Digital Commons Network^™

Freedom Of Expression

Student Affairs Policies

Georgia Southern University (University) is committed to the freedoms of speech, expression, and assembly. Individuals have the right to assemble, to speak, and to attempt to attract the attention of others, and corresponding rights to hear the speech of others when they choose to listen, and to ignore the speech of others when they choose not to listen. The rules articulated in this policy apply to all students, faculty, staff, and their registered organizations, as well as other persons and groups visiting the University.

How Does Racial Bias Impact The Perceptions Of Black Women Regarding Maternal Care?, Tanner K. Braddy

Honors College Theses

Between 1999–2002 and 2018–2021, the maternal mortality rate in the United States increased by 144% from 9.65 to 23.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. Although women of all races are affected by maternal mortality yearly, it is especially prevalent in black women. In the United States, black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than non-black women. Despite advanced medical technology and ongoing research, black women are continuing to die because of pregnancy at an alarming rate. Many studies suggest that discrimination and implicit bias - defined as subconscious feelings, attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes an individual …

Napoleon’S Playbook: The Political Strategies Behind His Empire And Legacy, Manjot Gill

Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History

Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule from 1799 to 1814 exemplifies a masterclass in power politics, characterized by three interwoven strategies: institutional reforms, the synthesis of revolutionary ideals with traditional customs, and the strategic use of propaganda. By examining these strategies, this paper argues that Napoleon’s governance not only secured his authority in post- revolutionary France but also laid the groundwork for the mechanisms of modern authoritarian regimes. His legacy endures in the centralization of power, selective legal reforms, and propaganda techniques employed by modern regimes to shape public perception and suppress dissent, underscoring the relevance of Napoleon’s blueprint for power in understanding …

Colonial Legacies And Co-Ethnic Repatriation: A Comparative Analysis Of Germany And South Korea, Eunjin Yong

Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History

The paper examines the contrasting approaches of Germany and Korea in handling co-ethnic repatriation during the early Cold War era (1940-1950s). Focusing on Germany’s Federal Expellee Law of 1953 and Korea’s absence of formal policies for Korean-Chinese immigrants, the paper illustrates how colonial histories influenced their respective ethnic projects and provides a nuanced understanding of how repatriation policies are shaped by historical and political contexts.

The Study Of Factors Influencing The Commercialization Of Startup Ideas, Ebadallah Yarmoradian, Zahra Saffari, Mahdi Maskani

AMTP Proceedings 2025

Commercialization of startups transforms innovative ideas into marketable products or services, addressing challenges like business model design, target market identification, investment attraction, and resource management. This study examines these challenges and highlights differences between product and service commercialization. Leveraging social and digital technologies, the research emphasizes improving communication networks, customer engagement, and process efficiency. It also explores modern technology's role in supporting nonprofit organizations and NGOs. Key findings underline the importance of technology-driven marketing, intelligent financial management, and robust communication networks. This paper offers practical recommendations for startups and nonprofits to tackle commercialization challenges effectively.

Consumer Insights About Restaurant And Bar Preferences, Griffin D. Burt, Richard Kaminski, Zachary Eckenrode

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This study looks at how bar-restaurants, especially in small towns in Central Pennsylvania, can use market research and targeted marketing to attract and keep customers in today’s competitive landscape. As the market becomes more saturated and customer preferences shift, it's clear that offering quality food alone isn’t enough. Instead, businesses need to focus on creating a full dining experience, which includes great service, a welcoming atmosphere, and personalized touches. Using PJs Tavern as a case study, this research explores customer preferences, demographic factors, and the role of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook in driving customer engagement. By …

Exploring The Affectionate Dimension Of Cuteness, Can Trinh

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This research aims to extend the current literature related to cuteness by exploring the affectionate dimension of cuteness to see how this dimension may differ from the other two types of cuteness discussed in the literature and the potential impacts of this cuteness dimension on consumers.

Integrating Consumer Behavior Theories: Understanding Modern Consumer Decision-Making, Khusbu Rahman

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This paper synthesizes recent consumer behavior research published in the Journal of Consumer Research between 2020-2024, addressing a significant gap in the consistent application of established theories across different contexts. The study examines key theoretical frameworks, including the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Stimulus-Organism-Response model, and their application in understanding modern consumer decision-making. Through a systematic literature review of 105 articles, the research highlights the complex interplay between rational and emotional factors in consumer behavior, the importance of psychological comfort and attachment in product relationships, and the role of framing and context in decision-making. The findings emphasize the need …

South Africans’ Attitudes And Behaviors Regarding Customer Citizenship: The Paradoxical Comparison Of The Primary And The Secondary Data, Christo A. Bisschoff, Sam Fullerton

AMTP Proceedings 2025

The current study compares the extant literature regarding South Africa to a current assessment using primary data to measure the same green phenomenon, namely customer citizenship. Secondary data were used to develop a profile of how external sources perceive South Africa. For the primary data, a sample of 513 consumers in South Africa responded to an invitation-only, Internet-based questionnaire that focused on attitudinal and behavioral issues germane to the five constructs commonly related to customer citizenship within the context of green purchasing and green consumption. The constructs in focus were green mindset, anti-consumption behavior, consumer coaching behavior, green advocacy, and …

A Model To Measure The Brand Equity Of South African Business Schools: A Case Study Of The North-West University Business School, Christo A. Bisschoff

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This study aims to measure the brand equity of a regional business school in the North-West province of South Africa. A tailor-made approach implied identifying relevant brand equity dimensions and their respective measuring criteria from the literature. Professionals and managers in the Gauteng and North-West provinces were targeted in a judgmental sample to complete the questionnaires, and 97 responses from the combined nine student research papers were analyzed. Five brand equity dimensions were identified from the literature and measured. They are: (1) Perceived quality, (2) Brand awareness, (3) Brand associations, (4) brand loyalty, and (5) University reputation. The results show …

Consumer Intentions And Its Influence On Local Rodeo Attendance, Sierra H. Greene, Melinda Mclelland

AMTP Proceedings 2025

The sport of rodeo has been an American fan favorite for many decades. The opportunity to experience western culture is captivating to many consumers. Although the sport has remained popular, there is limited research exploring consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions related to rodeo. Ultimately, this research will explore consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions toward rodeo via two studies. The objective for study one is to explore how students perceive local rodeos and how this impacts intentions to attend. The purpose of this study is to understand students’ attitudes towards rodeo and their intentions to participate and provide actionable insights to …

The Impact Of Buy-Now-Pay-Later Use Frequency On Social Media Shopping, Luxury Consumption And Consumer Indebtedness, Neleen S. Leslie-Piper, Toluwani Oloke, Ficawoyi Donou-Adonsou

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This study explores the impact of BNPL usage on social media purchasing, luxury consumption, and debt accumulation. 7,371 respondents participated in this study, and 7,248 reported their BNPL usage. The results indicate that the frequency of BNPL usage is positively related to the use of the buy now button on social media, luxury consumption, and indebtedness. Results indicate that all three dependent variables are significantly predicted by BNPL use. Both direct and indirect effects were observed, indicating BNPL's role in impulsive online consumption and consumer debt accumulation.

These results underscore the need for further study on the topic. Although significant …

Sustainability And Visit Intentions: The Mediating Role Of Identification With The Destination., Nicolas G. Lorgnier

AMTP Proceedings 2025

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework to enhance tourism competitiveness, crucial for recovery post-COVID-19. Despite initial successes, research on SDGs' impact on destination brand image is limited. This study explores SDGs' influence on destination brands and the mediating role of identification in a cross-cultural context, organized around four research questions. The study uses data from online surveys in five countries, analyzed through PLS-SEM. Results show that destination SDGs are the most predictive of visit intention, with tourist SDGs negatively moderating this influence. The study finds that SDG-congruity measures are redundant and do not enhance visit intention …

Exploring Digital Training In Sales: Insights From Technical Recruiters’ Professional Development Experiences, Christopher Wilkey, Austin Hostetter

AMTP Proceedings 2025

In today’s fast-moving sales world, keeping skills sharp and learning new ones is key to staying ahead. As digital platforms become more common in workplace training, it raises the question, are they really helping professionals grow? This study dives into the training opportunities available to technical recruiters, focusing on how they’re using digital tools for professional development. By interviewing technical recruiters from a variety of companies across the U.S., this research explores their experiences, preferences, and thoughts on the value of these training methods. The interviews show a clear preference for in-person training over digital programs, which are often seen …

How Do College Students’ Regulatory Focus Shape Their Behavioral Outcome Towards Institutes Of Higher Education? The Role Of Cognitive Flexibility And Social Perceptiveness, Saurabh Singh, Sarath Nonis

AMTP Proceedings 2025

Colleges and Universities across the United States are witnessing a decline in overall freshman enrollments. The latest data suggests that in 2023 there was an overall decline in enrollment of 5% among first year incoming freshman students across the country (Wood, 2024). To generate favorable attitude among current or potential students, institutions of higher education have adopted the use of social media channels for communication with students (Perera et. al., 2023). Through this paper, we address the critical question of how institutes of higher education can maximize students’ commitment, sense of belonging, as well as positive word of mouth intentions …

Understanding Med Spa Preferences, Lee O. Brannon Iii, Tabor L. Schilling, Baily R. Trettel, Nancy B. Alden

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This study aimed to understand the key factors that influence client loyalty, determining the most effective marketing channels, and analyzing industry trends and client preferences, in order for med spas to increase their number of client bookings. Utilizing a survey, the researchers gathered data on client demographics, preferences, and behaviors related to aesthetic services. The analysis highlighted the critical elements of client retention, the impact of various marketing strategies, and the competitive landscape. By analyzing the results, the researchers provided descriptive analysis of demographic variables and client preferences. This research provided actionable insights to enhance client loyalty, attract new clients, …

Crafting Connections: Language Use And Cultural Resonance In Marketing Campaigns For The Hispanic Market, Santiago Reyes, Alessandra Noli Peschiera, Kristina Simon, Melany Sarcevic

AMTP Proceedings 2025

Considering the rapid growth and relevance of the Hispanic market in the U.S., this study explores strategies employed by brands in their communication efforts to connect with this consumer base. Through a qualitative content analysis, the study analyzes emerging themes and patterns in terms of language use and cultural values employed in marketing and advertising campaigns directed to the U.S. Hispanic market. Results reveal a prevalent use of Spanish, with a rise in the use of English reflective of changing demographic trends of Hispanics in the U.S. Cultural values resonant with Hispanic identity are also employed in campaigns. Important implications …

Doing Business With China And Decoupling: Recommendations For Global Strategy, Nader H. Shooshtari, Timothy A. Manuel

AMTP Proceedings 2025

In the last several years, the effort to reduce dependence on China supply networks and in general to lead western countries’ trade away from China has gained momentum. This effort largely led by the U.S. has been a result of supply chain uncertainty post COVID and growing geopolitical tensions between the two countries. China’s increasing global ambitions under President Xi Jinping, including territorial claims in the South China Sea and Taiwan have changed the view of China as a reliable global factory and trading partner to a major threat to U.S. power. U.S. policymakers view of China evolved from a …

Exploring The Effects Of Strategic Orientation Combinations: The Moderating Role Of Industry Context, Mohammad Elayyan, Zonghui Li, Douglas Johansen, Caitlin Sockbeson, John Shaw

AMTP Proceedings 2025

Prior studies have explored the effect of market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation on firm performance separately. However, when making strategic decisions, firms often integrate marketing activities and entrepreneurial initiatives, which indicate various combinations of strategic orientation. This study employs an integrated perspective to examine the impact of various market and entrepreneurial orientation combinations on firm performance. In addition, it argues that the impact of strategic orientation on firm performance is contingent upon industry context. Using a sample of 182 manufacturing firms listed on the S&P 500, this study explores the joint effects of strategic orientation combinations (i.e., market orientation, entrepreneurial …

Bridging Workplace Discrepancies: Enhancing Managerial Plasticity For Effective Internal Branding And Employee Engagement, Lauren Peng, Tulay Girard

AMTP Proceedings 2025

Workplace value shifts and remote work have created discrepancies in managerial approaches, widening the gap between managers and personnel. This study addresses managerial plasticity development to navigate modern work environments and enhance internal branding. It introduces the Plasticity Model for measuring managerial plasticity and the Internal Branding Plasticity Model (IBPM) to explore relationships between internal branding, plasticity, employee engagement, job satisfaction, and loyalty. The research aims to provide insights into neuroplasticity development for fostering inclusive and innovative work environments.

Tournament Theory – A Marketing-Oriented Examination, Ada V. Campbell

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This paper delves into tournament theory from a marketing perspective, particularly its application in sales contests and other marketing phenomena. The aim is to unravel how tournament theory elucidates wage inequality and drives individuals based on relative performance. Key insights include the pivotal role of prize structures in sales contests and the advantages of multiple-winner formats, which bolster performance. The paper also underscores the limitations and assumptions of tournament theory that necessitate attention and advocates for its integration with other theories to enhance its practical applicability.

“Do I Stand On My Own” Or “Are We All In This Together”? The Effect Of Collectivist Marketing Messages During Challenging Times Like Pandemic, Milad Hour, Golshad Parsimoghadam

AMTP Proceedings 2025

During the pandemic, as people dealt with fatalities, lockdowns, and the psychological impact of reduced social interactions, some marketing messages still captured significant public attention. What was the key element contributing to the success of these communications during such challenging times? This study focuses on the role of collectivism as a stress-coping mechanism included within marketing communications. Analyzing approximately 56,000 brand-generated posts on Platform X, the research examines how the use of collectivist language (e.g., we, us, etc.) relates to message likability, particularly as the pandemic nears its peak. The findings reveal that collectivist terms are positively associated with the …

To Sleep – Perchance To Dream: Does Reducing Social Media Use Improve Sleep Quality?, Meredith E. David, James A. Roberts

AMTP Proceedings 2025

It is surprising given the increasingly high use of social media use among young adults and the likely relationship between it and deteriorating sleep quality that more research is not focused on the relationship between these two variables. The present study results supported our two a priori hypotheses. Social media use and sleep were inversely associated (H1). Further, our data showed that the level of social media use impacted sleep quality - a causal relationship is indicated between the two variables (H2). The treatment group that reduced its use of social media over a 10-day period reported higher levels of …

Pedagogical Approaches For Marketing Ethics And Legal Issues, Ellen Raineri, Erin Brennan

AMTP Proceedings 2025

Lapses and violations in marketing ethics and law can result in employee turnover, revenue losses, decreased customer loyalty, criminal prosecution, and civil liability. Although these topics are addressed in some marketing classes, students noted insufficient coverage. Also, inadequate discussion of legal topics can stem from new regulations and faculty lacking legal acumen and experience. To supplement teaching of marketing ethics and law, eight learning activities were developed: marketing ethics audit to identify organizations’ ethical lapses, vulnerabilities, and illegal activities; deceptive marketing campaigns; podcast analysis of marketing and branding legal issues; analysis of photography privacy and property issues within a …

Susceptibility To Online Shopping Influence And Online Shopping Advocacy Behavior: Role Of Trust In Online Retailers, Ainsworth Anthony Bailey, Mojisola Tiamiyu

AMTP Proceedings 2025

Despite the significant increased pace of online shopping, there remains a lack of insights on individual personality factors that drive consumers’ online shopping behaviors and their online shopping advocacy. Consequently, this research project introduces the concept of consumer susceptibility to online shopping influence (CSOSI) and explores its role in driving consumer online shopping advocacy intentions and behavior. The conceptual model contends that CSOSI drives online shopping enjoyment and satisfaction, which in turn affect consumer online shopping disposition; this disposition leads consumers to engage in greater levels of online shopping advocacy. The proposed research study also investigates the moderating role of …

Out Of Many: The Study Of African American Diasporas On Social Media, Brianna M. Savage, Sindy Chapa

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This study uses a one-ad experimental design to test the effect of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) on Black Twitter, employing an online survey with a convenience sample. It examines cultural differences within Black African co-cultures, emphasizing how language variation influences consumer behavior in social media advertising. The findings indicate that Black consumers with positive attitudes toward advertisements featuring AAVE are more likely to engage with the content on Twitter and subsequently purchase the promoted brand. This supports attitude theory (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975) and social distinctiveness theory (Grier, 2001), demonstrating a significant correlation between ethnic resolution and purchasing behavior.

Membership Support For A Professional Organization Based On Member Satisfaction, Value, And Commitment, Shawn F, Clouse, Simona Stan, Nader Shooshtari

AMTP Proceedings 2025

Members of professional associations join these associations for reasons that include benefits and services to members, advocacy and lobbying on behalf of members and their interests, networking opportunities and a sense of community and identification with fellow association members. Members are likely to commit to the association and remain as members to the extent they are satisfied with what the association provides and if they perceive the benefits to exceed the cost (not just monetary) of membership. This survey of members of a professional association investigates the relationship between personal benefits, professional benefits, customer service satisfaction, membership satisfaction, membership value, …

The Impact Of Online Vs. In-Person Classes On College Students' Social Functioning And Well-Being: A Pilot Study, Aron Levin, Irwin Levin, J. Charlene Davis, C. Edward Heath

AMTP Proceedings 2025

This paper examines the relationship between undergraduate college students’ mix of online and in-person classes on their well-being and mental health. We first examine the research on consumer well-being and Quality of Social Functioning and then apply these streams of research to our pilot study, an online survey. In our pilot study, we find some statistical differences in students’ well-being, depending on whether they take predominantly in-person or online classes. Students who take about one half of their classes online are more satisfied with their academic performance than those who take all or mostly in-person classes. Those who take all …

Thibaudeau’S Paradox: A Revolutionary's Complicity In Napoleon’S Empire, Krystal C. Tan

Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History

This essay explores Antoine-Claire Thibaudeau, a revolutionary who opposed Napoleon's autocratic ambitions yet actively contributed to his empire. Through Thibaudeau's memoirs and other sources, it argues that his ideological resistance gave way to reluctant collaboration, driven by the futility of opposition. His story reveals the complexities of dissent and compliance within Napoleon’s rule, challenging the notion of uniform elite support for the empire.

Judaism In Modernity: Franz Rosenzweig’S ‘On Jewish Learning’ And Its Philosophical Impacts, Simon E. Rosenbaum

Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History

This paper examines the works from Franz Rosenzweig and other Jewish philosophers to demonstrate how modernity led to religious and philosophical shifts in global Jewry in the early 20 th century.