Digital Commons Network^™

From Amateur To Influencer: The Nil Era Takes Over, Olivia J. Matulich

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the change of amateur athletics with the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. For many years, the NCAA followed an amateurism model that prevented student-athletes from earning money, even though their efforts generated major profits through media contracts, sponsorships, and branding. The arrival of NIL in 2021 marked a major shift, allowing athletes the chance to earn money from their personal brand, which redefined the role they play within the collegiate athletic system.

This study looks at NIL from several angles, including its legal background, financial impact, and cultural significance. By reviewing key legal cases …

Exploring Real-World Accounting Problems Through Case Studies, Molly Clark

Honors Theses

This thesis is made up of six different accounting case studies completed both individually and collaboratively over two semesters in Accy 420 under the guidance of Dr. Dickinson. These case studies required in-depth research on the topics and reflection on how accounting concepts apply to real-world business situations. In the fall semester, a variety of case studies were assigned to help broaden understanding of relevant accounting topics such as regulatory issues and financial reporting. In the spring semester, students were placed into groups to do research on the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and evaluate its potential impact on an …

Bridging Theory And Application: Case Studies In Financial Reporting, Regulation, And Ethics, Keili Cm Ikemori

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the intersection of financial reporting, regulation, and ethics through a series of applied case studies designed to bridge theoretical accounting concepts with real world application. The case studies focus on how accounting principles are implemented in corporate environments, how regulatory frameworks influence business operations, and how ethical considerations shape financial decision making. During the fall semester of Accy 420, we were tasked with case studies that increased our knowledge in financial statement literacy, accounting concepts, relevant accounting regulations, and ethics. During the spring semester of Accy 420, we used the knowledge gained from the prior semester in …

Financial Reporting, Strategy, And Legislation: A Study Of Post Holdings And Relevant Accounting Topics, Noah Harkins

Honors Theses

This thesis examines multiple areas of financial reporting, business strategy, and legislation. This was performed through a series of case studies completed in Accounting 420, where the purpose of the class was to apply accounting concepts to real-world business situations. The cases cover multiple areas of financial reporting, including asset theory, 10-K analysis, audit risk assessment, corporate legislation, business strategy, data analytics, economic policy, and professional leadership. The main analysis focuses on Post Holdings, with supporting cases involving Tyson Foods, the Corporate Transparency Act, Thomas Sowell, Ronald Reagan, and broader accounting theory.

The research process used throughout the thesis consisted …

Final Practicum Thesis And Portfolio From Accy 421: Professional Development Reviewing The Economic Effects Of Maha Initiatives On Conagra Brands Financial Statements And Studies On Business Professionals, Everett B. Heuer

Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential legislative changes brought about by Robert F Kennedy Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign to uncover possible financial effects to Conagra Brands’ next fiscal year. This was achieved through research on RFK’s opinions on American food culture from sources such as interviews and Senate confirmation hearings. Findings included disapproval of seed oils and artificial food dyes that could affect Conagra Brands’ subsidiaries. After reviewing Conagra Brands’ 10k for the previous fiscal year as well as mission statements and core values, the team developed multiple plans for Conagra Brands …

Barriers And Opportunities In Women-Led Dental Entrepreneurship, Eliza Grace Ulmer

Honors Theses

Barriers and Opportunities in Women-Led Dental Entrepreneurship

This research examines the barriers that women encounter when attempting to open their own business. Specifically, this research will concentrate in the dental field and health care industry. Attaining the education, skills, knowledge and criteria to become a licensed dentist is extremely difficult. Adding the licensed dentist opening their own practice adds another layer of difficulty. These challenges are further compounded when the practitioner is a woman.

This research interviewed women dentists in the business as well as entrepreneurs that opened their own health practice. These interviews showed the process and requirements needed …

Examining Data Quality Management Practices In Light Of The Adoption Of Llms And Genai: Closing The Gap Between Iq Theory And Iq Practice, Venant Habamungu

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) has intensified longstanding data quality concerns while exposing important gaps in current Data Quality Management (DQM) practice. This dissertation examines whether widely used DQM frameworks sufficiently address semantic data quality dimensions that are critical for trustworthy GenAI and LLM applications. Guided by Information Quality (IQ) theory, particularly the Wang and Strong conceptualization of data quality, the study evaluates selected DQM frameworks used in practice to determine the extent to which they emphasize semantic dimensions such as accuracy, value-added, relevancy, objectivity, reputation, believability, security, and appropriate amount of …

An Analysis Of Accounting Topics Through Case Studies, Nathan J. Hilzinger

Honors Theses

This thesis discusses and evaluates various contemporary accounting topics and issues through five different case studies in both a group and individual setting. These cases are intended to give students an opportunity to research a broad range of topics and get an in-depth view of different companies, economists, and current events relating to accounting and broader business topics. Through this process students are required to use their financial accounting knowledge gained from previous classes, critical thinking skills, and continue to develop their writing skills in both an educational and professional capacity. The content of this thesis is largely derived from …

Dissecting The Connection Between Technological Advancement And Environmental Justice Through An International Perspective, Benson H. Le

Honors Theses

This thesis dissects the connection between technological advancement and environmental justice through an international perspective. With modern-day technologies advancing by the day, the implications of these technologies on our environment have been rising as well. This thesis looks to dissect the connection between these two entities, as well as view this connection through an international lens. Countries around the world view this connection very differently, and the way these technologies are implemented within the environment is drastically different based on different international views. This thesis aims to answer the questions about this phenomenon. How do countries around the world view …

An Evaluation Of Modern Accountancy: Insights On Regulatory Change, Corporate Behavior, And Financial Reporting, Cade S. Black

Honors Theses

The purpose of the course was to develop a series of case studies across various areas of financial reporting. These cases covered a broad range of accounting topics, including research on enacted reporting laws to the financial impact of potential regulations on global food companies. To build these cases, we were assigned to teams to research our topics and accumulate credible information to answer the questions given for each case. We also pursued individual cases in which the course had the opportunity to express their opinions as the assigned case was being built. This process ultimately required thorough research of …

Beyond The Bricks: The Friends Of The Burns-Belfry Online, Madeline M. Webb

Honors Theses

This capstone project was completed to offer a new website to the members of the Friends of the Burns-Belfry Museum and Multicultural Center. This project entailed research into the importance of a museum’s digital presence, the significance of community and cultural spaces for historically marginalized groups, and the role of community engagement initiatives for students and community leaders. All findings were considered and implemented into the website and website manual deliverables.

Accounting 420 Case Studies Of Current Accounting Topics And Trends, Reed Anderson

Honors Theses

This thesis consists of six separate accounting cases including a three part case that analyzes the effects of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement on the company Conagra Brands. These cases were assigned by Dr. Dickinson during the 2024-2025 school year. During the fall semester, we were given four cases referencing different accounting related trends and were instructed to research these topics extensively. We were placed in groups where we could conduct research and consult amongst each other in order to expand our understanding of each topic provided. In between cases, we were lucky enough to hear from multiple …

Applied Accounting Perspectives: Case Studies In Theory, Regulation, And Practice, Zoe Justice

Honors Theses

This document includes two semesters of casework completed under the instruction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson in ACCY 420. These case studies were designed to expose accounting students to more applicable research to their field of study that will help them in their future careers. This document includes a total of eight case studies, spanning various topics in the accounting field. Most cases were completed in a group, with a few being completed individually. For each case, the topic was researched thoroughly using online resources and a solution was proposed or observations synthesized. During the second half of the course, my …

Beyond The Numbers: A Patterson School Of Accountancy Practicum, Olivia R. Mardis

Honors Theses

This practicum comprises six case studies that explore a range of accounting topics. While each case stands independently, the work collectively emphasizes the interpretation of financial information. Although financial statements may appear to some as a series of abstract figures, accountants are trained to understand and apply the “language of business,” transforming numerical data into meaningful insights that inform decision-making.

The first case provides an objective analysis of a company’s Form 10-K, focusing on interpreting financial statements and using that interpretation to evaluate performance and guide decisions. The second case examines the Corporate Transparency Act, analyzing its intended purpose, potential …

The Influence Of Ole Miss And Nil On Local Business Strategy In Oxford, Mississippi, Benjamin D. Blossom Mr.

Honors Theses

This thesis argues that while NIL policies have introduced new financial and promotional dynamics, the relationship between the University of Mississippi athletics and the Oxford business community is still primarily shaped by long-standing, collaborative practices. The study focuses on how NIL is influencing these established relationships and the economic landscape of a college town where the university acts as a major economic driver. Through six in-depth interviews with Oxford business owners across retail, hospitality, food service, and events, the research finds that athletics, and football in particular, fuel much of the city’s economic activity. However, businesses see NIL-driven endorsements as …

The War On American Consumers, William C. Morrill V

Honors Theses

In this work I seek to discuss the various avenues that consumers have been abused by both individual corporations and wider market trends. I also attempt to shed light on how recent consumer advocacy movements have been gaining momentum to combat these issues. The background information for this work has been collected through years of personal observation of the issues at hand. The areas of technology, automobiles, and agriculture that are featured prominently throughout the essay are all topics of either personal impact to myself and family or things that I have a hobby-like interest in. I have kept up …

Esports Cosmopolitan Canopy, Reice Hicks

Honors Theses

This thesis concerns the area of sociology. Specifically, it is a sociological study of a community on Ole Miss’s campus and how they form what is known within the sociology field as a “cosmopolitan canopy,” a term coined by Elijah Anderson. Using this term, I proceed to prove not only how the Ole Miss Esports club falls under this jurisdiction, but the effects of esports on the youth as a whole, both positive and negative. All of my data was extracted via literature review, online research, note-taking, visual observation, and one-on-one interviews with people involved with the club. The entire …

Seven Top Opportunities For Utah Girls And Women: A 2026 Update, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Decades of scholarship—within Utah and across national and global contexts—demonstrate that expanding opportunities for girls and women begins with understanding where those opportunities already exist and where they can be strengthened. Building this awareness creates the foundation for strategic, high‑impact action. In Utah, the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) plays a central role in this work, producing hundreds of research reports that surface ongoing challenges1 while simultaneously highlighting the conditions, possibilities, and pathways that support girls, women, and families.

Communication Competency And Intercultural Adaptation Of Multinational Company Leaders In The Local Cultural Context, Andi Kurniawati S.E., M.M., Dr. Fuad Mas'ud , Mir

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

This study discusses the role of intercultural communication competencies of leaders in the context of multinational companies in Indonesia. The background is a multicultural global business landscape, where the ability to communicate across cultures is key to organizational success. The objectives of this research are to identify the forms of intercultural communication competencies that emerge in interactions between foreign leaders and local employees, to explore leaders' communication adaptation strategies in the Indonesian cultural context, and to analyze how local cultural dimensions such as high communication context, power distance, and collectivism influence the effectiveness of leadership and communication styles of multinational …

Financial Literacy And Kentucky House Bill 342, Rebecca J. Futrell

Honors College Theses

This study examines the correlation between taking a financial literacy class in high school and an individual’s actual financial literacy. It is inspired by the recent Kentucky House Bill 342, which mandates that a financial literacy class be taken during high school. According to recent studies, Generation Z scores the lowest on a financial literacy index among the past three generations. To address this, many U.S. states have introduced mandatory financial literacy classes in K-12 education. In 2025, Kentucky joined the 30 states that mandated a financial literacy class for a high school diploma. The Kentucky House Bill 342 selects …

Do International Alumni Give Differently? A Study On The Alumni Philanthropic Perspective Of Trust And Key Relational Factors Affecting Attitude Towards Giving, John Held

Dissertations

Philanthropy plays a key role in the funding of institutions of higher education. Previous research has focused on domestic populations, exploring the antecedents and elements of philanthropy in higher education. The literature has yet to examine differences in these elements between domestic and international, or distance extremes, amongst alumni populations. This study investigates the perceptions and motivating factors influencing alumni who experience significant geographic separation from their Higher Education Institution (HEI) and their philanthropic support for their alma mater. The conceptual model includes factors at the organization-to-organization, person-to-organization, and person-to-person levels and their moderating effects on the relationship between trust …

Not An Afterthought: Addressing The Academic And Social Challenges That Create Barriers To Belonging For Transfer Students, Brooke Jankowsky

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the academic and social barriers to belonging for transfer students at four-year institutions, with particular attention to the University of Mississippi. The goal is to bring attention to the issues that surround transfer student populations in general by identifying some of the most pressing structural and interpersonal challenges that shape their experiences. A qualitative approach was used, drawing on existing literature, prior unpublished research at the community college level, and reflective analysis to explore themes such as transfer shock, creating and maintaining social networks, and gaps in institutional support. Findings suggest that transfer students often face a …

How Ux Design Shapes Brand Perception In Digital Environments Among Gen Z, Adriane R. Arinder

Honors Theses

This study examines how user experience (UX) design shapes brand perception among young adult consumers, with a focus on digitally active individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. Drawing on a review of academic and industry literature, qualitative data from a focus group of seven University of Mississippi students, and quantitative data from a survey of 153 participants, this research argues that intuitive, accessible digital experiences function as a form of brand communication that significantly influences how users evaluate the companies behind them. The study conceptualizes UX through four primary dimensions: usability, navigation clarity, interaction efficiency, and accessibility. Findings …

Sustainability Strategies For Solo And Small Medical Practices In Kenya, Milcah Achieng' Odeny

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Ai Is Taking Over!: A New Generation Of Unemployment Fears, Amaya V. Hepburn

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The growing panic surrounding AI taking over the workforce is strong in a distinct group of demographics, in contrast to the fear of computers taking over the workforce that was seen in previous generations. This suggests that AI developments have sparked a wave of fear that is unlike the fear of tech developments in the past. I have discovered that this fear is prevalent across several demographics: age, employment, and income. By cross-analyzing through the 2017 and 2025 fear surveys, I discovered that fear of AI is more prevalent in younger generations and is more threatening to students entering the …

The Marginal Sexual Equality Game: Defining The Incentives For Sexual Equality Using Economic Game Theory And Butler’S Gender Trouble, Blaise Bowers

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This project takes an interdisciplinary economic and gender studies approach to explain subversion, sexual equality, and the marginal nature of sexual rights. The project uses advanced economic game theory to derive the Marginal Sexual Equality Game Formula. The formula explains the various political-economic incentives for a minority gender/sexual identity’s subversion of dominance, a dominant sex's incentive to suppress, the impact of cooperation versus division among minority genders/sexual identities, incentives and impacts of cooperation between sects of minority genders/sexual identities and the dominant gender/sexual identity, and the various consequences of various social mobility and elasticity. Additionally, the formula proves and showcases …

Modern Retail Experience Design For Gen Z And Millennials In India: The Roles Of Convenience, Personalization, And Sustainability, Pratibha Rai, Om Jee Gupta

Management Dynamics

India’s retail sector is undergoing dramatic change, increasingly defined as an omnichannel journey in which shoppers navigate marketplaces, social media, quick-commerce apps, and physical stores. Focusing on Gen Z and Millennial consumers, this study tests whether three retailer-controlled experience levers, consumer convenience, personalized shopping experience, and sustainability and social responsibility (SSR), are associated with Purchase Intention.

A cross-sectional survey was administered in Pune, Maharashtra, India. After data screening, 320 responses were retained and analyzed using multiple linear regression. All three predictors show positive, statistically significant relationships with purchase intention, and convenience has the largest standardized effect among the three factors …

The Changing Landscape Of Artist Success: Evaluating Independent And Label-Signed Career Paths, With A Focus On The Christian Music Industry, Nicholas Ty Brueggemann

Senior Honors Theses

Traditionally, record labels have propelled the music industry (Christian and secular). They established themselves in the late 19th century, allowing artists to accumulate acclaim more efficiently. Since their inception, labels have connected artists to a support network that delegates career-related tasks. Getting signed to a label has historically been the industry standard career path for artists wanting to become successful enough to live off making music full-time. However, with the recent emergence of the digital landscape, more promotional methods, opportunities, and tools have become available to artists. Through this study, insights will be gained into the necessity of signing with …

Perceived Communication Barriers Between Different Generations In The Workplace, Bryan Anthony Whiteside

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Sustainability In The Fashion Industry: Environmental Effects & Analyzing Innovative Approaches To Reducing Environmental Impact While Maintaining Profitability And Effectiveness, Haley Castillo Rebollar

Senior Honors Theses

The fast-fashion business model has several severe environmental impacts, including resource overconsumption, chemical pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and solid waste consumption. Hence, the sustainable fashion alternative is questioned as to whether it can be applied with recoverable economic value and limited consequential impact when considering novel approaches in business model innovation, supply chain transformation, and the adoption of digital technologies. Evidence suggests that sustainability and profitability need not be mutually exclusive when strategic intervening actions are effectively managed. The set of principles of the circular economy, sustainable enterprise architecture frameworks, green supply chain management, advanced systems of forecasting, and three-dimensional …