Business Commons^™

Innovative Business Communication And Its Effect On The Bottom Line, Jane M. Lloyd

Theses

This thesis will examine a variety of business communication styles and show how various forms of communication can have an impact on a company's profitability.

Although a number of variables have been known to contribute to a company's bottom line - sales volume, cost of production, quality of products, etc. - only in the last ten to fifteen years have companies begun to look at the impact their business communication techniques have on productivity.

In these times of downsizing, rightsizing, and reengineering, it is more important than ever to maintain open lines of communication among all levels of employees. It …

Changing Policies Regarding Advertising In Taiwan & Their Impacts, Li-Tzu Yang

Theses

Mass media is not only an important tool to develop social change but also a condition to ensure democracy's continued development. Before the lifting of martial law, newspaper publication was controlled by the KMT Party. This situation meant that the mass media had no freedom and could not decide for themselves what to publish. After the lifting of martial law, Taiwan experienced great changes in politics, economics, society and culture. These huge change were reflected in mass media before and after martial law and are the purpose of this research analysis. Specifically, the role advertising played before the lifting of …

A Strategic Marketing Plan For Welltech International, Renee Denlow

Theses

It's here, and whether you know it or not, you are getting swept away by a strong underlying current of the "digital revolution ." For many, life has become an inoperative treadmill on the loose, for the pace gets quicker and more challenging. How often do you find yourself or the people surrounding you saying, "Fax me the draft, so I can review it prior to tomorrow's meeting.," "Leave me a message on my car phone," and/or "e-mail me the latest statistics before noon?" Electronic mail (E-mail) is just one of many of the technologies that is changing the landscape …

The Differential Effects Of Residential Placement And Exercise Activity Of Aging Persons With Mental Retardation, Sandra K. Wise

Theses

No abstract provided.

Baseball Superstar To Address Record Number Of Graduates, Lindenwood College

Archived Lindenwood Press Releases

No abstract provided.

Mergers And Acquisitions: A Primer For Successful Employee Transition, Jan Dunlap

Theses

This thesis will focus on the 'human side' of mergers and acquisitions. It will show the impact on employees and ways in which management can ease these employees through the transition.

Research has shown that there are many more failures than successes, when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. Even with all the failures that exist, mergers and acquisitions are more prevalent than they have been in the past. Everyday the newspapers, news casts and radio stations mention a merger that is in the works.

If mergers and acquisitions are going to continue, and research shows that they will, then …

Business Ethics...A Contradiction In Terms?, Kimberly Rose Crawford

Theses

Business ethics occupies a unique position in the field of ethics. It consists of uneasy applications of some very general ethical principles (ie: duty or utility) to rather specific and often unique situations and crises. Unlike the professions of medicine and law, business ethics is concerned with an area of hum.an enterprise whose practitioners do not, for the most part, enjoy professional status and whose motives, to put it mildly, are often thought (and said) to be less than noble. Breed is often cited as the sole purpose of business, and much of the history of business ethics, accordingly, is …

Employee Motivation: What Works, What Doesn't, Michelle A. Koenig

Theses

Corporate America has seen a multitude of changes in the last century, but the change with the greatest impact is that of the employees. In the 'old' days, it was an employer's market. Employees felt lucky just to have a job. Companies did not spend time or money worrying about whether or not their employees were happy or motivated. The majority of jobs required manual labor and little or no education. This made replacing an unhappy or unmotivated worker much easier. In addition, there weren't as many U.S. or foreign companies competing for employees.

In today's competitive market, hiring and …

Motivating And Leading Today's Workforce, Janet Brown-Mitchell

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of motivation tactics used by American companies in reaching their two most important goals - goals which are one, to grow and expand by increasing profits and two, to stay in business.

Organizations are finding that they cannot survive and prosper merely by laying off employees and restructuring . Events are unraveling at a dramatic pace, and businesses are no longer able to compete globally.

Companies must begin to think long term if they are to meet their goals. Downsizing and restructuring are resulting in poor employee morale, and reduction of quality in …

A Study Of Stress In The Workplace In The 1990s, Reva Carol Mays

Theses

This study was conducted to determine if there was a significant difference in the intensity and frequency of organizational stress and job risk stress perceived between salaried, white-collar (N=37) employees and skilled blue-collar, union employees (N=35). 59 of the subjects were male and 13 were female.

The respondents completed two self-administered questionnaires. One was a work stress instrument, and the other was a demographic data sheet. The stress instrument contained 40 items, with scoring based on a 5-point Likert-type scale, that measured intensity and frequency of stress. The demographic data sheet contained 13 items.

Major findings of the research concluded …

An Analysis Of Price Discrimination Of Alcoholic Beverages: Marketing Towards African-American Vs. Anglo-Americans In St. Louis Communities, Tamara L. Morrow

Theses

This thesis will focus on the analysis of price discrimination of alcoholic beverages marketed towards African-Americans in St. Louis. Missouri.

Research has indicated that alcoholic beverages cost more in predominantly African-American communities compared to predominantly Anglo-American communities. Previous studies indicate certain factors that play a major role in identifying price discrimination. Some of these factors include social class, type of retail store and brand names and images.

However, an investigation of price discrimination of alcoholic beverages can indicate other reasons why prices are higher in certain areas. The percentage of alcohol and consumer demand in particular areas may pre-determine the …

Organizational And Social Systems, Ronald James Snelson

Theses

This project explores systems theory and practice as applied to Communications. A system is an organized or complex whole; an assemblage or combination of things, or parts forming a complex or unitary whole. A system is made up of (1) inputs, (2) operations (or processes), (3) outputs. Each interacts with, and is dependent on the proper functioning of the other. If something happens to one part the others parts are affected. Thus, within an organization, what happens to one can affect the whole.

An organization is a system. The systems approach has three goals: ( 1) to define relationships both …

The Effects Of Organizational Culture On Employee Motivation, Vickie R. Newman

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of organizational culture and the effect of the organization's beliefs and value systems on employee behavior. Current research has focused on the organization as the unit of analysis, rather than on the individual . Measuring individual behavior at t he organizational level is a challenging endeavor . However, the measurement o f organizational behavior, in its individual components, must be assessed for each individual within the organization.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the internalization of organizational culture by individuals and the resultant outcome behaviors. It is hypothesized that organizational culture, …

Employee Benefits, Kimberly Elinor Miller

Theses

This paper discusses how group benefits have changed over the past ten years, what corporations are offering their employees such as medical insurance, employee assistance programs, wellness training programs, child care programs, flexible compensation plans, continuing education benefits and retirement benefits and how each one of these benefits is set up . Employers want not only to implement benefit programs which will help them meet their organizational goals, but also to attract, retain and motivate employees. In order to succeed in these efforts they must install a program of benefits that is both cost effective and will meet organizational profit …

An Investigation Into The Design And Implementation Of A Business Plan For Ozark Builders, A Housing Development Company, Benjamin Luke Beaman

Theses

This thesis will investigate the design and implementation of a business plan for Ozark Builders, a housing development company.

One of the oldest professions in the United States, is the construction industry . This diverse industry that employs a large percent of the populace, plays an important role in our nation ' s economy . While, profits are to be made in the construction industry, the risks are overwhelming. The turnover rate for contractors exceeds twenty percent a year. Speculative building is considered a big gamble, and the builder ' s need to stay attuned to changes in consumer preferences, …

An Investigation Into The Design & Implementation Of A Customer Service Manual For Laboratories In A Hospital Setting, Fay M. Craft

Theses

The following applied learning expository thesis will focus on the design and implementation of a customer service manual for reference laboratories in a hospital setting.

The purpose of the manual is to provide direction for the reference laboratory customer service employees. Specifically, the manual consists of a series of steps which will enable employees to better service the hospital reference laboratory customers. The manual was broken down into sections which addressed characteristics, order taking, dispatching phlebotomists, proper collection of specimens, phlebotomy notification, registration of patient specimens, processing and reviewing of specimens, hiring, training, customer satisfaction, complaints and expectations.

Three reference …

Motivating Sales Personnel, Kel T. Denker

Theses

The purpose of this study is to develop a reference manual for managers to examine on a periodic basis and refresh their memories about the motivational process and its importance in the field of sales.

Research has shown that individuals are motivated differently to achieve specific goals and those who are positively motivated definitely out perform those who are not. In the field of sales, this is extremely important. This project illustrates motivational theory, personality types, a managers role, a sales persons role, and a variety of different motivational techniques.

This project is not intended to teach managers how to …

The Impact Of The Year 2000 Date Change On Corporations And Their Computer Systems, Michael O. Diggs

Theses

This thesis will focus on the year 2000 computer glitch and the impact it will have on corporations and their data processing systems.

From the 1950s through the 1980s, data storage for computers was expensive, so computer programmers routinely saved two bytes of memory by dropping the prefix 19 from the continuous date function. Thus, the year 2000 will bring a switch in the year indicator from 99 to 00. The business implications of this seemingly trivial technical event are potentially devastating. The simplest date comparison or arithmetic calculation could fail. It will foul up date critical calculation for loans, …

The Impact Of Training Methods And Leadership Skills On The Role Of Empowerment In The Workplace, Rae J. Delaney

Theses

Given the dynamic nature of the business environment, companies must never make the mistake of thinking that strategies that .have been proven successful in the past will be effective for all time. They need flexibility, speed, responsiveness and openness to new technology to deal with uncertainty.

It is imperative the managers create an atmosphere of empowerment. By giving employees the responsibility and the authority to get things done their way, employees will feel as if they are valued and trusted employees. To encourage employee empowerment, management must make available training and leadership seminars that will encourage and stimulate employee empowerment.

Airline Deregulation: Success Of Failure, Bonnie E. Barczykowski

Theses

This thesis focused on the study of airline deregulation and the impact it made on the airlines and the consumers.

The history of the airline industry was reviewed, as well as the specific events which lead to the formation of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978.

Following deregulation there were debates as to whether deregulation bad achieved its original goals . These debates have continued up until today.

The hypothesis stated herein was that research would indicate that airline deregulation had benefited the industry as a whole and that if further deregulation and more adherence to policies under deregulation were …

Survival Of Women In The Business World Into The Twenty-First Century, Barbara Bradford

Theses

This thesis is a review of the current literature that pertains to the everyday experiences of women in the male dominated working world. This study focuses on the barriers preventing women from advancing where men succeed.

When women enter the workforce, they are naïve about the organizational culture surrounding them. The natural feminine instincts and behaviors of women are not considered as valuable in the corporate world as male instincts and behaviors.

Women are unaware of the subtle and underlying rules of the corporate game in this "man's world." They see men adapting easily and advancing up the corporate ladder. …

Working With Your Employees To Move Through Change Using Communication And Motivation: A Case Study, David G. Buck

Theses

This thesis focuses on effecting change in a government agency by the use of communication, motivation through incentives, and other management tools.

The United States Army Reserve Personnel Center (ARPERCEN) manages, trains, and mobilizes Army personnel. Its largest directorate is the Personnel Records Management Directorate, which houses the Accessions Division. At least 200,000 hard-copy personnel records pass through the Division for verification and processing in a typical year.

Eighty percent of hard-copy records transferred to ARPERCEN were also transferred electronically; however all were band-processed as if new. This entire accessioning process was redundant and inefficient.

Change was coming. The Reserve …

St. Charles County Sheriff's Department Field Training And Evaluation Program, John T. Bush

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of police field training and the process in the adoption of a new Field Training and Evaluation Program by the St. Charles County Sheriff's Department.

Newly hired police recruits traditionally have received most of their basic training in the classroom. This training, which is one of the most important functions any police agency undertakes, tries to give recruits basic competency to perform as patrol officers.

The purpose of this research is to develop a good field training manual that can serve as a map for police agencies who are implementing a new program …

Marketing Niche Software Products: An Analysis Of How Software Products Are Marketed Through The Channels Of The Computer Industry, James D. Rigman

Theses

This thesis, Marketing Niche Software Products: An Analysis of How Software Products Are Marketed Through the Channels of the Computer Industry, explores the strategies for marketing software products within niche segments of the computer industry, specifically focusing on the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and power management sector. It examines how companies successfully target specific market segments to establish strong positions and maintain competitive advantages.

The study highlights the importance of strategic marketing plans, effective distribution channels, and promotional efforts in the software industry. It discusses challenges faced by marketing managers in launching new software products, including competition, pricing structures, …

The Workplace Of The Future: The 9 To 5 Office Is Dead, Terry Ann Rooney

Theses

The Workplace of the Future: The 9 to 5 Office is Dead by Terry Ann Rooney, explores the shift away from traditional work schedules in favor of more flexible arrangements. Rooney argues that businesses must adapt to evolving workforce expectations by embracing alternative work schedules such as telecommuting, flex-time, job sharing, and compressed workweeks.

The research highlights demographic shifts, particularly the increasing presence of women and minority workers, which necessitate greater workplace flexibility. The document outlines the advantages of these work models, including increased employee productivity, job satisfaction, and retention, as well as reduced absenteeism and operational costs for employers. …

The Positive Effects Of Differing Communication Styles On An Organization, Julie A. Saylor

Theses

This project explores the issue of communications between people who have different educational backgrounds, experiences, and social styles, yet who are bound together as a team through membership in an organization.

A common definition of the word team is "a group of individuals working collaboratively toward a common goal" John Scott). Teamwork can be accomplished by utilizing communication, cooperation, and collaboration. An easily remembered acronym is:

Together Everyone Achieving More

This study will establish ways that people of varying communications and social styles can work together in a way that will ultimately prove to positively effect …

T.H.A.N.K.S.: Teens Helping Anyone Needing Knowledge Service, Carole Dawn Arrendale

Theses

This thesis is a business plan for a new non-profit organization for volunteerism. This non-profit organization will connect college students, high school students, grade school students, and other nonprofit agencies for the purpose of providing volunteers to non-profit agencies.

The enactment of the Welfare Reform Act (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, TANF) has created a greater need for quality, well-trained volunteers in order to meet the growing demands for and needs of non-profit agencies. The □ew deadline for Welfare to Work is now 2-5 years and public assistance such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), food stamps, and …

An Investigation Into The Design And Implementation Of A Business Plan For Ozark Builders, A Housing Development Company, Benjamin Luke Beaman

Theses

This thesis will investigate the design and implementation of a business plan for Ozark Builders , a housing development company.

One of the oldest professions in the United States, is the construction industry. This diverse industry that employs a large percent of the populace, plays an important role in our nation's economy. While, profits are to be made in the construction industry, the risks are overwhelming. The turnover rate for contractors exceeds twenty percent a year. Speculative building is considered a big gamble, and the builder 's need to stay attuned to changes in consumer preferences, in competition, and in …

An Investigation Into The Design & Implementation Of A Customer Service Manual For Laboratories In A Hospital Setting, Fay M. Kraft

Theses

The following applied learning expository thesis will focus on the design and implementation of a customer service manual for reference laboratories in a hospital setting.

The purpose of the manual is to provide direction for the reference laboratory customer service employees. Specifically, the manual consists of a series of steps which will enable employees to better service the hospital reference laboratory customers. The manual was broken down into sections which addressed characteristics, order taking, dispatching phlebotomists, proper collection of specimens, phlebotomy notification, registration of patient specimens, processing and reviewing of specimens, hiring, training, customer satisfaction, complaints and expectations.

Three reference …

"Quick Tips": A Manual For Not-For-Profit Organizations, Mary Brooks

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of volunteerism within a not-for-profit organization. Meeting the growing demand for volunteers and controlling then high turnover could determine how smoothly a nonprofit organization runs.

In the past the need for volunteers and nonprofit organizations was not as great as it is today. There are at least two reasons for this upward trend. The first reason is more women are working outside the home leaving less leisure time for volunteering. The second reason is the government is playing a smaller role thus causing the public to seek help elsewhere.

Research has attributed the …