supporting 335 jobs.
• The total annual fiscal impact (tax revenue) of WoW is estimated at $311,000 for municipalities and $238,000 for Kent County.
• WoW attracted 2.3 million visitors, with 67% visiting from outside the local region.
• 44% of local visitors and 55% of all nonlocal visitors stated that WoW was their primary reason for visiting the area. …

Sociological Understandings Of Entrepreneurial Action And Intention, Jeffrey Cavanaugh

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Entrepreneurship as a trend has emerged across many different disciplines, drawing on theory from psychology, economics, and sociology. Importantly, sociologic aspects of entrepreneurship remain hidden from scholarship, as existing topics are often vague or narrowly partitioned. In my dissertation, I utilize sociological understandings of human interactions which define entrepreneurial intention and action. Specifically, I explore how entrepreneurs’ religion, rurality, and social media use influences their behaviors. Throughout these three quantitative essays, I contribute to a better understanding of the social psychology of entrepreneurship, and why entrepreneurial pursuits are so intricately linked to every aspect of society. Throughout my research, which …

Sustainable Fashion Identified: An Exploration And Education Of Sustainable Apparel, Michaela M. Lentsch

Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Consumers today are searching for and are loyal to companies who support their views and concerns about sustainability. The fashion industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, but one that has many environmental and sustainability concerns. Fortunately, there are many ways the fashion industry and consumers can take steps to make sustainable change and better the planet. Small fashion businesses and boutiques can make positive changes to operate and provide sustainable options and services for customers which can help the planet become more sustainable.

Through this manuscript, an assortment of sustainable methods and practices will be shared …

Through Every Door A New Story: An Advertising Campaign For Francie & Finch Bookshop, Aislinn T. Sullivan

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

More and more of our world is run by algorithms. What we see, what we buy, and what we share. Online retail has sent ripples through the book-selling industry, but the algorithms can’t replicate the feeling of tangible discovery and shared experience.

As more free time is taken up by digital entertainment, moms are seeking to create personally resonant experiences for those they love. This campaign strives to introduce Francie & Finch as the stage for the target market, moms ages 35-50, increasing brand awareness.

These moms remember the things that tightened their bond with their loved ones like …

Espn Navigates A New World Order, Grace Rowe

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

ESPN has been at the top of sports broadcasting for decades. Recently, there has been a shift in consumer behavior towards preferring digital streaming instead of cable television. In this report, I will discuss the background of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) and its competitive advantages. I will analyze the situation using a strategic framework to take a closer look at what solutions ESPN could implement. Finally, I will recommend how to successfully transition from the crown jewel of cable bundles to an online streaming platform. After looking at the PESTEL framework, Porter’s Five Forces, the VRIO framework, …

Leveraging Ai For Enhanced Multimedia Content Creation: College Students’ Perception On The Innovation, Georgina Amankwa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized multimedia content creation, enhancing efficiency and personalization. However, this rapid evolution has raised concerns about originality and ethical responsibility. This study explored college students’ perceptions of AI in content creation and its implications. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined surveys and qualitative insights to analyze how students engaged with AI tools. Findings revealed that while AI streamlined workflows, improved content quality, and boosted audience engagement, concerns about authenticity, intellectual property, and the diminishing role of human creativity persisted. Statistical analyses showed a strong correlation between frequent AI use and perceived benefits, yet ethical dilemmas …

Understanding Employee Performance In Technology-Mediated Environments, William Patrick Malloy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative flexible design single case study was to expand the understanding of the dynamics behind performance management in technology-mediated environments and the effect it has on organizational outcomes. Managers in technology-mediated environments struggle to exercise control due to the inadequacy of existing performance management tools designed for traditional settings, which are not adequate in remote and hybrid work contexts. The study was conducted using a constructivist paradigm and a single-case study research design, employing semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and archival data analysis. Data from all sources were coded using NVivo, applying first- and second-cycle coding processes …

The Politics Of Influencing: The Demand For Political Transparency In The Digital Age, Riley N. Chapman

Journalism Undergraduate Honors Theses

The goal of this research is to examine the relationship between influencers, party affiliation, and the desire for political disclosure. A desire for political disclosure is the preference for social media influencers to convey their political opinions to their audience to achieve connectedness. To research this, I examined the social media use of Generation Z students, as well as the uses and gratifications of their social media use. Two hundred and sixty-five students completed a Qualtrics survey assessing these variables. Results demonstrated that Gen Z feels indifferent about knowing the political views of the influencers that they follow. However, Democratic …

Creating A Website To Introduce And Inform Local Apparel Businesses’ Sustainability To Fayetteville College Students, Elana R. Applegate

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

Fast fashion has increased clothing consumption and waste, contributing to severe environmental consequences. Large retailers rapidly produce garments to keep up with microtrends, leading to consumer waste and unsustainable habits. This thesis aims to educate University of Arkansas students about fast fashion’s environmental impact and promote sustainable shopping practices. To achieve this goal a website will be created for educational purposes and will provide information on sustainability and fast fashion as well as local sustainable apparel businesses in Northwest Arkansas. The research draws from consumer behavior studies, business sustainability models, and the effectiveness of educational interventions on shopping habits. The …

The Future Of Work: Examining New Graduate Sentiment On Remote Work And Return To Office Mandates, Ishani Adidam

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic dwindles, companies that had leveraged Work from Home (WFH) flexibility are now implementing Return to Office (RTO) mandates. While 70% of employees prefer a hybrid work model, 61.4% are expected to work full-time in-office due to these mandates, leading to widespread employee discontent. This study investigates whether such dissatisfaction extends to new graduates entering the workforce. A pilot survey revealed that 68% of new graduates prefer a hybrid work modality, yet 52% stated that work modality would not significantly impact their job decision-making process, and 46% said they would be unlikely to leave …

The Impact Of Social Media On Fan Engagement In College Sports: A Focus On Student Fan Interaction, Lindzy K. Cortés

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

In the digital age, social media has become an essential tool for shaping how college students interact with their university sports teams. This study explores the role of social media in influencing student fan engagement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), with a focus on perceptions, behaviors, and platform preferences. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through a campus-wide survey (n=122) and ten in-depth interviews with student fans and athletes. Results indicate that Instagram and TikTok are the most effective platforms for capturing student attention, particularly when content includes behind-the-scenes access, humor, and player-led storytelling. Students who …

Social Media Marketing, Overconsumption, And The Female Gen Z Consumer, Margaret G. Leslie

Honors Theses

Social media has fundamentally changed the way consumers engage with products, trends, and purchasing decisions. The rise of digital marketing has amplified consumption patterns, particularly through influencer culture, microtrends, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Over time, these factors have contributed to a cycle of overconsumption, where consumers are encouraged to make frequent, impulsive purchases with little consideration for sustainability or long-term value. This research examines the role of social media in driving overconsumption, with a specific focus on female Gen Z consumers. Through qualitative interviews, this study explores consumer motives, social validation, and the influence of marketing strategies …

The Effects Of Hyper-Communication: A Quantitative Study On Workplace Productivity, David J. Olson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Today's workforce is overwhelmed with information delivered by tools designed to make them more productive. In a milieu of distraction and overload, employees are disadvantaged in processing the tremendous volumes of information they receive. This is called hyper-communication, which is associated with stress, overload, communication misalignment, and, ultimately, distractedness that impairs an employee’s work efficiency. This quantitative study presents research conducted through surveys examining hyper-communication's effects on workplace productivity. A sample of 631 respondents, solicited through social media, participated in this study. The participants came from diverse occupational backgrounds, providing cross-sectional insights into how factors like employees' titles, roles, gender, …

Decoding The Algorithm: The Mathematics Behind Tiktok’S Short-Form Content Success, Ashley N. Lynch

Honors Scholar Theses

Within the realm of social networks, TikTok has become the central hub for short-form video content. The network’s unique ability to capture individual preferences using predictive analytics has greatly contributed to its massive success, allowing the company to optimize its performance and content personalization. In an age where digital media have such a significant influence on society, it is essential that users develop an understanding of how social network algorithms function to make more informed online decisions. Although TikTok’s technological system is primarily undisclosed, the platform certifiably leverages several key mathematical principles within its algorithm to achieve its core goals …

The Impact Of Brand Ownership Structure On Favorability And Authenticity Perception Of Surf Athlete Sponsorships, Tayler K. Baldwin

Journalism

This study investigates whether the ownership form of a surf brand, i.e., public or private, affects consumer authenticity and brand favorability impressions when partnered with surf athletes. Following Aaker's Brand Equity Model and relevant literature on influencer marketing and subcultural branding, the study employs a mixed-methods approach with a structured questionnaire survey (n = 526) alongside qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. Quantitative results indicate minimal variation in mean brand favorability for public compared to private brands, while privately owned brands had more consistent perceptions of authenticity across combinations of athlete partnerships. Qualitative outcomes support the assumption that privately owned brands …

From Gender-Building To Sustainability: The Evolution Of Toy Advertising And Purchasing Decisions, Camille S. Hernandez

Whittier Scholars Program

For my Whittier Scholars Program senior project, I am exploring the psychological dynamics behind toy purchasing decisions. Specifically, what compels parents to buy certain toys and what drives children’s desires for specific products. As toy marketing continues to evolve, a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and non-toxic toys has emerged, appealing to both parents’ environmental concerns and children’s interest in aesthetics and play value. This shift has been heavily influenced by social media, where platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook play a key role in shaping consumer preferences. Through constant exposure to advertisements, parents and children alike are becoming more aware …

Amazon Strategic Audit, Trinity L. Hansen

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Amazon.com, Inc., also known as Amazon, is a global e-commerce company that provides online retail, digital streaming, and cloud services. Since 1995, Amazon has grown to encompass a variety of diverse markets while maintaining leadership and competition in each. Although Amazon competes in several industries, this strategic audit mainly focuses on its pivotal role in the e-commerce industry and how Amazon has maintained its competitive advantage over the years. This report will start by overviewing Amazon’s history and business model and exploring the e-commerce industry overall and the various competitors in Amazon’s e-commerce market. Diving deeper into Amazon's competitive analysis, …

Gap, Inc. : A Strategic Audit Of Gap, Inc. Company, Amber Hanson, Ike Mcley, Sophie Thomas, Avery Plessel, Kira Pavlik

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The following paper is a comprehensive overview of the company Gap, Inc., a leading global retailer with a diverse brand portfolio that includes Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta. They compete in the Family Clothing Industry through their operation of over 3,352 brick-and-mortar stores along with offering their digital shopping platform to align with changing consumer preferences. Gap, Inc. plans to maintain financial rigor, reinvigorating its brands, and strengthening its platform. Their strengths are found in their expanding e-commerce segment and their strong commitment to sustainability. Through a broad differentiation strategy, Gap, Inc. targets a diverse consumer demographic across …

Chipotle Mexican Grill Strategic Audit: An Analysis Of Chipotle Mexican Grill Business Strategy, Garrett Smith, Karissa Hodge, Baden Brumbaugh, Daniel Koland, Ellie Hurst

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This report outlines a strategic audit of Chipotle Mexican Grill and its business strategy and policies. The report dives into how Chipotle creates strategic value and competes in the fast-casual food industry. Chipotle’s strategic mission, Cultivate A Better World, motivates them to focus on sustainable practices involving farming, emissions, and water stewardship. Despite facing issues involving health concerns, Chipotle has recovered and positioned itself in a strong position for the near future. With its new CEO, Scott Boatwright, Chipotle has to navigate a crowded fast casual industry that faces market pressures from consumers around healthy eating.

Telehealth And Medical Consumerism In The Digital Age, Yibing Hu

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper discusses the role of telehealth in medical consumerism. As a cheap and convenient model of healthcare, telehealth enables patients to access healthcare regardless of location, as long as they have the necessary technology.

In the current healthcare landscape, insurance policies and high costs push patients to act as consumers of medical services. With the rise of telehealth as another healthcare option, the medical sector further becomes consumer-oriented. This ultimately changes the way patients interact with healthcare.

Quick Response Codes In Extension Outreach Communications: Insights From A Visual Content Analysis And Educators’ Perceptions, Kobina Danful Fanyinkah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increased smartphone use presents an opportunity to enhance the creative inclusion of Quick Response (QR) codes in extension outreach efforts. Tailoring extension programs to communicate with specific audiences has been identified as essential, highlighting the need for targeted and context-specific strategies. The development of QR code technology has provided a unique approach that allows extension professionals to target clientele with specific extension messages and programs. While extension has a commendable record in educational delivery through traditional forms of outreach, research on how best to employ digital tools with extension audiences is thin at best. Though the rising popularity of QR …

Adapting To The Digital Age: Information Management Strategies For Improving Customer Perceptions Of Digital Banking In Ghana, Crystal Frema Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mobile money services are crucial in the financial landscape of Ghana’s economy. Despite Ghana's successful Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI) project, significant disparities exist in digital banking service utilization. Using Design Science Research, this study examines customer hesitancy in digital banking adoption. The TIDE framework was developed by analyzing the information management practices and artifacts of MTN Mobile Money, Banks and reviewing the literature. It comprises three key pillars: Security Management, Customer Education, and Experience Enhancement. This framework aims to instill digital trust, improve service adoption and utilization, and promote financial inclusion and digital literacy. Expert reviews acknowledged its potential to …

From Interactions To Brand Value Co-Creation: How Internal And External Stakeholders Drive Consumer-Generated Branding, Vaibhav Shwetangbhai Diwanji, Juliann Cortese

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

Brand value co-creation (BVCC), a key concept in service-dominant logic (SDL) and identity-based brand management approach (IBBMA), plays a critical role in branding. However, the integrated roles of internal stakeholders (e.g., brand practitioners) and external stakeholders (e.g., consumers) in this process are not fully understood. Existing research has focused on either internal or external perspectives in isolation. This study addresses this gap by exploring the concept of consumer-generated branding (CGB) through the combined lens of both internal and external brand stakeholders. The findings show that as brand value becomes more experience-driven, meaningful interactions between consumers and marketers can lead to …

Diversity In Beauty Brand Marketing On Instagram: The Case Of Fenty Beauty, Julia K. Narh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diversity in beauty brand marketing is increasingly important as platforms like Instagram shape consumer perceptions. This study analyzes how Fenty Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, and L’Oréal represent diversity, particularly skin tone, in their Instagram content, using source credibility theory and social identity theory. A content analysis was conducted to evaluate how visual elements relate to engagement, measured by likes, comments, and shares. Findings show that Fenty Beauty features more dark-skinned models than its competitors. However, posts with darker-skinned models do not receive higher engagement. Instead, factors like model attractiveness and hair type, especially curly hair, drive interaction. Although Fenty’s posts generally …

Ai For Sustainability In Appalachian Businesses: Challenges And Successes, Mariatu Mahmoud

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examines the perception of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how this technology can advance sustainable development in small businesses in Central Appalachia. Participants described how they leveraged AI-enabled technologies to address economic challenges as well as how they overcame the technological barriers often associated with emerging technologies. Findings reveal that AI can significantly improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance visibility for Appalachian entrepreneurs. However, the research also highlights challenges, including trust issues, limited resources, and resistance to change, which hinder adoption. Results from this study produce strategies for adopting AI that enable small businesses to integrate innovation while …

Sustainabilty Reporting And E-Waste Management In The Electronic Industry, Sai Prasad Pochampally

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The rapid expansion of the electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) industry has led to a critical surge in electronic waste (e-waste), which is currently growing at an annual rate of 4%. E-waste contains hazardous substances such as mercury, cadmium, and lead, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation and pose serious health risks—particularly in low- and middle-income countries where proper recycling infrastructure is lacking. In response, electronics manufacturers increasingly rely on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting frameworks to demonstrate transparency and accountability. However, a significant gap persists between what companies choose to report and what stakeholders—particularly consumers—expect to see.

This …

Business Education 4.0: A Pedagogical Emphasis On Innovation, Flexibility, And Scalability, Huijue Kelly Duan, Hussein Issa, Miklos A. Vasarhelyi

WCBT Faculty Publications

Higher education institutions (HEIs) face increasing competition, not only from peer institutions but also from technology companies and software developers. The traditional educational model in HEIs is losing its appeal in comparison to more targeted and embellished learning offered by specialized outlets. This study proposes an innovative educational model aiming to help higher education avoid obsolescence. The proposed model, dubbed Business Education 4.0, treats content as building blocks that can be used to build personally tailored courses. The model guides students through creating their modularized custom courses, delivers course materials, analyzes student performance, offers students continuous support, and gathers feedback. …

Understanding Household Financial Stability: Examining The Effects Of Inflation And Income, Cyndy E. Gutierrez-Fierros

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study aims to investigate the impact of inflation on US household financial stability from 2013 to 2023. As inflation rises, individuals’ purchasing power erodes leading to influence economic behaviors. Behaviors such as spending, saving, and borrowing should be a priority concern in the US economy. Results of this study reveal that inflation does not affect financial well-being and its direct impact on household stability is statistically weak. Regression testing shows that income emerges as the most significant factor. Most noticeably income influences savings and debt management in a positive way. As per these results, economic policies should be focused …