Business Commons^™

Are Utah Consumers Interested In Using Reusable Bags?, Melyna Bencosme

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

This research will explore the intent and current need for Utah consumers to limit their plastic bag usage. Currently, many cities and state officials are attempting to pass a plastic bag ban. This ban would decrease plastic bags by 71% in just one year.

How Can Companies "Go Green" With Their Software?, Meredith Richards

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

An increasing number of companies are setting stricter and more defined guidelines on their relationship between software and energy consumption in order to take greater responsibility for their impact on the environment. However, "going Green" can be easier said than done, and most certainly does not happen overnight. So, how can companies go Green with their software? What does that process look like, how much does it cost, and how long does it take? A three-part process articulated by a group of researchers suggest deploying the following actions is the best approach to "Going Green": 1. Review and refine the …

Can Buying Meatless Products Decrease Climate Change?, Nicole Christiansen

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

In this study we researched the power that consumers have to decrease climate change through the consumption of meat. Using literature and studies that have already been conducted, we compared the inputs of meat production to those of other crops. We also studied the role that raising livestock has on climate change. We found that livestock raising has a more significant impact on climate change than transportation in terms of greenhouse gasses. Livestock also uses far more land and water resources than raising crops. In this study we also analyzed the types of realistic changes that consumers can make in …

Cynophobia In Film, Taylor Smith

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

My research covered fear of dogs and how it's represented in film. What I found was that hostile, cinematic depictions of human-dog interactions were oftentimes a result of the dog's status as a carrier of disease (rabies), something that lead to cultural stigmas against dogs as well as symbolization of the spread of other diseases like AIDS and the flu. Films simply used this as a way to pander to the hysteria of a certain country or time period plagued by a disease outbreak.

How Pop-Culture Shaped Momiji Inubashiri, Tanner Schulz

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

This presentation will talk about the effect of memes on the character Momiji Inubashiri. Momiji is a character from the video game Touhou 10: Mountain of Faith. She's the stage 4 mid boss and has minimal dialog throughout the series. The character has been mostly given life through memes. I thought that was absolutely fascinating, so I did a deep dive on the subject.

How Alternative Proteins Are Helping Consumers Reduce Their Carbon Footprint, Samantha Petersen

Fall Student Research Symposium 2020

The alternative protein market is trending toward creating more animal product alternatives, not just meatless meat. Alternative protein is a growing market that creates meat alternatives for groups like vegans and vegetarians. Large meat companies are starting to invest in meatless meat research and technology. Reducing meat consumption is one of the best ways to reduce land and water usage as well as reducing carbon emissions.

Flexible And Family-Friendly Policies At Utah's "Best Places To Work", Robbyn T. Scribner, Michelle Vargas, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic that reached Utah in March of 2020 has had an enormous impact on the way companies do business. Perhaps the biggest change for employees came in the widespread shift to remote work as a public health measure, but many companies adjusted work practices and policies in other ways to support their employees during a challenging time. Many changes focus on flexibility and family-friendly policies, which have traditionally been a double-edged sword for working women. Though such offerings have made it possible for some mothers to remain in the workforce, taking advantage of such programs has often placed …

Flexible And Family-Friendly Policies At Utah’S “Best Places To Work”, Robbyn Scribner, Michelle Vargas, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic that reached Utah in March of 2020 has had an enormous impact on the way companies do business. Perhaps the biggest change for employees came in the widespread shift to remote work as a public health measure, but many companies adjusted work practices and policies in other ways to support their employees during a challenging time. Many changes focus on flexibility and family-friendly policies, which have traditionally been a double-edged sword for working women. Though such offerings have made it possible for some mothers to remain in the workforce, taking advantage of such programs has often placed …

Nato And The Ifrc: A Comparative Case Study, Abigail Kosiak

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This research analyzes the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Multinational Telemedicine System (MnTS) Project and works to answer five main questions:

1) What challenges did the NATO MnTS Project face that are directly related to the fact that the project included members from different countries and worked to create a system that operates across national borders?

2) How do these challenges compare to those faced by a non-governmental organization (NGO) like the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)?

3) What successes has the IFRC had with its current operational model?

4) In what ways could …

Women Leaders In Utah Government–Their Paths To Power, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

When both men and women work together in leadership roles, organizations thrive. This holds true for government—and democratic governance processes in general—and it supports the call to reflect gender diversity at all levels. Yet, typical conversations about women in government often focus on the need for women to run for elected office. While this is certainly important, little if no attention has been given to the lack of women leaders within the halls of government. In response to this, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers recently conducted pioneering research resulting in three research briefs that, for the first time, …

Women Leaders In Utah Government – Their Paths To Power, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

When both men and women work together in leadership roles, organizations thrive. This holds true for government— and democratic governance processes in general—and it supports the call to reflect gender diversity at all levels. Yet, typical conversations about women in government often focus on the need for women to run for elected office. While this is certainly important, little if no attention has been given to the lack of women leaders within the halls of government. In response to this, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers recently conducted pioneering research resulting in three research briefs that, for the first …

The Status Of Women Leaders In Government–Utah Cities And Towns, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen, D. Candice Backus Pierucci, Brooke Smith

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Research shows that communities and organizations increasingly thrive when men and women work together in leadership roles. Gender inclusivity benefits not only businesses, churches, schools, and state legislatures, but also state and local governments. American democracy is grounded in the idea of representation. “Representative bureaucracy” is the term for government entities employing a workforce that shares the demographic characteristics of the communities they serve, and the combined experiences and perspectives of that workforce represent and benefit all residents within its purview. This includes the thousands of government professionals who run the daily functions of municipalities within the State of Utah.

Encouraging Snap Shopper Participation At Utah Farmers Markets, A Best Practices Guide, Kelsey Hall, Alicia Meiners

All Current Publications

This guide’s steps were compiled during background research for advertising acceptance of SNAP benefits using Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and the Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) program offered at farmers markets throughout Utah. Information in this guide will expand marketing campaigns across Utah to promote farmers markets already accepting SNAP benefits, especially to minority and low-income populations. The information, however, may be generalized to other health/food programs and to populations with low incomes in other states.

The Status Of Women Leaders In Government–Utah Counties, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Recent events underscore the need for government—and democratic governance processes in general—to embrace diversity at all levels. Organizations with diverse leadership teams, including both women and men, have proven to be more innovative and resilient, make better strategic decisions, and have an increased capacity for problem solving. The benefits of gender equity can be found in any organization, including government structures such as state legislatures, city councils, and state and local bureaucracies.

The Status Of Women Leadership In Government–State Of Utah, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Organizations increasingly thrive when both men and women hold leadership roles and work together. Gender inclusivity in leadership benefits not only Utah’s businesses, but also its government organizations, such as state legislatures, city councils, and state and local bureaucracies. Recent events underscore the need for government—and democratic governance processes in general—to demand diversity at all levels.

The Status Of Women Leaders In Government – State Of Utah, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Organizations increasingly thrive when both men and women hold leadership roles and work together. Gender inclusivity in leadership benefits not only Utah’s businesses, but also its government organizations, such as state legislatures, city councils, and state and local bureaucracies. Recent events underscore the need for government—and democratic governance processes in general—to demand diversity at all levels

Profiting From Protecting Small Business Borrowers: Take That To The Bank!, Jerome D. Williams, Sterling A. Bone, Glenn L. Christensen, Alexandra Tebbs

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

While small businesses represent a significant portion of the economy, there is mounting evidence that the playing field is not level for these firms in access to capital. Based on 10 years of matched-paired mystery shopping tests in banks to investigate bank lending practices and customer experience, the results demonstrate that in almost every instance, minorities were treated more poorly than their White counterparts. However, the authors acknowledge the controversy surrounding this issue, as some question the need for government action to push banks in this direction. Before offering evidence of the impact race can have on the treatment of …

What Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Specialists Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Robbyn T. Scribner, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Utah is full of engaged, passionate individuals who frequently ask the question, “What can I personally and/or professionally do to strengthen the impact of Utah girls and women?” To provide specific answers to that question, the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) hosted a series of “think tank” gatherings to collect best practices for various stakeholders interested in supporting and empowering Utah women.

The Status Of Women And Entrepreneurship In Utah: A 2020 Update, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen, Ann Marie Wallace

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Throughout the nation, women are building and running successful businesses. In 2016, the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) asked whether Utah was a good place for women to start and run businesses. The answer to that question was released in a research and policy brief titled, “The Status of Women and Entrepreneurship in Utah,” which became part of a series that focused on understanding the status of women’s leadership in Utah’s politics, education, nonprofits, business, government, and other settings.

What Leaders In The Interfaith Community Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2020 gathering of 25 leaders within the local interfaith community. Religious and faith-based organizations are of vital importance to many individuals and families, and these leaders recognize the positive role they can have in the lives of Utah women and girls.

Women's Leadership In Higher Education: Status, Barriers, And Motivators, Susan R. Madsen, Karen A. Longman

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Advancing more women into institutional leadership roles in higher education matters. Although numerous studies have documented the value of involving diverse perspectives in decision-making processes (Donovan & Caplan, 2019; Gero & Garrity, 2018; Williams, 2013; Woolley & Malone, 2011), many individuals and organizations—ranging from the corporate sector and the political realm to postsecondary education—have voiced commitments to increasing the representation of women in higher ranks, yet they have been stymied in achieving measurable results. A variety of examples in the research-based literature reflect the glacial pace of progress for women into leadership roles across a variety of fields. Examining the …

Successful Strategies For Content Creation And Design Of Online Classes, Antje R. H. Graul

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Given the increasing demand for an education that is compatible with a students’ professional or private life, there is a growing need for higher-educational bodies to launch high-quality online classes that allow students to pursue their education while fitting it around their individual commitments. Thus, more than ever, guidance is needed on how to design an online class successfully. Drawing on the design of an asynchronous Digital Marketing online class, this article discusses strategic decisions regarding content creation, personalization, assignments, and assessment ideas that may hold the potential to increase students’ engagement in an online class. The insights provided may …

Women And Finances: What Utahns Need To Know, Robbyn T. Scribner, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Throughout much of history, women have been seen as an extension of their male relatives when it comes to finances; American women were not allowed to own property in their names until the mid-1800s, overt pay discrimination was legal until 1963, and women could not access credit on their own until 1974. Hence, it is only in the last half century or so that women in the US have been able to participate fully in the financial matters that affect their everyday lives. This holds true in Utah as well, yet Utah women’s lives in the 21st century look dramatically …

What Therapists Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2020 gathering of 25 therapists and other mental health practitioners. As society becomes more aware of how mental health impacts overall wellbeing, therapists will play an increasingly influential role, not only to their clients, but in the broader community as well.

A Historical View Of Women In Utah’S Top Political Roles, Susan R. Madsen, Candice B. Pierucci

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

According to Better Days 2020, “The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of Utah women being the first in the nation to vote under an equal suffrage law. It also marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, extending women’s voting rights throughout the United States, and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, protecting voting rights of women and men of racial minorities.” In honoring these anniversaries, this historical snapshot documents the women who have served in prominent elected positions within Utah since its statehood. The appendices were compiled by Rhoda Struhs and former Utah House Representative Beverly …

What Media Professionals Can Do To Strengthen The Impact Of Utah Girls And Women, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

This idea sheet is based on a 2020 gathering of 25 members of the media, including journalists, broadcasters, and producers. As powerful public voices, media professionals recognize they play a role both in educating the public and initiating important conversations. This discussion centered on how they could work in their specific roles to benefit women, both within the public sphere and in their own news organizations.

Filling The Organ Donor Pool By Giving Priority, Matthew D. Meng, Roberta N. Clarke

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Context: Many of the alternatives for procuring donor organs are considered either ineffective, unethical, or illegal. One possibility that may not face such challenges is a priority system whereby individuals who register as an organ donor are given priority to receive an organ over those who have not registered. However, providing extrinsic rewards can sometimes paradoxically reduce the target behavior, especially for those who are more altruistically motivated.

Methods: Two behavioral experiments were employed and data were analyzed using regressions as well as examining open-ended responses.

Findings: The results suggest that giving priority to receive an organ to those who …