Business Commons^™

Analyzing Colonial South Carolina's Trade Landscape Through The Ricardian Model, Dylan M. Peddemors

Senior Theses

The state of South Carolina existed as a British colony from its founding in 1663 until it declared independence in 1776. During this period, South Carolina operated as a plantation-based, cash-crop economy relying on two primary exports: rice and indigo. The colony displayed nearly complete specialization in its exports of these crops while importing different goods. The theory of comparative advantage in trade relationships crafted by British economist David Ricardo in the 18th century concludes that gains from trade emerge when trade partners specialize in the production and exportation of the goods of which they have the lowest opportunity cost. …

The Impact Of Individual Culture On Purchase Decisions Of Fast Fashion In Brazil, Lucie S. Speck

Senior Theses

Fast fashion is an emerging method of production in the apparel industry that is characterized by lower-quality materials and faster production timelines than the traditional methods of producing clothing. It is becoming a trending topic in modern business due to its negative social and environmental impact, as brands that use fast fashion production processes are constantly being criticized for inhumane labor practices and large amounts of textile waste.

This research proposes two models using a survey as its main research method. The first model determines how financial situation, collectivism as a cultural value, and education level impact whether social media …

Zeitgeist Of The 2010s And Impact On Fashion Trends, Sophie Scott Anderson

Senior Theses

The zeitgeist of the 2010s can be examined through shifts in technology, politics, economy, environment, religion, and entertainment. This research explores how fashion serves as both a mirror and a driver of societal change during this transformative decade. Trend diffusion itself evolved from the traditional theories of trickle-up and trickle-down because of the prominence of influencer culture, giving average consumers the platform to influence numerous like-minded consumers. Defining the 2010s zeitgeist requires an analysis of the significant patterns in the technological and sociocultural environment through as many sources as possible for a holistic approach. Sociologically, fashion has been accepted as …

Barriers To Baseball: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Factors That Impact Contract Value In Major League Baseball, Ryan A. Crowl

Senior Theses

The landscape of Major League Baseball’s free agency is an evolving one with numerous factors impacting negotiated contracts as player salaries escalate and teams adopt new strategies of luring players to their organizations. This study delves into the intricate dynamics of this free agent market, exploring the factors that influence contract values and negotiating power. Through empirical analysis and mathematical regressions, we explore the enduring significance of multiple factors on contract value, encompassing demographic indicators as well as on-field performance. Subsequently, we propose our own explanations of any observed inequities or significance and provide rational approaches for players and their …

Meme Stocks, Robinhood, And Wall Street: Retail Investors And Changing Market Dynamics, Nick Murray, Spencer Brosnan

Senior Theses

This thesis explores the rise of retail investors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they have changed the landscape of financial markets. We outline the full timeline of the GME and AMC social media craze that exemplified the power of retail investors in the market and investigate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on this group. Through the use of VandaTrack, a software that tracks retail investors’ trading activity, we were able to quantify the impact that retail investors have on US equities and ETFs and compare them to the market as a whole. We utilized this …

Innovative Retail: A Framework For The Future Of Brick-And-Mortar Retail In An Omnichannel Market, Mallory S. Strmel

Senior Theses

This thesis was intended to explore the how the role of innovation in customer experience has evolved since the advent of American retail and how it can inform primarily brick-and-mortar retailers on corporate strategy formulation as they prepare for Generation Z to become the primary wielders of purchasing power in the retail landscape. A literature review featuring analysis of two best-in-class retail chains alongside their historical context revealed that many of the innovations in customer experience strategy shaped consumer behavior going forward. To investigate, I conducted a nationwide survey of Generation Z consumers to ascertain their shopping preferences and the …