Business Commons^™

Building A Consensus Forecast For Crude Oil Prices, Kenneth W. Burke

Theses and Dissertations

Skyrocketing fuel prices have stressed the Department of Defense's budget in recent years. In 2001 the DoD spent $4.7 Billion on fuel with the Air Force consuming $2.7 Billion. These figures have grown over due to these increases as well as the increased flying ours to support the Global War On Terror. In fact, the Fiscal Year 2007 budget has already been increased by $1.1 billion, or 1% of the total budget, to accommodate the increased price of fuel. Current forecasts of this resource have yielded poor results, impairing the DoD's ability to budget this critical expense. Further because the …

Influence Of Organizational Culture On The Relationship Between Psychological Contracts And Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Jennifer M. Carbajal

Theses and Dissertations

The issue of what antecedents of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and psychological contracts (PC) employees form with their organization has also been of interest as they have many implications on an employee's extra-role behavior, specifically OCBs. This research investigates the relationship between types of PCs (a) relational and (b) transactional and the propensity to perform (a) altruism and (b) compliance OCB. Furthermore, the influence of organizational culture (OC) dimensions (a) internal orientation and (b) external orientation on this relationship was explored. The results show that transactional PCs were negatively related to both dimensions of OCB. Relational PCs were positively related …

Hazardous Material Cargo Frustration At Military Aerial Ports Of Embarkation, Niel E. Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

Since military units often require critical hazardous materials in an expedited manner, identifying choke points within the supply chain is necessary to improve logistic support to front line forces. Hazardous materials are some of the most critical assets for the war fighter, as well as the most restrictive and often most time consuming for transportation. This research quantifies the extent that vendor and depot supplied cargo is being delayed at Aerial Ports of Embarkation. By looking at frustrated hazardous material at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina and Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, a case study methodology is used to …

Cost As An Independent Variable: A Study Of Its Continued Use By Aeronautical Systems Center's Programs And Their Contractors To Set And Maintain Cost Objectives, Kevin W. Codrington

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to assess whether Aeronautical System Center's (ASC's) acquisition professionals believe CAIV has enabled their programs and contractors to set and maintain cost objectives. The three major objectives of this thesis are to answer the following questions: First, Do ASC's acquisition professionals believe their programs are setting and maintaining cost objectives? Second, Do ASC's acquisition professionals believe their contractors are setting and maintaining cost objectives? Last, what is the practitioners' perspective of CAIV? This research identified CAIV as being well received by DoD. It also identified that ASC's acquisition professionals believe their programs and contractors …

Improving Maintenance Data Collection Via Point-Of-Maintenance (Pomx) Implementation, William D. Cone

Theses and Dissertations

Maintenance data collection is an integral part of flightline aircraft maintenance. Historically, this data was input via traditional keyboard data entry methods at a computer terminal. These terminals are typically located in the aircraft maintenance unit (AMU) facility, away from where the actual maintenance is being performed. In contrast to the traditional approach, the Point-of-Maintenance system (POMX) seeks to reduce the data entry burden while increasing data accuracy through the use of E-Tools such as ruggedized laptop computers and handheld portable maintenance aids (PMAs). POMX enables data entry at the aircraft or other maintenance location via wireless local area network …

Understanding Innovation Adoption In The Air Force, Morgan J. Evans

Theses and Dissertations

Innovation adoption has become a critical issue for organizations in both the public and private sectors. The search for competitive advantage has led to the recognition that innovation is a vital ingredient for an organization's survival and profitability in this information age. The United States Air Force is seeking to adapt to this new information age by transforming its business processes in order to sustain its competitive advantage as the world's most respected air force. Adopting innovations and integrating new or improved technologies, capabilities, concepts, and processes into Air Force planning and acquisition activities, organizations, and operations are goals of …

An Exploratory Case Study Of Information-Sharing And Collaboration Within Air Force Supply Chain Management, Wendy S. Kierpiec

Theses and Dissertations

This research sought to identify key elements of the Air Force supply chain as it relates to industry, determine how techniques of information-sharing and collaboration are used to make Air Force Supply Chain decisions, and examine how the resulting impacts on operational readiness may be measured. A multiple case study research design was used to investigate the application of information-sharing and collaboration in two distinct Air Force supply chains. Cross-case comparative analysis of the supply chains supporting the PTO shafts on the F-15 engine and the T-38 engine evaluated each supply chain's characteristics and levels of information-sharing and collaboration. The …

Factors Affecting The Transfer Of Basic Combat Skills Training In The Air Force, Rodney E. Mccraine

Theses and Dissertations

During Operations ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF), many Airmen in support career fields were deployed to hostile environments like Afghanistan and Iraq. Deployments of this nature are a departure from normal Air Force operations where support personnel are normally far from the front lines of battle. The purpose of this research was to understand the factors that affect the transfer of basic combat skills training from the classroom to the battlefield. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer five research questions addressing the current combat skills training requirements, the perceived training transfer of basic combat skills, the factors that …

Algebra Of Tankers, Margaret M. Romero

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force's aerial refueling tanker aircraft provide essential support for deployment and employment of combat and combat support aircraft, by extending their endurance and enhancing fighting efficiency. As the lead command for air refuelers, Air Mobility Command (AMC) must frequently examine the capability of current and proposed tanker fleets to meet mission requirements due to limited tanker resources. Analysts in AMC primarily use the Combined Mating and Ranging Plans System to provide actual tanker/receiver aircraft schedules and flight plans that take into account numerous system constraints. However, this tool can take weeks to run. Even recently developed quick look …

Banking Stability And Optimal Deposit Insurance Design, Yasmine Hamdi Moukhtar

Archived Theses and Dissertations

This thesis focuses on deposit insurance schemes and their relationship to banking crisis. The empirical model used covers 55 developed and developing countries over the period 1970-1989. This study finds that banking crises are closely linked to adverse macroeconomics shocks like economic recessions, financial liberalization, capital account liberalization and short term capital flows, and currency depreciation. External vulnerability (expressed as the ratio of M2 to foreign reserve) is also found to be a key variable. The empirical results also show that deposit insurance increases the probability of banking crises, due to induced moral hazard and adverse selection.

Effects Of Financial Information Transparency On Investor Behavior In Taiwan Stock Market, Hsiu-Jen Fu

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Corporate governance is not a new issue in today's world. Nevertheless, addressing the impact of financial information transparency on investor behavior in the stock market should be explored. With the large number of incidents of accounting fraud and misstatements revealed in the past five to six years, the integrity of business financial information becomes an increasingly important issue for investors and the general public. To provide greater definition of the roles and responsibilities of publicly-owned company executives and members of their boards of directors, U.S. President George W. Bush signed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) into law on July 30, 2002. …

Text Mining With Exploitation Of User's Background Knowledge : Discovering Novel Association Rules From Text, Xin Chen

Dissertations

The goal of text mining is to find interesting and non-trivial patterns or knowledge from unstructured documents. Both objective and subjective measures have been proposed in the literature to evaluate the interestingness of discovered patterns. However, objective measures alone are insufficient because such measures do not consider knowledge and interests of the users. Subjective measures require explicit input of user expectations which is difficult or even impossible to obtain in text mining environments.

This study proposes a user-oriented text-mining framework and applies it to the problem of discovering novel association rules from documents. The developed system, uMining, consists of two …

Dynamic Measuring Tools For Online Discourse, Jeffrey S. Saltz

Dissertations

When evaluating participation within an Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN), current best practices include counting messages and reviewing participant surveys. To understand the impact of more advanced dynamic measurement tools for use within an ALN, a web-based tool, known as iPET (the integrated Participation Evaluation Tool), was created. iPET, which leverages Social Network Analysis and Information Visualization techniques, was then evaluated via an empirical study. This research demonstrates that using a tool such as iPET increases participation within an ALN without increasing facilitator workload. Due to the fact that active online discussion is a key factor in the success of an …

Using Content And Process Scaffolds For Collaborative Discourse In Asynchronous Learning Networks, Irene Wong-Bushby

Dissertations

Discourse, a form of collaborative learning, is one of the most widely used methods of teaching and learning in the online environment. Particularly, in large courses, discourse needs to be 'structured' to be effective. Historically, technology-mediated learning (TML) research has been inconclusive with often conflicting results. To address this issue, TML research needs greater breadth and depth in pedagogical grounding. The purpose of this research is to build and test an original, technology-mediated, discourse-centered model called the Asynchronous Learning Network Cognitive Discourse Model (ALNCDM) grounded in pedagogy. Cognitive discourse is defined as discourse on conceptual subject matter. The model is …

Cross-Functional Partnering And Empowerment In Storagetek Business Unit: Action Research Project, David Opp

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Employees in Corporate Printing, Literature Distribution, and Software Manufacturing at StorageTek believed empowerment and cross-functional partnering was not meeting their expectations. Based on this information, an action research project was executed to look at the reasons for this feedback, and recommend corrective action to this issue. The process started with the facilitator of the project creating a collaborative team. The team used secondary data, and collected data through individual interviews, group interviews, and focus group meetings. The data analysis resulted in the recommendation that changes to training, goal defining, job titles, task clarification, and to the rewards and recognition be …

Nonprofit Board Effectiveness, Funding Source,And Financial Vulnerability, Matthew Hodge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nonprofit organizations rely heavily on their governing board of directors to provide leadership, strategic guidance, and financial oversight. The nonprofit community continues to grow, and the services provided by these organizations have become a critical part of our society, providing a wide variety of services targeting a diverse population. In this context, how the role of the board of directors impacts the financial position of the nonprofit organization is of great interest to both the academic community and the practitioner. This study examined three areas of interest: board effectiveness, funding source, and financial vulnerability. First, the association between board effectiveness …

U.S. Symphony Orchestra Bylaws: Policy Anomalies And Trends, Anita Loomis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bylaws serve as the skeleton of any nonprofit organization's administrative culture. They are the laws and rules that govern the internal affairs of an organization. (Pickett 2000) Since the primary function of bylaws is to support the effective management of operations, the examination of bylaws content is particularly relevant when looking for evidence of innovative adaptations to organizational change. As students of arts administration, the focus of the researcher's investigation centered on cultural organizations; symphony orchestras in this instance. Symphony orchestras, like other cultural organizations, must adapt to survive internal and external change. The reason for choosing to examine bylaws …

The Confluence Of Intersubjectivity And Dialogue In Postmodern Organizational Workgroups, Daniel J. Shuster

College of Business and Technology - Graduate Student Scholarship

Nascent revival of dialogue is struggling to reach its potential within the postmodern organizational milieu. Concurrently, interpersonal intersubjectivity has steadily been de-pathologized, via reassessments of countertransference in the psychoanalytic sphere, allowing exploration of its utility in other domains of relational process. Effective use of dialogue is critical and foundational to developing meaningful and sustainable enterprise in the immediate future. Despite the risks, intentionally explored intersubjectivity is a powerful tool to enrich the container of dialogue. This paper qualitatively explores the literature on intersubjectivity and dialogue with an hermeneutic approach to discern the implications of their convergence for collaborative workgroups in …

The Quiet Crisis: Goodwill Industries Research Project, Beth A. Dillon

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This paper researches the effectiveness of School to Work, a community school based program implemented and carried out by Goodwill Industries of Denver. The problem identified is a disparity in what teenaged students need to learn and what is being taught in the current curriculum of Goodwill. The action research methodology involved analyzing student perceptions and performance, utilizing teacher focus groups, and interviewing individuals who work with teenagers on a daily basis. The desired outcome is an understanding of what students need to learn and a possible revision of the curriculum being used by Goodwill Industries.

Improving Key Performance Indicators For Distribution Facilities Through Action Research, Tom Furman

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This Action Research Project is a study of the challenges faced in collecting consistent data for the development of Key Performance Indicators at three Cement Distribution Terminals in Michigan. The organization is described in detail and the key responsibilities of each functional department set forth. The competitive environment of the organization is presented and its impact on the problem issue discussed. The problem of gathering data for Key Performance Indicators is discussed and the history of the problem detailed. The data gathering methods are described and the Results of the Survey discussed and suggestions made. The project leader uses Action …

Collaboration In Information Technology: Ymcas Of The Rocky Mountain Region, Suzanne Marchi

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) has experienced tight financial times. Opportunities to minimize cost and maximize benefits of technology for the YMCAs of the Rocky Mountain region were identified. Action research was used to determine the feasibility, benefits, and the paybacks of collaboration through sharing computer software, hardware, and connectivity solutions among the YMCAs of this region. Historical data, as well as survey and interview data on collaboration and technology was gathered and used to diagnose the problem. The diagnosis uncovered a lack of technology expertise, money, time, commitment, and priority on IT needs. Three interventions were recommended including …

Turnover At Lockheed Martin: A Study In How To Retain Team Members, Dianna L. Julian

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Frequent turnover causes the Lockheed Martin Test and Readiness Group to re-train a third of its work force every year. To better understand why employees leave, I plan to conduct an action research project to gather data on employee job satisfaction, a widely-held indicator of turnover intent. Data gathering methods will include questionnaires, interviews, and secondary data. A collaborative team will analyze the data and recommend an appropriate change intervention to ameliorate the turnover issue. By gaining a full understanding of the causes for employee turnover, the group can learn how to retain its talent to improve effectiveness and enhance …

Minimizing Market Duration: The Strategic Selection Of The Listing Brokerage Firm, David L. Ellis Jr.

Theses & Honors Papers

Approximately five million homes are sold each year with every seller having similar objectives; to minimize the duration of the marketing period while simultaneously maximizing sales price. Once the decision to sell has been made, individuals are faced with the dilemma of marketing and selling the property themselves or acquiring the services of a real estate professional to assist in the sale of their property. It is logical to speculate that homeowners wishing to acquire the services of a real estate broker or salesperson will desire to select a salesperson that can help achieve the optimization objective of minimizing time …

Performance Measures: Traditional Versus New Models, Hasan Zafer Yuksel

Theses Digitization Project

The thesis analyzed the performance of 5,987 mutual funds using a database called Steele Mutual Fund Experts and compared the predicting ability of various measures of performance. The measures discussed in the thesis are Treynor Ratio, Sharpe Ratio, Jensen's Alpha, Graham-Harvey-1 (GH-1), and Graham-Harvey-2 (GH-2). The performance measures are mostly used by professional money managers and scholars for literary purposes.

A Comparative Study Of Attractiveness Types In Advertisements Of Women's Magazines Between United States And Thailand, Pornkamon Unyawong

Theses Digitization Project

The study determined how Thai and U.S. advertisements reflected women's attractiveness. Advertisements from the Thai and U.S. editions of Elle and Cosmopolitan magazines from January 2005 to January 2006 were analyzed using the content analysis method. The author created a code book with definitions of all categories to be used as guidelines for the analysis, an itemized code sheet, and training criteria. Two coders who were proficient in both Thai and English collected the data for the study. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized as a tool to analyze the data gathered. Results indicated that there …

Developing A Business Plan For Media Benefits Corporation: First Entertainment Credit Union's Credit Union Service Organization, Anthony Christopher Cuevas

Theses Digitization Project

This project develops and analyzes a business plan for Media Benefits Corporation, a subsidiary of First Entertainment Credit Union. The business plan will address the recent trend to move certain services back to the credit union and make recommendations as to how Media Benefits Corporation should continue to exist. Issues concerning liability will also be addressed in the plan.

Business Case Analysis: Learning To Think Like A Physician, Zeda Glass Amaya

Theses Digitization Project

The project introduces and subsequently proposes a novel framework, based on the medical model of diagnosis, to facilitate business students' preparation of case analysis. The project also shows students how to apply the framework in a sample case study.

Analysis Of Trade Dependence And Correlation Of Market Returns To Hedge Portfolio Risk, Carl Eric Zeise

Theses Digitization Project

The project examines the relationship between trade interdependency and correlation of market returns between the United States and the four emerging economies of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. The author analyzed statistical data for trade interdependency and market return to determine if there is a pattern that would provide the basis for increasing the return of a security portfolio without increasing the risk to the investor. The project analysis relied on mathematical formulas to measure the trade relationships between the selected countries and to calculate the measure of return and measure of risk of investing in each emergent market.

Cultural Impact On Customer Perception Of Service Quality In The Hotel Industry: A Comparative Study Of Eastern And Western Respondents, Jing Fen Chiang

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study was to investigate cultural aspects that influence customer perception of service quality in the hotel industry, specifically those that influence Eastern and Western respondents. A questionnaire was developed to assess cultural differences on perceptions, which included a modified version of the SERVQUAL scales, an instrument used to measure service quality. The convenience sample consisted of students enrolled in the MBA program at a Western university (N=152; Eastern=57.9%, Western=34.9%, Other=7.2%). Findings indicated that there were no significant differences between Eastern and Western cultures in perceptions of service quality. A sample questionnaire is included.

Consumer Concerns Towards Privacy: An Empirical Study, Maria Nicolaou

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of the study was to determine consumer attitudes toward privacy and the influence of demographic factors on these attitudes. The study also sought to determine the willingness of participants to disclose selected individual information items and determine the awareness and acceptance level of technological innovations such as radio frequency identifiers (RFID) as they relate to privacy. A quantitative instrument was developed and a convenience sample of university students (N=203) was tested. Results showed that educational background played a role in the way participants perceived the applications of RFID.