Business Commons^™

The Repatriation Of Corporate Female Executives : A European Study, Colette Collins-O'Sullivan

Theses

Over the past number of years there has been an increasing recognition that an important element of a successful foreign assignment includes a successful repatriation process. In recent years, empirical studies of women in international management from a European perspective have been carried out, however, the topic of female repatriation still remains a relatively unexplored area. The majority of the existing research on repatriation is taken from a male perspective. The particular focus of this study is the repatriation process from a female perspective. Twenty-seven senior international female managers representing a wide range of industry and service sectors were interviewed. …

Intramural, Collaborative Learning Systems, Robert S. Friedman

Theses

This thesis focuses on three related concepts: problem-based collaborative learning; the use of multimedia tools in learning systems; and participatory design as a software engineering methodology to create multimedia tools to be used in learning systems. A literature review of the three areas is followed by an overview of the pedagogical, technological, and business trends that affect the direction of innovation in education, including problem-based learning. A discussion of a software engineering project to develop a multimedia application that enhances the learning of geography skills and puts the programming, interface design and multimedia systems capabilities of college students into action …

An Evaluation Of Relationship Marketing And Customer Retention Practices In The Hotel Industry, Lisa Kenny

Theses

Customer relationships have received considerable attention from both academics and practitioners. It is accepted that relationship marketing is keeping, not just getting customers, (Berry, 1983). However, it has been criticised that firms frequently focus on attracting customers (the “first act”) but then pay little attention to what they should do to keep them (the “second act”) (Berry and Parasuraman, 1991). It has been demonstrated that it is far less expensive to retain a customer than to acquire a new one. The increasing emphasis of relationship marketing is based on the assumptions that building committed customer relationships results in guest satisfaction, …

Prescriptions For The Top Five Problem Areas Of Corporate Teams: A Blueprint For Success, James B. Wilson

Theses

This thesis will focus on five top problem areas corporate teams face in regards to effective teamwork and how those areas can be remedied.

Research has revealed five top problem areas: personality conflicts, confused goals, depleted trust, mismatched needs, and leadership failure. These areas consistently challenge those entities where corporate teams are present.

Since the Industrial Revolution work groups, their individual components, and relevant external forces, have been scrutinized by psychologists, sociologists, behaviorists, and business consultants. Many researchers have learned (sometimes by accident) how perception, communication, and commitment can have a direct affect upon teamwork. Through trial and error, corporations …

Social Cognition: The Impact Of Gender And Leadership Surrounding Groupthink In Conjunction With Foreign Policy Decision-Making, Maggie E. Kuehner

Theses

This thesis surrounds social cognition seen within group dynamics. Specifically, focusing on the study of decision - making and the impact gender and leadership styles has upon groups under risk involved decision - making. Th.is type of decision-making is generally seen with corporate committees and members involved in the formation of foreign policy.

Research has attributed to reprehensible historical :fiascoes to faulty group decision - making. Due to this notion, it is imperative to hone in on the cognitive process and the possible factors that act as antecedents to errors in judgement seen in groups.

Many results remain inconclusive when …

From Unemployment To Self-Employment, An Investigation Into The Profile Of ‘This’ Entrepreneur, Nora Mary O'Mahony

Theses

Richard Cantillon, who in 1734 introduced the term ‘entrepreneur’ into economic literature, described entrepreneurship as

‘‘Self-employment of any and every sort" (Long 1983 P 48)

Self-employment is entrepreneurship at its simplest form. According to O’Kane (1997) entrepreneurship is

“The dynamic process of creating wealth, undertaken hy people who assume a risk in terms of money, energy, time and/or career commitment, and creating value through the provision of some product or service. ” (O’Kane 1997 P 6)

Entrepreneurship is nothing new. Men without wealth have always been attracted by the prospect of attaining it and the opportunities, which it affords. (Bruce …

Decision Making Based On Quantitative And Qualitative Evaluations, Rohan A. Pandit

Theses

This study emphasizes mainly on the influence of evaluations, both qualitative and quantitative, on decision making for many occasions that occur in business and technically oriented settings. Decisions made with a certain fuzzy as wen as technical behavior are structured by means of computer-assisted decision-making tools. Decision support tools assist decision makers in making crucial decisions. For instance the tool that has been designed for the purpose of this research will be used for selecting capital-intensive products. It is also intended to prove that with the help of decision support systems decision makers could make decisions by reducing fuzzy decision …

Understanding One Another: Application Of Individual And Generational Behavior In The Organizational Environment, Nicole L. Brueggeman

Theses

The co-mingling effect of individuals and generations has a profound impact on organizational behavior. This study focuses on the behavior of individuals and generations in the organizational environment.

Organizations as social systems could not exist without people. This creates a complex problem, bow to deal with the diverse population that occupies the organizational environment. The interaction between an individual and a generational cohort group provides an exchange point for behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes. Research shows that each cohort grouping shapes behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes based on their exposure to events and social interactions. Behavioral Science describes bow these interactions provide …

Developing A Viable Intranet Site, Wendy C, Glidden

Theses

This thesis will focus on establishing consistent guidelines in developing a successful corporate intranet website.

Office intranets are often neglected due to popularity of electronic commerce, and the company's investment in their public website. Standard instructions on how to develop a viable intranet site are not easily found and not likely taught.

With intranet development being a relatively new field, site expectations are very subjective. A site's perceived correctness largely depends on specific goals an organization has established for its site. There are generally high expectations and low budgets for intranets and if usability goals are not kept close at …

An Activity Book To Teach Primary Skills To Individuals And Families Through Fun Interventions, Toni D. Cole

Theses

This thesis will focus on a new intervention approach that teaches individuals and families the skills needed to cope with life in appropriate ways.

Throughout history there have been many therapeutic theories and approaches that have clinically addressed the issues facing today's individuals and families. Play therapy and the family preservation model are the two theoretical approaches this thesis explores as key components in the design of a new intervention approach that meets the needs of individuals and families in their own environment.

This thesis proposes play therapy techniques that can be utilized by paraprofessionals, taking the teaching approach to …

An Examination Of The Impact The Single European Currency Will Have On Tourism In The Cork And Kerry Region By Ronan Doyle., Ronan Doyle

Theses

This study has been conducted at a time when Ireland’s tourism industry is booming. Following eight successive years of growth there exists an air of invincibility surrounding the sector. However, on P‘ January 2002 the European Single Currency will come into circulation in the form of Euro notes and coins, and with it comes the seeds of change. It could very well profoundly transform Irish tourism and will undoubtedly involve changes in business behaviour and practice. The study examines tourism in Ireland at national and regional level. It explores the foundations behind the European Single Currency and its implications for …

The Fiduciaries Guide To Assessing The Intrinsic Worth Of A Private Enterprise, Sonia D. Olevnik

Theses

This thesis is an expository study that extracts the experience and insights I have developed over the last 20 years as a Financial Consultant, in advising thousands of clients as to the fair market value of their enterprise or business interests. The intent of" The Fiduciaries Guide To Assessing The Intrinsic Worth Of A Private Enterprise" is to provide a structural framework for implementing a strategic plan for valuing a private enterprise. It will explain the major factors involved in the decision making process for estimating the fair market value of any type of company or partnership, and their securities. …

An Evaluation Of Fás's Excellence Through People Award, Antoinette Hogan

Theses

In 1997 FAS introduced the Excellence Through People Award, a human resource based quality standard. The main objective was to increase the level, relevance and quality of training being conducted in Ireland. It had become apparent that it was no longer sufficient to offer customers low cost products to try to gain advantage over competitors. Customers were becoming more sophisticated, with more disposable income. Also, technological developments were constantly shortening product lifecycles. Thus, what companies required was for their employees to know in real time what their customers value and to know how to provide it for them. It has …

Business Success In Small And Medium Sized Enterprises Through The Implementation Of The Techniques Of World Class Business And Benchmarking, Dónal Ó Liatháin

Theses

‘ Europe is losing its competitiveness ‘ was the underlying message in the Tanaiste’s, Ms Mary Harney, opening address, at the 3^^ annual Benchmarking Conference held in the O’Reilly Hall, Dublin, on the 28^^ of February 2001. According to the latest figures from the European Commission, the European GDP lags its Japanese and American rivals by 17% and 33% respectively. Small and medium sized enterprises provide over 66% of the European Community employment and 65% of the turnover, which indicate the vital role played by small and medium sized enterprises in Europe’s economy. The objective of this thesis was to …

Development And Characterization Of Techniques For Neuro-Imaging Registration, Carlo Ciulla

Theses

Three automated techniques were developed for the alignment of Neuro-Images acquired during distinct scanning periods and their performance were characterized. The techniques are based on the assumption that the human brain is a rigid body and will assume different positions during different scanning periods. One technique uses three fiducial markers, while the other two uses eigenvectors of the inertia matrix of the Neuro-Image, to compute the three angles (pitch, yaw and roll) needed to register the test Neuro-Image to the reference Neuro-Image. A rigid body transformation is computed and applied to the test Neuro-Image such that it results aligned to …

An Investigation Of Postmodern Influences In Advertising, Rose Leahy

Theses

This study investigates the influences of postmodernism in advertising. The postmodern culture is characterised by irony, paradox, playfulness and anarchy. Consequently advertisements that are influenced by postmodernism embrace the unusual, the unconventional, the abstract and the ambiguous. This thesis set out to determine if there is a consensus among advertisers as to the meaning of postmodernism, to identify the reasons for the evolution of postmodern advertising and to assess its effectiveness and future potential.

Indications of the impact of postmodern advertising can be derived through qualitative methods, but quantitative methods can also be employed. Primary research was undertaken in the …

The Death Of Privacy, Darren W. Bax

Theses

This thesis will focus on the issue of personal privacy and the growing threat to its existence in a technological society.

The areas most associated with privacy loss include increased government intrusions, legislation, workplace, healthcare industry, Internet, and identity theft. Chapter one provides a historical perspective beginning with primitive culture and their struggle to maintain privacy in the lives. Interesting enough, privacy protection was not mentioned by the judicial system until 1880 when privacy was defined as the "right to be left alone." To address concerns about privacy reform the Supreme Court cited this right of privacy as having " …

Leadership And Communication In The Transition To Virtual, Mark K. Reighard

Theses

This culminating project focuses on the transition of work teams from a traditional to a virtual work setting and the approaches and tools used by the manager to make that transition effective.

"Virtual Workplace", Telecommuting, Telework, "Alternative Workplace", and "Work From Home" are all terms and phrases used to describe a situation where at least a portion of a work team's members are not housed in a specific office day in and day out. This type of work setting has been utilized for many years (e.g. the traveling salesman) but is gaining popularity with the advent of enhanced communication tools …

The Effect Of The Environment On Office Worker Productivity And Creativitiy, Karen D. Clark

Theses

This paper will explore the effect of the physical and human environment on office worker creativity and productivity.

The study will begin with a discussion of creativity, addressing questions such as: Why do we want creative employees? What value to they bring to an organization? Can the elements that enhance creativity in office workers also enhance productivity? How is creativity enhanced? Why is it that many organizations successfully stifle creativity, thus hampering employee morale and productivity?

Research has shown that the physical environment affects workers' ability to think and function effectively. There is a basic need for aesthetics as a …

A Manual Covering The Topic/Subject On How To Develop A Business Plan For Investors/Owners: Formulation And Implementation, James S. Jump

Theses

This thesis will focus on the discussion of business planning and the impact it bas on business owners and investors in today's business climate. Business planning is defined as how organizations utilize internal thought processes to execute a form of a plan of action to compete in a marketplace that offers similar products and services.

One debate about business planning involves big business that develop planning "systems" as compared to entrepreneurs that often times operate with little or no planning. Another debate involves the timing and use of planning. A survey of 220 INC 500 businesses revealed that 51 % …

The Development Of The Business Plan For The Real Estate Appraisal Group, Michele L. Suwe

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of developing a business plan for a small home-based real estate appraisal company.

Studies indicate that a large percentage of business ventures fail due to a lack of planning . Many entrepreneurs believe that developing a business plan is not necessary if they do not require financing or have adequate personal expertise to operate a business . Although common to large business ventures , a business plan for the start- up and operations of a small business have been widely overlooked.

In today' s market, entrepreneurs are beginning to take business plans more …

Influencing The Growth And Expansion Of Alternative Transportation For St. Charles County, Missouri, Elizabeth A. Johnson

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of communication, leadership and Total Quality Management The case study establishes a link between these concepts and their application, directed at influencing of the growth and expansion of alternative transportation for St Charles County, Missouri.

The subject of TQM is a common point of discussion within the engineering and construction industry, with numerous technical publications written on the subject The primary concern within the industry is the. lack of implementation for continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Documentation on resistance to change describes why the process of TQM is beneficial, but the issue of …

The Design And Implementation Of A Business Plan For An Internet Service Company, Gia K. Reynolds

Theses

The lntrnet today consists of many networks that can transfer data via many routes over a vast network. Change in the telecommunication industry and the attractiveness of the lnternet as a distribution channel have resulted in an expansion of service furnished by content providers. This dynamic growth of services impacts the prices and profits of service providers and the customers' net benefit.

This project will focus on the study of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) industry. Information was gathered for the purpose of constructing a business plan for G-net.

Research has indicated that an entrepreneur is one who manages, organizes …

Self-Managed Work Teams: How Implementation Plans Affect Success Or Failure, Julia E. Meeker

Theses

This applied learning project will deal with the implementation of empowerment in an organization and the importance of an implementation plan.

Research shows that resistance to change by management or front line employees can lead to the failure of the change. Resistance to change is a normal human reaction but can be minimized through effective change management.

Effective change management includes clear, understandable, complete communication at the appropriate time. The development of a change implementation plan can reduce the resistance to change by providing information that addresses employees concerns regarding the proposed change.

The purpose of this project is to …

The Benefits Of Corporate Wellness Programs, Paul Lonigro

Theses

Cost containment of health care cost is an extremely significant issue to employers today. Many employers have used strategies such as cost shifting and managed care to control costs with limited success. Many are using wellness programs with the idea of promoting healthy lifestyles to decrease the risks and demand for health care services. Other benefits which employers look for are an increase in employee productivity and morale, and decreasing absenteeism and turnover. The purpose of this thesis is to determine how effective wellness programs have been at achieving these goals.

Some form of wellness program has widely been used …

Career Maturity: A Comparative Study Of Adults With Attention-Deficit Disorder And Adults Without Attention-Deficit Disorder, Christine L. Mason

Theses

A comparative study was conducted to explore the differences in career maturity in adults with a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and adults without a diagnosis of AD/HD. Thirty adults with AD/HD and thirty-three adults without AD/HD completed a personal data questionnaire and My Vocational Situation (MVS). The control group also completed a twelve question screening instrument for AD/HD. The data was statistically analyzed using independent sample t-test for equality of means.

Between Heaven And Hell: The Plight Of The Eastern Kentucky Coal Miner, Rebecca C. Norris

Theses

This thesis will focus on the dilemma of the present day coal miner in the eastern Kentucky mountains.

Historically, the coal mining profession has been one presenting extremely dangerous work conditions. From its roots in the 1880s, coal mining has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of miners, the majority of these deaths being caused by explosions. Working conditions were horrendous and there was no legislation in place to protect the miner. The life and living conditions of the miner were determined by coal operators who ran coal towns. These towns were the heart of the miners' lives. 'The …

How To Use Marketing Strategy And Communication For Rekindling A New Life Of The Old Street, Chao-Wang Wang

Theses

History is the record of a community or culture in its past life. It symbolizes the continuation of our lives. Different areas nurtured different cultures and these cultures represent different peoples' ways of life and particular values. Not only does history provide evidence for us to trace and explore our ancestors' footprints, it also gives a blueprint for us to learn lessons and experiences so that we may be able to avoid quarrels and wars, and to create a peaceful world. Therefore history and culture has the functionality of carrying on the heritage to provide a way for the future …

Droffice(Sm) A Physician Support Service Company For The Physician And Physician's Family (The Reengineered Physician's Practice), William K. Sullivan

Theses

This thesis is the culminating project of years of study, experience, and research focused upon a business plan to create a company which would provide physician support services not only for the physician's office but also for the physician's family.

The sudden emergence in the 1990's of several for-profit, publicly traded physician practice management companies (PPMCs) and local management services organizations (MSOs) highlighted the plight of the present physician's office as a small business overrun by regulation, managed care encroachment, financial stresses, and technological advancements. As Wall Street and Main Street eventually learned, PPMCs and MSOs were not the solutions …

An Investigation Into The Ingredients Necessary For A Successful Implementation Of Sap, Benjamin T. Wilson

Theses

This thesis will focus on the impact of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software applications, mainly SAP, and the impact they have on business functions and efficiency.

Businesses have been able to take advantage of improvements in computer technology to make improvements to their every-day processes and procedures. One category of software applications they can use are ERP applications. ERP's provide many advantages for companies - faster access to more reliable data with which to make better decisions, and more efficient use of company resources. These advantages can only be achieved though, if the application is produced and used correctly, which …