Business Commons^™

How To Define, Evaluate, And Improve Extracurricular Student Engagement Using A Nine-Point Framework Based On Marketing Theory, Patrick Roth

Honors Projects in Marketing

Opportunities for extracurricular engagement are an essential component of the value proposition of many colleges and universities, yet students do not always take advantage of these experiences. Previous studies have identified important elements of engagement, as well as best practices to improve it, but are largely contextual and not easily applicable to other instances of organizational engagement. Existing research also fails to establish a consistent definition or perception of engagement. Using a complex synthesis of available literature, as well as focus interviews conducted within the target population at Bryant University, we can derive the individual dimensions of engagement to establish …

Analyzing Deaths From Extreme Weather Events And Their Relevance To The Life Insurance Industry, Erika Roof

Honors Projects in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

This study aims to discover the effect of extreme weather events on the life insurance industry. As climate change progresses and global temperatures increase, extreme weather events, which are separated into drought, freeze, severe storms, tropical cyclones, wildfires, and winter storms are expected to occur more often. Extreme weather events not only impact the local economies but increase local death rates as well. Using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA NCEI), this study uses regression analysis to examine the correlation between extreme weather and mortality data. Time series regression analysis suggests that …

Climate Change: An Existential Threat To Humanity, Brayden Asher Roy

Honors Projects in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

According to President Joe Biden, "Climate change is an existential threat to humanity" (Biden, 2020), one that requires the fullest attention from leaders within the international community. Research into the impacts of anthropogenic behavior on the climate began as early as the 1870s. When the clean energy movement generated support in the 1980s, fossil fuel companies responded to protect their existing business model that a transition to renewable energy would dismantle. Within the United States, through the suppression of information and lobbying of politicians, fossil fuel companies turned the concept of climate change into a partisan issue. Based on scientific …

How Spending Patterns Of Different Groups Affect Long And Short-Term Savings, Peter Misiaszek

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

Many young Americans are concerned whether they will have sufficient savings as they age. This paper will explore the factors that influence the spending habits of young Americans and how those patterns correlate to lifetime savings. There is a plethora of psychological and sociological factors that contribute to different patterns of spending which ultimately affect long-term savings. Savings rates have dropped significantly over the past few decades, and this decline is leaving many Americans without sufficient wealth for retirement. Data that will be collected will be used to run a regression model, ultimately to conclude what the most important factors …

Health Equity Innovation To End Clinicians’ Unconscious Bias When Caring For Emergency Department Patients, Kenneth Forte, Adam Chess, April Alfano, Keri Bill, Cheryl Green, Mary Christoffersen, Joubin Bavarian

Posters

Bridgeport Hospital has successfully improved patient care by implementing Individualized Clinical Bias Scores (ICBS) for triage nurses in our emergency department (ED). Through the use of data analysis, we identified that patients of color were being assigned less urgent acuities when presenting with the same complaints as white patients. By addressing this implicit bias and implementing a new system of ICBS for our ED Triage Nurses, we have seen a significant improvement in the equitable treatment of all patients regardless of race or ethnicity.

Health And Healthcare: Designing For The Social Determinants Of Health And Blue Zones In North Nashville, Rebecca Tonguis, Honor Thomas, Olivia Hobbs

[Archive] Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Owned by North Nashville’s First Community Church, a now empty site in the Osage-North Fisk neighborhood of North Nashville has been identified as a potential site for a new location of The Store, in addition to a community-centric architectural development based on the social determinants of health and informed by the principles behind Blue Zones, the locations with the highest lifespans in the world. Opened by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, The Store is a free grocery store that “allow[s] people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope”, for which North Nashville …

Columnas: The Honors Program Newsletter At Bentley University, Clara Williams, Micaela Corzo, Naeelah Desanges, Alyssa Galin, Isabella Ramirez

Honors Program

Page 1: WHY ARE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS SO HARD TO KEEP? By Sahil Raut ’27

Page 2: THE CAPITALIST INFLUENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION By Kevin Heintz ’26

Page 3: THE IMPORTANCE OF MENSTRUAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT By Sid Goel ’24

Page 4: CAN TECHNOLOGY SOLVE EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITY? By Ariana Ramirez ’27

Page 5: DATA PORTABILITY CAN CHANGE THE DIGITAL WORLD By Kassidi Thompson ’27

Page 6: THE POWER OF VULNERABILITY By Peter Epp ’24

Page 7: THREADS OF BELIEF By Yudao Song ’26

Economic Development Analysis Research Paper: Myanmar, Rhoda Belachew

Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Student Projects

As a country endowed with great natural resources and a rich agricultural base, remains one of Southeast Asia’s most economically underdeveloped nations. Years of political instability, conflict, and limited institutional capacity have pulled back economic growth. Myanmar continues to face internal challenges including youth unemployment, underutilized rural labor, and weak infrastructure, alongside external obstacles including global trade barriers and limited foreign investment. This paper will highlight the current population, it’s impact on GDP and other variables that contribute to the GDP. It will also examine the key challenges to Myanmar’s’ economic growth and evaluates which development model offers the most …

Newgen Surgical: Reimagining Health For People And Planet [Case], Sarah Lee, Vafa Saboorideilami, Xiaotian Zhang, Yung-Jae Lee

Barowsky School of Business | Faculty Scholarship

The case study draws on structured interviews with Rob Chase, Founder and CEO of NewGen Surgical, as well as secondary data sources to analyze the effectiveness of these solutions in mitigating the risks and enhancing the company’s competitive advantage.

This case study examines how NewGen Surgical, a small- to medium-sized medical equipment manufacturer based in the USA, navigates a supply chain crisis caused by post-pandemic (COVID-19) supply and demand distress, trade restrictions, and the US–China trade war in 2022. It outlines the journey of CEO and Founder, Robert Chase, as he started, grew and is maintaining the company and its …

Managerial Structure And Performance-Induced Trading, Anastassia Fedyk, Saurin Patel, Sergei Sarkissian

Business Publications

We propose a new channel through which teamwork improves mutual fund activity: by offsetting individual overconfidence, teams mitigate excessive performance-induced trading. The predictions of our theoretical model are confirmed in the data. Team managed funds trade less after good performance than single-managed funds, and this differential increases with team size. Changes from single to team management correspond to reductions in performance-induced trading. We rule out alternative explanations including differences in manager skill, experience, fund governance, gender, and fund flows. Overconfident trading by single-managed funds results in lower next-period returns compared to team-managed funds. Overall, team management reduces uninformed overconfident trading.

The Role Of Inward Fdi And Family Firm Heterogeneity On Foreign Location Choice: Evidence From India, Arindam Mondal, Somnath Lahiri

Faculty Publications – Management

The purpose of this study is to examine the internal and external factors that influence the location choice decision of family firms. Drawing on two streams of literature—family firm and international business—we investigate the role that inward FDI (IFDI) and firm’s heterogeneity (ownership structure and management type) play in the location choice of family firms. Our analysis of a large sample of family firms (N = 278) from India suggests that IFDI is positively associated with a greater likelihood of advanced economy location choice compared to the choice of emerging economies. Our results also reveal that the relationship between …

Dretske’S Internal Maps: A Critical Component Of Knowledge Management, Strategy, And Ai, Theodore J. Randles, Lisa A. Gardner, Zhe Zhang

EKU Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Over two decades ago, guided by Randles and Thachenkary’s (2002) four-stage model, a video analysis of medical diagnostic teleconsultations was conducted. From this analysis came the knowledge combustion analogy of Randles and Fadlalla (2004) and the knowledge chemistry approach. The first tool of knowledge chemistry was the knowledge spectrum, and Randles, Miller, and Blades (2011) proposed that the knowledge spectrum could provide a framework for defining and assessing organization knowledge requirements and knowledge resources. Dretske’ internal maps are the cornerstone of knowledge requirements fulfillment analysis (KRFA). In this paper, their central role is demonstrated using the sales process as an …

Mktg 665, Barry J. Babin

GMAS Course Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Do Eastern Religious Traditions Stifle Or Encourage Corporate Innovation? Evidence From China, Lihong Liang, Siyi Liu, Chunqiu Zhang

Accounting - All Scholarship

Although the relationship between Western religiosity and innovation is widely investigated, the effect of Eastern religious traditions on corporate innovation remains unexplored. Using a sample of firms listed in Chinese A-share stock exchanges, we find that firms registered in areas with stronger Eastern religious traditions (Buddhism and Taoism) are generally more innovative than firms registered in areas with weaker Eastern religious traditions. This result suggests that Eastern religiosity promotes rather than stifles corporate innovation. We find additional evidence suggesting that Eastern religiosity promotes corporate innovation mainly through the following three channels: (1) fostering nonexclusivity and openness to science and innovation, …

Reduced Audit Quality Acts: A Review And Organizational Model, Troy A. Hyatt, Douglas F. Prawitt, Kyle M. Stubbs

Accountancy Faculty Publications and Presentations

With increasing regulatory focus on improving audit quality, research on drivers of audit quality remains important to academics, professionals and regulators. One compelling branch of this research focuses on auditors' intentional actions that reduce audit quality, often referred to in the literature as reduced audit quality acts (RAQAs). This paper provides a review and synthesis of the RAQA literature, including a unifying definition for RAQAs and a model for organizing past and future RAQA research. With the model, we explore antecedents to RAQAs as well as the discovery of, responses to and subsequent consequences of RAQAs. We also discuss potential …

Fixed Income Fund Report, April 2024, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Lindenwood Offers Smooth Transfer Pathway For Fontbonne Students, Lindenwood University

Archived Lindenwood Press Releases

No abstract provided.

Is Asia On The Precipice Of A Currency Crisis? Exploring Regional Risks And Implications On The Global Economy, Hannah Deng

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper examines the economic stability of Asia in the face of a potential currency crisis through drawing upon the historical context provided by the 1997 East Asian Financial Crisis. It systematically explores the characteristics and precursors of currency crises, analyzes the Asia-Pacific region’s response to past financial upheavals, and evaluates current macroeconomic vulnerabilities as well as policy frameworks. By juxtaposing the changes in Asia’s financial landscape from the late 20th century to the present, the study identifies persistent structural weaknesses and the region’s ongoing exposure to volatile global financial markets. It also considers the possibility of emerging markets establishing …

“Njangi Never Dies”: The Social Impacts And Non-Financial Benefits Of Njangis In Batoufam And Yaoundé, Cameroon, Georgia Schaefer-Brown

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Rotating Credits and Savings Associations (ROSCAs) are present in much of the developing world and are incredibly common in Cameroon. The financial impacts of ROSCAs have been researched extensively, but there has been less research on the social impacts and non-financial benefits. This research aims to fill this gap and add to the discussion of ROSCAs in Cameroon (called njangis), as well as demonstrate how njangis are social institutions. This project is in the specific context of njangis in Batoufam and Yaoundé, Cameroon. Interviews and observations informed the conclusion that there are extensive social impacts and non-financial benefits within the …

Honing The Craft Of Qualitative Data Collection In Extreme Contexts, Payal Sharma, Madeline Toubiana, Kisha Lashley, Felipe Massa, Kristie M. Rogers, Trish Ruebottom

Management Faculty Research and Publications

Over the past several years, there has been ongoing dialog within our academic journals and the profession regarding the value of examining extreme, unconventional, or unsettling contexts in management research. These conversations have highlighted that perhaps more than ever, we as a society are facing unprecedented grand and perplexing challenges, and conducting research in unconventional or extreme settings can reveal complex dynamics or relationships that we may not understand otherwise. Less discussed, however, are methodological considerations for conducting research in unique contexts. As such, we aim to extend the explicit discussion of effective strategies for scholars who consider the perspectives …

Aesthetic Exclusion Within American Capitalist Culture: Lgbtq Students At Gettysburg College And The Creative Reappropriation Of Clothing To Forge Personal And Communal Identity, James M. Mikulski

Student Publications

For LGBTQ individuals whose identity expression transgresses heteronormative aesthetic values, mass production and its prioritization of a heteronormative consumer base for profit create feelings of otherness and ostracism. Previous anthropological theory on mass production and advertising recognizes the transference of meaning onto material culture through marketing and identifies the generic symbolic meaning that carbon-copy, mass-produced products hold. Theory and research surrounding colonial encounters attest to power imbalances wherein material culture is imposed on a powerless group, and marginalized individuals react through rejection or creative reappropriation of the material culture, which provides a basis for examining the power imbalance between corporations …

Proving Their Mettle: Managerial Ability And Firm Performance In Trying Times, Barry Hettler, James Cordeiro, Arno Forst

School of Accountancy Faculty Publications

This study investigates the impact of trying economic times, i.e., periods of economic decline and uncertainty, on managerial ability. We find that trying economic times positively moderate the association between managerial ability and firm profitability. Consistent with these primary findings, we also find that the positive moderating role of economic decline and uncertainty on the ability-performance relationship is most salient in procyclical industries. Our results are robust across multiple measures of economically trying times and managerial ability. Further analyses indicate that in trying times more capable managers generate stronger performance through both improved asset turnover and profit margins.

Organizing Special Events For Uri Greek Life, Jared Hewitt

Senior Honors Projects

Many student organizations at the University of Rhode Island host events throughout the year to support different causes. In my time at the university I have experienced several of these events, but noticed a lack of involvement from the greater community. Many students work or shop at local businesses yet the businesses don’t get involved with these events that could benefit everyone.

During my involvement with Greek Life I have participated and helped plan their annual Greek Week fundraiser in the spring. Through this personal experience I have noticed the large impact 3,000 students have on the community, but see …

Revolutionizing Revenue Cycle Management: Ai's Impact On Healthcare Organizations, Rachel Pennington, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) stands as a cornerstone in healthcare, overseeing the intricate processes involved in capturing, managing, and collecting revenue generated from patient services. However, the landscape of RCM has long been plagued by inefficiencies. These inefficiencies underscore the urgency for innovative approaches, and the integration of AI emerges as a promising solution to streamline processes and optimize revenue capture.

Understanding The Ey Split: A Qualitative Approach, Joseph Long

Honors Projects

This research project takes a qualitative approach at analyzing the proposed split between the audit and consulting operations of the accounting firm known as Ernst & Young (EY). The two specific research questions this project attempts to answer are: 1. What specific reasons led to the downfall of EY’s proposed split? 2. Could a similar project be more successful in the future for EY or another firm? In order to answer these questions, a variety of articles in reputable business publications pertaining to the EY split were analyzed to get their take on the proposed split. In addition, an assortment …

Exploring Stem Opportunities: A Focus On Economic Potential In East Texas, Manuel Reyes-Loya, Cecilia Cuellar

Hibbs Brief

No abstract provided.

The Significant Role Of Seo In Effective Web Marketing, Ramtin Ranjpour

AMTP Proceedings 2024

With the ever-rising popularity of online shopping, the power of web marketing has become more essential than ever. And search engine optimization (SEO) plays a huge role in web marketing. This paper is a critical literature review that goes over the important scholarly and non-scholarly works of influential experts in SEO. It serves as a fun and engaging introduction for anyone interested in learning about SEO, specifically about its importance, benefits, top strategies, rivals, and how it can be combined with other marketing methods. The hope is that it helps individuals and small business owners with their web marketing and …

Conflicted Positioning: Product Positioning When Market Segments Have Conflicting Risk Goals, Richard Flight

AMTP Proceedings 2024

ABSTRACT

In some product and service categories concern for physical risk as a result of the product or service rendered is an inherent barrier to purchase. Meanwhile, the same perceived danger attracts thrill seekers who want (or need) a sense of adventure. In this exploratory research, the question of motive for and emotions associated with learning how to fly a plane are explored. When prompted risk is cited oftentimes as both a deterrent to engage in the activity and a motive to pursue it. This presents product and brand managers with the question of how to simultaneously assuage risk-related fear …

How Does Big Data Affect Organizational Financial Performance In Turbulent Markets? The Role Of Customer-Linking And Selling Capabilities, Omar S. Itani, Ashish Kalra, Amin Rostami

Marketing Faculty Publications

The information age provides vast opportunities for organizations to improve their efficiencies by relying on big data-AI empowered analytics (BDA). The purpose of this study is to address the critical question of how BDA-fit affects organizational financial performance, taking into consideration differences between markets and customer change caused by technology turbulence. Using data collected at the firm level and building on Task- Technology Fit Theory and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, empirical results indicate that BDA-fit is important to drive organizational financial performance through the development of customer-linking and selling capabilities. These results vary across markets, with BDA-fit having stronger effects on …

Separately Measuring Home-Field Advantage For Offenses And Defenses: A Panel-Data Study Of Constituent Channels Within Collegiate American Football, Matthew J. Mcmahon, Sarah Marx Quintanar

Economics & Finance Faculty Publications

We improve constituent-channel estimates of home-field and neutral-site advantage for collegiate American football's top division by utilizing a richer, 12-season data set and by exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic as a random shock. Novel to the literature, we separately examine points scored by each team, allowing us to identify impacts on each team's offense and defense individually. The information set provided by our model is a strict superset of that provided by the previous standard in the literature, making ours a strictly dominant modeling choice. We demonstrate this improvement theoretically and empirically. Physiologically, away-team travel distance does not impact their own …