Business Commons^™

Finance And Artificial Intelligence, Luke Schawang

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into finance represents a significant evolution in the industry, one that has been ongoing for years but is now accelerating rapidly. This paper explores the various forms and functions of AI, from reactive machines to the potential for superintelligence, and examines its impact on banking, business finance, and investing.

In banking, AI has bolstered cybersecurity and fraud detection, leveraging machine learning algorithms to continuously improve accuracy and efficiency. Similarly, in business finance, AI tools like chatbots and algorithms streamline processes, enhance productivity, and reduce costs. In investing, AI-driven solutions such as robo advisors offer …

What Makes Us "Good" Leaders?, Dante Rossini

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

What makes us good leaders? It’s a question that philosophers, politicians and business strategists alike have been asking for centuries. Generations of scholars have sought to pinpoint the various attributes and characteristics that define leadership beyond a formal organizational role. Going a step beyond, extensive research has also been devoted to deciphering what abilities make certain individuals successful as leaders in comparison to their peers, along with how aspiring leaders can practice these abilities to hone their own leadership performance. All of this research culminates in an intimidating amount of literature, riddled with a broad array of theories and conclusions …

Spiking Engagement: Analyzing Social Media Tactics And Fan Interaction In The Omaha Supernovas, Anne Thomas

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The available engagement of social media for firms and their target market is unmatched. Rather than a one-way communication, it is an open channel. Potential customers can share their thoughts and feelings on the firms’ products and services, and firms can connect with their customers and create brand loyalty. This opens opportunities for marketers to look at new ways and strategies to connect with their customers. This is the same for professional sports teams. Just like a traditional firm, professional sports teams rely on being able to connect with and sell to their target market.

The newly established Omaha Supernovas …

To Tip Or Not To Tip: An Analysis Into Prompted Tipping, Jared Dingman

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Giving tips (or gratuities) in restaurants in the United States has been and is currently a hotly debated and discussed topic. Concerns regarding proper compensation have been raised, but there is a need for empirical evidence to investigate and solve potential issues of compensation. This honors thesis aimed to answer two questions: Whether restaurant patrons tip more when prompted with tipping percentages, and whether those who have worked in the tipping industry tip more than those who have not. I administered a brief survey with tipping scenarios to gauge prompted and unprompted tipping behaviors. With these scenarios, demographic information was …

Modern Technology And Its Impact On The Control Panel Manufacturing Industry, Keegan Kenney

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This paper will explore emerging technologies and their effect within the control panel manufacturing industry. A control panel is defined by Automation Ready Panels as, “a metallic box that allows the person to control all electric equipment, appliances, and circuits mechanically by using electric energy” (What is an Electrical Control Panel?, 2022; Refer to Appendix A for a visual on what a control panel looks like). These are most commonly seen in large industrial equipment, such as assembly lines, rock crushers, etc. The innovations studied in this paper include 2D and 3D drawing, augmented reality, computer assisted manufacturing, …

How To Build Student Organizations In A Post-Pandemic World: A Strategic Analysis, Allison Karr

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

As student organizations recover from the damaging effects of COVID, how do they encourage membership retention and involvement? Post-pandemic, the Beta Alpha Psi chapter at the University of Nebraska at Omaha has had an involvement problem, which stems from there being a misalignment between the value that students desire and the value that the organization provides. To find the areas of the misalignment, different values offered by student organizations were identified. Then, the significance attributed to each value by Beta Alpha Psi members was assessed, and the extent to which Beta Alpha Psi delivers on each of these values was …

Accountng Analysis Of A Goodwill Industries International, Elizabeth Howard

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Goodwill Industries International has clean financial health. They are liquid after COVID but plan to invest in different services directed at digital skills. They have no long-term debt, which frees up cash for services and can be considered a strength. Weaknesses in the financials directly attributable to COVID were: a cancellation of 2 million dollars’ worth of pledges in 2020, a decrease of 40 million dollars of program expense over two years, and a drop in investment return to 2.88%. Program expense ratio and Fund-Raising ratio are excellent at 91% and 2.2% respectively in 2021. Weaknesses I find are mostly …

Consolidated Training Curriculum, Braden Myers

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The onboarding and training process is a crucial part of any business’s hiring process. Through a robust training system, a business can streamline the downtime it takes for a new employee to “learn the ropes.”

This phenomenon can be very pronounced in businesses with complex programs and tasks, like the accounting profession.

Through the coordination of three different departments, a web-based learning software, and administration, the creation of a centralized training platform was the goal.

This framework allows the managers to easily apply their lesson plans and quickly distribute these lessons to staff and interns

Major League Baseball: The Meaning And Impact Of The Lockout, Derek Mclaughlin

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Major League Baseball’s Collective Bargaining Agreement expired after the 2021 season, which resulted in a lockout. There was an uncertainty of lost games during the lockout. After ninety-nine days an agreement was reached between Major League Baseball and the players’ union. Throughout this research, I explored what would have happened as of a result of lost games. Statistics from previous seasons suggest what could have occurred had there not been an agreement prior to the start of the season, while the new agreement suggest the motivation behind the new agreement.

Analyzation Of Audit Procedures In The Wake Of The Early 2000s Accounting Scandals, Zachary Byar

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Enron, WorldCom, and Tyco International were companies that operated in different industries and had different levels of net profit for decades. However, these companies had one pivotal thing in common: accounting fraud. In the early 2000s, accounting scandals from large companies created a major impact on the financial markets, causing Congress to take action to increase investor protection through the origination of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Act was meant to restore investor confidence through strengthened disclosures and auditing requirements for public corporations. However, even with the creation of this new Act from Congress, fraud is still prevalent today, …

A Financial Analysis Of Five Different Firms, Shane Sazzman

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

There are several ways to analyze a business. Looking at a company’s risk position. Measuring a businesses profitability, liquidity, stock prices, bankruptcy, and leverage. Overall, using historical and current data to predict future success. This report conducts a business analysis by looking at the impact of the coronavirus for five different companies in five different industries that are in five different countries. It has looked at financial results during the periods of pre-coronavirus, throughout, and after. Through this, a financial analysis was created to look at the long-term impacts and results of the coronavirus for these five conglomerates. The companies …

A Sweet Future For Sugar Makery: A Deeper Dive Into Small Business Consulting, Samuel Lauritsen

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This case study investigates a local candy store in Glenwood and Council Bluffs Iowa. Processes, consistency and concise planning promoted the rapid growth of Sugar Makery into two locations in three short years. Results from the analyses indicate that the main problem facing Sugar Makery is sustaining its differentiated strategy from new industry entrants, key recommendations to sustain its success are presented. Every company has its own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The key is identifying each to be able to capitalize on competitive advantages, mitigate the damage done by weaknesses, take advantage of opportunities and create plans to avoid …

Economic And Strategic Analysis Of Minority Entrepreneurs In Omaha, Nebraska, Lizbeth Perez Hernandez

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Few resources of published studies exist identifying the needs or motivational factors that would assist minority business owners (MBOs) in Omaha, NE wishing to open a new business venture. Although MBOs have accounted for significant growth in the United States, there is not a lot of information available about how they access capital and resources to launch and grow their businesses. Findings show that MBOs continue to experience high barriers trying to find basic resources. There is evidence that proves the persistence of low minority business ownership rates and the survival of existing minority businesses is affected by social norms, …

Building Foundations Of Opportunity: A Strategic Analysis Of The Stephen Center’S Permanent Supportive Housing Program, Emily Coleman

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This report delves into the permanent supportive housing program provided by the Stephen Center, a local Omaha nonprofit that provides services to low-income and homeless individuals. While the Stephen Center successfully provides case management and supportive housing for hundreds of clients each year, the rate at which positive housing destinations are achieved is lower than the national average. With a longer than average length of stay in their permanent supportive housing apartments, the Stephen Center is unable to maximize their services to accommodate the needs of additional applicants. After researching industry trends and conducting an internal analysis, I have provided …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of Trader Joe’S: Exploration From National And Omaha Metropolitan Perspectives, Natalie R. Bauermeister

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Trader Joe’s started in 1967 when founder Joe Coulombe became inspired to provide local Pasadena residents a refreshing grocery store experience. Aimed at the young college student crowd, his idea quickly grew into a chain of successful grocery stores. The concept was simple: private label products cut out the middleman to keep prices fair, and the floor space compacted to feel like a local market experience. With a nautical theme to match the casual and outgoing feel of the stores, customers have flocked to Trader Joe’s stores around the country for the “wow” experience only found within those walls. Fast …

Wonderfully Made In The Making: A Strategic Recommendation For Growth Opportunities, Kayley Scott

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

I was partnered with a local non-profit organization, called Wonderfully Made, to identify and solve a strategic problem they are experiencing. Wonderfully Made is focused on serving girls of color with special needs. I analyzed internal resources and weaknesses and I researched external factors that affect them. I found that Wonderfully Made needed to explore growth opportunities through a strategic alliance with a college organization, ideally an NPHC sorority at UNO. This would create a mentorship opportunity for the participants in the organization. It would also create growth with minimal time and resources needed from Wonderfully Made’s busy board. If …

The Way The Cookie Crumbles: A Consultative Look Inside A Local Omaha Food Truck, Halsie Guenther

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This paper investigates a local Omaha food truck, Carson’s Cookie Truck. In this analysis, the key opportunities and threats facing the food truck industry as a whole, as well as the internal resources and capabilities of Carson’s Cookie Fix are evaluated to uncover the strategic problem facing the company. Results from the analyses indicate that the main problem facing Carson’s is an underutilization of the company merger with eCreamery. With the identification of the strategic issue, key recommendations are presented to combat the deterioration of Carson’s competitive position. A recommendation to leverage the merger to strengthen corporate differentiation and raise …

How Power Bi Can Be Built To Analyze Player And Team Statistics In The Nba, Alison Raszler

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Software is evolving every day to aid the work of what was once manual and monotonous tasks (Software Engineers). One of these platforms is Power BI, a product made by Microsoft. Power BI is a business analytics software that can provide visualization for data that is created through reports or dashboards. My thesis used the Power BI software to answer the question “How Power BI can be built to show player and team stats for the NBA.” In this project, I researched and developed a tutorial on how to use Power BI to build a report using historical statistics of …

Cryptocurrencies: An Overview, Investment Investigation, Comparative Analysis, And Regulatory Proposals, Jacob Franzen

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

With cryptocurrencies moving out of obscurity and into the public eye, the initial purpose of this research paper is to provide the history of cryptocurrencies, to explain the complex workings in and around cryptocurrencies, investigate their investment potential, and to draw attention to their potential for misuse. To follow, the primary purpose is to create a platform on which to compare cryptocurrencies with more common mediums of exchange, analyze their current international regulatory climate, highlight their trends within influential nations, discuss their pending and future regulation, and provide personal proposals for additional regulation. Due to the complex nature of the …

Analyzing The Necessity And Feasibility Of The Freedom Dividend, Patrick Hodson

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Job displacement stemming from automation has already taken away millions of jobs in the United States. Andrew Yang fears that future advancements could replace further jobs and exacerbate the wealth inequality already prevalent in our country. This has motivated his plan for change, the Freedom Dividend. This paper was designed to begin with an analysis of the motives for Yang’s plan. It then goes on to cover the details of his plan and assess the economic and administrative feasibility. The paper is concluded by looking at the potential outcomes of the plan and identifying major problem areas that need to …

Shades Of Beige: Tarte Cosmetics And Racial Inclusivity, Dominika J. Jedinak

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The release of Shape Tape foundation, a facial cosmetics line by Tarte Cosmetics, sparked disappointment and outrage in consumers for the lack of racial inclusivity in the range of shades offered. This came as a surprise to Tarte who, from their beginning has been a very socially aware and ecologically thoughtful company. Was this outrage justified? Did Tarte owe their customers an apology? And, if so, how should they go about making amends?

When Tarte released an apology, they further angered consumers who took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. The Shape Tape foundation release sparked a debate on …

Revitalizing The Street Of Dreams: A North 24th Street Case Study, Tiffany Hunter

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The purpose of this study is to analyze the North 24^th Street corridor in Omaha, Nebraska, to highlight the benefits of investing in commercial real estate development, propose tools for financing new development or redevelopment projects, and to suggest methods of building a coherent development plan to avoid gentrification. Commercial development provides the following: quality business space, accessible jobs for an underemployed populace, additional tax revenue, and a reduction in community detriments such as crime, empty lots, and low property values. The North 24^th Street corridor has economic potential, as it is less than one mile from downtown …

Branding The Barre: A Strategic Marketing Plan For Stars Dance Academy, Crystian Neaman

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

STARS Dance Academy has been experiencing stagnation within the last several years of operation. Although the dance studio industry in the United States is growing at 3.5% annually, and is expected to reach $4.1 billion by 2023, STARS is having trouble standing out from the intense studio competition in the highly saturated Omaha market. As there are low barriers to entry, and the popularity of dance is attracting new competitors, it is crucial for any dance studio to have a strong brand reputation and loyalty among its current customers. STARS has struggled for the last 10 years to embody their …

Peloton: A Different Kind Of Ride, David Carlson

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Peloton is a highly successful company. The fitness industry is growing steadily. People are becoming more and more aware of their health and how exercise can help them live better as well as longer leading to the growth we have seen. The at home fitness industry has increasingly become about personalization and taking everything that was originally in a fitness center and putting it in a customer’s home.

While delivery drivers are under stress at Peloton, Peloton finds itself in great grace with a high valuation and a cult-like following. Peloton has made its money off high margins on its …

Analysis Of The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Relative To President Donald Trump's And Speaker Paul Ryan's Stated Goals, Jill Gathje

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the most expansive change to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) since 1986. What was the purpose of overhauling the IRC? President Trump identified four main goals: (1) tax relief for the middle-class, (2) simplification of the tax code, (3) American economic growth, and (4) no additional debt added to the government’s deficit. Speaker Ryan also identified similar goals. Now that the TCJA has been in place for over six months, an analysis of the new law in respect to both the President’s and Speaker’s …

Coca-Cola’S Future Growth Strategy: Diversification?, Arshia Alahi, Erin Bass

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This case study is based on Coca-Cola Co.’s growth strategy. It provides the audience with the company background of various acquisitions, the Carbonated Soft Drink(CSD) industry analysis in which Coca-Cola belongs in, the competitive landscape, threats and opportunities facing the CSD industry, along with internal company analysis of Coca-Cola Co. Which includes, the current state of the company, its current growth strategy and the future of Coca-Cola Co. With the information provided, the audience (students) will be able to recommend various strategies that can help Coca-Cola Co. grow in the future.

When Beauty Is The Beast: The Effects Of Beauty Propaganda On Female Consumers, Savannah Greenfield

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Women are faced with a constant barrage of advertisements every day and the subliminal messages that come with this visual assault. These messages are influenced by years of sexism and oversexualization in the media, and shape the actions of female consumers. This investigation reviews three existing studies that demonstrate the negative effects of beauty advertisements on women. These effects are then studied through the lens of female consumer behavior to evaluate women’s motivations in continuing to buy beauty products. A link between negative effects and consumer motivations is discussed to reveal the harsh grip of sexism on the beauty and …

Strategic Alignment Of Future Goals - Mutual Of Omaha, Sara Pinkelman

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Mutual of Omaha is a health insurance company that has potential to reach economies of scale within its industry. It can cover more market share if it makes a few changes to its corporate strategy. Conclusions were drawn from news articles in addition to financial postings from the company. Mutual needs to move forward in their industry if they want to stay competitive, and by implementing a differentiated strategy, they can become more competitive. With these findings, Mutual of Omaha has the potential to grow and develop and gain a better standing within their industry. This can help them better …

Managing Media For The Genius Of Warren Buffett, Sydney Edens

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The main purpose of this project was to provide public relations and marketing services to the Genius of Warren Buffett course and related events. I served as the Account Executive for the Genius of Warren Buffett account in the Spring semester of 2018 for MaverickPR, UNO’s student-run public relations firm. Main tactics included media relations and social media research and strategy. Thesis materials include the PR and marketing plan, news releases, social media content calendars, graphic design materials, documentation of client communication, copy writing and editing, news coverage of stories pitched to the media and administrative documents. I assess the …

Strategic Analysis Of Lifeloop, Llc: Current Positioning And Recommendations For Future Growth, Erin Dabbs

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

LifeLoop is a senior living software company that has the potential to gain market share in a new and growing industry. By making changes to current processes, business level strategy, and corporate level strategy, the company can grow organically, faster. LifeLoop must make these strategic changes to areas of marketing and sales processes now as the industry is changing life cycle stages; the company’s movement in this window of opportunity is critical to their future success. These findings outline where LifeLoop is currently positioned and the first steps needed to grow and develop into a reputation of excellence that will …