Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of Liv Golf: Examining The Ethical And International Relations Issues Associated With Saudi Arabia’S Sportswashing Project, George Gilbertson, Tyler Sasser

Undergraduate Research (Journal)

LIV Golf (LIV) shocked the world with its emergence in 2022. This project explores the impact that LIV has had on the sport, as well as the broader societal implications of the new Saudi Arabian backed golf league. First, an analysis of how LIV is changing golf at the professional level is conducted, concluding that LIV is creating positive change due to the elevated compensation for athletes and increased attention on golf’s biggest tournaments. Following this discussion, the geopolitical impacts, as well as the ethical issues, tied to LIV are examined. Since LIV poses little to no threat to international …

Identifying Best Practices In Small Business Meetings: An Importance-Performance Gap Analysis, Ashley R. Euritt, Nick J. Johnston

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Meetings are crucial for small businesses, yet many struggle to plan them effectively due to limited resources. This study examines the gap between the perceived importance and actual performance of 14 meeting planning attributes in small businesses. Through an online survey and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA), the study finds that attributes such as setting SMART goals and having employees arrive on time and engage before meetings are highly valued but underperformed. The study also emphasizes the importance of leadership, communication, and technology skills for successful meeting planning. The 5 Ps framework (Purpose, Participants, Planning, Participation, Perspective) is studied to evaluate the …

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 …

The Effect Of Implementing A Development Program Using Mental Imagery On The Time To Master Psychomotor Skills, Randal Agee

Dissertations

Psychomotor skills development programs that use mental imagery have been demonstrated to help individuals acquire psychomotor skills (Anu et al., 2020; Seymore-Walsh et al., 2020; Toth et al., 2020). The commercial trucking industry is presently experiencing a global shortage of qualified truck drivers (American Trucking Association, 2019; Staats et al., 2017). One reason individuals are avoiding or leaving careers as commercial truck drivers is the time spent away from home (Staats et al., 2017). A couple logistical strategies have been developed to improve the situation (Mittal et al., 2018; Prime Inc, 2024); however, for the solutions to be sustainable, the …

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.

Self-Perceived Employability And Employer Expectations Of Community College Students' Skill Gap In Industry 4.0, Cherri Wells

Dissertations

Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution, is reshaping job competencies and careers through technological integration, impacting global competitiveness, information security, and skill requirements (Jackson & Tomlinson, 2020). This shift has heightened job uncertainties, competition, and the role of institutional policymakers in aligning higher education with labor market demands (Kornelakis & Petrakaki, 2020; Tan et al., 2023 Tomlinson, 2012). However, inconsistencies persist between employer expectations and graduates’ skills, making employability, a graduate’s ability to secure and sustain employment, more crucial than ever (Fugate et al., 2004; Otache & Edopkolor, 2022).

This study aims to conduct a sequential explanatory mixed-method study by …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Effects Of Financial Literacy Education Intervention On Loan Borrowing And Debt Management Of Undergraduate Students In The Southeastern U.S.: An Experimental Investigation, Clement Yeboah

Dissertations

This mixed methods experimental pretest-posttest between-groups effect study examined the causal effects of financial literacy education on loan borrowing and debt management behaviors of undergraduate students in the southeast of the United States. Loan borrowing and debt management behaviors of undergraduate students are understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to fill the gap in the literature about experimental investigations of financial education interventions for university students and provided evidence-based recommendations for improving financial literacy programs in higher education. The study is theoretically grounded on the lens of Behavioral Economics, Planned Behavior, and Social Cognitive. This explanatory sequential mixed method study employed …

Using Video-Based E-Tivities For Peer-Led Assessment, Niamh Imbusch

Case studies: Digital Education

This case study describes an on-line peer-led assessment on the topic of ‘building personal entrepreneurial resilience’. The assessment is worth 30% of the overall module grade. Students complete a self-assessment measure of personal resilience (Reivich & Shatte, 2002) and are asked to note which resilience factor(s) resonate most strongly for them; they self-select recommended activities for building personal resilience and complete at least one. On completion, they prepare a 5-minute video recording using the integrated Brightspace technology, reflecting on their experience of the activity. Once all student videos are uploaded, they review and comment on – using clear guidelines – …

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 …

Better Together – Maximising Group Creativity Through Co-Design, Sophie Tversky

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The complexity and systems-level nature of organisational and societal challenges have called for engaging team creativity, benefiting from differing perspectives and experiences to drive impactful solutions. Surveying the co-design and group creativity literature, it is suggested that creative potential of a group is only realised when several polarities are leveraged by facilitators and orchestrators of the process. This concept was validated and extended through conducting a thematic analysis of a series of exploratory interviews, resulting in the identification of interdependent themes comprising stacks of polarities and a key problem to solve. The themes identified were: Determining Whether Co-Design is Appropriate, …

Equipping Project Managers With A Creative Problem-Solving Framework: A Leadership Development Approach, Alodie Reyes Dockery

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

This project explores how standardized processes can foster a change in mindset within accounting and finance functions at a large banking organization. It introduces a Creative Problem-Solving Leadership Framework (CPS-LF) that integrates Agile, Design Thinking, Lean Six Sigma, and Sprint methodologies within the FourSight CPS model. The framework was developed as an interactive digital tool and delivered through a four-part training series, guiding project managers through CPS stages (Clarify, Ideate, Develop, Implement) to identify challenges and apply appropriate methodologies. This project aims to strengthen problem-solving, innovation, and efficiency in highly regulated environments by enhancing creative leadership skills and promoting a …

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, …

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 …

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 …

Achieving Reward-Based Crowdfunding Project Success: An Examination Of Value Congruence, Bright Frimpong, Emmanuel Wusuhon Yanibo Ayaburi, Francis K. Andoh-Baidoo

Information Systems Faculty Publications

Crowdfunding founders increasingly rely on reward-based platforms to raise capital for their projects. However, the low success rate of reward-based project campaigns remains a concern for many founders and platform managers. Prior studies investigating participants’ motivations have focused on either the founder or backer perspective, with little research examining the joint effects of founder and backer motivations. Drawing on the theory of basic human values, we assert that founders and backers are strategic about their motivations for engaging in crowdfunding campaigns. We identify four basic human values—self-transcendence, self-enhancement, openness to change, and conservation—that may reveal their intrinsic motivations and investigate …

Circularity Within Service-Dominant Logic: The Role Of Perceived Ethics On Co-Creation In Sharing Economy Platforms, Saifeddin Alimamy, Waqar Nadeem

All Works

This study investigates circularity in service-dominant (SD) logic within sharing economy platforms (SEPs), focusing on how perceived ethics influence customer co-creation and commitment. It further explores the mediating roles of trust and reciprocity and the moderating effect of brand identification. Data from 365 SEP users were analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results demonstrate that perceived ethics positively affect trust and reciprocity, which subsequently strengthen customers' willingness to co-create. Trust and reciprocity emerged as pivotal mediators, while brand identification significantly moderated their effects on co-creation. By emphasizing the role of ethical perceptions in fostering trust-based collaboration and …

Bridging The Education-Employment Gap: Barriers To Employment And Well-Being Among Unemployed Individuals In Abu Dhabi, Masood Badri, Mugheer Alkhaili, Hamad Aldhaheri, Guang Yang, Muna Albahar, Asma Alrashdi, Saad Yaaqeib, Alanoud Alsawai

All Works

Unemployment remains a critical socio-economic challenge with profound implications for individual wellbeing. This study examines the self-perceived barriers to employment and their impact on key well-being determinants, including life satisfaction, happiness, mental health (where higher scores indicate worse outcomes), subjective health, family relations, friend relations, and the ability to make ends meet (ATMEM), among unemployed individuals in Abu Dhabi. Using data from a comprehensive survey (QoL-5), the analysis reveals significant differences in well-being outcomes across demographic factors such as gender, age, education level, and head of household status. Notably, barriers such as lack of social networks, job competition, and education-related …

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 …

Challenges The Sporting Industry Faced During Covid-19 On Fan Attendance: The Case Of The National Basketball Association, Marlon Long

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culminating experience project investigates the challenges the sporting industry faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focused look at the National Basketball Association. The research questions are: (Q1) How did the NBA arena shutdowns impact fan attendance for each team during the COVID-19 pandemic? (Q2) What factors influenced NBA arena attendance before the COVID-19 shutdowns? (Q3) What factors influenced NBA arena attendance after the COVID-19 shutdown? The data collected includes all 30 NBA teams from 2019 through the 2024 seasons. The research questions were analyzed using multilinear regression analysis and comparison of attendance data over 6 seasons including the …

Formation And Impact Of Informal Interest Groups: The Role Of Clan Culture, Bin Wang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This study explores the role of clan culture in the formation and dynamics of informal interest groups, particularly focusing on how multiple identities, such as clan identity, educational identity, and professional identity, interact to influence the intention to join the informal interest group, and subsequently influence individual outcomes along with group support. Through in-depth interviews with 21 members of the “Clan X Alumni Group”, an informal group with a same surname, this study investigates how clan culture fosters a strong sense of group identity and belonging, enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and psychological well-being among members. It also extends social identity …

Surveying The Effects Of In-Person And Word Of Mouth Appeals To Gen-Z On Fundraising Outcomes, Stephanie Huynh

Honors Theses

Fluctuations in consumer behavior and perceived disposable income are a concern for nonprofit budgeting. Even with recurring donor subscriptions, donations can be an unreliable source of income. As Gen Zers become more prevalent in the workforce, it is a matter of time until they form the majority of the donor pool. This study explored the efficacy of repetition as a fundraising tool in appealing to Gen Zers. The sample was Gen Z students at the University of South Alabama, and a voluntary exploratory quantitative survey was administered. 113 responses were gathered. Through analysis with Spearman’s correlations and descriptive statistics, it …

Leveraging Data Analytics For Enchanced Economics Prediction: A Study Of Predictive Models And Economics Indicators, Janelle Rueda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is intended to investigate the lack of use of data analytics in predicting and managing the impacts of economic crises. This project investigates what economic key factors can be used to create a framework model and evaluate the effectiveness of the key economic indicator being tested as early warning signs. The project uses programs such as Excel, RStudio, and Tableau for the collection of historical data, and regression analysis to determine if certain economic indicators have a statistically significant correlation with GDP, that may help enforce systems in place to help us mitigate economic crises …