Business Commons^™

Can You Buy Success In Major League Baseball?, Jacob Rumberger

Honors Projects

The vast disparity in Major League Baseball team payrolls over the last decade has become a prominent issue of concern for fans, owners, and league management. The belief is that the teams that invest exorbitant amounts of money into their players are paying to win. Teams, such as the Oakland Athletics, have popularized the method of “Moneyball” to find and exploit undervalued players in order to compete with large market teams. This research study aims to uncover whether this claim is based in fact or is unsubstantiated. Using statistical prediction methods like linear regression, logistic regression, and k nearest neighbor …

Digital Transformation And Adaptive Capacity Of Banks In Tanzania: The Mediating Effect Of Knowledge Sharing, Sospeter Muchunguzi, Ulingeta O. L. Mbamba, Victor G. Wilson

Business Management Review

Amid rising competition and uncertainty, banks are increasingly adopting digital technologies to sustain adaptive capacity and competitiveness. This study examines the mediating effect of knowledge sharing in the influence of digital transformation on adaptive capacity. Drawing on an integrative theoretical framework combining the Dynamic Capability Theory, the Affordance Theory and the Adaptive Structuration Theory, a deductive approach was used, involving a sample size of forty-three (43) banks in Tanzania. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered through a drop-off and pick-up-later method and analyzed with PLS-SEM using SmartPLS software. We found that digital transformation of customer touchpoints makes banks more …

The Influence Of Digital Audit Capability On Tax Compliance In Tanzania, Henry Zeno Chalu, Daudi Deokari Mtena

Business Management Review

The research evaluates the effects of digital audit capacity on tax compliance in Tanzania, focusing on challenges such as tax avoidance and administrative inefficiency. It applies the Task-Technology Fit Theory and Deterrence Theory in tax audit to examine the relationship between digital audit capability and tax compliance. The findings show that digital audit capability has significantly enhanced tax compliance through data integrity, security, and analytical capability. These features minimize misreporting, secure financial information, and build trust while uncovering predictive insights. The current study also has implications for tax policy by highlighting the promise of digital audit capability in enhancing both …

Small Businesses: A Comprehensive Investigation Into Data Quality's Impact On Security, Privacy, And Governance, Deveeshree Nayak

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the extent to which deficiencies in data quality, specifically accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness, validity, and uniqueness, undermine data security, privacy compliance, and governance effectiveness in small businesses (fewer than 200 employees and annual revenues under $10 million) in Washington State. Although data are increasingly viewed as a strategic asset, empirical research on how poor data quality amplifies cyber risks and regulatory exposure in resource-constrained environments remains limited. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A purposive survey captured practitioner perceptions from nine small-business professionals regarding the impact of data quality on security (CIA triad), privacy (accuracy and transparency …

Program Consistency And Outcomes Proof: An Outcomes Measure Framework For The Portrait Of A Northstar Graduate, Grace Mabiala-Maye

MBA Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

NorthStar Foundation commissioned this engagement to answer a single question. Does its existing measurement infrastructure capture the developmental outcomes described in the Portrait of a NorthStar Graduate, the five-tier framework of Basic Needs, Belonging, Hope, Agency, and Leadership that President Wayne D. Brown has formalized as the organizing definition of success? The finding is that NorthStar is significantly closer to outcomes measurement than it realized. A crosswalk analysis of sixty-five unique survey items across six existing instruments shows that items measuring Belonging, Hope, and Agency are already embedded in the spring surveys at every grade level and align with validated …

Liberty Centre Marketing & Branding Strategy: Client Consulting Report, Mirsada Demirovic, Jack Gottschalk, Danny Ventura

MBA Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

Liberty Centre is a non-profit organization based in Norfolk, Nebraska, operating under the recognized Clubhouse model. The organization’s mission is to assist adults recovering from mental illness with opportunities to rebuild their lives through work and access to community resources.

This consulting engagement was undertaken as part of the MBA Capstone course under the direction of Professor Kristi Lynch. Our Team: Mirsada Demirovic, Jack Gottschalk, and Danny Ventura was tasked with developing a marketing and branding strategy to increase awareness of Liberty Centre’s services.

The primary deliverables include a refined brand positioning statement, a messaging framework, a digital growth strategy, …

Exploring Real-World Accounting Problems Through Case Studies, Molly Clark

Honors Theses

This thesis is made up of six different accounting case studies completed both individually and collaboratively over two semesters in Accy 420 under the guidance of Dr. Dickinson. These case studies required in-depth research on the topics and reflection on how accounting concepts apply to real-world business situations. In the fall semester, a variety of case studies were assigned to help broaden understanding of relevant accounting topics such as regulatory issues and financial reporting. In the spring semester, students were placed into groups to do research on the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and evaluate its potential impact on an …

Bridging Theory And Application: Case Studies In Financial Reporting, Regulation, And Ethics, Keili Cm Ikemori

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the intersection of financial reporting, regulation, and ethics through a series of applied case studies designed to bridge theoretical accounting concepts with real world application. The case studies focus on how accounting principles are implemented in corporate environments, how regulatory frameworks influence business operations, and how ethical considerations shape financial decision making. During the fall semester of Accy 420, we were tasked with case studies that increased our knowledge in financial statement literacy, accounting concepts, relevant accounting regulations, and ethics. During the spring semester of Accy 420, we used the knowledge gained from the prior semester in …

An Analysis Of Accounting Topics Through Case Studies, Nathan J. Hilzinger

Honors Theses

This thesis discusses and evaluates various contemporary accounting topics and issues through five different case studies in both a group and individual setting. These cases are intended to give students an opportunity to research a broad range of topics and get an in-depth view of different companies, economists, and current events relating to accounting and broader business topics. Through this process students are required to use their financial accounting knowledge gained from previous classes, critical thinking skills, and continue to develop their writing skills in both an educational and professional capacity. The content of this thesis is largely derived from …

The Influence Of Ole Miss And Nil On Local Business Strategy In Oxford, Mississippi, Benjamin D. Blossom Mr.

Honors Theses

This thesis argues that while NIL policies have introduced new financial and promotional dynamics, the relationship between the University of Mississippi athletics and the Oxford business community is still primarily shaped by long-standing, collaborative practices. The study focuses on how NIL is influencing these established relationships and the economic landscape of a college town where the university acts as a major economic driver. Through six in-depth interviews with Oxford business owners across retail, hospitality, food service, and events, the research finds that athletics, and football in particular, fuel much of the city’s economic activity. However, businesses see NIL-driven endorsements as …

An Evaluation Of Modern Accountancy: Insights On Regulatory Change, Corporate Behavior, And Financial Reporting, Cade S. Black

Honors Theses

The purpose of the course was to develop a series of case studies across various areas of financial reporting. These cases covered a broad range of accounting topics, including research on enacted reporting laws to the financial impact of potential regulations on global food companies. To build these cases, we were assigned to teams to research our topics and accumulate credible information to answer the questions given for each case. We also pursued individual cases in which the course had the opportunity to express their opinions as the assigned case was being built. This process ultimately required thorough research of …

Barriers And Opportunities In Women-Led Dental Entrepreneurship, Eliza Grace Ulmer

Honors Theses

Barriers and Opportunities in Women-Led Dental Entrepreneurship

This research examines the barriers that women encounter when attempting to open their own business. Specifically, this research will concentrate in the dental field and health care industry. Attaining the education, skills, knowledge and criteria to become a licensed dentist is extremely difficult. Adding the licensed dentist opening their own practice adds another layer of difficulty. These challenges are further compounded when the practitioner is a woman.

This research interviewed women dentists in the business as well as entrepreneurs that opened their own health practice. These interviews showed the process and requirements needed …

The War On American Consumers, William C. Morrill V

Honors Theses

In this work I seek to discuss the various avenues that consumers have been abused by both individual corporations and wider market trends. I also attempt to shed light on how recent consumer advocacy movements have been gaining momentum to combat these issues. The background information for this work has been collected through years of personal observation of the issues at hand. The areas of technology, automobiles, and agriculture that are featured prominently throughout the essay are all topics of either personal impact to myself and family or things that I have a hobby-like interest in. I have kept up …

The Price To Rent Ratio As An Indicator For Valuation In The U.S. Real Estate Market, Timothy C. Mahaffey

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the usefulness of the price-to-rent ratio as a primary indicator of housing market valuation within fifteen Metropolitan Statistical Areas that have universities (MSAs). While traditional economic theory suggests that housing prices and rents maintain a stable long-run relationship, recent market volatility has challenged the reliability of this metric. This study utilizes a localized, trend-based analysis to determine the extent to which deviations in the price-to-rent ratio signal genuine market overvaluation or undervaluation.

The empirical results demonstrate a high degree of correlation between ratio deviations and home value trajectories. During the 2021–2022 period, all 15 analyzed cities experienced …

Beyond The Bricks: The Friends Of The Burns-Belfry Online, Madeline M. Webb

Honors Theses

This capstone project was completed to offer a new website to the members of the Friends of the Burns-Belfry Museum and Multicultural Center. This project entailed research into the importance of a museum’s digital presence, the significance of community and cultural spaces for historically marginalized groups, and the role of community engagement initiatives for students and community leaders. All findings were considered and implemented into the website and website manual deliverables.

Accounting 420 Case Studies Of Current Accounting Topics And Trends, Reed Anderson

Honors Theses

This thesis consists of six separate accounting cases including a three part case that analyzes the effects of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement on the company Conagra Brands. These cases were assigned by Dr. Dickinson during the 2024-2025 school year. During the fall semester, we were given four cases referencing different accounting related trends and were instructed to research these topics extensively. We were placed in groups where we could conduct research and consult amongst each other in order to expand our understanding of each topic provided. In between cases, we were lucky enough to hear from multiple …

Esports Cosmopolitan Canopy, Reice Hicks

Honors Theses

This thesis concerns the area of sociology. Specifically, it is a sociological study of a community on Ole Miss’s campus and how they form what is known within the sociology field as a “cosmopolitan canopy,” a term coined by Elijah Anderson. Using this term, I proceed to prove not only how the Ole Miss Esports club falls under this jurisdiction, but the effects of esports on the youth as a whole, both positive and negative. All of my data was extracted via literature review, online research, note-taking, visual observation, and one-on-one interviews with people involved with the club. The entire …

Applied Accounting Perspectives: Case Studies In Theory, Regulation, And Practice, Zoe Justice

Honors Theses

This document includes two semesters of casework completed under the instruction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson in ACCY 420. These case studies were designed to expose accounting students to more applicable research to their field of study that will help them in their future careers. This document includes a total of eight case studies, spanning various topics in the accounting field. Most cases were completed in a group, with a few being completed individually. For each case, the topic was researched thoroughly using online resources and a solution was proposed or observations synthesized. During the second half of the course, my …

Beyond The Numbers: A Patterson School Of Accountancy Practicum, Olivia R. Mardis

Honors Theses

This practicum comprises six case studies that explore a range of accounting topics. While each case stands independently, the work collectively emphasizes the interpretation of financial information. Although financial statements may appear to some as a series of abstract figures, accountants are trained to understand and apply the “language of business,” transforming numerical data into meaningful insights that inform decision-making.

The first case provides an objective analysis of a company’s Form 10-K, focusing on interpreting financial statements and using that interpretation to evaluate performance and guide decisions. The second case examines the Corporate Transparency Act, analyzing its intended purpose, potential …

Financial Reporting, Strategy, And Legislation: A Study Of Post Holdings And Relevant Accounting Topics, Noah Harkins

Honors Theses

This thesis examines multiple areas of financial reporting, business strategy, and legislation. This was performed through a series of case studies completed in Accounting 420, where the purpose of the class was to apply accounting concepts to real-world business situations. The cases cover multiple areas of financial reporting, including asset theory, 10-K analysis, audit risk assessment, corporate legislation, business strategy, data analytics, economic policy, and professional leadership. The main analysis focuses on Post Holdings, with supporting cases involving Tyson Foods, the Corporate Transparency Act, Thomas Sowell, Ronald Reagan, and broader accounting theory.

The research process used throughout the thesis consisted …

Final Practicum Thesis And Portfolio From Accy 421: Professional Development Reviewing The Economic Effects Of Maha Initiatives On Conagra Brands Financial Statements And Studies On Business Professionals, Everett B. Heuer

Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential legislative changes brought about by Robert F Kennedy Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign to uncover possible financial effects to Conagra Brands’ next fiscal year. This was achieved through research on RFK’s opinions on American food culture from sources such as interviews and Senate confirmation hearings. Findings included disapproval of seed oils and artificial food dyes that could affect Conagra Brands’ subsidiaries. After reviewing Conagra Brands’ 10k for the previous fiscal year as well as mission statements and core values, the team developed multiple plans for Conagra Brands …

From Amateur To Influencer: The Nil Era Takes Over, Olivia J. Matulich

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the change of amateur athletics with the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. For many years, the NCAA followed an amateurism model that prevented student-athletes from earning money, even though their efforts generated major profits through media contracts, sponsorships, and branding. The arrival of NIL in 2021 marked a major shift, allowing athletes the chance to earn money from their personal brand, which redefined the role they play within the collegiate athletic system.

This study looks at NIL from several angles, including its legal background, financial impact, and cultural significance. By reviewing key legal cases …

Examining Data Quality Management Practices In Light Of The Adoption Of Llms And Genai: Closing The Gap Between Iq Theory And Iq Practice, Venant Habamungu

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) has intensified longstanding data quality concerns while exposing important gaps in current Data Quality Management (DQM) practice. This dissertation examines whether widely used DQM frameworks sufficiently address semantic data quality dimensions that are critical for trustworthy GenAI and LLM applications. Guided by Information Quality (IQ) theory, particularly the Wang and Strong conceptualization of data quality, the study evaluates selected DQM frameworks used in practice to determine the extent to which they emphasize semantic dimensions such as accuracy, value-added, relevancy, objectivity, reputation, believability, security, and appropriate amount of …

Seven Top Opportunities For Utah Girls And Women: A 2026 Update, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Decades of scholarship—within Utah and across national and global contexts—demonstrate that expanding opportunities for girls and women begins with understanding where those opportunities already exist and where they can be strengthened. Building this awareness creates the foundation for strategic, high‑impact action. In Utah, the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) plays a central role in this work, producing hundreds of research reports that surface ongoing challenges1 while simultaneously highlighting the conditions, possibilities, and pathways that support girls, women, and families.

Dissecting The Connection Between Technological Advancement And Environmental Justice Through An International Perspective, Benson H. Le

Honors Theses

This thesis dissects the connection between technological advancement and environmental justice through an international perspective. With modern-day technologies advancing by the day, the implications of these technologies on our environment have been rising as well. This thesis looks to dissect the connection between these two entities, as well as view this connection through an international lens. Countries around the world view this connection very differently, and the way these technologies are implemented within the environment is drastically different based on different international views. This thesis aims to answer the questions about this phenomenon. How do countries around the world view …

Change Of Accessibility In The Izu Islands Before And After Tourism Development In The Pre-World War Ⅱ Period, Kantaro Takahashi

International Journal of Islands Research

This study compares accessibility on the Izu Islands, an inhabited archipelago. part of Tokyo Prefecture, from around the 1910s to the 1930s, during the early years of tourism development. Most islands in the archipelago started attracting tourists during the economically prosperous 1960s and 1970s; uniquely, Izu Oshima, the largest island, had been a tourist destination since before World War II. Tourism research on this region and period has predominantly employed a descriptive approach; quantitative studies have been rare owing to the dearth of data. Addressing this gap, this study conducts a network analysis of data acquired from the books of …

Communication Competency And Intercultural Adaptation Of Multinational Company Leaders In The Local Cultural Context, Andi Kurniawati S.E., M.M., Dr. Fuad Mas'ud , Mir

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

This study discusses the role of intercultural communication competencies of leaders in the context of multinational companies in Indonesia. The background is a multicultural global business landscape, where the ability to communicate across cultures is key to organizational success. The objectives of this research are to identify the forms of intercultural communication competencies that emerge in interactions between foreign leaders and local employees, to explore leaders' communication adaptation strategies in the Indonesian cultural context, and to analyze how local cultural dimensions such as high communication context, power distance, and collectivism influence the effectiveness of leadership and communication styles of multinational …

Financial Literacy And Kentucky House Bill 342, Rebecca J. Futrell

Honors College Theses

This study examines the correlation between taking a financial literacy class in high school and an individual’s actual financial literacy. It is inspired by the recent Kentucky House Bill 342, which mandates that a financial literacy class be taken during high school. According to recent studies, Generation Z scores the lowest on a financial literacy index among the past three generations. To address this, many U.S. states have introduced mandatory financial literacy classes in K-12 education. In 2025, Kentucky joined the 30 states that mandated a financial literacy class for a high school diploma. The Kentucky House Bill 342 selects …

The Marginal Sexual Equality Game: Defining The Incentives For Sexual Equality Using Economic Game Theory And Butler’S Gender Trouble, Blaise Bowers

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This project takes an interdisciplinary economic and gender studies approach to explain subversion, sexual equality, and the marginal nature of sexual rights. The project uses advanced economic game theory to derive the Marginal Sexual Equality Game Formula. The formula explains the various political-economic incentives for a minority gender/sexual identity’s subversion of dominance, a dominant sex's incentive to suppress, the impact of cooperation versus division among minority genders/sexual identities, incentives and impacts of cooperation between sects of minority genders/sexual identities and the dominant gender/sexual identity, and the various consequences of various social mobility and elasticity. Additionally, the formula proves and showcases …

Ai Is Taking Over!: A New Generation Of Unemployment Fears, Amaya V. Hepburn

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The growing panic surrounding AI taking over the workforce is strong in a distinct group of demographics, in contrast to the fear of computers taking over the workforce that was seen in previous generations. This suggests that AI developments have sparked a wave of fear that is unlike the fear of tech developments in the past. I have discovered that this fear is prevalent across several demographics: age, employment, and income. By cross-analyzing through the 2017 and 2025 fear surveys, I discovered that fear of AI is more prevalent in younger generations and is more threatening to students entering the …