Business Commons^™

Benford's Law And The Impact Of Director Blockholders, Ying "Caroline" Chen

Presentations - 2025

This presentation was given by a faculty member on Benford's Law and it's effects on management.

"Benford's Law is a mathematical law which relates to the leading digits of numbers in naturally occurring tables. The probability of the first digit equaling some number d is roughly equal to

𝑃 𝑑 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (1 + 1 𝑑)

The probability of the second digit equaling some number d is roughly equal to

𝑃 𝑑 = σ𝑥=1 9 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (1 + 1 10𝑥+𝑑)

Durtschi, Hillison, and Pacini (2004) – Analysis using Benford’s Law is primarily useful on sets composed of mathematical combinations of …

Borrowing In The Dark: The Role Of Financial Education In Payday Loan Dependence, Abdullah Mohammad Mahi, Solomon Wang

Posters - 2025

Payday loans, a form of short-term, high-interest credit, have become a contentious financial instrument in the United States. Though they provide immediate access to cash for individuals, they are largely criticized for reinforcing consumers' financial vulnerability. With APRs consistently surpassing 400%, payday loans not only carry high risk but continue to be widely popular, attracting an estimated 12 million Americans every year. This research delves into the relationship between financial literacy and the utilization of payday loans. The payday lending market thrives by targeting individuals in financial distress, who are typically lowincome, young, and economically marginalized, making them particularly susceptible …

Preparing Youth For Careers In Drone Aviation: Evaluating Washington County 4-H Drone Camps, Paul A. Hill, Aubree L. Miller, Katarina J. Aikens

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Drone technology presents growing career opportunities, yet youth access to education in this field remains limited. This study evaluates the Washington County 4-H Drone Camps, which aimed to equip youth in 4^th – 8^th graders with essential knowledge and skills in drone aviation. The Drone Camps focused on competencies such as drone anatomy, FAA regulations, and piloting skills. Evaluation results indicated youth improved in all competency areas after completing the camp. The Washington County 4-H Drone Camps effectively allowed youth to explore drone technologies and prepare them for a possible career pathway.

Experience Accounting To Improve Strategic Decision-Making In A Rural Resort: Application Case Report, Mats Carlbäck, Ganna V. Demydyuk

Journal of Global Hospitality and Tourism

This report explores the application of Experience Accounting (EA) to enhance strategic decision making in a rural resort, focusing on improving profitability through customer-centric financial management. This study addresses the challenges faced by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the hospitality industry, particularly the lack of tailored information systems for effective decision-making. By integrating the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) paradigm, EA aligns cost accounting with customer-perceived value, optimizing resource allocation to enhance customer experience and willingness to pay. The case study of a rural upmarket resort demonstrates the practical implementation of EA, revealing insights into resource consumption …

Sex & Startups, Jens Frankenreiter, Talia B. Gillis, Eric L. Talley

Faculty Scholarship

Private law offers a unique solution to the problem of long-term fiscal commitment. When Congress enacts a spending program that will take many years to reach fruition, there is a risk of a subsequent Congress or President cutting off funding in the interim. There is no escape from the problem within appropriations law itself. One solution, however, is to entrust private sector allies as vessels of long-term commitment. As a matter of political economy, that solution draws on policy-feedback theory. As a matter of law, the solution rests on a mechanism that Congress already uses but has not recognized its …

Do Bank Ceos Learn From Crisis Experiences?, Gloria Yang Yu

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Does the early-career exposure of bank CEOs to the 1980s savings and loans (S&L) crisis affect the outcomes of banks they subsequently managed? We measure the S&L crisis exposure by the bank failure rate in the states where CEOs worked during the S&L crisis. Armed with this measure, we find that banks managed by CEOs with higher S&L crisis exposure took on less risk and that these banks better survived the financial crisis of 2008. In particular, CEOs adjusted risk attitudes in areas causing the S&L crisis: their more intense crisis experience reduced banks’ interest rate risk, exposure to risky …

How Does Digital Finance Affect Imports, Exports And Trade Balance: Evidence From China, Hongya Li, Xiaobin Lin, Zhaoyong Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper investigates how digital inclusive finance affects imports and exports as well as foreign trade balance by incorporating the mediating effect of technological innovation and the moderating effect of identified factors. Using panel data from 31 provinces and regions in China, we find robust evidence that digital inclusive finance has a significant and positive effect on China's trade performance, with technological innovation being the important mediator and marketization, industrial structure transformation and upgrading, economic development and financial regulation as the effective moderators. Such effect is found more striking for the central and western regions, confirming the presence of regional …

The Effect Of Perceived Brand Betrayal On Brand Hate, Avoidance-Like And Attack-Like Strategies: A Comparative Study Of Customers With/Without Past Negative Experiences, Nasrin Rasouli, S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh, Mohammad Alimohammadirokni, Ayatollah Momayez

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study explores the impact of perceived brand betrayal on two types of brand hate and their subsequent effects on consumer behavioral responses. It also investigates how these relationships vary between customers with/without past negative experiences. Data about luxury hotels were obtained using an online survey in Iran. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The findings indicate that perceived betrayal positively influences passive and active brand hate, leading to negative behavioral responses. Moreover, a significant difference was found between the two groups of customers with/without past negative experiences regarding the effect of perceived betrayal on …

Library Post Partnerships: A Solution To Increase Access To Public Library Facilities In The Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, Wendy Rein

Calvert Undergraduate Research Awards

Resource deserts are areas with residential populations that lack access to public amenities. Current standards in the field of Library and Information Sciences recommend a two-mile buffer zone around public libraries in order to ensure access and use of facilities. In the Las Vegas metropolitan area, multiple library deserts can be identified overlapping with areas designated for community development. This research shows that public libraries provide resources that can improve community metrics, notably educational and vocational outcomes, but that many neighborhoods in the region lack access to a facility. Increasing the distribution of public libraries as they are currently architecturally …

Simulation Research On Financial Competitive Intelligence Early Warning Mechanism Of New Ventures Based On Big Data Thinking, Keping Wang, Jingyi Zhou, Yao Che, Zhen Qiao

Journal of Scientific Information Research

[Purpose/significance]Financial competitive intelligence is a core element in promoting the stable development of new ventures. Based on big data thinking, exploring the construction process and simulation effects of financial competitive intelligence warning mechanisms for new ventures is of great significance for improving their competitiveness and promoting healthy development. [Method/process]The article takes startups as the research object, constructs a financial competitive intelligence early warning mechanism for startups based on big data thinking, and uses system dynamics methods to construct causal relationship diagrams and system flow diagrams, and simulates them using Vensim PLE software. [Result/conclusion]The system dynamics model constructed in the article …

Research On The Path To Realize The Digital Transformation Of Listed Specialized And New "Little Giant" Enterprises：From The Perspective Of Linkage Between Internal And External Factors Within The Organization, Jianfeng Liu, Jin Tang, Xukan Xu, Haowen Zhou

Journal of Scientific Information Research

[Purpose/significance]In the post pandemic era of global economic downturn, the deep integration of digital economy and real economy is the key to promoting economic recovery and growth. As an important support for the resilience of the national economy, specialized, refined, and new "little giant" enterprises urgently need to pay attention to the value of data elements, actively participate in the construction and trading of data markets, and drive business innovation and value creation with data. Therefore, exploring the digital transformation path of specialized, refined, and new "little giant" enterprises is particularly urgent. [Method/process]Based on the TOE framework,this article uses fsQCA …

Aggregate Earnings And Global Equity Returns, Yigit Atilgan, K. Ozgur Demirtas, A. Doruk Gunaydin, Aynur Dilan Tosun, Duygu Zirek

Department of Accounting and Finance Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This paper compares the predictive power of aggregate earnings for equity returns in international markets. We rank 51 non-US countries based on the time-series averages of their price synchronicity and market concentration measures, calculated at the firm level using daily data. We find that aggregate earnings negatively predict one-quarter-ahead stock returns in country groups that contain less synchronous and concentrated markets, as opposed to country groups that contain more synchronous and concentrated markets. We attribute the negative predictive power of aggregate earnings to a business cycle effect because high (low) corporate earnings correspond to economic expansions (contractions) that tend to …

Recording Employability Skills Development Using The Student Transformative Learning Record (Stlr) Dashboard, Amanda Dixon

Case studies: Digital Education

Academic transcripts demonstrate the academic achievement of graduates. However, they do not demonstrate the skills, abilities, and attributes such as critical thinking and teamwork that are identified as essential for the workplace or for society (Miller et al, 2020 p. 12). Catalano (2022) argues that the traditional academic transcript is not providing the information employers need. The solution to this is that universities support students to communicate their skills in a better way through a skills-based transcript. The Student Transformative Learning Record (STLR) dashboard is a Brightspace enabled LTI integration platform that allows students to gain recognition for their transformative …

Interactive Worksheets For Self-Study, Alice Luby

Case studies: Digital Education

Students can be intimated when attempting exam style questions in modules that require computations and numeric content. The large volume of numbers and the need for computations in Accounting can be very challenging for students, especially for those who don’t intend on becoming an accountant when they graduate. Some don’t have the confidence to get started or fear that if they get the first part wrong that they are wasting their time. It can be very difficult for students to get started on a question and to develop the skills they need to pass the end of year examination.

The Anonymous Voice, Alice Luby

Case studies: Digital Education

A student may not answer in front of peers because they lack confidence, are afraid to get it wrong and feel silly or don’t want to be seen as a ‘nerd’. Polling software reduces barriers by allowing students to post questions anonymously as well as responding anonymously to polls posed by the lecturer. Our aim should be to empower student to speak up and engage, however for first year students this can be daunting. Polling software can foster engagement providing an anonymous voice that can create a more dynamic and active learning space. According to one student ‘It is very …

Strategy & Leadership In Accounting & Finance Module Redesign, Lucy Bowe, Ruth O'Leary

Case studies: Digital Education

This year, we have been redesigning the "Strategy & Leadership in Accounting & Finance” module. This finalyear undergraduate module aim is to develop students' judgment, critical thinking, and ability to integrate knowledge to solve real-world business challenges. The module is delivered by a team of lecturers and employs multi-disciplinary case-studies to provide authentic learning and assessment. It is offered across three programs in the Faculty of Business resulting in high student numbers, which presents several challenges including time-tabling, room availability and attendance issues. We also wanted to encourage active student engagement, debate and the sharing of diverse perspectives.

Does Name, Image, And Likeness Increase Gender Inequality In College Athletics?, Aimee Christenson

Political Science Theses and Capstones

In June of 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association adopted its first interim policy regarding Name, Image, and Likeness. From here, college athletes have been able to benefit from opportunities regarding their brand as an athlete. While this development has been historic in its expansion of rights to athletes, it highlights the inequities between male and female athletes. Title IX requires equal opportunity for male and female students. This research raises questions about whether NIL is increasing the disparity between male and female athletes. To answer this question, I looked at NIL data collected by Kyle Ems on the NIL …

Economic Impact Analysis For The Ut Tyler - Longview Small Business Development Center, Manuel Reyes-Loya, Cecilia Cuellar, Marilyn Young, Sara Maldonado, Pedro Gallardo-Toledo

Whitepapers and Technical Reports

This report analyzes the economic impact of the University of Texas at Tyler–Longview Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on the East Texas region. It examines both the center's operational contributions and the effects of the services it provides to local businesses. Between 2020 and 2024, SBDC-supported businesses generated approximately $49.8 million in economic output, with projections of $34.9 million more through 2027. The center's own operations contributed about $3.5 million, with additional expected output of $2.6 million. Using an input-output model, the study highlights the SBDC's role in fostering regional entrepreneurship and economic growth, demonstrating its importance as both a …

Enhancing Metacognitive Competencies Through Human-Centered Ai: The Role Of Custom-Trained Intelligent Agents In Workforce Upskilling, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This editorial examines the integration of human-computer intelligent interaction (HCII), specifically through human-centered artificial intelligence (AI) and custom-trained intelligent agents, to foster metacognitive competencies critical for workforce upskilling. With 59% of the workforce projected to require substantial upskilling by 2030, developing personalized AI models tailored to individual cognitive and learning profiles presents an innovative pathway. These custom-trained agents leverage human-computer interaction (HCI) technologies and machine learning methodologies to enhance understanding of one’s own learning processes-metacognition-thus empowering individuals to optimize their future learning and adaptability. This approach not only enhances the individual’s ability to engage effectively with complex tasks in the …

Undergraduate Accounting Capstone: Enhancing Integration, Reflective Learning, And Workplace Transition For Future Professionals, Duan Ning, Magdeleine Lew, Clarence Goh, Poh Sun Seow, Gary Pan

Research Collection School Of Accountancy

This study examines whether a university capstone course focused on accounting data and analytics equips undergraduate accounting students with the relevant professional and technological skills for future work. There is concern that the traditional accounting curriculum, which often emphasizes theoretical knowledge and technical skills, may not sufficiently prepare students for the complex, data-driven environment in the workplace. Therefore, our study is important because professional and technological skills are essential skills that students need to thrive in complex, data-driven environments, and our study provides insights into whether a capstone course can equip students with these skills. To examine these issues, we …

Gojo & Company, Inc.: Collaborate To Elevate - Microfinancing Through Strategic Partnerships, Ellenna Divingnzzo, Joshua Feng, Charles Moloney, Brendan Shanks, Emma Wagner

B-Corp Case Studies by UNL Raikes Seniors

Gojo’s mission is to “extend financial inclusion across the globe” with the goal “to enable the provision of high-quality affordable financial services in 50 countries” (Impact Report, Gojo, pg. 4). They are a microfinance institution (MFI) that provides financial assistance mainly to individuals in five countries: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, and Tajikistan (Impact Report, Gojo, pg. 10). They also have partnerships that extend into many other countries to a lesser extent. Gojo’s group companies provide services such as group loans, business loans, microenterprise loans, emergency loans, voluntary savings, affordable housing, microcredit depositing, and more to over 2.4 million clients. …

Tillamook: Ethical Values Or Misleading Marketing?, Victoria Chin, Ealynn Hsu, Kyana Le, B Littman, Natalia Trejo Andalon

B-Corp Case Studies by UNL Raikes Seniors

Tillamook began as a humble cooperative for the local dairy farmers of Tillamook County, Oregon, to ensure that high-quality cheese was the local standard. As time passed, Tillamook evolved to establish an internal Farm Services Team to help support each farmer and pay above market value for members’ milk–in return, receiving a stable supply of dairy to manufacture its dairy-based products. Additionally, the farmers are still the ones who call the important shots for Tillamook rather than other corporate shareholders. Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has since expanded nationally, but the foundation remains the same: high-quality dairy to create high-quality …

Cotopaxi: Stewardship To Succession, Roy Dumblauskas, Landry Geiger, John Post, Jack Smiley, Zachary Wallenburg

B-Corp Case Studies by UNL Raikes Seniors

Cotopaxi is a company built from the ground up to be socially conscious, from their governance structure to their deeply ingrained core values. Despite being in a market dominated by incumbents like Patagonia, they've done well in the past, bringing in around $160 million in revenue in 2023 while donating millions outright and carefully maintaining ethical internal business practices. But just as the company began taking off, founder Davis Smith left the company to pursue religious mission work. He spent years, starting the search in 2019 before finally stepping down in July 2022, looking for a successor, eventually finding a …

Aesop Under L'Oreal: Growth Vs. Brand Integrity, Gowrav Ghatamaneni, Spencer Godina, Reed Mchenry, Cole Miller, Shruti Pradeep

B-Corp Case Studies by UNL Raikes Seniors

Founded in Melbourne, Australia, in 1987, Aesop has emerged as a global luxury skincare brand known for its minimalist packaging, commitment to sustainability, and sensory in-store experience. In 2023, L'Oréal Groupe acquired Aesop from Natura & Co. in a deal valued at $2.5 billion, marking the largest acquisition in L'Oréal's history. The brand's dedication to aesthetics has set it apart in the competitive beauty industry. But how does a brand built on small-scale, curated retail experiences navigate the expansion driven by a multinational owner? Can Aesop maintain its core values while scaling up?

New Belgium Brewing: Balancing Growth And Company Values Post-Acquisition, Brooke Bode, Charlie Brockmeier, Chase Kling, Zach Hammann, Jace Ruth, Jay Selzer

B-Corp Case Studies by UNL Raikes Seniors

New Belgium Brewing was founded in 1991 by Jeff Lebesch and Kim Jordan in Fort Collins, Colorado, famously inspired by a bicycle tour through Belgium, with "environmental stewardship" viewed as a core value from day one (New Belgium Brewing, nd). From its earliest years, New Belgium had set out to prove that a brewery could be a successful business while also being a force for good. The company implemented open-book management and a profit-sharing program that allowed employees as early as 1998 to vote and give up bonuses to invest in a wind-powered brewery in the U.S. (New Belgium Brewing, …

Bombas: Weaving Purpose Into Profit, Bethany Barnwell, Madelyn Craft, Emily Nau, Carina Swanson, Vaughn Thompson

B-Corp Case Studies by UNL Raikes Seniors

Bombas is a leading premium basics brand with a unique focus on socks and philanthropy. Its 'buy one, give one' model, along with a viral appearance on Shark Tank, helped propel the company into the public eye. Since the company’s inception, they have donated over 150 million essential clothing items to people in need. Bombas’s commitment to quality and product innovation has earned it a loyal consumer base. However, its production practices and business model have faced scrutiny, raising questions about whether the company is truly maximizing its impact in giving back

From Poolside To Profit Margins: A Deep Dive Into Playa Hotels & Resorts, Elisabeth Zygmunt, Hai Tran

Honors Thesis

From a consumer perspective, all-inclusive leisure travel requires few worries coupled with plenty of enjoyment and relaxation. However, from a managerial perspective, there are countless operations to run to ensure a positive guest experience. Playa Hotels & Resorts (NASDAQ: PLYA) is a leader in all-inclusive resorts in vacation destinations worldwide. Compared to some of the biggest names and players in the industry, Playa has a relatively small market cap of $1.49B. To maintain its growth trajectory, Playa must capitalize on the increasing popularity of all-inclusive models and consumer health concerns, along with continuing to expand its portfolio through collaborations with …

"Data Science For Digital Privacy: A Practical Guide For Non-Technical Audiences", Kayla Ahrndt

SPARK Symposium Presentations

As companies increasingly rely on consumer data for personalization and profit, the need for stronger user protections, security measures, and transparency in data practices grows. Legal frameworks must be continuously re-evaluated and updated to ensure accountability, while individuals must be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their digital presence. However, personal data privacy education remains widely inaccessible due to the technical language and the effort required to navigate complex policies. This project, presented in both zine and blog formats, addresses this gap by providing clear, actionable, and accessible recommendations for data privacy and personal cybersecurity. As an …

Understanding The California Consumer Privacy Act: Empowering Individuals And Businesses, Kelley G. Palladino, Leah Hetherington, Brennan Zentmeyer

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Dive into the world of data privacy with our presentation on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This legislation grants Californians unprecedented control over their personal data. We'll explore the key rights it provides, such as the ability to know what data is collected, to request its deletion, and to opt-out of the sale of data --- meaning consumers can direct businesses to stop selling their personal information, protecting their privacy from unwanted commercial use

We'll also discuss the CCPA's impact on businesses. The CCPA applies to for-profit businesses that collect personal data from California residents, do business in California, …

An Analysis Of New Technologies In Last-Mile Logistics Examined Through The Triple Bottom Line (Tbl), Owen M. Appel

Honors Projects

Last-mile delivery is responsible for nearly half of delivery related costs and emissions. Increasing the efficiency in this segment of the supply chain is vital for companies looking to reduce waste and increase productivity to meet rising e-commerce and package delivery demand. This paper explores new technologies within last-mile delivery through the lens of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), analyzing economic, environmental, and social implications. Technologies discussed include fleet modernization & electrification, autonomous vehicles, parcel lockers, drones, and crowdshipping. The paper primarily builds its case around the United States Postal Service (USPS), as it has been unprofitable for an extended …