Digital Commons Network^™

Compliance, Title Ix, And Equity; Women's Athletics At The University Of Mississippi, Savannah G. Davis

Honors Theses

This project investigates the Education Amendments Act of 1972, also known as Title IX. Specifically, the focus areas are scholarship dollars, proportionality, and equitable benefits promoting gender equity as required by Title IX and the NCAA. Data was collected through standard interview procedure and research through the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Online Database. My findings include that Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools spend more operationally and on recruiting male athletes, on average, than non-SEC schools, (2) the deviation for female athletes is not as large when surveying SEC and non-SEC schools, and (3) the male-female financial aid percentage gap is …

An Ethical Analysis Of Sports Specialization And The Harms It Poses To Youth Athletes, Caleb Bohannon

Honors Theses

Whereas youth sports in the United States were once commonly funded by local or state park and recreation commissions, current commercialization trends within the industry have caused youth sports to become increasingly commodified. Now, youth sports use private pay-to-play, or “competitive” sports models. Attempting to maintain a competitive advantage over their peers and further their athletic pursuits in this context, more youth now seek to specialize in their respective sports. When youth specialize, they focus their participation on a single sport for most of the year, which interferes with their participation in other sports and activities. This thesis explores neglected …

The Pope And The ʿUlamāʾ: A Study Of Religious Institutions And Their Evolving Relationship To Government, Benjamin Newton

Honors Theses

How and why have religious institutions changed during historical critical junctures in their relationship with government? The literature on this topic, with notable but limited exceptions (Brown et al. 2024, Koesel 2014, Fox 2008), has tended to focus on one specific institution at a time, even if analyzing its actions within multiple states. Through this project, I focus not on the same institution in different states, but on two major religious establishments in the states in which they are based. I analyze the Roman Catholic Church and the Wahhābi establishment in Italy and Saudi Arabia, respectively, to come to a …

Sleep's Relationship To Executive Functioning In Toddlers, Ella Havertape

Honors Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between toddlers’ sleep and executive functioning. While there are a few studies that examine the relation between sleep and executive functioning in this age group, the majority of research focuses on older populations. Regardless, previous research has found a correlation between sleep problems and executive functioning abilities. This study utilized a parent reported questionnaire to measure children’s sleep and a battery of tasks to measure executive functioning. The results revealed no correlation between sleep duration and executive function performance, however, I did find a correlation between night wakefulness and …

Development Of A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (Cure) Using The Bess Beetle, Sreya Maddali

Honors Theses

Participating in scientific research has increasingly been important in helping students develop necessary science learning skills, like critical thinking. One way of introducing students to these experiences is a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). CUREs enable students to improve in similar ways to internships and are more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. The goal was to create a CURE centered around ecological genetics, using the Bess Beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus) as the focal organism of a 16-week course. This species was selected because of its wide geographic range and divergent genetic lineages based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) …

Labyrinth And Other Rude Awakenings, Jack Eno

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of short fiction stories written by myself over the course of my final three semesters before graduation. Four are short stories, while one is novella length. I went into this project intending to write as diverse a collection as I could manage, while still maintaining a consistent theme or set of themes throughout the collection. The stories are connected by themes of sudden and unfortunate realizations of unspoken truth, religion, and the ways in which religious trauma can affect different people. The stories range in tone, with one comedy, one horror, one criminal drama, and …

We Get To Live Here?: Housing Insecurity And Assistance Availability In Oxford, Mississippi, Ashlyn Hinton

Honors Theses

As Oxford continues to thrive as a university town and tourist destination, the rates of housing insecurity are rising for full-time residents in the community. The types of housing insecurity experienced and their effects can range broadly across households in Oxford, but they consistently lead to low to middle income families experiencing the negative side effects associated with increased transience, poor housing conditions, or being cost-burdened by housing. This study seeks to determine the factors contributing to housing insecurity in Oxford, how this affects residents, and if the current resources are accessible and proportionate to the levels of need within …

Predicting Personal Growth: An Analysis Of Self-Relevant Approaches, Cole Morse

Honors Theses

Identifying predictors of personal growth–defined as striving to fulfill one’s unique potential–may be important for achieving a life of flourishing (Ryff & Singer, 2008). While existing research demonstrates the link between self-esteem and personal growth, gaps remain in our knowledge of the relationship between other potential self-referential predictors and personal growth (Paradise & Kernis, 2002). The intention of the current study is to not only conceptually replicate the link between positive self-regard (i.e., a positive self-evaluation that is theoretically akin to self-esteem) and personal growth, but to also investigate whether different ways of relating to the self offer unique pathways …

The Effects Of Additive Manufacturing On Canine Hind Limb Repairment Surgery, Annabel Keers

Honors Theses

The intention of this project is to explore some of the ways that additive manufacturing is affecting veterinary medicine. I will specifically be delving into canine hind limb repairment surgeries, such as cranial cruciate ligament reconstruction. 3D printed prototypes have been utilized in the human medical field for quite a while, and it has inspired such technology to expand into the world of veterinary medicine. Such emerging research is expected to take-off as the pet market grows in size and level of care for the health of our animals.

I took special interest in this field as I will be …

Your Money Or Your Life: A Study Of Medical Debt In The Southeastern United States, Grace Barrett

Honors Theses

A major issue has emerged from the U.S. healthcare system: medical debt. Medical debt is a serious problem in the U.S. that often cripples those who received healthcare services, but are unable to pay the bill. The most common scenario is when an unexpected major medical issue occurs, e.g. a heart attack, an automobile accident, cancer or anything requiring an emergency room visit. These hospital visits often result in very large, very unexpected expenses. These expenses are ultimately owed to the healthcare provider by the patient (or the patient's insurance policy) and increasingly, cause lifelong financial stress to those who …

Climate Change In Mississippi: A Journalistic Exploration Of Education And Activism, Kala Nance

Honors Theses

Climate Change in Mississippi: A Journalistic Exploration of Education and Activism takes an investigative, journalistic approach toward climate change in Mississippi. Specifically, how education and awareness have a direct impact on Mississippi industries, people and legislation. The project explored the level of acknowledgement of climate change across the state, and how certain individuals used advocacy to encourage education about climate change to raise awareness of the severity of the situation. This project includes interviews with university professors and researchers, non-profit organizations, educational groups and working individuals in some of Mississippi’s largest areas of employment. Additionally, this project draws on research …

"Ole Miss": A Case For The Name's Removal And Steps Toward Implementation, William Henderson

Honors Theses

The purpose of this project is to provide one justification of why the University of Mississippi should cease its usage of its nickname, “Ole Miss,” and provide insight into what the next steps of the University should be. “Ole Miss” is a term that was installed with the intention of romanticizing the social order that the system of slavery provided in the Antebellum South. The attitudes toward plantation society that the name perpetuates pose several forms of harm to members of the University’s community. Institutions of higher learning maintain a special relationship with their students, which presents a strong obligation …

Manipulative, Dark, And Unethical Design Practices In Ui & Ux Design, Ryan Edward Brown

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the pervasive and detrimental effects of manipulative user interface and user experience design (UI/UX) practices on individuals and society. Focusing on three critical areas – accessibility, dark patterns, and polarization – the study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining findings from a comprehensive literature review, an analysis of specific design patterns and methods, and a survey of user experiences.
The literature review covers topics such as the importance of accessibility in design education, the prevalence of dark patterns in mobile and desktop sites, the role of personalization algorithms in shaping user experiences, and the formation of echo chambers …

Utilizing Journaling To Develop A Personalized And Efficient Musical Practice Regimen, Erin Kilpatrick

Honors Theses

Musicians universally agree that practicing consistently is vital to improvement. However, a lot of young musicians do not understand how to practice effectively. There are many factors that influence practice time, focus, and overall learning. For the purpose of this research, I will define “efficient practicing” as any practice that increases development as a player and encourages the player to continue in pursuit of learning music. This encompasses physical aspects like ligature, reed, mouthpiece, and the horn itself, as well as more broad musicianship fundamentals such as developing a characteristic tone, building technique, and learning how to phrase appropriately, must …

Get It Out Of My Head: The Psychological Effects Of Music In Strategic Advertising Practices, Brady Jonah Wood

Honors Theses

For generations, music has served as a powerful marketing tool. When radio reigned supreme as the go-to source of household entertainment, savvy advertisers employed any means necessary to capture the listener's attention. Even today, music remains a powerful force in shaping culture, driving, and reinforcing consumer behavior.

This study aims to explore how brands leverage music in their advertisements to enhance consumers' recall of their products. By utilizing music as a marketing tool, advertisers can effectively ingrain their products in consumers' minds. Selected advertisements are examined to determine how the effect of advertising jingles can create a consistent and memorable …

Are We Ready: Envisioning An Inclusive Higher Education Program For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At The University Of Mississippi, Bailey Beaird

Honors Theses

An inclusive higher education program (IHEP) exists for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) to foster academic success, employment equipping, interpersonal skill development, and active participation and value validation in the community. Establishing an IHEP can benefit current university students, faculty, and staff, and individuals with I/DDs and their families to create a more informed, inclusive environment. The University of Mississippi (UM) does not currently have an IHEP. Therefore, my advocacy initiative seeks to provide an opportunity for individuals with I/DDs to receive a college education and experience at UM. For two and a half years, I independently researched …

Penny's Dream, Calyn Ashe

Undergraduate B.F.A. Theses in Studio Art

No abstract provided.

A Collection Of Case Studies On Financial Accounting Themes, Colton Jones

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of accounting case themes. There are eight cases that comprise this thesis including: Operational Risk Assessment, ESG and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment, Audit Risk and Planning, Tax Planning, Famous Economist, Liquidity Crisis, Financial Crisis, and Excel Fundamentals – Formulas for Finance. There is an immense variety of topics presented and studies throughout this compilation. All have given me an immeasurable learning experience. Case I through Case IV contend with the Case Competition that spread throughout the entire Fall semester. The company that these cases focus on is Chuy’s Holding Incorporated.

Imperative Issues Pertaining To The Accounting World, Tessa Willow Crosby

Honors Theses

This paper focuses on current issues surrounding the accounting industry. The company called 3D System’s Corporation is used to point out different issues in accounting. These issues include carbon sequestration, tax cuts, and liabilities to shareholders. By diving into the world of accounting, this paper peels back the curtain to show how corporations operate financially.

Financial Assessment Of Executive Decision-Making And Risk Management: A Case Study Of Autozone, Carolina Hollis

Honors Theses

This area of investigation pertains to the business organizational structure, executive summary, and risk management decisions of AutoZone within the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This analysis was performed by examining previous financial records, the yearly 10-K report, and various research databases regarding the financial performance of retail auto part companies. Many different sources were used to gather information about AutoZone. AutoZone has an intricate financial system that maintains the going concern by addressing current issues within the financial world to combat problems they could face in the future. These risk factors include inflation, interest rates, energy prices, political climates, and supply …

Exploring The Efficacy Of The Advancement Via Individual Determination (Avid) Program At Promoting Student Motivation, Nya Thompson, Nya J. Thompson

Honors Theses

The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program was founded by Mary Katherine Swanson in 1980 in Southern California. She created the program as a social justice initiative to provide additional resources to her students of marginalized backgrounds (e.g., low socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic backgrounds) to prepare them to graduate high school and be accepted into colleges. Decades later, the AVID program is nationwide, but there is only one school district in Mississippi with this program that is founded on the roots of equity. In this specific school district located in Northern Mississippi, the AVID program is available in elementary, …

A Collection Of Accounting Case Studies, Julie Mabrey

Honors Theses

This thesis comprises six accounting case studies investigating accounting practices and other broader financial narratives. Dr. Dickinson assigned and advised the case studies throughout the course of Honors Accountancy 420. During the fall semester, Dr. Dickinson placed us in groups to research assigned companies and how they apply accounting principles. My group was given Commercial Metals Company (CMC), and we investigated their operations, ESG and cybersecurity, audit risks, and tax efficiency. At the end of the semester, we presented our findings to accounting professionals from across the country. The professionals provided insight into our research and helped critique our work. …

Financial Accounting Case Studies, Porter May

Honors Theses

In this thesis, a series of case studies are presented, which were undertaken as part of the ACCY 420 course during the 2022-2023 academic year. The cases encompass a diverse range of subjects, including but not limited to Environmental Social Governance (ESG), audit risks, and tax planning strategies. Additionally, contemporary events such as the downfall of Silicon Valley Bank and the financial market crisis of 2008 were scrutinized. The studies involved both individual and collaborative efforts to gather substantial evidence. The first five cases concentrate on the analysis of Flowers Foods and its financial standing. A team of five students, …

Health, Politics, And Policy: Exploring The Interplay Of Health Status On Voting Behavior And Policy Knowledge Across Political Parties In The United States, Zoey Peters

Honors Theses

ABSTRACT

ZOEY LYNN PETERS: Health, Politics, and Policy: Exploring the Interplay of Health Status on Voting Behavior and Policy Knowledge Across Political Parties in the United States

(Under the direction of Dr. Hannah Allen)

Background. Citizens actively engaging with their politics and government is crucial for the survival of our democracy. Voting and policy knowledge are two significant indicators of citizen engagement and there are many factors that can affect whether people will vote or stay informed on relevant policy. The healthcare system in the United States is a constant topic of controversy in American politics and it impacts every …

Patagonian Precarity: Extractive Tourism And Subaltern Activism In El Chaltén, Argentina, Kaitlyn C. Sisco

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the relationship between extractive tourism and social activism in Southern Andean Patagonia. Its central goal is to unpack the systems that structurally marginalize subaltern populations and inspire their resistance. Through ethnographic attention to El Chaltén, Argentina, I investigate how extractive tourism generates various forms of social activism that manifest in social dimensions such as class and gender. In El Chaltén’s ecotourism terrain, feminine and dissident experiences have been historically devalued. I argue that El Chaltén is a crucible for subaltern, structurally marginalized activism. The extractive tourism industry—tied to housing/land inequality and gender violence—generates and catalyzes various forms …

Financial Accounting Case Studies, John Montgomery

Honors Theses

This thesis presents a compilation of case studies undertaken during the ACCY 420 course in the 2022-2023 academic year. These studies encompass a wide array of topics, including operational risk assessment, environmental social governance (ESG), audit risks, and tax planning, with a specific focus on 3D Systems Corporation. Alongside, they analyze recent events such as the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank and the more former Financial Crisis of 2008. These studies aimed to gather substantial evidence and conceptually help us to understand our specific company. The first five cases delve into the financials of 3D Systems Corporation. A team …

An Examination Of The Accounting Profession In Relation To Socioeconomic Factors, Amelia Hunter

Honors Theses

This thesis contains 6 separate case studies that relate to accounting principles and relevant current topics that can affect the accounting industry. These case studies were assigned by Dr. Dickinson during the fall and spring semesters of the Honors Accountancy 420 course. During the fall semester, the class was divided into research groups and were each assigned a fortune 500 company that would be the subject of the case studies. My group was assigned to Flowers Foods, and we were given the opportunity to approach each case study as if the company was a client, and we were the accountants. …

Bursting At The Seams: An Examination Of The Enrollment Changes At The University Of Mississippi, Carrol Trent Imbler

Honors Theses

Enrollment at the University of Mississippi is at an all-time high. As one of the smallest public universities within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Ole Miss has faced many changes within the past few years because of its growing population. This research answers the question: “How are offices and departments on campus managing their efforts to accommodate an increased number of students?” Through interviews with faculty, staff, and students on campus, I identified multiple departments who had to adjust their usual practices. These include housing, parking and transportation, advising offices within each school, admissions, and other student services. All these factors …

An Analysis Of Accounting Principles: A Case Study On 3d Systems Corporation, Kelsey Mayhan

Honors Theses

This anthology of cases was completed during my junior year at the University of Mississippi. Working both in a group and individually, I conducted research on various topics related to the accounting profession and how they relate to 3D Systems Corporation and its financials. I spoke through the findings with accounting professionals on a regular basis, and at the end of the semester defended those results to my classmates and professionals in a final presentation.

An Analysis Of Financial Accounting And The Business Environment Through Case Studies, Sophie Trevathan

Honors Theses

The following collection of case studies were completed under the direction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson throughout the course: Accountancy 420 – Independent Study. They were presented to numerous accounting firms at the end of the Fall Semester to fulfill the requirements of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. The collection consists of four case studies that specifically analyze AutoZone, Inc. We were placed into groups where we individually researched and analyzed each case and provided our thoughts in a collaborative case paper. We analyzed AutoZone’s financial accounting, operations, and business environment. Additionally, the collection consists of two case studies that …