Business Commons^™

Can Relationship Banking Reduce Firms' Ipo Underpricing, Kai Lu

Doctor of Business Administration Dissertations

IPO underpricing harms pre-existing shareholders and reduces the capital firms can raise to fund their growth. This paper shows that relationship banking can reduce IPO underpricing by decreasing information uncertainty. I develop a theoretical model showing that good firms – those with a lower dispersion of market value – are harmed and bad firms benefit from IPO price uncertainty when there is no borrowing and, thus, no distinguishing information on firm quality. When investors receive signals about firm value only from publicly observable transaction lending, good firms benefit while bad firms suffer. However, when firms have access to loans through …

Marching On Together: The Future Of Non-Profit Museums In A For-Profit World, Matthew R. Dellaguzzo

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This thesis proposes a model of increased collaboration among museums as an alternative to the commercialization of the museum field. Through a combination of internal and external factors, museums are finding it necessary to operate in a manner akin to that of commercial enterprises. This trend threatens to undermine the cultural and educational mission of museums. At the same time, the ability of museums to carry out their missions necessarily depends on a solid financial base. Collaboration, whether in the form of consortia or consolidated institutions, provides an avenue whereby museums can not only make more economical use of their …

Reduing Hospital Readmissions: Ideal Discharge Planning For Heart Failure Management, Chun Mei Chen, Chun Mei Chen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

The objectives during this project were to achieve by the end of 2018 an overall reduction of 25% in HF readmissions within 30 days. By identifying root causes of readmissions and using needs assessment within the microsystem, literature highlights the elements defining interventions that can be used to improve transitions of care and reduce avoidable HF hospital readmissions. A plan was developed for integrating an evidence-based practice, IDEAL Discharge Planning, along with engaging patients and families at bedside from the first day of admission until discharge to more effectively assist staff in providing patient-centered education and self-care skills. The …

Essays In Knowledge Transfer, Leonardo Mayer Kluppel

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation advances our understanding of when firms are able to get information from outside agents and the impact of that information on innovation. In chapter one, I set up a theoretical model that illuminates how vertical integration changes the incentives for producers to share information with suppliers. Both transaction costs and bargain ability play major roles in information sharing. One result from chapter one is that producers share less information with vertically integrated suppliers. The second chapter tests this prediction, finding robust evidence that once a supplier vertically integrates, it gains fewer spillovers from competitor producers. Finally, the last …

Examination Of Mental Health And Family Relationship In Collegiate Athletes, Julia Hussey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Athletes at the collegiate level frequently experience unique stressors that cause them to be at risk for a number of mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and substance use. Current research in the field suggests that athletes are not as likely as their non-athlete peers to seek out psychological services for mental health difficulties. Social supports have been shown to impact athletes’ mental health and sport performance. Specifically, family relationships appear to have an influence on athletes’ level of stress and motivation, with positive family relationships showing decreases in athletes’ worry as well as faster recovery following injury. Surprisingly, there …

Hearts And Minds: An Analysis Of Checks And Safeguards, Monitoring, And Performance Review Of Executive Boards And Their Executive Directors Within Select Nonprofit Corporations., John Michael Wagner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Horror stories of ineffective nonprofit organization management arise in the media far too often. When these stories emerge, the public demands accountability from those responsible. Ultimately, accountability rests with the fiduciaries of the organization. For nonprofit

organizations in the United States, fiduciary responsibility and accountability reside with the board of directors.

Board governance has been widely studied in the for-profit sector. Due to the critical nature of the work nonprofits perform, there has been an increasing effort to study board governance in nonprofit organizations. Employing in depth interviews, with both executive

directors and board members, checks and safeguards such as …

On The Wedge Between Theoretical And Actual Prices And Its Implications For Investment Decisions, Luca Pezzo

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

State of the arts equilibrium models explain several financial markets' regularities but still miss many important dimensions. My research investigates the existing wedge between theoretical and actual prices and its implications for investment decisions. In the first chapter, I develop a new approach to locate and quantify the wedge between the main-stream Representative Agent pricing of the U.S. market portfolio and actual data. The determinants of the wedge are high uncertain and illiquid recessionary periods where, according to the marginal pricing rules, more efficient portfolios than the market can be formed. Since illiquidity is a major determinant, chapter two and …

Building A Bridge Between Philanthropy And Profit: The History, Economics, And Politics Of Environmental Impact In A Commerce Society, Yekaterina Goncharova

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper examines our consumerist society through past and present data, business practice, supply chain, economics, and its impact on human and environmental well-being. Upon examination, the thesis aims to suggest change through social indicators and policy. It answers numerous questions surrounding both the problems and solutions associated with environmental policy. These include: the question as to what exactly is social and environmental impact investing? What are current changes impacting humanity’s ecological footprint? Why does society need to make changes? Most importantly, it assesses how we can change? Chapter 1 explores the past and what led to an increase of …

Adhd Symptoms, Impulsivity And Entrepreneurial Action Three Essays, Wei Yu

Dissertations - ALL

Anecdotal evidence of successful entrepreneurs with ADHD, along with books on the strengths of ADHD individuals, have drawn people’s attention towards the potential benefits of this mental disorder. Instead of viewing those individuals as inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive, the very characteristics may become assets in certain environments where creativity, quick action and experimentation are needed. Entrepreneurship represents such an environment that has been long recognized by scholars and practitioners alike. First, entrepreneurship is an uncertain journey full of obstacles, which requires potential entrepreneurs to overcome the fear and worry and resolve the uncertainty through entrepreneurial actions. Second, compared with existing …

Corporate Sponsorship And University Campuses: Determining The Effectiveness Of University Sponsorship Efforts At Pittsburg State University, Michaela J. Joines

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

A multi-phase study was completed to determine the effectiveness of corporate sponsorship efforts at Pittsburg State University. Pittsburg State engages in corporate sponsorship to partner with local and national companies, seeking to benefit both the university and its partners. The study sought to find factors that improve the effectiveness of such sponsorship efforts as determined by stakeholders’ ability to recall sponsors, differences in attitudes toward national and local sponsors, and how brand attachment to the university or sponsoring brands effects perception of the sponsorship alliances. Phase One included interviews with stakeholder groups (students, faculty/staff, alumni, and community members) and functioned …

Re-Evaluating Performance Measurement: New Mathematical Methods To Address Common Performance Measurement Challenges, Jordan David Benis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Performance Measurement is an essential discipline for any business. Robust and reliable performance metrics for people, processes, and technologies enable a business to identify and address deficiencies to improve performance and profitability. The complexity of modern operating environments presents real challenges to developing equitable and accurate performance metrics. This thesis explores and develops two new methods to address common challenges encountered in businesses across the world. The first method addresses the challenge of estimating the relative complexity of various tasks by utilizing the Pearson Correlation Coefficient to identify potentially over weighted and under weighted tasks. The second method addresses the …

An Exploration Of Barriers To Integration Of Strategic Human Resource Development In The United States Fire Service: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Chief Officers' Perceptions, Jon D. Musgrave

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

Trends in the current human resource development (HRD) literature emphasize the role that integration of strategic human resource development (SHRD) practices has on organizational effectiveness (Garavan, 1991; Garavan, 2007; Gilley & Gilley, 2003; Gilley & Maycunich, 2000; Ruona & Gilley, 2009; Wright, 2007). The United States Fire Service currently views human resource development as a management practice to be utilized by the chief officer to address vocational or technical skills (Stowell, 2004). This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) qualitative study explored the beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of chief officers in the United States Fire Service to further understanding of barriers to …

Marriott International, Inc: A Financial Analysis, Lai Wei

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Marriott International, Inc: A Financial Analysis

Avis Budget Group: A Financial Analysis, Tralonie Perkins

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper presents a financial analysis behind Avis Budget Group, Inc. (CAR), a leading global provider of vehicle rental and car sharing services, operating three of the most recognized brands in the industry: Avis, Budget and Zipcar. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative analysis, this report encompasses comprehensive data regarding the industry in which CAR competes, the company’s recent financial results, and forecasts of its future growth with five-year pro forma financial statements used to build a valuation model.

The Leadership Role Of Management Accountants As It Contributes To Innovation And Entrepreneurship In Start-Up Businesses In Southern California, Paula Edwards

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand and describe the leadership role of managerial accountants as it contributes to innovation in start-up businesses in Southern California.

Methodology: The methodology used to understand and describe the leadership role of managerial accountants as it contributes to the innovation and entrepreneurship in start-up businesses in Southern California was a qualitative study. The study participants included 12 entrepreneurs who had started a business in the last five years, had utilized a management accountant on a part-time, full-time or consultant basis and are located in the San Diego, Orange, or Los …

A Case Study Of Congregational And Search Committee Desired Leadership Qualities In A Senior Pastor, David Fowler

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this case study that utilized an inductive qualitative research approach was to uncover desired leadership qualities in a senior pastor. Membership numbers are dwindling for religious organizations as the landscape of the United States becomes more secular. Studies reveal that negative issues with ineffective leadership within these organizations impact congregational health and membership decline. Within the context of leadership’s futility, studies need to be conducted to identify qualifiers of effective leadership in religious organizations, as a lack of research has been conducted concerning religious organizational leaders. Specifically, churches in the Southern Baptist Convention, a conservative conglomerate of …

A Cross-Cultural Examination Of The Effect Of Employer Support On Employee Productivity, Shawn Tuman, Haley Lipton

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The purpose of this creative, collaborative, capstone project is to conduct a cross-cultural examination of the effect of employer support on employee productivity by compiling, examining, and synthesizing conclusions from existing research. In a world of growing globalization and technological innovation, the speed of productivity is often the cornerstone that differentiates successful businesses from unsuccessful businesses, providing a competitive advantage to the quick while the others fall behind. Often this increased level of efficiency comes at a cost beyond the price of the product and the salary of employees, a deeper, psychological cost. By reviewing research focused in the United …

Employee Empowerment Through Ethical Decision-Making, Jessica Mongold

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

An exploration of the importance of empowerment in the hospitality industry, and the use of ethical decision-making strategies to standardize service.

Gender Differences Associated With The Evolution Of Attributes Sought In Sports Apparel, Jami Adler

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Since the turn of the century, many things have changed around the world, with a focus on the athletic apparel and fashion industries. Using Fowler’s (1999) research regarding the attributes sought in sports apparel, this study serves as a replication to determine how attributes sought in sports apparel have evolved. Online surveying through Qualtrics was utilized for data collection. The research explored the trend of Athleisure and the rising demand for versatile clothing. The role of gender and its associated differences significantly influenced the attributes sought in sports apparel. In addition, this study explored three additional attributes that consumers evaluate …

Export Plan For Maurertown Trailers To Vietnam, Dan Ford

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Because of the scant information available on the market and competition in Vietnam, I recommend that Maurertown Trailers does not immediately enter the Vietnamese market. Prior to exporting to Vietnam, it would be best if Maurertown exports to other countries that are more similar to the United States market, such as Canada and Western Europe. If the company does determine that it is in its best interest to export to Vietnam, it should begin by engaging with trade shows, where it can showcase its product (most preferably its dump trailer since this attracts a wide customer base in the US) …

The Role Of Leadership In Student Organizations, Samantha Mcanallen

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the extent to which the leaders of the Eta Delta chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and the JMU Women’s Rugby club embody the characteristics of the leaders of successful organizations by examining these two organizations in the context of the characteristics of successful organizational cultures. In order to conduct an appropriate examination of the cultures of these two organizations, I chose to compare them to the characteristics of successful group cultures presented in Daniel Coyle’s The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups. Throughout his book, Coyle highlights the …

Peer Assisted Study Sessions For Financial Accounting, Laura Salt, Caitlin Larrick

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

James Madison University (JMU) offers Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) for a variety of courses throughout different disciplines. This past Spring semester PASS was offered for 15 courses across campus, including three courses in the College of Business (COB). PASS is administratively handled and financial supported by JMU. They are review sessions led by students who have successfully completed the same course with the same professor in order to help improve students’ performance in that same course. Since we conducted similar review sessions, we adopted the same name, PASS, because many students were familiar with this term from other COB …

Frank J. Wilson: The Father Of Forensic Accounting, Luke Catania

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The purpose of this paper is to spread awareness and confer recognition upon a mostly forgotten individual: Mr. Frank John Wilson, who was quintessential in the development of techniques used in the field of forensic accounting today. An in-depth analysis into Wilson’s early years as an investigator as well as two of his most significant cases, Al Capone and the Lindbergh Baby kidnapper, will demonstrate the techniques he pioneered. Within the framework of these cases, the techniques utilize exemplify the accounting, auditing, and investigative skills required in the forensic accounting field. Specifically, these investigations showcase Wilson’s innovative and unprecedented approaches …

Studying Abroad: A Travel Campaign, Flora Lindsay

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

This project displays the steps taken in order to create a successful marketing campaign for the Center for Global Engagement at James Madison University. It explores the history of studying abroad, its perceived benefits, concerns, and existing marketing strategies. The client is studied in depth in order to create a SWOT analysis of its current state. From this research a creative strategy statement is created to better understand the target audience, competition and strategies for the campaign. The campaign idea then comes to life in the deliverables to be used by the client for marketing efforts.

A Hospitality Themed Event: A Journey Through Camelot, Jane Aronds

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

This paper discusses my Themed Event Project, Camelot, which also served as my hospitality management capstone project. With a team of four other hospitality management students, I planned and executed a creative themed event surrounding the overarching theme of Medieval times and the Royal court of Camelot. Decorations, food, and entertainment for the event were based on Medieval culture to create a royal castle experience for guests to dine like kings and queens for the evening. This paper will outline all details of the event such as floor diagrams, decorations, menu items and entertainment. It will also outline analyses …

A Phenomenological Study Of Junior Enlisted Marine Corps Veterans’ Career Transition And Organizational Attachment: From The Military To Civilian Work Environment, Kevin R. Sanford

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

Military service is a transformative experience that leaves an indelible mark on all who serve. Once separated from the military way of life, many veterans find that they yearn for the structure, camaraderie, and discipline they experienced while in the military. These feelings of attachment to the military can make the transition back to civilian life difficult and pose a barrier to success in a civilian workplace. As military service members separate from their military service obligation and transition to the civilian workforce, they experience numerous challenges leaving behind the culture of the military and adapting to the civilian way …

Authenticity And Credibility: Effects On Counter-Stereotypical Ads, Grace Mcmanus

Honors Thesis

To increase involvement of underrepresented groups in stereotyped domains (e.g., urban youth in college), marketers frequently utilize campaigns that include counter-stereotypical stimuli (e.g., a college recruitment advertisement featuring an urban youth). Existing literature on counter-stereotypical advertising suggests that contingency cues (i.e., third-party stereotypes that positively link the group to the domain) may strengthen the advertising campaign. Additionally, existing research has shown that authenticity and credibility influence the effectiveness of such campaigns. However, it may be more difficult to convince members of a subculture (e.g., urban youth with street smarts) that an advertisement containing subcultural symbolism is authentic and credible, unless …

The Effect Of Ceo Gender On Real Earnings Management, Candice Luciano, Shan Wang

Honors Thesis

Real Earnings Management involves the deviation from normal business practices to manipulate financial statements. Previous research has shown how higher gender diversity in senior management has led to higher earnings quality, and how firms with female CFOs have less earnings management than male CFOs. This paper will build off previous research and further examine whether CEO gender affects real earnings management and if so, its effects on real earnings management. The main hypothesis of the paper is that the gender of the CEO will affect the extent of real earnings management of a firm; firms with male CEOs will see …

Residential Housing Renewable Energy Savings Calculator, Eric J. Robinson

Honors Thesis

Frequently renewable energy investment has been thwarted by principal-agent disconnects. Chief among these is the disconnect in the rental market between tenants and landlords; whereby, the tenant may desire to invest in renewable energy sources but has no means to. An additional disconnect occurs between homeowners and their utilities providers. This study seeks to explore the disconnect between tenants and landlords and better align their motivations through intelligent contract design for sustainable investment. If renewable energy is proven profitable as a long-term investment, landlords will be more apt to invest and collect an energy/utility fee included in the cost of …

Executive Portfolio Diversification Through Dividends, Janette Goodridge

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In recent decades, many managers and executives have received company stock and stock options as a portion of their pay. As the incidence of this phenomenon increased, it became evident that insiders needed a way to diversify their holdings. One way this could be accommodated is through the issuance of dividends. This paper examined how executive stock ownership and managerial power impacted a firm’s dividend policy. Specifically, it examined the power of an executive as measured by the G index. It further took into account the current level of ownership for a particular manager, as well as the value of …