Business Commons^™

Mueller Game Bird Farm Business Plan, Karl Mueller

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This senior project discusses the results from the development of a business plan for Mueller Game Bird Farm which specializes in raising bobwhite quail for hunters, falconers, and other hobbyists. The plan uses current research with personal experience to develop a realistic approach to fit the needs of this business.

A business plan is a document that will continually change as the business grows and develops. This plan is for the business at the current stage of producing 500 bobwhite quail per year and discusses plans for growth over the next three years as well as strategies to obtain that …

Roli I Shba-Ve Në Sigurinë Globale, Ardian Berisha

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Influence Tactics Used By Information Services Project Managers, Gail R. English

Professional Projects

This case study explored the influence tactics used by successful information services project managers at Harley-Davidson. The participants were chosen via purposeful sampling for this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, which brought out some themes on the qualities needed to be successful as an information services project manager. The predominant skills sets included active listening, effective communication, relationship building and organization. The influence strategies primarily mentioned by the participants were consultation and bargaining, which was similar to what was found in the review of prior research. Other findings from this research included the challenges faced by project managers and the …

Women In Top Management Positions In The Sport Industry: Breaking Down The Barriers And Stereotypes, Katie Simmons

Sport Management Undergraduate

Even with the advancements that women have made throughout history, very few women have risen to the top of sports organizations. Previous research cites gender based stereotypes, segregation based on job type, and the “old boys’ network” as causes for this trend. The purpose of this study is to focus on the women currently working in the industry and explore their experiences in the work place. Seven interviews were conducted with women working in leadership positions in the sport industry. Their responses to the interview questions contradict previous findings. The results of this study show that women are overcoming the …

Success Of Black And White Coaches In The Nfl, Mike Donofrio

Sport Management Undergraduate

Black and white coaches in the NFL have been compared since the Rooney Rule was implemented in 2001. Between the years of 1990-2002, it was demonstrated that black coaches in the NFL were more successful than white coaches looking at regular season winning record. Winning record can be attributed to other factors than just coaching. Factors such as leadership and motivational characteristics of a certain coach have an impact on how successful coaches are in the NFL. Looking at post game quotes by head coaches and finding out their frequency helps us better understand the relationship between motivation/leadership styles and …

Exploring Intangibles In Event Design, Ally Pawarski

Sport Management Undergraduate

Event coordinators are constantly faced with the pressures of developing innovative strategies based upon new consumer desires. Because of this, planners need to be aware and receptive of consumer and participant responses. However, it is questionable whether coordinators actually turn these responses into action when planning events. Through an ethnography design with the National Senior Games in Houston, Texas and Rochester, NY, this study seeks to improve the way events are implemented by analyzing data for both intangible and tangible factors. It was found that strong communication between management levels, recruiting the right people to your organization and listening to …

Exploring Relationships Between Academic Progress Rates And Team Success, Jeffrey Lefevre

Sport Management Undergraduate

Academic Progress Rate (APR) was instituted by the NCAA in 2005 to get a real time measure of student’s academic progress. The APR is used to measure athlete’s academic progress at their institution in and out of season. Since the APR was instituted recently, literature and research involving the APR is scarce. Team success (as measured by win/loss record and postseason accomplishments) was correlated with a team’s Academic Progress Rate. Men’s Division I college basketball did not show any significant findings between Academic Progress Rates and team success. Men’s Division I college football showed that as teams have more success …

The Effectiveness Of The Nfl’S Rooney Rule, Matthew Welker

Sport Management Undergraduate

The Rooney Rule in the NFL was created in order to create an atmosphere of racial equality and fairness when relating to hiring practices. The general consensus on the Rooney Rule is that it has been successful so far, but there is still a lot to do in order to counteract racial bias when it comes to hiring employees. After nine years of validation, it is still yet to be seen if the Rooney Rule has made changes to the NFL. This research explores the positions of Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, and General Manager in all 32 NFL franchises to …

Online Marketing And New Media Usage In The National Football League, Julia Lauria

Sport Management Undergraduate

As innovations in technology continue to occur at a rapid rate, marketing as once known continues to drastically change as well. This has provided organizations several new and improved marketing tools, while simultaneously presenting numerous challenges. The sport industry has adopted these innovations and uses internet marketing and new media frequently. The National Football League, the most profitable sports league in the United States, has been identified as a leading force in the use of new marketing initiatives. This research critically analyzes each of the 32 NFL organizations official websites to determine the different aspects of new media and internet …

An Examination Of Gender Bias In Print Coverage Of High School Athletics, Kevin English

Sport Management Undergraduate

This study examined the balance of newspaper coverage in regards to male and female high school athletes by way of a content analysis. Using the Messenger Post, a small daily in upstate New York, this study explored whether or not gender biases exist within the publication. 328 photographs were gathered from the 2011 spring sport season (April 1 to June 13) and analyzed with a keen eye towards placement, color, and quantity. Results proved to contradict past research. The sample shows that males have a greater prominence in the newspaper – in each of the factors discussed above – but …

Athletes On Facebook, Kristen Vella

Sport Management Undergraduate

As technology has risen at a rapid rate in recent years, social networking has become a large part of society. Specifically Facebook has become a part of a regular routine and a daily task for many, including athletes. Privacy settings for athletes are important as many activities online are now being monitored by university personnel. This exploratory study uncovered the quantity, content and rationalization of Facebook posts with a select group of Division III athletes. Utilizing survey technology, it was discovered that athletes seem to be more cautious than expected and do take privacy settings into consideration. These findings contradict …

Motivational Differences Among Traditional And Transfer Football Players, Nicholas Adrian

Sport Management Undergraduate

Motivation among football players drives a team to success or failure. Coaches must be able to create a positive environment that allows players to be motivated. It all starts from the top and trickles down. There are many different actions that coaches use to motivate their players on and off the field. Depending on which type of coaching style is used will determine the methods that are used to motivate. Players also have to have self-motivating traits that drive them to become better athletes. This study consisted of surveys of football players in Division III football. Transfer students and 4th …

The Effect Of Recruiting Style On Men’S College Basketball Ticket Sales, Brian Bean

Sport Management Undergraduate

In college athletics fans are attached to the tradition of their favorite school. The tradition of playing college basketball has started to change with the implementation of the 2005 NBA CBA. Players cannot now go directly from high school to the NBA. Players have to go to college for at least one calendar year out high school before entering the NBA rookie draft. The study took a look at the difference in average season ticket, and average single game tickets that were sold for college basketball seasons. With this knowledge the college basketball can now determine that there is no …

Winning Percentage And Attendance In The Nhl, Daniel Peters

Sport Management Undergraduate

This research extends the analysis of winning on attendance, looking specifically at its prevalence in the National Hockey League. Data was collected from 2005-2006 through the 2010-2011 season for the each of the league’s 30 teams. Each club’s winning percentage at the midway point of each year was noted, and attendance at each of the remaining home games was analyzed. Statistical analysis revealed that the only season in which there was a significant relationship between midpoint winning percentage and second half attendance was 2010-2011. This study also explored patterns of attendance across the league over this six-year span.

The Rise In Major League Baseball Salaries: How Salary Arbitration, Free Agency And Personal Performance Statistics Factor Into The Rise In Player Salaries, James Grecco

Sport Management Undergraduate

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the factors supporting the rise in Major League Baseball Player Salaries over the years. In this paper, four “Former Great” players’ personal statistics and salaries were compared to “Modern Era” players that achieved similar records, in an attempt to calculate approximately how much each former player would earn if they played today. Personal statistics used to compare position players were, players’ batting averages (Avg.), slugging percentages (SLG%), and the number of homeruns calculated (HR’s). Pitcher’s figures associated were, strikeouts per innings pitched (K:IP), strikeout to walk ratio (K: BB), and walks and …

The Effect Of Gender On Fitness Motivational Factors: An Examination Of St. John Fisher College Undergraduate Students, Daniel J. Lippa

Sport Management Undergraduate

Gender and the effect it has on physical fitness motivational factors for St. John Fisher undergraduate students was examined, in the context of factors such as reasons for participation (health/functioning, appearance, achievement, social) factors that contribute to commitment (feeling in control, seeing physical changes, social) and qualities important in a fitness facility (location, staff and training aids, extra amenities, operating hours, quality/type of equipment, group classes offered, membership prices/packages). Significant gender differences were found in health and functioning, achievement, social reasons, location, and group classes.

Intercultural Accommodation Of Ethnic Minority Consumers: An Empirical Examination Of The Moderating Effects In Service Encounters, Sarah Mady

Theses and Dissertations in Business Administration

The current study proposed a model of intercultural accommodation and nine emergent hypotheses grounded in three theories: Accommodation Theory, Distinctiveness Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model. The study expected that the offering of a service in the minority consumer's language and by an ethnically-similar service provider will lead to favorable service quality perceptions, in the absence of any intervening variables. Ethnic minority consumers were also expected to differ in their perceptions of service quality when intercultural accommodation efforts were or were not offered given a number of intervening variables. The proposed model and the nine hypotheses were assessed via a …

Total Rewards Compensation: A Viable Solution, Patrick Wesley Smith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Total rewards customer loyalty programs represent a viable solution for domestic gaming operators in today’s current economic environment. Total rewards customer loyalty programs provide domestic gaming operators with an unparalleled tool in understanding, identifying, and realizing their customer’s desires. The design of total rewards customer loyalty programs provides domestic gaming operators with the ability to remain fluid and allows quick adaptation to ever changing market conditions. Research suggests that total rewards customer loyalty programs provide domestic gaming operators with a viable financial solution that provides equitable value to customers alike. This paper will analyze the structure of customer loyalty programs …

Analysis Of Staff Scheduling Effect On Hospitality Staffing Service Efficiency During High-Occupancy Conditions Using Discrete Event Simulation (Des), Robert Joseph Malony

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This study utilized discrete event simulation (DES) in order to optimize the staff scheduling within the housekeeping department for hotel operation during high-occupancy conditions. High-occupancy situations within hotels occur during peak season times in which guests occupy a greater number of rooms than throughout the year. A literature review showed that DES has been used to optimize various types of schedules. This study was unique in the case that it incorporates computer modeling into the staffing portion of lodging establishments; an area with limited amount of research. Data was collected from historical records and through actual observations. A validated computerized …

The Gavrilovic Meat Company: Surviving And Thriving Through Years Of Chaos In Croatia, Andrew Anthony Vuksic

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Business leaders throughout the world have suffered through very difficult times within the past several years. A global financial crisis has swept through the business community with such unspeakable force that countless businesses throughout the world have been destroyed.

Yet, is it possible that many of these failed businesses could have survived this recent financial storm? Is there a company today that could be considered a shining example of what it takes to survive and thrive in the turbulent world of business?

The purpose of this business history study was to examine key distinctive qualities of a Croatian meat company, …

Labor Shortage And The Development Of Gaming Industry In Macau, Liz Chiu Nga Ming

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the labor shortage in Macau directly affects the growth and development of the gaming industry. As Macau is currently facing similar situations like PRC China, the blooming economy became the main cause for companies to use lucrative salaries to attract quality employees from different sources, including school dropouts as well as current employees from other organizations. In the long run, this could cause a negative impact to the industry as the companies might be forced to promote immature and inexperienced employees to senior positions in order to fill the …

Literature Review On Turnover - To Better Understand The Situation In Macau, Ut Lon Im

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Macau is enjoying the prosperity brought by the increase of gaming operations. However, this rapid development imposed a great challenge in Human Resources Management. The hospitality industry is experiencing a high turnover rate, which affects the service quality and long-term sustainability. Major causes of turnover were reviewed from Western based and Asian based literature. Local studies were also included to provide a better picture of the turnover causes in Macau. Some recommendations were made to help retaining talented employees.

Preparation Of A New Business: Shanghai Studio, Wai Hung Wu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this professional paper is to develop a business plan for a hair salon studio concept that emphasizes customer focus and social responsibility.

Understanding The Decline Of Sales Of Destination Club Products, Heidi Goetz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to identify and confirm factors leading to the decline of sales of Ritz-Carlton Destination Club products.

A Review Of San Francisco’S Lodging Industry: Past Performance And Future Implications, Adam N. Szilagyi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the past performance of the San Francisco lodging industry in order to identify future growth potential.

Leveraging Slot Gaming Technology To Gain A Competitive Advantage, Philip Zarlengo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The slot gaming industry is being revolutionized by a recent explosion of new technologies that offer a wealth of management opportunities for casinos and offer a more interactive gameplay experience for players. These new technologies increase the excitement of gameplay while extending time on device (TOD) and revenue for the casinos. This preliminary business proposal informs casino managers on the latest in slot technologies and provides a guideline for their successful implementation.

The Viability And Necessity Of Desertxpress And The Future Of Las Vegas, Charles Alexander Wellington

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this professional paper is to determine the effects of the DesertXpress, an interstate high-speed rail which will connect Las Vegas, NV and Southern California and will provide critical information as to the viability and economic strength that the high-speed rail will bring to the region.

Eco-Tourism Resorts: A Case Study Of Best Practices At The Hamanasi Resort In Belize, Kathryn Early

Honors Theses and Capstones

The objective of this research is to investigate best practice initiatives of sustainability involved in the successful development and management of Hamanasi Resort, an award winning eco-tourism resort located in Belize. The four phases of research at Hamanasi as originally proposed, found in Part I of the thesis, are outlined as follows: Phase one includes hands-on research through shadowing in different hotel departments, observation of management practices in Hamanasi, interviews conducted with employees, and questionnaires administered to guests; Phase two begins a study of the business and organizational model of Hamanasi along with an examination of the critical issues encountered …

The Jasmine Revolution And The Tourism Industry In Tunisia, Mohamed Becheur

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction:

The tourism industry is one of the most important industries in the world since it employs “more than 250 million people worldwide” (Coshall, 2003, p. 4). This industry, which includes transport, lodging, and catering, is expected to generate $12,119 billion of revenues and 279,346,000 jobs in 2016 (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2006). The tourism industry worldwide is also expected to indirectly and directly contribute 10.9% to Gross Domestic Product (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2006). However, the tourism industry is an extremely sensitive and vulnerable activity which can be impacted significantly by important events such as terrorism, political insecurity, and natural disasters …

Identifying New Pari-Mutuel Igaming Offerings In The United States, David W. Downes

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to develop a competitive landscape of current offerings in the online fantasy sports and online pari-mutuel wagering market in the US and to determine potential differentiated pari-mutuel sports iGaming offerings based on that landscape.