Digital Commons Network^™

An Investigation Into Price, Quality And Value, And Their Effects On Sales And Profits, John W. Fries

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of promoting price, quality, and value and the effect they have on sales and profits.

Research reveals that promotion of products with price alone has varied short and long-term effects. Most managers and marketers are only concerned with the short-term effect price promotion has on increasing sales. Long-term effects of pricing should be considered because of t heir possible harmful effect on sales and profits. Marketers and managers need to better understand how price promotion affects consumers and their buying habits.

The purpose of this present study is to investigate how companies have …

Levels Of Differentiation Of Self In Married Couples, Margaret Galantowicz

Theses

The construct of differentiation of self, a key concept in the family theory of Murray Bowen, is examined with the purpose of testing Bowen's hypothesis that married couples are differentiated to the same degree. The Differentiation of Self Scale was used with 45 recently married couples from St. Louis County ranging in age from 20 to 71. Results of this study demonstrate that there is no significant correlation between the wives' and husbands' scores.

The Disinhabited Body: A Somatic View Of Personality Development And Psychotherapy, Mecca Antonia Burns

Theses

The body's role in personality development. and psychotherapy :is investigated. The "mind/body split" which pervades our culture prevents us from fully experiencing bodily sensation.

This phenomenon is deeply rooted in the psychophysical dualism postulated by Descartes, and chapter one inquires into the reasons why his theories took hold so firmly. There is a prevailing tendency to treat mind and body as separate entities, and I examine the reasons for this. The emotions appear to be a link between body and mind, but this is specifically where resistance can enter in.

In chapter two, we look at the process in terms …

Forty In Webster Groves, Sheila Condon

Theses

Unavailable.

Sexual Harrassment: No Longer The Perfect Crime (Informational Guide), Daniel K. Fee

Theses

This "applied learning" study will focus on sexual harassment, its many perspectives, and how to prevent it from occurring. Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination that was initially covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (CRA) of 1964, and is now also covered under the civil Rights Act of 1991.

Title VII of the CRA of 1964 and the CRA of 1991 make it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against any individual with respect to terms and conditions of employment because of that person's race, color, religion, sex or national origin .

The CRA of …

Marital Separation And Its Relationship To The Working Status Of Women, Linda Rae Hermelin

Theses

This study was concerned with the working status of married women and what impact, if any, that work status had in motivating these women to initiate marital separation.

The methodology used in this culminating project was qualitative. Research was conducted through personal interviews of approximately one hour in length. The sample consisted of 15 women who volunteered to be part of this study, the majority of whom had participated in one of a number of divorce support groups co-facilitated by the researcher.

The intent of this study was to determine whether or not women who are working full time outside …

Managing New Product Development: A Project Management Manual, Ronald A. Hoormann

Theses

The purpose of this study is to develop a new product development project management manual for a typical firm. It will also investigate many of the problems companies have had managing the development of new products, as well how these companies have addressed the problems. The manual is intended to define a project management system by describing the goals of project management; the project management organization for the firm; job descriptions as they pertain to project management; the product development cycle; the project management process; and the procedures that will be used to plan, monitor, and control a project. It …

The Effect Of Cultural Differences On International Marketing, Lena M. Jones

Theses

This thesis will l focus on the influence that culture and environmental differences have on international marketing.

The world has gone through some major changes within the past several years, especially in the area of marketing. It has become an open marketplace . Even the very concept behind marketing has a different meaning today. For example , marketing was once viewed a s simply selling a product or service. In today's business environment, marketing is more customer oriented . Customer satisfaction is the key element.

Today many companies have ventured into t he foreign markets . Some have gone international …

A Guide To State Appraiser Certification, Wayne Keith Wight

Theses

In August of 1989, President George Bush, signed into law the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989. This legislation in response to a pervasive crises in the thrift industry contains a number of legislative reforms. Within this legislation, Title XI, the appraisal reform amendment, requires the use of licensed or certified real property appraisers for all real property appraisals involving federally related transactions or federal funds if the value of the property exceeds a specified limit.

All states, under this legislation, are required to pass appraisal licensing and certification legislation that provides appraiser qualification requirements and standards …

The Controversy Of Sex In Advertising, Tammy Bankhead Wright

Theses

Advertising has been highly criticized due to its power to influence people's attitudes and actions. Advertising is the nonpersonal communication of information, usually paid for and persuasive in nature, about products, services or ideas of identified sponsors through various media.

The main idea that will be developed in this culminating project is the fact that although sex in advertising is a part of our culture and society, as a communications device, the use of sex in advertising is not always effective and does not sell most products.

There will be no actual debate to determine what amount of sex in …

Me And Mikey (A Series Of Essays), Bryan R. Kasten

Theses

1bis project is a series of short stories based on but, not limited to my personal experiences. Imaginative exaggeration plays an important part. As Mark Twain once said, "I am the wellspring of truth. However, one does not bring up the entire well at once, but a bucket at a time." In each of these stories is a drop of truth.

The stories are a look at middle class life and various situations encountered by everyday people. The characters in these stories are based on real people, but their individual traits are stretched a bit to create satire and humor. …

Alcoholism In The Elderly, Jo Ann Koehler

Theses

The purposes of this study were to examine the problem of alcohol abuse in the elderly, to look at the physician's understanding, detection, and treatment of this subject, and to gain knowledge regarding the older adult's view of this problem, and the willingness of these adults to discuss it openly with health professionals.

The methodology employed in this research project was qualitative. Information was obtained from both physicians and older adults through brief questionnaires. The sample consisted of 61 physicians and 47 older adults.

Findings suggest that physicians may be deficient in the knowledge needed to detect and treat alcohol …

Smoking Behavior Of Women In A Chemical Dependency Treatment Program, Bonnie L. Hoeckelman

Theses

The research question which will be discussed is smoking behavior in women who are participating in a treatment program for chemical dependency . The women subjects were between 18 and 40 years old . This study explored the relationship between smoking behaviors and substance abuse behaviors including alcohol usage . A sample, chosen at random, completed a personnel interview and a questionnaire. The research identified several areas that were similar between the smoking behavior and substance abuse. These areas included environment, personality, peer relationships and situational cues. The associated behaviors that began at the preadolescent age carried over into the …

Fixtures- "Personality" Or "Reality?" Who Knows?, Larry L. Perdue

Theses

This thesis by Larry L. Perdue examines the legal classification of property, specifically focusing on fixtures and trade fixtures within valuation sciences. It delves into the complexities of distinguishing between real and personal property, especially in cases where items such as machinery or attachments are integrated into real estate but retain some characteristics of personal property. The author highlights the potential financial and legal implications of misclassification, including issues related to taxes, valuation in business appraisals, and lender security. Drawing from historical legal principles in English Common Law and American Common Law, Perdue discusses key tests used in property law …

Quality Circles: "Teaming Up" At The Electric Utilities, Steven W. Mistler

Theses

The :focus of this project is the hypothesis that productivity of employees of utilities will improve in terms of increasing quality of their service, while controlling operating costs if they participate in teams involved in the decision-making process.

With the government taking steps to deregulate the sale of electrical energy, electric utilities will be thrown into a competitive market for the first time. Managers will find it necessary to keep quality high, while keeping rates low.

As American industry faced competition from Japan, management began to adapt the programs used by Japan to fit their own organizations. One successful program …

A Comparison Of Family Stress With Gifted Children And Non-Gifted Children, Cynthia R. Motley

Theses

The goal of this research was to design and test a psychological attitude measure intended to compare the stress experienced in families of gifted children with the stress experienced in families of nongifted children. After a review of the literature, evaluation by 5 experts and a pilot study with gifted families, a 31 item survey, organized under six categories was compiled. This survey, the Family Stress Scale (FSS) was given to the families of 755 children enrolled in grades 1 through 3, at three schools in the Hazelwood School District. Thirty one families with gifted children and 67 families with …

Acculturation Of The Vietnamese Refugees And Immigrants In St. Louis, Missouri. Exploratory Study, Maria Ratuszynska

Theses

The purpose of this research was to study the acculturation of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants . 44 refugees and 19 immigrants residing in St . Louis, Missouri (city and county) participated in the study. Subjects were administered the Cultural Identity Questionnaire and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 . Demographic information was obtained using a data sheet.

The obtained scores were analyzed using the t-test statistic for equality of means . The independent variables were political status (refugee or immigrant) . The dependent variables were scores on the Cultural Identity Questionnaire for acculturation, and anxiety, depression and total score of the Hopkins …

Bullies And Victims: How Pervasive Is The Problem In American Schools?, Gail L. Riebling

Theses

Since the topic of bullying has been given little professional attention in the United States, this study examined the Incidence of buIlies and victims in an elementary school In Illinois. Also examined were students' perceptions of how teachers respond to bullying and if males and females appear to be equally victimized. The average age of the students responding was 10.9 years. The gender composition of the sample was 54% female and 45% male. Al I of the children were white. The "Set Straight on BulIies Student Survey" was mailed to 87 students who had completed fifth grade in spring of …

A Study And Comparison Of The Ericksonian Strategic Style Versus The Medical Model Of Herbert And David Spiegel As An Approach To Hypnotherapy, Walter E. Roberson

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to compare and contrast two models of hypnotherapeutic technique. The first model is the strategic therapy of Milton H. Erickson, and the second is the medical model approach of Herbert and David Spiegel. A description of hypnosis is given by several researchers as well as a history of hypnosis as a psychotherapeutic tool. Each of the two models are discussed then noting structure, and use in clinical settings. Results of the study indicated that both models were effective modes of treatment, but the medical model had more of scientific orientation and so is better …

Spectrum Communications: The Beginning Of A Two-Way Radio Service Company, Joseph A. Voyles

Theses

The purpose of this study is to investigate the revenue and expense associated with a two-way communication company called Spectrum Communications. This study will examine the issues of planning, organization, funding and marketing, which are essential to a business plan.

The planning and controlling functions often get very little attention from owners of small businesses. The way to strengthen both of these functions is through an effective business plan. Only through an effective business plan can long range goals be established for sales, profits, competitive position and industrial relations. The information gleaned from this study will be used to compile …

The Importance Of Trade Promotions In The Marketing Mix: Effectively Managing Retail Promotional Allowances And Rebates, Barbara Van Fleet

Theses

This study, The Importance of Trade Promotions in the Marketing Mix: Effectively Managing Retail Promotional Allowances and Rebates, explores the critical role trade promotions play in contemporary marketing strategies, particularly within consumer packaged goods industries. Authored by Barbara van Fleet, the research delves into the historical evolution, strategic objectives, and challenges associated with trade promotions such as retail allowances and rebates.

The paper begins by contextualizing the emergence of promotions within the marketing mix, examining how early 20th-century manufacturers engaged retailers through incentives and in-store marketing to influence consumer purchasing. As the marketing mix evolved, trade promotions became vital …

As American Companies Approach The 21st Century, They Should Begin To Recognize Employee Empowerment As A Key Motivator To Increase Worker Productivity In A Highly Competitive Global Economy, Sherry L. Valliere

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of the effectiveness of previous efforts by American companies to create a truly empowered workplace.

Employee empowerment is when employees are given the necessary authority to make decisions and initiate improvement actions within their own work areas and expertise. Employees are encouraged, through respect and trust, to exercise self-direction and self-discipline.

American companies are facing the prospect of massive changes in the basic culture that underlies how they do business. Their markets are changing and global competitors have caught them off guard, forcing them to change the way they do business to survive. …

A Training Model In Customer Service For The West County Ymca: A Not For Profit Organization In St. Louis, Missouri, Carlos Arturo Vanegas

Theses

In today's increasingly competitive business environment, many firms are overlooking a basic function that could potentially be turned into a strategic weapon: customer service. Customer service is a vital function of a company's operations, not only because it is the vehicle to fulfill the company's obligations to its customers.

Customer service is extremely important in service organizations. Services have unique characteristics that are different from products and require unique managing. For one thing, a service is an intangible.

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is a service organization. Due to the nature of the YMCA programs, it is extremely important …

Investigation Of A Program That Manages Cultural Diversity To Determine Its Relationship To A Profitable And Efficient Business Operation, Joan M. Hubbard

Theses

This thesis begins with the purpose of investigating a program that recognizes, accepts, values and manages cultural diversity in the workplace to determine its relationship to a profitable and efficient business operation.

Significant demographic changes are expected to occur by the year 2000 resulting in a more culturally diverse labor force. In addition to a labor force wherein "white males" become the minority, this labor force will be more resistant to shedding ethnic and sexual distinctions.

In the past, managers have achieved high-level mastery over physical production . However, as labor constitutes the greatest single cost component of output, the …

Two New Ramsey Numbers, James N. Mcnamara

Theses

A graph with many vertices cannot be homogeneous, i.e., for any pair of integers (i,j) all large graphs must contain either a complete subgraph on i vertices or an independent set of size j. The Ramsey number for (i,j) is the smallest integer R such that all graphs with at least R vertices have this property. For example, the (3,3) Ramsey number is 6; if a graph has 6 or more vertices, then is must contain a triangle or an independent set of size 3. The (4,4) Ramsey number is 18, found in 1954 [GG] . The (5,5) Ramsey number …

Atomic Force Microscope: System And Applications, Yue Chen

Theses

The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) has demonstrated its usefulness on a nanometer scale surpassing the resolution of conventional profilometers and optical microscopes. The principle of operation and the instrumentation design of the AFM, as well as some application aspects, are described. Emphasis is placed on the imaging mode of the force microscopy in the regime of attractive forces. A new method which is capable of stabilizing attractive mode operation is introduced, along with analysis of the detection mechanism and evaluation of the system performance. Numerous examples illustrate the applicability of attractive mode AFM to a wide variety of samples. The …

Green Design: A Guide To Environmentally Responsible Graphic Design, Jitinan Paisansathan

Theses

Not Included

Automated Knowledge Acquisition For Knowledge-Based Systems: Ke-Kit, John Parsons Scott

Theses

Despite recent progress, knowledge acquisition remains a central problem for the development of intelligent systems. There are many people throughout the world doing studies in this area. However, very few automated techniques have made it to the market place. In this light, the idea of automating the knowledge acquisition process is very appealing and may lead to a break through. Most (if not all) of the approaches and techniques concerning intelligent, expert systems and specifically knowledge-based systems can still be considered in their infancy and definitely do not subscribe to any kind of standards. Many things have yet to be …

User Characteristics In Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Michelle Buckenmeyer

Theses

The development of individualized educational environments, to facilitate learning for the diverse population of students in today's secondary school system, has become more prevalent with the increased ease of access to computers that many schools are now enjoying. The use of Computer Aided Instruction is becoming more common as a means for individual tutoring. This thesis explores the problem of individualizing this instruction by analyzing the relationship between preferred teaching methods and computer users" personality types, as defined by the Myers-Briggs type indicator and two other "unscientific" user characteristics. The preferred teaching method was analyzed using various criteria, including user …

Technical Skills For Packaging Sales, Duane P. Beck

Theses

This study addresses technical skills for packaging sales. Based on the results of the study, a training manual and course of instruction have been developed to introduce an innovative approach to packaging sales. "Technical Skills for Packaging Sales" defines the packaging sales professional, or PSP, a new kind of professional combining the skills of the salesperson with expertise of an engineer. Firmly grounded in the customer-- comes-first philosophy, the PSP is a problem solver, able to evaluate any packaging application to satisfy the customer's needs. "Technical Skills for Packaging Sales" explains an engineer's approach to packaging, including analyzing details, writing …