Business Commons^™

How To Encourage Consumers’ Adoption Of Clean Energy? The Interplay Of Framing, Loss Aversion, And The Unexpected Role Of Socioeconomic Status., Bradley A. Gray

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation and its underlying hypotheses seek to determine what factors play a role in U.S. consumers’ adoption of clean energy. Consumer adoption of clean energy plays an important role as part of the long-term clean energy transition. How to encourage consumers to adopt clean energy? The findings of the dissertation about how framing effects, loss aversion, and socioeconomic status affect clean energy perceived value present evidence that a one-size-fits-all approach to boosting adoption is unwise. The research adopted an explanatory sequential quantitative approach. In phase 1, a series of cross-sectional surveys examined the best predictors of current and future …

Reflection & Reciprocity: The Role Of Community In The Career Decision-Making Processes Of Indigenous & Non-Indigenous College Students, Amanda M. Langhorst

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the complex role of community in the career decision-making of college students. Our career decisions impact our life in many ways; individualistic cognitive models provide some insight but miss the important relationships and interaction we have with our communities and the role of culture. Through 45 interviews across a primary sample and two contrast samples with public university college students and student service professionals, this research revealed two key processes in how we utilize community in our career decision-making, reflection & reciprocity. The data resulted in a Community-Embedded Career Decision-Making Model showcasing the process of “how” we …

Recipient Experiences Of Donor-Funded College Scholarships: “I Don't Know What You Want To Know About Me. I Don't Know What I Know About You.”, Teresa Waddle Gotthardt

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

This qualitative study explores the experience of receiving donor-funded scholarship support facilitated through a higher education institution, especially when the recipient has interacted with the donor of the funding. This recipient-and-donor-interaction is common at American post-secondary institutions in the form of written thank you notes and attendance at donor recognition events. This research addressed the following questions: How do donor-funded scholarship recipients experience this funding? How do donor-funded scholarship recipients experience interaction with the donor of the scholarship? These questions were explored through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 23 recent alumni from five private universities and colleges who received donor-funded scholarships …

Joann: Analyzing The Downfall Of America’S Beloved Crafting Retailer, Savanna Solano

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

No abstract provided.

The Pursuit Of Sustainability In Solar Power Generation, Leni John

Open Access Dissertations

Solar energy has become an important source of power generation. Like all technologies, photovoltaic (PV) components have limitations in their usefulness and operational effectiveness. The rapid development of solar power technology, along with the costs and requirements for long-term maintenance, complicate the serviceability of these technologies when they become obsolete. As critical component spare parts are depleted, warranties expire, or original equipment manufacturers cease support for their legacy technology, it poses a significant risk to maintaining PV power plant operations. As a result, owners lack a comprehensive Decision Support System (DSS) to address failures in obsolete technology.

This dissertation aims …

Entrepreneurial Selling And Business Success In Brazil, Renato Fernandes

Open Access Dissertations

This study aimed to deepen the understanding of the relationship between Entrepreneurial Selling and business success in Brazil through two different studies about the antecedents and consequences of Entrepreneurial Selling.

Using grounded theory and an exploratory-confirmatory mixed methods design, this dissertation demonstrates that Entrepreneurial Selling is crucial for business success. The database was sufficiently diverse for an in-depth analysis of the entrepreneurial Brazilian context: 777 entrepreneurs participated in the studies, ranging from first-time founders and serial entrepreneurs, leading B2B, B2C, and B2B2C companies from 31 segments, from startups struggling to make their first million to established companies already earning more …

The Atlas Of Intercultural Communication: Navigating Conflict Resolution With Cultural Intelligence, Luz Marina Erturk

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

As universities become increasingly multicultural, intercultural communication is becoming an essential skill across campus roles. This study examined the role of cultural intelligence (CQ) in conflict resolution within university settings. Using a phenomenological approach, it explored how individuals in administrative, management, or counseling roles applied CQ in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Twelve participants were interviewed, and data collection spanned five months. The study applied Earley and Ang’s four-factor model of CQ, which includes metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral dimensions. The developmental model of intercultural sensitivity (DMIS) was also used to interpret how participants’ levels of intercultural sensitivity shaped their …

Exploring The Stem Career Identity Development Of Black Women Across Their Lifespan, Veronica Hurd

Theses and Dissertations

Although STEM is the fastest-growing career sector, Black women are grossly underrepresented as they account for 2.5% of the workforce. Research highlights that this underrepresentation is due to racialized structures in K-12, postsecondary, and career settings that restrict Black girls’ and women’s STEM opportunities. While macrosystems such as hegemonic ideologies, attitudes, and social conditions shape Black girls’ and women’s opportunities in STEM, they continue to persist and achieve their career goals. To explore these barriers and Black women’s persistence in this industry, this study draws from the autobiographical memories of 10 Black women in the field or formerly in the …

From Vinyl To Viral: Evaluating The Mere Exposure Effect Through Music And Technological Advancements, Ariana R. Deboo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The Mere Exposure Effect (MEE) refers to a psychological pattern in which a person develops preference for a stimulus that has been repeatedly presented to them. The present study examined environmental influences of preference through repeated exposure to music. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Reels, and Shorts influence where people listen to music. The fast-paced consumption algorithm for new media is provided by quick, entertaining videos that allow users to scroll past content that does not keep their attention. A total of 406 participants (n=406) were involved in this study. The purpose for this study was to identify how …

Impact Of Team Power Disparity On Team Performance: The Role Of Team Power Legitimacy, Teamwork, And Team Power Distance, Yong Ren

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This study explores the mechanism by which team power disparity affects team efficacy, specifically analyzing the impact of team power disparity on team performance through a sequential mediating mechanism, which consists of team members’ perceptions of power legitimacy first and then team cooperation. Moreover, this study examined the boundary moderating role of team power distance in the impacts of team power disparity on team power legitimacy, as well as its subsequent impact on team cooperation and team performance. Through analyzing multi-timepoint data collected from 76 teams, the study found that team power disparity negatively affected team power legitimacy, thereby reducing …

How Can Chinese Culture Go Abroad? Evidence From Successful Establishment Of Chinese Academic Foreign Translation Projects, Tian Lan

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Compared to Chinese economy scale, the global understanding and recognition of Chinese culture are quite superficial, it is crucial to promote Chinese culture go abroad through academic exchanges between China and other countries. This study explores and validates the relationship and applicability of Chinese culture “Going Global” based on the translation project of Chinese academic works. Through case analysis and the development of data models, it aims to provide theoretical guidance and practical tools for relevant institutions and individuals.

The study begins with qualitative research on cases, describing and analyzing typical examples to demonstrate how Chinese Academic Translation (CAT) projects …

The Effect Of Human Resource Business Partners' Power On Business Managers' Work Outcomes: The Mediating Role Of Voice, Wei Liu

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

As a fundamental construct in social sciences, power is defined as an ability to influence others’ behavior to pursue one’s own interests, which affects the work outcomes of individuals within the organizations. The main purpose of Human Resource Business Partners (HRBPs) is to cooperate with business managers to achieve work outcomes, but in practice, HRBPs are often positioned differently in different organizations due to the lack of a precise definition of HRBPs, so their support to business managers is different. In-depth research on the power and influence of HRBPs can provide theoretical guidance for enhancing the internal work outcomes within …

Older People's Consumption Decisions On Technological Products From A Time Perspective, Xiaowei Huang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

The Silver Wave and the Technological Wave are leading social changes in the 21st century. Globally, aging populations have become increasingly dependent on technology. Smart health devices, smart home gadgets, and mental health tools can improve older adults' quality of life, enhance health management, and promote social interaction. Smart products, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), offer enhanced support for older adults, ranging from remote health monitoring to social companionship. The improvement in AI technology, in turn, expands the potential of technological products to address older consumers’ physical and emotional needs. However, most existing studies don't address deeper personality traits such as …

Dei Initiatives Through The Eyes Of Young Consumers: Analyzing Gen Z And Gen Alpha Brand Perceptions, Rachel Stephany

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

Portfolio Construction Analysis, Liam Peoples

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This project examines the construction and evaluation of a diversified equity portfolio designed to generate positive risk-adjusted alpha relative to the S&P 500 over a five-year investment horizon. The analysis is conducted within a macroeconomic environment characterized by structurally higher interest rates, slowing real GDP growth, and elevating geopolitical and political risks. A comprehensive top-down assessment of financial, economic, industrial, global, political, housing, and trade dynamics forms the foundation for establishing portfolio selection criteria. Emphasis is placed on balance sheet strength, durable cash flows, and pricing power, reflecting the higher cost of capital and increased volatility relative to the pre- …

Steering Through The Investment Potential Of Lear Corporation, Wazni Abed Jaber

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Lear Corporation stands for the intersection of innovation and tradition within the electrically, autonomously, and sustainability-driven world. Based on our financial analysis of Lear using free cash flow projections, dividend valuation, and WACC modeling, we estimate the stock’s value at $140.28. Yet it seems that behind all those financial numbers there are so much larger questions: Can a 100-year-old automotive giant reform itself when consumer needs change rapidly, competition remains relentless, and regulators are under ever-increasing pressure? This analysis examines Lear’s financial strength and how it plans to adapt and grow amid ongoing industry change. In the end, Lear’s story …

Sticky Valuations, Systemic Risks: Quantifying The Denominator Effect Of Private Equity Holdings In U.S. Public Pensions, Rutvij Thakkar

CMC Senior Theses

U.S. public pension systems have increasingly adopted the "Yale Model," shifting assets under management into private equity to capture excess returns. However, the valuation asymmetry between marked-to-market public equities and smoothed private net asset values creates a mechanical denominator effect during market downturns. This thesis quantifies this passive allocation drift using a fixed-effects panel regression of 2,706 observations from 182 U.S. public pension plans between 2005 and 2024. I find that a 10 percentage point decline in public equity returns mechanically increases private equity allocation by 50.5 basis points, an effect that amplifies to 55 basis points during systemic crises. …

Comparing Esg Reporting And Market Dynamics In The Technology And Consumer Industries: Analyzing Investor Reactions And Understanding The Future Of Corporate Reporting, Sophia Nguyen

CMC Senior Theses

The increasing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting has sparked debate about its influence on market reactions and corporate transparency. This thesis investigates the impact of ESG disclosures on investor behavior and market dynamics within the technology industry specifically, focusing on the correlation between ESG performance and stock price volatility, as well as other financial ratios. This relationship will be compared to those of various companies within the consumer business industry, to determine whether investors have the same reactions towards consumer business companies compared to consumer-facing technology companies and other technology companies. Additionally, the study explores whether investors …

Taking Stock: Investigating The Relationship Between Stock-Based Compensation And Share Price Performance In Public Software Companies, Ethan Choi

CMC Senior Theses

There has been considerable debate around the practice of compensating employees and executives using stock-based compensation (“SBC”). Studies point to a myriad of both benefits and drawbacks of SBC; while in practice, firms with high SBC intensity have harmed shareholders through share count dilution. One industry in particular has drawn sharp investor criticism for its SBC intensity: software. Despite the software sector’s growing importance to the economy and influence in the public markets, no academic literature has analyzed the impacts of SBC on software companies specifically. Filling the gap, investor literature has sought to examine this topic in the context …

National And Regional Bank Deposits And Their Relationship To The Stock Market, Joseph Zhong

CMC Senior Theses

Institutional investors started using bank deposits as a Leading Economic Indicator to predict stock market returns. I find that bank deposits lead stock market returns by 2 weeks at the national level. Examining the mechanism through which bank deposits affect stock market returns, existing literature postulates the Bank Deposit Lending Channel: increased bank deposits increase financial liquidity, powering and leading stock market returns. I do not find evidence for the Bank Deposit Lending Channel. In my regional analysis, I find that bank deposit behavior differs drastically between US regions. In general, regional bank deposits still lead stock market returns. In …

Startup Equity To Stock Exchange: Key Drivers In Venture-Backed Ipo Journeys, Aryaman Shiv Khosla

CMC Senior Theses

This study investigates the components that shape the probability of a venture capital (VC) backed company’s ability to transition from private to public markets through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The study employs logistic regression models to analyze firm-specific and funding-related determinants of IPO likelihood. Key predictors in this study include total VC funding, number of VC rounds, average deal size growth, size of first round, average days between rounds, company age, number of employees, and primary industry sector. The findings reveal that higher total funding increases IPO likelihood, highlighting the critical role of robust capital access in fueling growth …

Sustainability Gaps: The Role Of Esg Disparities In M&A Performance During The Covid-19 Era, Anastasia Nikolaeva

CMC Senior Theses

My thesis investigates the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) score disparities between acquirer and target companies on cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from 2018 to 2022, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Bloomberg and Refinitiv Eikon datasets, I explore whether the ESG delta between merging firms influences financial outcomes, hypothesizing that higher ESG alignment enhances CAR (cumulative abnormal return). My preliminary findings indicate that larger ESG disparities positively affect acquirer CAR but may reduce target CAR, suggesting that ESG alignment benefits vary by stakeholder and merger dynamics. These results highlight the evolving …

A Multiple Perspective Analysis On Urban Poverty In Developing Nations: A Case Study On Nigeria, Colonial Implications, And Modern-Day Outcomes, Julian Rivera-Williams

CMC Senior Theses

This paper will dissect urbanization and poverty in Nigeria as a case study of the challenges of underdevelopment and the lingering effects of colonialism in Africa. To draw a complete understanding of challenges faced by developing nations facing systemic underdevelopment, high poverty, and low productivity– nations like Nigeria, my research will uncover colonial impacts and post-colonial policies that initiated urban poverty and underdevelopment outcomes we see today. The purpose of my thesis is to encompass existing fragmented academia on the causes and consequences of underdevelopment and connect historical implications to current impacts of global development today including the influence of …

Better Than Blume: An Approach To Forecasting Future Stock Betas With Linear Bayesian Models And Sample-Wide Priors, Kian Shah

CMC Senior Theses

This paper investigates the predictive accuracy of stock beta forecasts by comparing the widely used Blume adjusted beta to four Bayesian regression models I developed. Stock beta, an essential measure of systematic risk, plays a crucial role in portfolio management and valuation; however, raw betas lack forecasting capabilities. While various attempts have been made to develop alternative beta forecasting models, the Blume adjustment remains the most commonly used. To evaluate this, I created four Bayesian models utilizing a single, sample-wide set of priors, simplifying the computational requirements compared to stock-specific priors. The analysis is based on daily return data for …

Uncovering Earnings Management In The U.S. Tech Industry: Strategies To Meet Or Just Beat Analyst Eps Expectations, Morgan Schilling

CMC Senior Theses

This paper investigates earnings management practices within the U.S. tech industry, focusing on firms that meet or just beat analyst EPS expectations. I specifically built off the Stubben (2010) model that used discretionary revenue to identify potential mismanagement across multiple industries. The modified model incorporates deferred revenue as well as accounts receivable to identify revenue recognition practices in an industry where subscription based revenue is highly relevant. I hypothesize that tech firms with aggressive revenue recognition strategies, particularly those with higher levels of accounts receivable, are more likely to engage in earnings management in order to meet EPS targets. A …

Bridging The Gap: Exploring The Factors Influencing The Adoption Of Agriculture Technologies, Cyrus Gaylord

CMC Senior Theses

This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of precision agriculture technologies (AgTech) by farmers across U.S. states. While venture capital (VC) has driven innovation in AgTech startups, the adoption of these technologies by farmers is shaped by a range of economic, demographic, and behavioral factors. My research primarily focuses on demand-side factors, analyzing the role of farm size, government subsidies, education levels, digital engagement, and economic conditions in farmers' decisions to adopt AgTech solutions. Through a random-effects regression model using state-level data from 2021 and 2023, I examine how these factors influence adoption rates, finding that larger farm size, …

Unlocking Value Or Signaling Trouble? Exploring The Determinants Of Immediate Market Reactions To Underwater Employee Option Exchanges, Riley Lai

CMC Senior Theses

Whether employee option exchanges are an effective process to ensure a firm’s future outlook is vital for companies to consider. Evaluating the impact of these exchanges on firm value and shareholder wealth can provide insights for companies to align employee incentives with shareholder interests. This paper seeks to determine a definitive correlation between employee option exchange announcements and positive or negative abnormal returns over the announcement window. The focus is on the regulatory environment post-Section 409A, a provision in the Internal Revenue Code that prohibits the issuance of in-the-money employee stock options. This paper fills a significant gap in the …

The Public Face Of Private Credit: Performance Dynamics In Business Development Companies, Russell Kuan

CMC Senior Theses

This study examines the performance dynamics of public Business Development Companies (BDCs) – a unique and growing component of the private credit market that bridges public and private financing. Publicly traded BDCs provide critical capital to underserved middle-market firms, while giving investors access to private credit opportunities. Using a hand-pulled dataset derived from 10-K filings and supplemental sources, this research identifies the key financial and operational factors driving BDC performance, with a focus on senior secured loan allocations, portfolio yield, and leverage strategies. The findings reveal that portfolio yield and senior secured loan allocations are significant predictors of total returns …

Weighted War: A Team-Specific Approach To Optimizing Mlb Rosters, Paul Wendler

CMC Senior Theses

This paper introduces a new baseball statistic, Weighted WAR (wWAR), designed to enhance Major League Baseball (MLB) roster optimization by incorporating team-specific factors into player valuation. Traditional WAR (Wins Above Replacement) offers a generalized measure of player performance relative to the league minimum salaried player. The study bridges the gap by developing wWAR, a customizable, team-specific framework for evaluating player impact. Taking player data, team data, and salary data from 2021-2023 the study proves the significance of wWAR’s impact relative to the traditional WAR statistic using case studies and regression analysis. The results demonstrate that wWAR outperforms traditional WAR in …

Just As Advertised: The Perception And Effectiveness Of Artificial Intelligence In Digital Advertising, Brandon Isem Cáceres

CMC Senior Theses

What do you think when you hear “AI in advertising”? Does it spark intrigue, or does it feel like just another tech buzzword? In today’s fast-paced digital marketing landscape, connecting with consumers is a high-stakes challenge, and artificial intelligence is at the forefront of innovation. From automating campaigns to creating hyper-targeted content, AI promises efficiency and precision—but how do audiences perceive this shift? By analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) like impressions, click-through rates, and cost-per-click in an an original A/B test, this thesis evaluates the perception and effectiveness of AI-driven advertising strategies. Combining historical insights, case studies, and an original …