Digital Commons Network^™

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

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

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

Beyond The Numbers: Redefining Accounting To Attract The Next Generation Of Professionals, Ella Million

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The demand for accountants and auditors is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, yet the number of students entering the profession is declining. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the number of U.S. accounting graduates fell by 7.4%, marking the largest single-year decline since at least 1994-1995 (AICPA 2023). This decrease in new entrants contrasts with the growing industry need, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the profession. Research suggests that perceptions of accounting as routine, solitary, and lacking creativity or social engagement may contribute to students opting for other business fields (Steenkamp & Wessels 2009). Given …

Mary Kay Reimagined, Allison Terveer

Theses

This project is taking the brand Mary Kay and turning it into a new brand that would be enticing to younger generations and become a staple in everyone and anyone’s routines. Mary Kay was a huge makeup brand in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the cosmetic industry has grown tremendously, and Mary Kay has fallen behind. They mostly target the older generations, the generations that were supporting them in the 1990s and 2000s. They need to expand their target range and get younger consumers to pay attention to them. With updated packaging, new marketing and a new way to …

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 …

Employee Experiences With Human Resources Management In Nonprofit Organizations, Jacquelyn Vari

Health Studies Capstones

When we discuss “Human Resources Management” what we really mean to discuss is the way that the people and employees are treated and accounted for in an organizational setting. There are many different approaches that organizations can have to human resources management, and nonprofit organizations in particular often have different degrees of management ranging from a staff member managing the whole program to having an external person handle singular processes like recruiting, onboarding, and personnel investigations. But how does a nonprofit’s handling of human resources management concerns affect the wellbeing of employees in an organization? And do employers have the …

Life Cycle Analysis Of Cosmetic Products -- Assessing Environmental Sustainability And Potential Impacts, Karina Magro Machado

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The cosmetic industry has a significant environmental footprint due to its reliance on water, energy, petrochemical-derived ingredients, and plastic-based packaging. This study performs a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of three cosmetic products: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush, and Gillette Foamy Regular Shave Cream. The analysis was conducted using OpenLCA software and free databases, modeling each product across raw materials, packaging, manufacturing, transportation, use and end-of-life phases. The results showed that the shave cream had the highest environmental burden to three out of the four categories, especially in consumption and carbon …

Creative Brief For Wk Kellogg's Co, Sarah K. Johnson

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In recent years, cereal, the once classic and essential breakfast food has been losing its market share and overall sales in the breakfast category. WK Kellogg’s cereal brands include Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Frosted Mini Wheats, Special K, Rice Krispies, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes, and more, yet their sales have been falling. They now face a challenge, as consumers become more cost and health conscious, how can cereal be made fun again? What ways can they engage with new audiences and further excite current customers? After conducting research, I have developed a creative brief and strategic pitch that include solutions …

Developing Standard Operating Procedures For The Dewitt Town Clerk’S Office, Noura M. Osman

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

ABSTRACT OF PROJECT

Developing Standard Operating Procedures for the DeWitt Town Clerk’s Office

This project addresses the operational inconsistencies in the DeWitt Town Clerk’s Office in Syracuse, NY, by creating a structured Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) manual. The focus is on six high-impact processes: tax collection, water bill payments, dog licensing (new and renewals), marriage license transcript requests, and handicap parking permit issuance and renewal. Each SOP includes visual info-graphics to enhance accessibility and minimize errors. The final product is designed to improve on-boarding, reduce staff reliance on memory, increase efficiency, and align with creativity and change leadership principles.

Framework For Enhanced Intergenerational Connectivity (Eic): A Professional Program Development Report, Amanda Michelle Reigle

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This program development report documents the implementation and facilitation of the Sages and Seekers pilot program at California State University, San Bernardino (Palm Desert Campus) from 2022 to 2025. Grounded in communication theory, intergroup contact principles, and instructional design, the report outlines a structured intergenerational intervention aimed at enhancing empathy, connection, and understanding between older and younger adults. Drawing from facilitator observations and program implementation experiences, this work led to the creation of the Framework for Enhanced Intergenerational Connectivity (EIC), a five-point planning model emphasizing leadership, facilitation, administrative support, participant continuity, and structured program design.

The EIC framework is accompanied …

Shortage To Surge - Studying The Post-Covid-19 Guitar Retail Market, Jed H. Kim

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most catalyzing events of the 21st century, leading to supply chain disruptions, lifestyle changes, and a massive shift towards digital technologies. During the COVID-19 lockdown, many people had more free time, and over 16 million individuals learned to play guitar in the first 2 years of the pandemic. According to a study by Fender, 62% of these new guitar learners cited the pandemic as their primary reason for learning the instrument. However, pandemic policies and supply chain disruptions meant that many guitar retailers were unable to satisfy demand, and backorders accumulated. After the …

Computer Vision In Soccer: Yolov11 Analytics Engine For Quantifying Game Strategy, Connor S. Maurer

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Single-shot object detection capabilities significantly reduce computational overhead for real-time computer vision in sports analytics at 60 FPS. YOLO11’s lightweight CNN gives promising accuracy while meeting the low-latency demand of dynamic soccer matches. As data-driven approaches take over the sport of soccer, efficient player tracking systems become critical for informing coach’s strategies. I prototype the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process of data collected from a single- shot detection program and evaluate its viability for estimating player fatigue. YOLO11 detects players, the ball, and other characteristics, with the output transformed by homography to estimate the positions in the real world. These …

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 …

Reap What You Sow: Using Historic Enrollment Data To Strategically Recruit Students, Hayden Cherry

Honors Theses

As the higher education landscape continues to become more competitive, adapting our marketing strategies to affordably recruit students will be imperative to maintaining both relevance and financial stability. Research has predicted an increase in tension as institutions weather the enrollment cliff, a period characterized by a steep decline in the number of college-age students in the United States. While this research is useful in informing our outlook in the coming years, there is little research surrounding the most efficacious methods for recruiting college students. Using data from Mississippi State University's Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness on student status and …

Hdwsa2: A Secure Hierarchical Deterministic Wallet Supporting Stealth Address And Signature Aggregation, Xin Yin, Zhen Liu, Guomin Yang, Guoxing Chen, Haojin Zhu

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Hierarchical Deterministic Wallet (HDW) and Stealth Address (SA) are widely used in cryptocurrency communities due to their functionality and security. In the preliminary version of this work (ESORICS 2022), we formally define the syntax and security models of Hierarchical Deterministic Wallet supporting Stealth Address (HDWSA), capturing the functionality and security requirements imposed by the practice in cryptocurrency. We propose a concrete HDWSA construction and prove its security in the random oracle model. Note that when applied in blockchain, in practice, signature aggregation could reduce the cost of computation, storage, and communication dramatically. In this full version, we develop HDWSA definition …

The Straining Effect Of House V Ncaa On College Athletics Departments, Sullivan W. Scott

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the implications of the House v. NCAA ruling on collegiate athletic departments, particularly in light of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and the NCAA's new revenue-sharing model. Through analysis of programs like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Auburn, this research reveals how schools are attempting to rethink revenue strategies, leveraging corporate partnerships, subscription models, and donor collectives to remain competitive. It also highlights disparities between Power 4 programs and smaller Division I schools, raising concerns over widening resource gaps, Title IX compliance, and roster reductions. Ultimately, this study concludes that while NIL reforms address athlete equity, they also …

Rigged Or Random? How Angry Bettors, Game Fixing, And Controversy Affect The Integrity Of The Sports World, Ryan S. Bostik

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper explores how the legalization of sports betting has fueled fan outrage, athlete harassment, and mistrust in professional and collegiate athletics. It explores the psychology of sports gamblers, the role of social media and online betting, and recent scandals in the sports world. It also highlights the measures being taken by the NCAA, government, and professional sports leagues to protect athletes and maintain integrity. This paper ultimately questions whether true integrity can be maintained in a sports world increasingly influenced by gambling.

Saving Grace Nwa & Immerse Arkansas Internships: An Analysis Of Arkansas Nonprofits Serving Youth In Crisis Situations, Raegan A. Mcelmurry

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the United States, there are 23,000 youth each year who age out of foster care (Morris, 2021). Aging out occurs when the youth turn 18 and are no longer under the provision of child welfare, as they are considered legal adults. Most of these youth, however, do not have stable support systems to fall back on, due to not being adopted during their time in the system. Because of the lack of financial and emotional support, 20% will immediately encounter homelessness, 60% will engage in criminal activity, and 50% will have no steady income within four years removed from …

Creative Brief For North Shores Resort & Marina, Shelby B. King

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In today’s experience-driven travel market, destinations that offer authenticity, affordability, and a sense of community stand out. North Shores Resort and Marina, located on the scenic northeast end of Lake Ouachita, has long been a hidden gem offering a strong sense of family and community, prolonged camper stays, and more economical pricing compared to nearby marinas. Despite consistently high occupancy rates for boat slips and campsites, North Shores has an opportunity to expand its visibility and grow its customer base through improved marketing strategies. As a former employee with direct insight into the day-to-day operations, I identified key areas where …

Corporate Partnerships: The Heartbeat Of An Organization, Turner J. Symancyk

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

A deep-dive into the world of Corporate Partnerships for large sporting events. This thesis includes day-to-day responsibilities and takeaways from a ten-week internship with the 2024 Men's Basketball Final Four event.

Rome Wasn’T Marketed In A Day, Hayden Brown

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores the topics of cultural branding, consumer behavior, and tourism marketing in Rome, Italy, based firsthand experiences during a summer study abroad program. By looking at how companies, brands, and places market themselves in Rome, brands in the United States can apply the same concepts and strategies that work in a global setting. This study highlights key differences between U.S. and Italian approaches to marketing tactics and insight into why these strategies work so well in Rome. Marketing is a way for brands to build emotional connections with consumers, and companies in Rome have mastered these connections with …

Customer And Employee Centricity: Insights From A Walmart Merchandising Internship, Sarah G. Waller

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores the application of customer and employee centric principles through the lens of a merchandising internship at Walmart. Over an eight week period, the author gained firsthand experience in Walmart’s School and Office Supplies category during the Back-to-School season. The project involved developing a new modular and assortment strategy grounded in data analysis, customer insights, and field research. Central themes include the value of curiosity, hands on learning, and the power of purpose driven leadership. The experience emphasizes how aligning merchandising strategies with real customer needs can drive success.

Bridging The Gap: Management Vs. Leadership And The Path To Mastering Both, Wesley A. Key

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Management and leadership, though often conflated, represent distinct but complementary skills that are critical for organizational success. This thesis aims to explore the fundamental differences between management and leadership, highlighting how these roles interact and the necessity for individuals to master both to excel in today’s dynamic business environment. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from psychology, organizational behavior, and case studies, this research synthesizes academic literature to address key questions: What core competencies distinguish leaders from managers? How do these competencies align or conflict with one another in real-world settings? And what practical steps can individuals take to develop proficiency in …

Creative Brief For Reign Storm, Caroline F. Mccready

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis presents a comprehensive creative strategy for Reign Storm, a health-conscious energy drink under the Monster Energy brand, aiming to capture the attention and loyalty of Gen Z consumers. Recognizing Gen Z’s prioritization of wellness, transparency, and authenticity, the project develops actionable marketing strategies tailored to their values and behaviors. Through competitive analysis, consumer research, and trend identification, the thesis identifies Reign Storm’s market opportunities and challenges in a rapidly growing clean energy sector dominated by brands like Celsius and Alani Nu.

Key deliverables include the creation of a Collegiate Ambassadors Program, a strategic content plan to maximize TikTok …

Sports Betting, The Gateway Drug To A Gambling Addiction: A Study Of The Implications Of Sports Gambling On Societal Well-Being And Its Effects On The Younger Generation, Ellison Lewis

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction

It is everywhere you turn. In recent years we have seen unprecedented growth in the advertising, activities, and addiction of gambling. To put it into perspective “the AGA reported that total revenue from land-based casino games, sports betting and iGaming reached $66.52 billion for the calendar year, a 10% gain from the previous record set in 2022.” Of that, $10.92 billion came from sports betting specifically which was a 44.5% increase from the prior year (Reynolds, 2024). Factors contributing to the rise include the increase in gambling advertisements, the legalization of sports betting, and the removal of environmental barriers …

Knockin’ On Music’S Door: A Cross-Generational Study Of The Formation Of Tastes, Roles, And Affinities For Music, Hannah B. Turner

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The music we love is a direct reflection of who we are. It shapes our identity, fuels our emotions, and connects us to the world around us. Whether it's the anthems of our youth, the lyrics that put our feelings into words, or the melodies that bring back memories, music is woven into every stage of life. It influences the way we dress, the communities we belong to, and the way we see ourselves. Our playlists may evolve, but the connection remains the same. Music is more than just something we listen to; it’s a part of us.

Garver, Lucas G. Ortiz

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis is a summary of my two-year internship at Garver, an engineering firm headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. I interned with the finance department in the North Little Rock office. During my time with Garver, I gained an abundance of technical experience in the accounting field, as well as invaluable networking and professional development skills.

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 …

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. …