Business Commons^™

Government Guidance Funds And Corporate Innovation: An Empirical Examination Based On Hangzhou, Huaping Wang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Since the establishment of China's first market-oriented government guidance fund in 2002, these funds have actively played a supportive role in addressing market failures and promoting the innovative development of technology enterprises by reducing information asymmetry in the primary equity market, releasing positive signals, and alleviating financing constraints. With the establishment and development of China's multi-tiered government guidance fund system, related research has gradually emerged. However, current studies primarily explore whether government guidance funds have fulfilled their role in fostering innovation from a macro perspective, with limited in-depth discussion from a micro-level on how these funds should conduct their investment …

Research On The Structural Antecedents And Contingencies Of Fluid Team Performance, Xiaodong Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In response to rapidly evolving markets and the pursuit of organizational agility, fluid teams—characterized by dynamic membership and flexible structures—have become prevalent as a key organizational form for addressing complex tasks and uncertainty. However, inherent challenges such as frequent member mobility and multiple project participation pose significant management difficulties and performance risks, including project delays and cost overruns, particularly evident in China's fintech sector. While existing research has begun examining fluid teams, systematic investigation into their structural antecedents and performance mechanisms—especially their contingencies across contexts—remains limited.

The study examines structural antecedents and contingencies of fluid team performance through a mixed-methods …

Deepfakes On Trial: Developing A High-Accuracy, Court-Admissible Ai Pipeline For Deepfake Detection In Corporate Fraud Litigation, Aiden J. Green

Honors College Theses

As deepfake technology advances, cybercriminals are increasingly using AI-generated videos and audios to impersonate executives and carry out sophisticated CEO fraud schemes. These synthetic forgeries target human trust and corporate communication systems, creating an urgent need for forensic tools capable of authenticating digital evidence with legal accuracy. This thesis presents a forensic-grade AI deepfake detection pipeline designed for this purpose, emphasizing courtroom admissibility, reproducibility, and evidentiary integrity. Built entirely with free, opensource tools, the framework combines metadata analysis, AI-powered spectrogram analysis, neural artifact detection, and facial manipulation recognition into a transparent workflow that accurately identifies synthetic media. It was trained …

Comparative Analysis Of Legal Systems: Unraveling The Key Distinctions Between The United States And Spain, Lucy Vanover

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper explores the key differences between self-defense laws in the United States and Spain, two countries with distinct legal frameworks. In the U.S., self-defense is governed by a variety of laws that discuss the scope of reasonable force and apply this framework on the basis of precedent. In contrast, Spain, under the Civil Code, applies a more unified approach to self- defense.

A 360 Perspective About Corporate Finance, Braden C. Fancher

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis provides a comprehensive reflection on the author's experience in the “Finance 360” rotational internship program at Burns & McDonnell, a program designed to expose interns to the diverse functions within a corporate finance and accounting department. Over the course of 10 weeks, the author completed 12 different rotations, gaining hands-on experience across various financial disciplines. This paper highlights five rotations—Operational Financial Analysts, Financial Analytics, Internal Audit, Project Accounting, and Investments—that had the greatest impact on reshaping the author’s understanding of corporate finance. These experiences revealed the deep integration of finance with accounting, analytics, and strategic decision-making, far beyond …

Small Business Development In The Tourism Industry In Dangriga, Belize, Jonathan R. Kasper

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

The thesis, Small Business Development in the Tourism Industry in Dangriga, Belize, examines efforts to bolster economic opportunities and entrepreneurial resilience in a culturally rich but economically underserved town. The project focused on addressing the underperformance of Dangriga’s tourism sector relative to other Belizean destinations, despite its potential. By engaging directly with local entrepreneurs and organizations, the initiative aimed to improve marketing practices, digital presence, and long-term business viability through practical interventions.

Major accomplishments included the development of a reservation-capable website for the Bonefish Hotel, social media and marketing consultations for various small businesses, and advisory work for the …

Comparative Analysis Of The Community Reinvestment Act And The B Impact Assessment, Ella G. Claborn

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of the Community Reinvestment (CRA) and the B Corp Certification through the B-Impact Assessment (BIA). The CRA was enacted in 1977 and is a mandatory regulatory measure aimed at addressing discriminatory lending practices and encouraging equitable credit distribution in underserved communities. In contrast, the BIA is a voluntary assessment developed by the nonprofit B Lab to evaluate a company’s social, environmental and governance practices, which lead to B Corp Certification. This analysis explores the historical background, mission, methodology, success metrics and financial costs associated with each framework. Ultimately, this thesis highlights how both models, …

The Price Of Profit: A Literature Review On Private Equity's Impact On Patient Care And Healthcare Costs, Sahil Shrimankar

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

In healthcare, private equity (PE) firms have rapidly expanded their presence across sectors, acquiring and consolidating providers. They typically operate on short investment cycles and employ strategies like heavy debt financing, roll-ups of fragmented practices, and aggressive cost-cutting to maximize returns. This expansion has sparked debate: supporters argue PE provides needed capital and efficiency to struggling providers, while critics contend that profit-driven ownership risks compromising care quality and access. This literature review synthesizes current evidence on how PE’s profit-driven approach affects patient care and healthcare costs. Overall, the findings suggest that PE ownership often raises costs—through higher prices and increased …

The Role Of Social Media In Shaping Investment Trends Among College Students, Catherine C. Hammer

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

Social media has become an increasingly influential force in shaping financial behaviors, particularly among younger generations. This study examines the role of digital platforms in financial education, investment decision-making, and market participation among Gen Z and Millennials. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, case studies, and survey data, this research explores the benefits and risks associated with relying on social media for financial guidance. While social media provides unprecedented access to financial knowledge, empowering young investors with real-time market insights and investment strategies, it also presents challenges such as misinformation, speculative trading behaviors, and the rise of unregulated "finfluencers." …

Decoding Oncology-Focused Biotechnology Firms: Lifecycle Analysis And Predictive Insights For Valuation From A Junior Associate's Perspective, Kesav P. Chandrasekhar

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

Oncology-focused biotechnology firms present unique valuation challenges due to high R&D costs, long development timelines, and uncertain clinical outcomes. This thesis addresses such challenges by integrating the clinical development lifecycle with financial valuation models to provide predictive insights into company value. A structured framework is developed that primarily focuses on stage-specific probabilities of success (PoS) for drug candidates and their impact on firm valuation, embedded in techniques such sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) analysis. By quantitatively linking clinical trial phases and likelihoods of approval to cash flow projections, the model enables a more realistic, risk-adjusted estimation of a biotech firm's worth. Through lifecycle …

The Impact Of Irrigation On Agricultural Land Values In The United States Southeast And An Analysis Of Farmland Prices In South Carolina, Christopher L. Thomas

All Theses

Land is a key component of the agriculture industry in the United States. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, farm real estate (land and buildings) accounted for 82.8% of total US farm sector assets in 2022, consequently making land the largest source of wealth in a farmer’s investment portfolio and the primary source of collateral used for farm operating loans. The Southeastern region of the United States has seen rapid farmland appreciation and intense population growth in recent years. This research investigates the rising farmland prices across the Southeast from both a regional and state-level perspective. Chapter Two …

Faculty Perception Of Lean Thinking In Higher Education, Mikhail Shilov

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are many challenges that higher education institutions (HEI) are facing that include rising cost of education, reduction in student population, competition from other universities and alternative educational platforms, as well as reduction in public confidence. To stay competitive, HEIs could utilize performance improvement methods that have been proven to be advantageous in manufacturing and other industries, and one of these methodologies is Lean. Application of Lean in higher education is still in the early stages of development, the methods have been mostly used to improve administrative processes, but not as much in the core educational processes, teaching and research. …

The Influence Of Political Uncertainty On Financial Markets During U.S. Elections: A Comprehensive Analysis, Ryan Hale

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the impact of U.S. presidential elections on financial market performance, focusing on volatility, investor behavior, and market returns. Political uncertainty during election years often triggers market fluctuations, influencing investor confidence, policy expectations, and sector-specific reactions. By analyzing historical election-year data, this study identifies consistent patterns of increased volatility, shifts in investor sentiment, and post-election market stabilization. Findings suggest that while short-term uncertainty affects market behavior, long-term investment strategies should prioritize broader economic trends over election-driven fluctuations. These insights provide practical guidance for investors navigating politically uncertain environments.

Treasury Analysis & The Digital Divide, Alivia Shaver

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper outlines the daily tasks of a Treasury Analyst Intern and highlights the problematic issues that arise from the digital divide in the telecommunications industry.

Telehealth And Medical Consumerism In The Digital Age, Yibing Hu

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper discusses the role of telehealth in medical consumerism. As a cheap and convenient model of healthcare, telehealth enables patients to access healthcare regardless of location, as long as they have the necessary technology.

In the current healthcare landscape, insurance policies and high costs push patients to act as consumers of medical services. With the rise of telehealth as another healthcare option, the medical sector further becomes consumer-oriented. This ultimately changes the way patients interact with healthcare.

Exploring Emotional Intelligence As A Determinant Of Sales Performance: An Analysis Using The Ability Model Of Emotional Intelligence, Madison A. Kuntz

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This multi-phase research project explores the evolving role of emotional intelligence in the sales profession by focusing on four key themes: comprehending the intricacies of the sales field, understanding emotional intelligence, comparing emotional quotient to traditional sales tactics, and ultimately, harnessing emotional intelligence as a sales advantage. The study begins with an in-depth review of emotional intelligence theories and models, ultimately selecting the Ability Model as the framework for further analysis. Using this model, an emotional intelligence assessment was administered to students participating in the Walton College Sales Competition. Statistical analysis was then conducted to determine whether a correlation exists …

How Individuals’ Perceptions Of Health-Related Content On Social Media Are Shaped: The Impact Of Information Sources And Message Characteristics, Grace Mclain Hensley

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, serve as major sources of health-related information. However, the credibility and accuracy of this information remain a critical concern. This study used a 2 x 3 between subject experiment design to examine the effects of two information sources (individual influencers, nonprofit organizations) and three message types (general message, message with statistics, message with testimony) on perceived credibility and engagement. Participants were recruited through two primary channels to ensure a diverse and engaged sample. First, an email invitation was distributed by the head of the Butler University Honors Program to all students within …

Preying For A Spot At The Table Examining Regulatory Policies And Solutions To Combat Predatory Microfinance Practices, Nicholas R. Brenner

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Microfinance involves financial services such as small loans, savings accounts, and insurance to low-income populations typically excluded from traditional financial markets. While the services it provides can encourage entrepreneurship and work to alleviate poverty, insufficient regulation can lead to borrower exploitation and continued cycles of debt. This thesis explores the regulations leading to successful microfinance outcomes. Particularly, the variance in outcomes between Ghana and Jordan will be examined as a case study. In Ghana’s Wa West District, effective policies and financial literacy programs have enabled microfinance to promote economic growth. In the country of Jordan, however, a lack of strict …

Changing The Game: Examining The Impacts Of Name, Image, And Likeness Legislation On Dominance Within Ncaa Division 1 Men’S Basketball, Jaclyn Noel Lawrence

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

On July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) implemented a policy change allowing collegiate athletes to benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), enabling them to earn additional income through partnerships without penalty. This shift sparked widespread debate regarding its potential impact on competitive balance and dominance within college athletics—a principle the NCAA has long cited in defense of its amateurism model. Controlling for player, coach, and institutional characteristics, this study estimates a comprehensive model to assess the relationship between the presence of NIL opportunities and team success. We found no evidence that NIL alone has significantly …

Beyond The Numbers: Redefining Accounting To Attract The Next Generation Of Professionals, Ella Million

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The demand for accountants and auditors is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, yet the number of students entering the profession is declining. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the number of U.S. accounting graduates fell by 7.4%, marking the largest single-year decline since at least 1994-1995 (AICPA 2023). This decrease in new entrants contrasts with the growing industry need, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the profession. Research suggests that perceptions of accounting as routine, solitary, and lacking creativity or social engagement may contribute to students opting for other business fields (Steenkamp & Wessels 2009). Given …

Mary Kay Reimagined, Allison Terveer

Theses

This project is taking the brand Mary Kay and turning it into a new brand that would be enticing to younger generations and become a staple in everyone and anyone’s routines. Mary Kay was a huge makeup brand in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the cosmetic industry has grown tremendously, and Mary Kay has fallen behind. They mostly target the older generations, the generations that were supporting them in the 1990s and 2000s. They need to expand their target range and get younger consumers to pay attention to them. With updated packaging, new marketing and a new way to …

The Impact Of Tik Tok Marketing On Consumer Behavior In The Fashion Industry: Strategies For Effective Engagement And Sales Conversation, Latoya Burns

Theses

This thesis investigates the impact of TikTok marketing on consumer behavior within the fashion industry, focusing on strategies for effective engagement and sales conversion. As social media platforms, particularly TikTok, reshape the dynamics of fashion marketing, this research explores how short-form video content, influencer partnerships, and user-generated content (UGC) drive brand awareness, loyalty, and purchasing decisions among consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials. The study compares TikTok’s effectiveness to traditional marketing channels, highlighting the platform’s ability to foster interactive, real-time engagement and democratize trendsetting through its algorithm-driven content delivery. The thesis uses quantitative research to examine how TikTok influences consumer …

The Straining Effect Of House V Ncaa On College Athletics Departments, Sullivan W. Scott

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the implications of the House v. NCAA ruling on collegiate athletic departments, particularly in light of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and the NCAA's new revenue-sharing model. Through analysis of programs like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Auburn, this research reveals how schools are attempting to rethink revenue strategies, leveraging corporate partnerships, subscription models, and donor collectives to remain competitive. It also highlights disparities between Power 4 programs and smaller Division I schools, raising concerns over widening resource gaps, Title IX compliance, and roster reductions. Ultimately, this study concludes that while NIL reforms address athlete equity, they also …

Saving Grace Nwa & Immerse Arkansas Internships: An Analysis Of Arkansas Nonprofits Serving Youth In Crisis Situations, Raegan A. Mcelmurry

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the United States, there are 23,000 youth each year who age out of foster care (Morris, 2021). Aging out occurs when the youth turn 18 and are no longer under the provision of child welfare, as they are considered legal adults. Most of these youth, however, do not have stable support systems to fall back on, due to not being adopted during their time in the system. Because of the lack of financial and emotional support, 20% will immediately encounter homelessness, 60% will engage in criminal activity, and 50% will have no steady income within four years removed from …

Employee Experiences With Human Resources Management In Nonprofit Organizations, Jacquelyn Vari

Health Studies Capstones

When we discuss “Human Resources Management” what we really mean to discuss is the way that the people and employees are treated and accounted for in an organizational setting. There are many different approaches that organizations can have to human resources management, and nonprofit organizations in particular often have different degrees of management ranging from a staff member managing the whole program to having an external person handle singular processes like recruiting, onboarding, and personnel investigations. But how does a nonprofit’s handling of human resources management concerns affect the wellbeing of employees in an organization? And do employers have the …

Life Cycle Analysis Of Cosmetic Products -- Assessing Environmental Sustainability And Potential Impacts, Karina Magro Machado

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The cosmetic industry has a significant environmental footprint due to its reliance on water, energy, petrochemical-derived ingredients, and plastic-based packaging. This study performs a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of three cosmetic products: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush, and Gillette Foamy Regular Shave Cream. The analysis was conducted using OpenLCA software and free databases, modeling each product across raw materials, packaging, manufacturing, transportation, use and end-of-life phases. The results showed that the shave cream had the highest environmental burden to three out of the four categories, especially in consumption and carbon …

Creative Brief For Wk Kellogg's Co, Sarah K. Johnson

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

In recent years, cereal, the once classic and essential breakfast food has been losing its market share and overall sales in the breakfast category. WK Kellogg’s cereal brands include Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Frosted Mini Wheats, Special K, Rice Krispies, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes, and more, yet their sales have been falling. They now face a challenge, as consumers become more cost and health conscious, how can cereal be made fun again? What ways can they engage with new audiences and further excite current customers? After conducting research, I have developed a creative brief and strategic pitch that include solutions …

Developing Standard Operating Procedures For The Dewitt Town Clerk’S Office, Noura M. Osman

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

ABSTRACT OF PROJECT

Developing Standard Operating Procedures for the DeWitt Town Clerk’s Office

This project addresses the operational inconsistencies in the DeWitt Town Clerk’s Office in Syracuse, NY, by creating a structured Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) manual. The focus is on six high-impact processes: tax collection, water bill payments, dog licensing (new and renewals), marriage license transcript requests, and handicap parking permit issuance and renewal. Each SOP includes visual info-graphics to enhance accessibility and minimize errors. The final product is designed to improve on-boarding, reduce staff reliance on memory, increase efficiency, and align with creativity and change leadership principles.

Framework For Enhanced Intergenerational Connectivity (Eic): A Professional Program Development Report, Amanda Michelle Reigle

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This program development report documents the implementation and facilitation of the Sages and Seekers pilot program at California State University, San Bernardino (Palm Desert Campus) from 2022 to 2025. Grounded in communication theory, intergroup contact principles, and instructional design, the report outlines a structured intergenerational intervention aimed at enhancing empathy, connection, and understanding between older and younger adults. Drawing from facilitator observations and program implementation experiences, this work led to the creation of the Framework for Enhanced Intergenerational Connectivity (EIC), a five-point planning model emphasizing leadership, facilitation, administrative support, participant continuity, and structured program design.

The EIC framework is accompanied …

Shortage To Surge - Studying The Post-Covid-19 Guitar Retail Market, Jed H. Kim

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most catalyzing events of the 21st century, leading to supply chain disruptions, lifestyle changes, and a massive shift towards digital technologies. During the COVID-19 lockdown, many people had more free time, and over 16 million individuals learned to play guitar in the first 2 years of the pandemic. According to a study by Fender, 62% of these new guitar learners cited the pandemic as their primary reason for learning the instrument. However, pandemic policies and supply chain disruptions meant that many guitar retailers were unable to satisfy demand, and backorders accumulated. After the …