Business Commons^™

Reflective Practice Series: Selected Instructional Models Using Synchronous Video Conferencing Software, Martin W. Sivula

MBA Faculty Conference Papers & Journal Articles

With the vast array of resources available to instructors, one would think that instruction and teaching would yield success for all learners. Now, well into the 21^st century has much changed in the classroom? Certainly, movable desks and chairs, advanced audio and visual equipment, and a plethora of all types of technologies which might be able to enhance training and education. Over the last several decades research on individualized instruction, cognitive science, educational psychology, and multimedia instruction (to name a few) have permeated the literature on instruction. With all the research and the vast array of studies on improving …

Glossary Of Business Evidence, Paul C. Boyd

MBA Faculty Conference Papers & Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Book Review: The Leadership Style Of Jesus By Michael Youssef, Danielle M. Boudjouk

MBA Student Scholarship

The leadership book examined is The Leadership Style of Jesus by Michael Youssef. This book is an enlightening book that challenges the reader to consider their own characteristics. The author examines five parts of leadership including the beginnings of leadership, the qualities of leadership, the temptations of leadership, the problems of leadership and the future of leadership. Each section includes sub-segments that pose challenges, scenarios and stories related to the topic at hand. After reading the book, I have evaluated three sections I found the most interesting including forgiveness as a quality of leadership, anger as a temptation of leadership …

Leadership Case Study: Spending More On Ads To Overcome A Slump, By Kermit Pattison, Danielle M. Boudjouk

MBA Student Scholarship

Firehouse Subs has been a successful submarine sandwich chain for 16 years. Based in Jacksonville, FL, the chain experienced year-over-year growth even after the company transitioned to a franchise business model in 2001. However, with the economic slump in 2008, Firehouse Subs began to experience a decrease in sales of about six percent below prior year performance. Given the company had been thriving from inception this concept was completely alien to the founders, Robin and Chris Sorensen. In a down economy, typically consumers will resort to lesser expensive restaurant options; one of which Firehouse Subs would be classified under. Therefore, …

E-Testing In Graduate Courses: Reflective Practice Case Studies, Martin W. Sivula Ph.D., Elizabeth B. Robson J.D.

MBA Faculty Conference Papers & Journal Articles

Do testing and exam conditions make a difference in final exam grades? Do testing “out of class” and “in class” produce different results over the same courses? Several graduate courses (N = 84) were tested under different and varying conditions. The majority of students were international, where English was a second language. In general, the “online” e-testers performed at a higher level than the ““in class”” testers with and without any time restrictions while test taking. Tentative implications might be that online exams (less controls) yield grades which are possibly higher, and may or may not be “grade inflated.” On …

Differences In Leadership Styles Between Genders: Outcomes And Effectiveness Of Women In Leadership Roles, Naga Sai Sindhura Lakshmi Chaluvadi

MBA Student Scholarship

Women, today constituting a large portion of the work force have very few leaders at the top constitutional or organizational positions. In this paper we try to analyze what’s causing hindrance to their growth focusing primarily, if there exists any differences in the leadership styles employed by male and female leaders. As was the case in previous literature, the evidence for sex differences in leadership behavior is still mixed, yet it is clear that these sex differences have not vanished. It is argued that sex differences in leadership styles are largely a consequence of the context in which male and …

A Book Review: The Ten Golden Rules Of Leadership, Holly Moore

MBA Student Scholarship

In The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership: Classical Wisdom for Modern Leaders, authors Panos Mourdoukoutas and M.A. Soupios present a different approach to leadership. The authors take a back to basics approach with this book, segmenting leadership into ten main points derived from ten quotes from philosophers (or leaders) of ancient times. These quotes (or philosophies) are then further examined and applied to the meaning of leadership (as the author’s interpret them), resulting in The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership.

A Research Proposal: The Effects Of Restaurant Environment On Consumer Behavior, Qiuyu Jin

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this research proposal is to investigate the effects of restaurant environment on consumer behavior. Five journals that are relevant to the relationship between restaurant environment and the behavioral intentions of consumers are delved into this paper. The self-administered questionnaires will be distributed to patrons in ten selected middle and upscale full-service restaurants. Data collection will be constructed through tables and charts that are useful in obtaining a more comprehensive result. Restaurants will be able to use this research proposal to find the appropriate ways to improve consumers’ satisfaction and also to increase profits.

Cumulus Media, Inc. Strategic Analysis, Barry Y. Zoll

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a strategic analysis of the broadcast radio industry with a focus on Cumulus Media, Inc. This analysis will outline a brief history of Cumulus and a timeline of major events in its history, along with an explanation of the company’s purpose. Then, the external environment will be analyzed and the potential effects on Cumulus. Using Dr. Michael Porter’s Five Forces Analysis, an assessment will be made of the threat of entrants, the factors affecting the power of buyers and sellers, the threat of substitutes of broadcast radio, and trends in the industry. …

End User Information Security: How Infosec Literacy Affects Business, Michael Aiello

MBA Student Scholarship

It is commonly stated that the end user is one of the biggest security risks in a company. All it takes is once user to be socially manipulated into divulging confidential information, and critical company data can become compromised. This study will investigate the correlation between a user’s InfoSec Literacy, credulousness, and their willingness to divulge information that can be used to compromise company data. A sample of the general population will be given a survey that will be presented to them as a general IT survey. On this survey, they will be first polled on their overall InfoSec literacy …

Ethical Conflicts And Cultural Differences Among Employees In The Hospitality Industry, Boram Lee, Sukyung Lee

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between ethical conflicts and cultural differences among colleagues and apply the relationship in the hospitality industry. Exploratory sample data (N=100) were collected from MBA students at Johnson and Wales University. The instrument consisted of three parts: demographic features, work experience of business ethics, and perceptual experience of business ethics. Also, t-test is used to address the hypothesis. The results of the study indicated that there is a significant relationship between ethical conflicts and cultural differences between employees in the hospitality industry, therefore, it is important to fully understand the reasons …

Strategic Analysis – Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Jamie Levitt

MBA Student Scholarship

The amusement park industry represents leisure facilities that “operate mechanical rides, water rides, games, shows, themed exhibits, refreshment stands and other attractions” (Industry Overview, 2014). It encompasses 482 businesses in the United States (Industry at a Glance, 2014) and generated revenue of $15.4 billion dollars in 2013 (Industry at a Glance, 2014). The industry is currently growing, but faced a decline in attendance and revenue during the economic recession (2007-2008) (Industry at a Glance, 2014). Furthermore, it is heavily reliant on a declining demographic (children aged 10-19) (Industry Outlook, 2014). Considering these contrasting variables and outcomes, this outlook will clarify …

An Empirical Study On Use Of Social Media In The Hotel Industry In China: A Study Of Customers’ Preferences And Attitudes, Ruolin Wang, Tianyue Chen

MBA Student Scholarship

With the development of the technology, business corporations start to use social media to promote their businesses. This study focuses on the preferences and attitudes of travelers’ in China with the relationship between usage of social media (based on WeChat and Sina Weibo) with the option of hotel choice in the hospitality industry. There are two instruments used in this study: (1) sending out online surveys and (2) scheduled interviews with people who are working in the hotel industry. From our survey data (N=245) were participants who completed questionnaires located all over China. However, the results of the study indicate …

Ceo Compensation: A Position Paper, Kathleen Sands

MBA Student Scholarship

CEO compensation has been a topic of interest and debate for the past several years. It has been discussed and analyzed in sources such as Fortune Magazine, Businessweek, and a plethora of academic literature. The primary concern is whether or not CEOs are overpaid. Considering the financial performance of a company is the basic determinant of the appropriate compensation for a CEO, many individuals question why most CEOs are paid what seem to be disproportionally high salaries in regards to the financial performance of the firms they lead.

Lean In: A Book Review, Molly Kroeger

MBA Student Scholarship

Sheryl Sandberg is a notable woman in today’s business world, recognized by such publications as Forbes and Time for her influential voice. The current chief operating officer at Facebook and a former vice president at Google, Sandberg wrote 2013’s critically acclaimed Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. A compilation of personal anecdotes paired with scientific data, Sandberg identifies the struggles that women face in today’s business world. Though the number of women in the workforce has grown significantly over the years, Sandberg believes that their presence is not equal to their male counterparts. The goal of the …

A Book Review: The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People, Timur M. Sibgatulin

MBA Student Scholarship

The Stephen R. Covey's book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” tells about ways to increase individuals’ effectiveness and make them more successful. To accomplish these goals, the author proposes the practice of seven main principles or habits. These include: being proactive; beginning with the end in mind; putting first things first; thinking win-win; seeking first to understand rather than to be understood; synergizing; and sharpening the saw.

Does Social Media Affect Consumer Decision-Making?, Patarawadee Sema

MBA Student Scholarship

Does social media affect consumer decision-making? Social media becomes an important communication tool that people use to connect to other people or organization. People use social media to share their experiences, reviews, information, advice, warnings, tips and/or any kind of issues that are interesting to their “connection” or friends. That information is a helpful source, which may influence consumer’s decision-making. Most of studies showed that people use information on social media as the guideline for their future purchase or planning their future trip. Also, social media is used as an advertising for the marketer. Marketers take this advantage and create …

Brown-Forman Corporation And The Distilleries Industry, Keely J. Higbie

MBA Student Scholarship

This study showed that Brown-Forman Corporation’s (Brown-Forman) has a winning business strategy. It passes the three major tests, which are the Fit Test, Competitive Advantage Test, and Performance Test. The company’s strategy effectively addresses the company’s situation both internally and externally. The strategy takes advantage of most of the industry’s trends, mitigates the negative impacts of the industry’s driving forces, and ensures that the company meets the industry’s key success factors. It helps the company achieve sustainable competitive advantages by fully utilizing its biggest resources and capabilities.

The strategy has also directly contributed to the company’s financial success and market …

Research Proposal For Analyzing Users Of Consumer Generated Media Based On Age, Jamie Levitt

MBA Student Scholarship

Consumer Generated Media (CGM), a form of internet service in which customers provide feedback on the goods and services they have utilized, is the fastest growing sector on the internet. In fact, in 2005, more than 1.4 billion “consumer comments” were created for CGM. For the travel and hospitality industry, Tripadvisor™ is the largest source of information and data. It receives 47 million visits monthly.

Although CGM is increasingly relied upon by consumers, limited research has been conducted to demonstrate its value for businesses. Beyond an analysis regarding differences in CGM adoption on a country by country basis, there is …

Factors Influencing Students’ Selection Of A Bank, Wei Tai, Jiage Zhu

MBA Student Scholarship

The paper aims to determine what factors influence students’ choice of bank. Exploratory sample data (N= 100) was taken from students at John & Wales University, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island (All Southern New England). The instrument was comprised of fourteen questions, ten being derived from the related literature: service provision, the proximity of ATM, branch location, card design, students benefit, service charge, financial products, recommendation, security, and online service. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed using convenience sampling; 94 were returned, and among them 89 were deemed valid, yielding a response rate of 89%. This …

The Rise And Fall Of Bread In America, Amanda Benson

Academic Symposium of Undergraduate Scholarship

Over the last century bread has gone through cycles of acceptance and popularity in the United States. The pressure exerted on the American bread market by manufacturers’ advertising campaigns and various dietary trends has caused it to go through periods of acceptance and rejection. Before the industrialization of bread making, consumers held few negative views on bread and perceived it primarily as a form of sustenance. After its industrialization, the battle between the manufacturers and the neighborhood bakeries over consumers began. With manufacturers, such as Wonder Bread, trying to maximize profits and dominate the market, corporate leaders aimed to discourage …

Improving Non-Profit Organizations: Mon Ami, Dylan Yang, Kevin Diaz, Santos Miletes, Robert Tonucci

Academic Symposium of Undergraduate Scholarship

For our Collaborative Learning Program winter term group project, we completed community service at Mon Ami [1] and Service by going to the non-profit every Friday to help the teachers in the day care center. While we were there, our group made observations about the non-profit organization. At the end of the community service experience, our group constructed solutions for the problems we discovered at the non-profit organization and recommended ways to implement these solutions. Our research results were presented to our CLP professors in written form and as a formal presentation.

[1 ]The organization's name has been changed due …

Assessing The Financial Literacy Of Domestic And International College Students, Jane Boyland, Rex Warren

MBA Student Scholarship

Improving student financial literacy has become a major goal of colleges and universities within the United States in recent years. Many schools are now instituting programs to increase student financial literacy in order to improve their students’ later quality of life and decrease student loan default rates. The purpose of this study is to assess the current financial literacy of undergraduate students at a southern New England university in order to provide insights on how such a program could be customized to the unique needs of its student body. The Jump$tart Survey was administered to 92 junior and senior students …

Factors Affecting Students’ Decision Of Hotel Selection, Mingyang Liu, Ritong He

MBA Student Scholarship

The goal of this research is to identify the factors affecting students’ hotel choices, to examine the impact of hotel servers when a potential guest selects a hotel, and to determine how hotel servers influence a student’s preference. The target populations for this study were Johnson & Wales University students who had stayed in U.S. hotels. A print-out questionnaire survey was distributed, descriptive statistics, and z-tests were used to address the research hypothesis. The results of the study indicated a significant positive relationship between hotel services and students’ decisions on their hotel selection. Location of the hotel, online information, and …

The Value Of Foreign Languages In Business Communication, Racquel Moreau

MBA Student Scholarship

There are several factors that a company considers when deciding to operate in an international territory or with a foreign company. Factors such as language and culture greatly affect the success of business. Being able to effectively communicate ideas and strategies can be challenging in a new business environment. Determining the importance of language by a company is crucial to its success. Studying another language helps to understand the culture of the studied language which will assist in a corporation’s decision making process. English is a popular language in conducting business; however, communicating in other languages is gaining popularity. The …

The Rise And Fall Of Bread In America, Amanda Benson

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

Over the last century bread has gone through cycles of acceptance and popularity in the United States. The pressure exerted on the American bread market by manufacturers’ advertising campaigns and various dietary trends has caused it to go through periods of acceptance and rejection. Before the industrialization of bread making, consumers held few negative views on bread and perceived it primarily as a form of sustenance. After its industrialization, the battle between the manufacturers and the neighborhood bakeries over consumers began. With manufacturers, such as Wonder Bread, trying to maximize profits and dominate the market, corporate leaders aimed to discourage …

Nonprofit Funding Agencies’ Review Of Grant Recipients, Siobain Mcilvain

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

Nonprofits need to be just as responsible as public corporations. Nonprofit funding agencies have the responsibility for evaluating the organizations they fund to make sure that they are operating with high integrity, maintaining strong internal controls, remaining financially stable, and overall being good stewards of the funds received. This paper will explain the criteria that a funding agency should follow in order to affect this process, as well as how a recipient nonprofit will benefit from following the criteria.

Stress Related Issues Due To Too Much Technology: Effects On Working Professionals, Katherine Walz

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine stress related issues on working professionals within a retail organization and Information Communication Technology (ICT). This type of stress is known as “technostress.” Employees within four job levels; entry, middle, management and upper management were surveyed to learn what types of Information Communication Technologies they use in the workplace and what kinds of stress they experience because of these technologies (Brod, 1984; Ayyagari, Grover, and Purvis, 2011). Previous studies have shown that information communication technologies may be related to stress, but the specific kinds of stress related issues have not been …

A Research Proposal: How Can The United States Postal Service Respond And Recover From A Decade Of Decline?, Victoria E. Ayers

MBA Student Scholarship

The purpose of this proposal is to identify the various financial struggles the United States Postal Service is currently facing. The interpretation of the related literature reveals some of the issues which the Postal Service is currently facing. Through the analysis of articles addressing the present and past volumes of mail and the recent usage of postal facilities it is evident that there is still a need for the USPS to survive. This proposal examines the current actions taken to save the United States Postal Service from their financial turmoil and also presents the results of past actions. It is …

Whole Foods Market ™ Case Study: Leadership And Employee Retention, Kristin L. Pearson

MBA Student Scholarship

Employee retention can be a challenge for Human Resources in today’s business climate, especially in retail food service occupations due to long and sometimes unpredictable hours, limited benefits, and growth potential to name a few. Despite the obstacles, Whole Foods Market has been able to overcome such limitations allowing employees flourish and as a result have set an industry benchmark for reducing voluntary turnover. This case study research is an examination of Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey and his modern approach to leadership and its effect on employee retention. The purpose of the research is to examine the association …