Business Commons^™

Diver Perceived Value And Satisfaction On The Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ka'lon Duncanson

Honors Theses

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is known for its coastal beauty and the tourism that comes from the recreational activities associated with the water. However, there appears to be an underserved segment of the tourism industry. The coast provides opportunities for local scuba divers to take part in a range of diving activities, but there is minimal support for this tourism activity in Mississippi. There is a need for greater understanding about what local divers value in their diving experiences and how this might lead to greater satisfaction with this activity. Along with overall perceived value, the argument is made that …

College Girl's Guide To Fayetteville, Ar, Sydney Johnson

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

The mission behind creating the College Girl’s Guide to Fayetteville, AR was to ease the adjustment from high school to college for females attending the University of Arkansas. This is one of life’s most monumental transitions, often resulting in anxiety, depression, and loneliness, specifically among the female demographic. With that in mind, the intent of the guidebook was to develop culture, confidence, and community on campus. In the aftermath of Covid-19, loneliness on college campuses has become an epidemic in need of a university-wide solution to increase student satisfaction and retention. A research aspect that heavily impacted the project was …

Utilizing New Technologies To Measure Therapy Effectiveness For Mental And Physical Health, Jonathan Ossie

Dissertations

Mental health is quickly becoming a major policy concern, with recent data reporting increasing and disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, increased substance abuse, and elevated suicidal ideation. One specific population that is especially high risk for these issues is the military community because military conflict, deployment stressors, and combat exposure contribute to the risk of mental health problems.

Although several pharmacological approaches have been employed to combat this epidemic, their efficacy is mixed at best, which has led to novel nonpharmacological approaches. One such approach is Operation Surf, a nonprofit that provides nature-based programs advocating the restorative …

Wakesurf Nwa: A Surfing Entertainment Business Plan, Ethan Carney

Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

WakeSurf NWA is a thrilling entertainment facility that will fill a void in this highly affluent market. Our design is to bring surfing where surfing has never been before, in a land-locked location. With high-tech engineering to allow surfing on land, WakeSurf NWA will provide real surfing to the people in and around Northwest Arkansas. Our company will also be built around helping our community, donating a portion of proceeds to a local nonprofit. What sets WakeSurf NWA apart from other companies in the area is how we will bring something completely new to the region that can be enjoyed …

Climbers’ Risk Perceptions Of Erosion From Flooding At Carderock Recreation Area, Chandler J. Berry

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Through increased temperature, precipitation, frequency of extreme weather, flooding, drought, and fire, climate change will alter where and how people can recreate. Extant research illustrates the effects of climate change on a variety of outdoor recreation activities; however, little research has been completed on the effects of climate change on rock climbing outside of the alpine environment. One such impact found at Carderock Recreation Area is riverine flooding and erosion. This study used a quantitative survey research design to understand how risk perceptions of erosion from flooding are affected by place attachment and the past use history of rock climbers …

A Study Of The Social Media Perceptions And Guest Satisfaction Concerning Recent Changes Related To The Genie+ System In The Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Kylie N. Bennett

Honors College Theses

This study examines the social media perceptions and guest satisfaction rates concerning recent changes related to the introduction of the Genie+ system in the Walt Disney World theme parks. Social media has allowed the public to share these opinions about changes in the Walt Disney World theme parks, but it is not known how these opinions compare to the lived guest experience. It is said that with the introduction of a paid standby queue bypass system the Walt Disney Company is making that aspect of its parks less accessible than in the past (Austin, 2022). This study uses a mixed …

Steep But Not Deep: A Critical Review Of Climate Change Effects On Nh Ski Areas And Their Consumer Population, Stephanie Menard

Honors Theses and Capstones

Climate change presents a significant challenge to the global tourism industry, particularly for sectors reliant on natural resources, such as the New Hampshire ski industry. This thesis investigates how ski resorts across the state are addressing the effects of climate change and adjusting to evolving consumer behavior to strategically position themselves for the future. The study’s research questions are focused on understanding the current tactics being employed by ski resorts and how consumer choices may be affected by climate change effects on the industry. To explore these questions, informational interviews with four industry professionals and a consumer survey were conducted. …

Let It Burn: A Case Study On The Risk Management Practices Of Burning Man Project, Ethan S. De La Torre

Experience Industry Management

Risk management can be defined as a decision-making process of planning, identifying, analyzing, developing a response for, and controlling potential risks with the goal of minimizing the negative impacts of those risks. Risk management is an essential practice for all events, especially large-scale, live entertainment events. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk management practices for Burning Man. The instrument utilized in this study was a best practices guide developed by the researcher. Data were collected prior to, during, and following Burning Man 2022: Waking Dreams. Sources of data include printed material and online sources published by …

Shabang Music Festival Seating, Carter L. Norton

Construction Management

This outlines the process of the building and installation of four shaded seating areas at the SHABANG Music Festival located at Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo. This paper places an emphasis on the pre-construction elements of the building stage. SHABANG Music Group rented out a section of Laguna Lake Park to host a music festival designed to bring the San Luis Obispo community together. The goal of the project discussed was to build a raised VIP seating area facing the main stage on which music lovers could relax while still being able to enjoy an unobstructed view of …

The Faceid Canine Door Business Plan, Oliver Maxwell Martins

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Into Disruptive Innovation In The Entertainment Industry, Lais Viter

Business ETD Collections

As society moves towards digital developments, people demand more flexible forms of consumption. In the craving for new products and services, globalisation presents itself as a driving factor for economic and social changes, accelerating innovations arise. Thus, this paper aims to discuss the role of disruptive innovation as a democratic process to introduce new technologies to the world. The analysis of existent literature indicates that disruptive business models not only respond for significant changes in consumers behaviour but also induce competitors to reshape their strategy. In addition, an investigation into disruptive innovations in the entertainment industry, particularly in the subscription …

Do You See What I See? Do You See Me? Disability In China: The Perceptions Of Wheelchair Users And Able Bodied Citizens, Michelle Fisher

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

This paper explores the state and perception of wheelchair users in China. My research outlines various disability models by which we can measure China’s level of effectiveness at providing access and services for its disabled population. In my analysis, I largely draw the conclusion that China is evolving out of a Charity state model into one which supports the rights of Chinese citizenry. There are many good laws in place in China, but they are not being enforced effectively at this point in time. There also seems to be a class division involved in the acceptance of educated disabled …

Student Retention In Higher Education: Effect Of The Campus Fitness Center On Women, Leslie Marie Gordon

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Of the 3.5 million first-time in college, full time students who began college in fall 2017, 74% returned for fall 2018, with 61.7% retained at their starting institution. Covid-19 has negatively impacted retention; in addition to normal attrition, one of every five students did not return to campus in fall 2020. Researchers have gauged both academic and social factors that positively influence retention and note the use of the campus fitness center (CFC) as one social factor; however, women are less likely to use the CFC, are one third as likely to exercise, and experience more numerous fitness obstacles and …

Determinants Of Broadway Theatre Demand, Emily Falkenstein

Honors Projects and Presentations: Undergraduate

This research identifies many reasons why a theatregoer may choose to attend one Broadway show over another and focuses on the role of familiarity on demand. In response to recent trends, specifically movies produced as stage musicals, this research estimates how classification as an adaptation affects grosses and capacity. Using data from The Broadway Theatre League and the Internet Broadway Database, the author completes an econometric analysis of the drivers of demand for different shows within the 2018-2019 Broadway season. When controlling for previously studied drivers of demand such as revivals and actor popularity, this analysis identifies significant and positive …

Buffer Zones And The Recreational Golf Sector: A Negligence Case Content Analysis, Natalie Bird

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Buffer zones are a risk management method used within sport and recreation to protect participants and spectators from avoidable injury. Within the recreational golf sector, buffer zone standards do not exist. This poses a problem as golf courses in the recreational sector serve a wide range of customers in terms of age, skill level, and experience. A legal case content analysis of 1,561 golf negligence lawsuits aimed to answer research questions related to locations of incidents, circumstances that led to injury, and injuries or damages that were the result of errant golf shots. A Westlaw search provided the data for …

How The West Was Fun: Constructing The Western Tourism Experience In The Yellowstone Wylie Camps, 1880-1916, Jennifer E. Simpson

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Getting Serious About Games: A Study Of Work And Play Through Information Systems, Jeffrey K. Mullins

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Play and games shape, and are shaped by, culture. They represent an integral and ubiquitous component of humanity. Technological advances are blurring the lines between work and play, and their increasing convergence requires deeper understanding. Organizations seek to harness the motivational power of games to improve instrumental outcomes but face numerous challenges in doing so. Extant theory struggles to inform practice on the use of gameful experiences to achieve practical goals. This dissertation presents three essays that explore the domain of gameful information systems (IS), defined as IS that are designed or perceived to afford or support user experiences similar …

The Museum Of Experiential Living Art: Strategic Plan, Danielle D. Delia

Museum Studies Projects

How can a museum support the new work of artists? Can a Tri-fold business plan offer a sustainable way to support an artists in residency program? Will the local community welcome a new museum into their town? What will be the benefit to the local economy? This capstone project presenting a strategic plan proposes the development of a new art museum located in Buffalo New York called, the Museum of Experiential Living Art (MoELA). The purpose of MoELA is to support practicing artists through an artist in residency program; by providing dedicated time, space, tools, materials, housing and nourishment while …

The Economic Impacts Of Casino Gaming In Mississippi: Local, Regional, National And International Considerations, Janelle Townes

Dissertations

Casino development and the proliferation of the casino gaming industry has centered on the prevailing issue of economic impact. The purpose of this study was to determine what impact casinos in Mississippi have on the economy of the host communities. In this quantitative descriptive research study, the primary employment, tourism and revenue data were gathered from records provided by the Mississippi Gaming Commission to test the level of change that occurred in the host communities of Mississippi casinos between 2000 and 2015, a period when Mississippi communities experienced severe economic crises due in part to natural diseasters and economic recession. …

Building A 21st Century Multi-User Commercial Spaceport: Development And Application Of The Spaceport Readiness Level Scale, Ryan Babb

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Commercial spaceports have arisen over the last decade and a half to support a growing commercial space marketplace. The introduction of expected suborbital launch capabilities for tourism and for orbital launch operations at an increased cadence has demonstrated a need for more capability at the spaceport level to support airport-like operational fluidity. Despite these advancements, a measure has yet to be developed to demonstrate a spaceport’s support capabilities in a straightforward and rapid manner.

Based on this need, the Technology Reading Level scale, utilized in many industries as a means for procurement and technological development measurement, has been used as …

Indicators And Thresholds For Black Bear Viewing Proximity Preferences At Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Meghan M. Roberts

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Human-wildlife interactions in protected areas are complex, and visitor preference for close proximity to wildlife continues to challenge managers. Two indicators and thresholds questionnaires with varying photo panel orders were distributed to a total of 302 visitors at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina to examine the acceptability of various distances and management actions for black bear viewing. Results show average minimum acceptability for black bear viewing is 38 yards for a single bear and 38 - 44 yards for a black bear sow with two cubs; photo panel viewing order influenced participants’ evaluations, illustrating the potential for …

A Case Study Examining The Structure Of The Event Process At California Polytechnic State University, Ryan R. Baker

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the structure of the event process on Cal Poly’s campus. An intrinsic case study method was used, and data were collected and analyzed using triangulation from three sources of information: documents, interviews, and participation research. Overall, the structure of the event management process on campus was found to be stable, but could use improvement. Cal Poly should consider establishing a specific, designated organization that would help centralize the event management process at Cal Poly. This organization could be in charge of training and updating event managers, approving events, monitoring volume of events …

The Impacts Of Supra-Regional Multi-Resort Season Passes: A Hedonic Pricing Model Of Single-Day Lift Tickets For Us Ski Areas, Sijia Lai

CMC Senior Theses

Numerous media analyses claim that supra-regional multi-resort season passes (mega passes) are negatively impacting skiing, snowboarding, and winter-sport communities. In particular, media claims that ski areas on these season passes are charging higher single-day lift ticket prices to nudge people to buy their season pass products. To test this claim, I use a hedonic pricing model to estimate the impact of season passes on adult single-day lift ticket prices. By applying OLS regressions to a dataset of 302 US ski areas for the winter of 2018-19, I find that the ski areas on the leading season passes (Ikon and Epic …

Cooperación Técnica Con Perspectiva De Género En Bogotá, D.C. Estudio De Caso Fundación Lluvia De Alegría, Angie Alejandra Carranza Bernal, Laura Tatiana Melo Bonilla, Laura Catalina Sánchez Sarmiento

Negocios y Relaciones Internacionales

El presente trabajo analiza el papel de la Cooperación Técnica con perspectiva de género, a partir del estudio en una comunidad de mujeres localizadas en San Cristóbal Sur. Se busca responder a la pregunta ¿Cómo contribuir a la Cooperación Técnica con perspectiva de género al empoderamiento de las mujeres que pertenecen a la Fundación Lluvia de alegría ubicada en la localidad de San Cristóbal, Bogotá, DC? Bajo un enfoque cualitativo de alcance analítico-descriptivo el presente trabajo se divide en tres ejes principales: en el primero, se define el marco histórico, conceptual y normativo del Sistema de Cooperación Internacional para el …

La Bicicleta Como Agente De Cambio Cultural Para La Movilidad De Los Bogotanos, Manuel Santiago Gutiérrez Bastidas, Kevin Daniel Castañeda Romero, Andrés Camilo Díaz Montaño

Economía

Bogotá, la ciudad más grande e importante del país, evidencia a diario un problema de movilidad, que está generando congestión vial, demoras en los desplazamientos, afectaciones en el medio ambiente, como también problemas sociales, culturales y económicos. A raíz de esto, las nuevas alternativas de transporte sustentable han comenzado a ganar un espacio en la ciudad, una de ellas es la bicicleta. El objeto de la presente monografía es diagnosticar cómo la bicicleta se convierte en agente de cambio cultural y genera transformaciones en la toma de decisiones a la hora de movilizarse. La teoría económica heterodoxa mediante supuestos institucionales …

What Supports Are Needed To Encourage And Assist Community Festivals And Events To Succeed And Grow? An Empirical Study., Helen Mcdwyer

Theses

Abstract: Communities are motivated to host festivals and events for a myriad of reasons. They generate important economic and social benefits for an area with increased visitor numbers, increased local spending and greater community cohesion. Festival and event tourism is an important segment of the overall tourism product in Ireland, particularly in an area such as Kerry where there is a heavy reliance on tourism. Many festivals and events in Kerry are organised by community and voluntary groups and yet these groups are increasingly pressurised to increase the professionality of their offering to compete for regional funding and sponsorship. Changes …

Staying Afloat In A Dying Industry, Naomi Yane

Capstones

Staying Afloat in a dying Industry

The storied neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay, which sits on the southern tip of Brooklyn, is named after a fish that once inhabited the waters surrounding the town. Like the Sheepshead fish, the community's once booming fishing industry might soon be wiped out due to increasing regulations. Despite complaints from local fishermen, government agencies have taken their stand.

https://www.naomiyane.com/capstone

Fresh Squeezed Fitness: A Case Study On The Marketing Of Orangetheory Fitness, Emma Schmidt

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

The fitness industry has grown immensely in the past decade as a form of health management. The industry has expanded to offer niche fitness facilities that cater to individuals’ specific needs and motivations. The purpose of this study was to examine the best marketing and branding practices utilized by Orangetheory Fitness. The research for this study was collected using a case study matrix, developed by the researcher, to evaluate Orangetheory Fitness’ marketing strategies. The study resulted in findings indicating the importance of technology advancement and brand differentiation pertaining to the success of Orangetheory Fitness. It is crucial for Orangetheory Fitness …

Accessibility In Theme Parks: How Well Are Theme Parks Across America Accommodating Individuals With Disabilities?, Audrey J. Snow-Brine

Selected Honors Theses

Tourism for people with disabilities can be difficult, which is why theme parks need to provide the proper accommodations for their guests. A literature review on topics such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), exclusion, and tourism accessibility will be provided. The accessibilities and accommodations available at theme parks in the United States, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, LEGOLAND California Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Universal Studios Hollywood, will be discussed. The website pages regarding accessibilities for people with disabilities will be examined, and the accommodation for each theme park will be compared. While there has …

An Empirical Analysis Of Climatic, Geographic, And Cultural Determinants Of International Tourism, Ethan Straus

Honors Theses

Each year, billions of people visit different countries all around the world. For many of those countries, tourism is their primary industry, leading to millions of jobs and dollars in revenue. It is expected that by 2020 total International Tourism Receipts will reach 2 trillion US dollars annually. Currently, tourism employs an estimated 200 million people around the world. With the continued progression of climate change, the tourism industry is facing a newfound threat. Global temperatures and the seal level are both expected to rise significantly by the end of the century. Additionally, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has …