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The Impact Of Tik Tok Marketing On Consumer Behavior In The Fashion Industry: Strategies For Effective Engagement And Sales Conversation, Latoya Burns

Theses

This thesis investigates the impact of TikTok marketing on consumer behavior within the fashion industry, focusing on strategies for effective engagement and sales conversion. As social media platforms, particularly TikTok, reshape the dynamics of fashion marketing, this research explores how short-form video content, influencer partnerships, and user-generated content (UGC) drive brand awareness, loyalty, and purchasing decisions among consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials. The study compares TikTok’s effectiveness to traditional marketing channels, highlighting the platform’s ability to foster interactive, real-time engagement and democratize trendsetting through its algorithm-driven content delivery. The thesis uses quantitative research to examine how TikTok influences consumer …

The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Transit In The San Francisco Bay Area, Richard W. Lee, David B. Reinke, Christopher E. Ferrell, Charles Rivasplata, John M. Eells, Luana Chen

Mineta Transportation Institute

This report presents the findings from our study for the California State Assembly Transportation Committee on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Bay Area Transit. The study consisted of a review of the literature on the effects of the pandemic on transit in the US, a detailed look at changes in ridership and economics for Bay Area transit agencies, comparisons of Bay Area transit ridership changes to those in similar US metropolitan areas, and analysis of possible remedies to restore the financial health of Bay Area transit agencies. Bay Area transit ridership has recovered somewhat from the depths of …

Planting The Seed: Rumors And Ceo Dismissal, Diego Villalpando

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

Researchers have investigated the short-term performance implications of CEO dismissals as assessed through investor reactions to CEO dismissal announcements. While the corporate governance mechanism of dismissal that boards orchestrate when CEOs underperform could be positively perceived by investors, empirical evidence suggests that a positive association between CEO dismissals and investor reactions is equivocal. Thus, in my dissertation, I examine investor reactions to S&P 500 dismissal announcements and further understanding about this intriguing relationship through the development of theory that incorporates the important theoretical mechanism of information uncertainty. Since it is increasingly hard for boards to reduce the information uncertainty surrounding …

Sentiment-Driven Decision Support Systems: A Word Embedding Approach To Analyzing Ceo Earnings Call Transcripts And Stock Market Reactions, Harsha Sammangi, Aditya Jagatha, Hari Gopal Maddireddy

Research & Publications

This study presents a sentiment-driven Decision Support System (DSS) that leverages advanced word embedding techniques—Word2Vec, GloVe, and BERT—to analyze CEO earnings call transcripts and predict stock market reactions. Tra- ditional lexicon-based sentiment models fail to capture the nuanced, contextual language used by executives. By employing pre- trained embeddings and machine learning classifiers, the study enhances the accuracy of sentiment classification. The proposed system integrates quantitative sentiment scores with event study method- ology to assess the impact of CEO tone on stock performance. Thematic analysis further enriches interpretability by identifying recurring patterns in executive com- munication. Results demonstrate that positive CEO …

Immersive Influence: Examining The Impact Of Virtual Reality On Brand Perception Among The Innovation Generation, Holden Gaylor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Now more than ever, brands must create innovative and engaging experiences to enhance perception and build consumer trust. Virtual reality (VR) offers an opportunity for brands to achieve these goals by providing immersive, interactive experiences that, when done right, can strengthen key brand metrics. Despite the growing use of VR in experiential marketing, research on VR’s effectiveness in shaping brand perception and influencing authenticity remains limited. Grounded in media richness theory, this study examined how VR impacts brand perception and whether media richness influences authenticity.

Using a mixed-methods approach, 20 participants engaged with the “Wendyverse,” a branded VR environment. Pre-, …

Navigating Local Values And External Strategies: Marketing And Development At Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Sophia E. Citro

Economics Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores the cultural and operational disconnect encountered while developing a marketing strategy for Mayflower Bocawina National Park (MBNP) in Belize. During a summer internship, my partner and I aimed to enhance MBNP’s visibility through targeted marketing initiatives, including website updates, promotional materials, and partnership proposals. However, our efforts revealed a deeper tension between external marketing objectives and the park staff’s prioritization of authenticity and experiential promotion. Through firsthand experience and reflection, this paper analyzes the challenges of aligning development strategies with local values, emphasizing the critical role of community engagement, cultural pride, and participatory planning in sustainable tourism …

Impact Of Smartphone Usage On The Performance And Satisfaction Of Hospitality Employees, Karalee Anne Taves

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of smartphone usage on the job outcomes (job satisfaction and performance) of employees, specifically focused on the hospitality industry, where employees’ income and performance heavily rely on emotional labor. The research was aimed to distinguish between negative smartphone activities (e.g., doomscrolling, social comparison) and positive activities (e.g., listening to calming music, engaging in stimulating games) to determine how these behaviors affect employees. Using the Stimulus, Organism, Response Cognitive Theory (SOR), the study examined if positive smartphone usage enhances well-being and job outcomes, while negative usage diminishes them. The results revealed that smartphone usage does not …

A Qualitative Study Exploring Senior Leaders’ Experiences And Perceptions In Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment In The U.S. Federal Government: A Systems Perspective, Karen Jane Dean

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sexual harassment (SH) is a prevalent, costly, and often unreported problem in the U.S. Federal Government. Despite decades of research from multiple perspectives and recommendations to address SH, the problem persists and remains complex. While some researchers and U.S. Government agencies have called upon leaders to commit to eliminating workplace SH, others have suggested using an integrated conflict management system (ICMS) to manage the complexity, nuances, and conflicts. Even though there is a call for leadership to address SH, there is limited documentation in the literature about leaders’ experiences and perceptions in addressing the problem. Therefore, this qualitative study was …

Media And Attitudes: Glp-1 Medications For Weight Loss, Wiio Meinheit

Honors Theses

This thesis aimed to explore relationships between media and attitudes toward using GLP-1/antidiabetic medications for weight loss. This survey-based study collected data on media usage, consumer behaviors, and attitudes from students attending a public, mid-major university in the southern United States. Data from the survey was statistically analyzed to find significant relationships and correlations between variables. The results showed that attitudes toward GLP-1/antidiabetic medications for weight loss had the strongest correlation with willingness to try these medications recommended by famous athletes. The results also showed that attitudes strongly correlated with willingness to try these medications recommended by social media influencers …

Of Headlamps And Marbles: A Motivated Perceptual Approach To The Dynamic And Dialectic Nature Of Fairness, Michael Ramsay Bashshur, Laurie J. Barclay, Marion Fortin

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

How do people perceive fairness? Recently, fairness scholars have raised important theoretical questions related to what information is used in fairness perceptions, why this information is emphasized, and how fairness perceptions can change over time. Integrating the Brunswikian lens approach with a motivated cognition perspective, we develop the Motivated Perceptual Approach (MPA) to highlight how people can be motivated to selectively perceive and weight cues to form fairness perceptions that align with their motives. However, these motives can change over time and through interaction with motivated others. By illuminating the dynamic and dialectic processes underlying fairness perceptions, the MPA sheds …

What Makes A Hospital Gown Functional? A Comparative Case Study Of Effective Patient-Centered Design Practices In Four (N = 4) Hospital Gowns, Robmarie Lopez

Patient Experience Journal

A hospital gown is essentially a patient uniform. Yet, the typical ``tie in the back'' hospital gown, standard garb for routine medical procedure, can have great influence over key intervention factors like receptiveness to treatment and patient self-esteem. Thus, the goals of this study are two-fold: 1) To understand patient perceptions of the standard hospital gown, and 2) To understand which principles and elements of design underpin effectively functional hospital gown redesign. Aim 1 was assessed via a comprehensive literature review of n = 5 qualitative or mixed-methods studies which surveyed or interviewed patients on their experience with the standard …

Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis Expressing Their Possible Selves Through Photovoice: A Longitudinal Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis To Prepare A Peer Support Intervention For Healthcare Transition, Maxime Morsa, Adélaïde Vincent-Lardy, Julie Haesebaert, Catherine Llerena, Lucie Pelz, Philippe Reix, Rémi Gagnayre, Quitterie Reynaud

Patient Experience Journal

While the transition from pediatric to adult care has become a field of study and practice focused on preparing the adolescent to ``become an adult with a chronic condition'', we are conducting participatory research to develop, implement, and evaluate a peer-support intervention aimed at supporting transition from pediatric to adult care for adolescents living with cystic fibrosis within two hospital centers in France. In preparation for this intervention, we would like to better understand how peer support could support identity self-determination of the adolescents. We conducted a longitudinal qualitative research using photovoice technique. For one year, 8 French adolescents (15–18 …

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: Connection, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Spring 2025 Talisman:

• Alali, Cecilia & Ragan Harrington. Connection
• Hardesty, Emma. On a Roll – Dungeons & Dragons
• Muscutt, Carson. Grinding Through Life – Molotov Skateshop
• Cox, Kate. Stopwatch
• Harrington, Ragan. 1 Campus, 7 Strangers – Logan Hesse, Nicholas Basile, Spencer Winterbottom, Alliyah Jones, Alex Gehring, Annie McClurg, Rowan Finley
• Vickers, Abigail. Forged in Combat – Mixed Martial Arts
• Wood-Morris, Oli. Survivors to Neighbors – Bosnian Refugees
• Jordan, Shylin. Severed Roots
• Bivens, Emily. Behind the Screen – Social Media
• Dean, Clarissa. Shear Talent – Shake Rag Barbershop
• Sutton, Avery. For the Love of the Old – Thrift Shopping
• Phelps, Maggie. …

Marketing Communications Mix Practices Among Micro And Small-Scale Enterprises, Marge Ethan A. Urbiztondo

The South East Asian Journal of Management

Research Aims: In developing and emerging economies, MSMEs are pivotal in generating income and fostering economic growth. However, in regions like Mindanao Island, Philippines, there are significant challenges to fostering equitable MSME-induced growth. This study delves into practices related to the marketing communications mix among micro and small enterprises in this region.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed-methods approach is used, including quantitative analysis of the marketing communications mix practices among MSMEs, as well as qualitative analysis of interviews with micro and small enterprise owners.

Research Findings: The study reveals a significant difference between advertising assessments grouped according to years of operations, classification, …

Balancing The Scales: The Role Of Work-Life Balance And Technological Support In Enhancing Gig Worker Productivity In Indonesia, Parman Parman, Muhammad Uliah Shafar, Deasy Soraya A. Aminartha Putri

The South East Asian Journal of Management

Research Aims: This study examined the impact of work-life balance (WLB) initiatives on gig worker productivity, focusing on the mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating effects of gig work characteristics and technological support.

Design/Methodology/Approach: PLS-SEM was used in this study to analyse survey data collected from a sample of 400 gig workers engaged in various platforms, including Gojek, Grab, Shopee, and Freelancer.com. The survey instrument comprised structured questions designed to measure key constructs, namely WLB initiatives, technological support, job satisfaction, and employee productivity.

Research Findings: WLB initiatives significantly positively impacted employee productivity, with job satisfaction functioning as a …

Mobilizing Discord On The United States’ Many Borders: Critical Social Science And Geopolitical Complexity, Margath Walker

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Attention to the political landscape connecting the United States, Mexico, and Central America has returned with glaring intensity, highlighting the visibly geostrategic elements of bordering practice. Scholars have focused on how state power materializes at multiple scales while at the same time being attentive to the contestable and mutable nature of myriad agentic forces. This talk operates similarly by considering prospects for a frictional and at times ambiguous spatial politics. I extend the notion of discord as a productive lens through which to consider securitization, mobility, and migration. I use two short examples—the border-industrial complex and migrant caravans—to illustrate my …

Author Biographical Notes

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

Strategies For Integrating Data Analytics In Accounting, Alisa C. Disalvo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The increased need for data analytics proficiency requires accounting program directors and faculty to explore strategies to reduce the technology skills gap between education and professional requirements. Grounded in the technology acceptance model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies that program directors use to integrate data analytics into the accounting program curriculum. The participants were 8 program directors and 2 faculty with over 2 years of program change experience in the accounting department. Data were collected through semi structure interviews with 10 participants and comparative data analysis with the AICPA & NASBA report. Through a …

Do Loyalty Programs Actually Build Customer Loyalty? A Service Quality Perspective From Indonesian E-Commerce, Jonathan Farrel Kosimwidjaja, Triana Hadiprawoto

The South East Asian Journal of Management

Research Aims: This study investigates the relationship between electronic service quality (e-SERVQUAL), satisfaction and trust, and three indicators of customer loyalty within the context of loyalty programs organised by e-commerce platforms.

Design/Methodology/Approach: An empirical approach using purposive sampling was used to generate a population of 326 Indonesian respondents over 18 years old who have used e-commerce loyalty program features such as store credit, points, discount vouchers, cashback vouchers, and free shipping vouchers.

Research Findings: Bootstrapped structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis proved that one out of four factors of e-SERVQUAL that apply to e-commerce platforms as a whole do not apply …

Enforcement In Human Rights Due Diligence Laws: A Comparative Analysis, Ryan Schmidt

Pepperdine Law Review

This Comment embarks on a comparative analysis of a variety human rights due diligence (HRDD) laws. It examines six different laws related to human trafficking and supply chains. These laws originate from five different countries and fit into two categories: (1) laws requiring a company to report what, if any, human rights due diligence it engages in and (2) laws that require more than just reporting. By surveying a wide sample of HRDD laws, this Comment provides a broad overview of this area of the law. It also describes the range of legal obligations that multinational enterprises face in different …

The Use Of Artificial Intelligence Applications By Media Students In Palestinian Universities And Their Achieved Gratifications “A Field Study”, Said Shaheen Allani, Ahmad Al Sallaq

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

The study aimed to identify the extent to which media students in Palestinian universities use artificial intelligence applications and the achieved gratifications from it. The study belongs to the descriptive studies approach utilizing questionnaire as a tool for collecting data, for an available sample of (165) individuals that were distributed in five Palestinian universities. The study reached to; (54.5%) of media students in Palestinian universities use artificial intelligence applications, they use it for several reasons, the most important phrase is “it helps me to produce good digital content,” with a relative weight of (47.4%), it also achieves a number of …

Detecting Ideological Bias In Trump's Tweets: Trump's Peace Plan As A Case Study, Amer Qasem

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aims to explore the extent of ideological bias in the discourse of elected U.S. President Donald Trump on social media platforms, specifically Twitter (now known as X), regarding his peace plan, commonly referred to as the "Deal of the Century." The study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine all of Trump’s tweets related to the Deal of the Century, seeking to answer the following research questions: How did Trump portray the parties affected by the deal in his tweets? What rhetorical strategies did he employ to present the deal? The analysis spans the period from the announcement …

Media Frameworks In Addressing Environmental Issues On Al Jazeera Net Website: An Analytical Study, Sabah Al Harahsheh

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to recognize the media frameworks used to address environmental issues on (Al Jazeera Net) between 2009 and 2024. The study relied on the descriptive survey method, the theory of media frames, and the content analysis as a method and tool. The study population consisted of all articles, reports and interviews published on the (Al Jazeera Net) throughout the period specified by the study. A purposive sample was selected from the articles, reports and interviews interested in environmental issues only, which numbered eighteen journalistic works. The study identified the most important frameworks that presented the environmental issues during …

Autonomous Intelligence In Fashion: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Agentic Ai Across The Fashion Ecosystem, Andrew Burnstine

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

The fashion industry is undergoing a paradigm shift with the emergence of agentic artificial intelligence (AI), a sophisticated class of intelligent systems exhibiting autonomous decision-making, continuous learning, and adaptive action with minimal human intervention. Moving beyond traditional AI applications in fashion focused on predictive analytics, generative tools, and supervised automation, agentic AI introduces a transformative paradigm wherein intelligent agents proactively navigate the complexities inherent in design, manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and consumer personalization. This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of the evolving role of agentic AI across the multifaceted fashion ecosystem, offering an in-depth analysis of its technological underpinnings, operational …

No Cheers, No Fears: Unpacking Non-Drinkers' Survival Tactics At Work-Related Drinking Events, Amanda Good

Dissertations

In certain workplace contexts, the organization may encourage alcohol consumption at work-sponsored events, such as happy hours and dinners. In these situations, being a non-drinker becomes a stigmatized but potentially concealable identity. This research explores antecedents, consequences, and moderators of the various identity management strategies used by non-drinkers in alcohol-centric, organizationally-sponsored events. Using hierarchical linear modeling, I examined how situational factors, including event type, supervisor presence, and psychological safety, influence nondrinkers' decisions to conceal or reveal their nondrinking identity. Findings indicate that felt social pressure significantly increases concealment behaviors and decreases disclosure behaviors. Additionally, psychological safety and supervisor presence emerged …

Decade-Long Deals: The Forces Driving Mlb’S Lengthening Contracts, Benjamin Cuccolo

Business and Economics Honors Papers

This study investigates the economic and institutional factors that influence lengthening contracts in Major League Baseball. Using a dataset of 652 free agent position players that signed for two years or longer from 1991 to 2025, this paper explores how factors such as age, relative player performance, collective bargaining agreements, and risk management strategies affect contract length. Results from the regression model show that younger players that are higher performing are more likely to receive long-term deals. Additionally, those that are extended a qualifying offer also typically sign for longer term deals as suggested by the regression results. A separate …

Measuring Exposure Through Targeted Ads, Sarah Bazell

Honors Projects

This study investigates the effectiveness of targeted digital advertising strategies for Company X, a performance motorsports fuel brand. With the goal of optimizing engagement and improving budget allocation, four distinct ad campaigns were developed and tested on Facebook and Instagram: brand awareness, product education, dealer locator promotion, and lifestyle merchandise promotion. Each campaign was evaluated based on reach, impressions, cost per result, and conversion rates. Descriptive statistics revealed significant differences in engagement rates across campaigns, with video-based, emotionally driven ads outperforming static formats. A one-way ANOVA indicated no significant difference in reach across campaigns but confirmed significant differences in spending …

Enhancing A Client’S Website Design Through Research On Executive Function Skills: Informed Decision-Making In A Service-Learning Context, Jacob Irelan

Honors Projects

This synthesis project explores how research on executive function skills can inform effective website design in a service-learning context. Executive function skills—including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility—are foundational to learning and development. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and engaging in service-learning through a client-based web design project, the study bridges interdisciplinary knowledge between education and visual communication technology. The project involved redesigning a client’s website focused on supporting individual's executive function skills, enhancing both its usability and search engine optimization. Hands-on, service learning experience supplemented by academic research allowed for the development of practical skills such as …

The Impact Of High Deductible Health Plans On Mental Health Treatment, Kristian D. Dambrino, Laura Gray, R. David Phillippi

DNP Projects

Background and Rationale: High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are designed to reduce overall healthcare spending by shifting more upfront costs to patients to discourage overutilization of care, yet HDHPs often increase financial burden, particularly in outpatient mental health care. Patients covered by HDHPs often face substantial out-of-pocket costs before reaching their deductible. This can lead to potential delays or discontinuation of psychiatric treatment. Financial transparency interventions by the mental health provider may mitigate these barriers through more-informed patient decision-making regarding payment options. This project evaluates the impact of a financial transparency intervention on reducing payment responsibility for HDHP patients in …

Don’T Cut The Cameras: How Media Coverage Has Impacted The Growth Of Women’S Professional Sports In The United States, Lauren Ehrman

Undergraduate Theses

The growth of women’s professional sports in the United States has long been tied to the level and quality of media coverage these leagues receive. This paper examines how media exposure impacts the success of women's sports, with a focused case study on Racing Louisville FC. By analyzing Racing Louisville’s media presence alongside its attendance numbers, this study highlights how limited coverage can stunt fan engagement and broader support. In addition, the paper emphasizes the importance of fair comparisons, suggesting that women's leagues should be evaluated at similar stages of development as men’s leagues, particularly when assessing success at the …