Business Commons^™

Impact Of Seasonality On Demand Forecasting Techniques For Small-Scale Food Retailers, Indu Sree Guturu

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explores the impact of seasonality on SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) demand forecasting in small-scale food retailers through the analysis of historical sales data, focusing on four key products, labelled: Product A, Product B, Product C & Product D. The research aims to assess the accuracy of different forecasting models in capturing seasonal fluctuations. The research questions are: (Q1) What is the impact of seasonality on SKU demand forecasting in case of small-scale food retailers. (Q2) How does the efficacy of Traditional model compare to alternative technologically driven forecasting techniques? (Q3) To what extent can the impact of seasonality …

An Exploration Of Synergy Evaluation Application Model To Support Implementation On Merger And Acquisition, Jieping Mei

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The project focuses on a comprehensive system’s analysis and design of the front-end of the Synergy Evaluation Application Model (SEAM) system for mergers and acquisitions (M&As). The research questions asked are: Q1. How did the SEAM system incorporate the system requirements and design that incorporated the strategic goals and priorities of both the acquirer and the acquiree? Q2. What data sources will the SEAM system rely on, and how does it overcome data integration, automation, visualization challenges? Q3. How will the model identify build in potential synergies, both quantitative and qualitative? The research questions were analyzed through the SEAM …

Research On The Impact Of Ai Technology Adoption On Organizational Resilience Of Service Enterprises, Jianlin Deng

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In a time of frequent global economic fluctuations, understanding how service enterprises can sustain stability amid fluctuating environments, and even thrive during crises, has become a significant research focus within the current economic context. Advancements in the digital economy provide service enterprises with new digital technology support, leading to their reduced operational costs and heightened efficiency. Among them, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is highly praised by service enterprises. AI technology is extensively integrated into service enterprises’ daily operations and management decision-making. However, limited research has been conducted on how AI technology can assist these enterprises in navigating external environmental disruptions. …

Study On The Influencing Factors And Performance Effects Of Donation Behavior Of Chinese Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises, Ling Zhou

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Since the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy, in tandem with the continuous evolution of the Chinese economy and society, there has been a mounting demand for enterprises to shoulder and fulfill social responsibilities. Corporate social donations have emerged as a crucial avenue for enterprises to discharge their societal duties. These donations support public welfare in education and healthcare, enhance enterprise image and brand value, foster consumer trust, and drive sustainable development and innovation.

Introduced in the 1990s in China, corporate social responsibility rapidly advanced, yet research on SMEs’ social donations remains scarce. Despite their economic significance, SMEs face …

Corporate Technological Patent And Financing Accessibility - An Empirical Analysis Based On Startups, Tao Xu

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Technological innovation is not only central to competition among firms but also a crucial driver of economic growth. The process of corporate technological innovation often demands substantial financial support. However, due to information asymmetry and capital constraints, tech startups encounter numerous obstacles in sustaining innovation. Venture capital is instrumental in fostering continuous corporate innovation, providing essential financial support for innovative activities, and playing a key role in achieving core technological breakthroughs. As a significant manifestation of corporate innovative technology, patents can mitigate the information asymmetry between startups and investors by creating a positive patent signal from diverse perspectives. Therefore, investigating …

Data-Driven Forecasting For Effective Demand Management In The E-Commerce Ecosystem, Chirag Pandey

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culmination project investigated and analyzed the impact of factors influencing sales forecasting models in the e-commerce ecosystem. The research questions are: Q1) To what extent are sales forecasting models in the e-commerce ecosystems influenced by customer demographic variables such as gender, age, and geographic locations? Q2) To what extent are sales forecasting models in the e-commerce ecosystems influenced by product specific factors? The datasets used were from Kaggle, and the Worldometer websites. The findings are: Q1) Individuals aged '55 or over' significantly impact total sales in both the USA and Brazil. Male consumers consistently accounted for a higher proportion …

Effects Of Cultural Holidays On Online Shopping And Advertising: A Comparative Study Between Usa And India, Manikanta Gattu

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

In cultural holidays, an exponential increase in sales in online platforms as compared to sales during the regular season is expected. This study aims to compare the effect of cultural holidays on online shopping and advertising in India and USA in 2023. According to Hofstede’s second dimension regarding Individualism and Collectivism, most of the US people take shopping decisions individually and whereas in India people will take suggestions from others and collectively shop online. Research questions are: (Q1) How do cultural holidays effect online shopping in USA as compared to India? (Q2) How do different cultural holidays affect Online …

Optimizing Nonprofit Impact: A Comprehensive Approach To Donor Data Management, Gracie Shippen

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This Honors Capstone project aimed to support the Malouf Foundation’s initiatives to combat sexual violence exploitation and abuse through three main components: developing a participant survey for the Smart Defense self-defense program, conducting research to identify male survivor speakers for the Malouf Summit, and implementing a comprehensive donor data management system.

The Smart Defense survey was designed through an extensive process involving meetings with instructors, stakeholder input, personal participation in the program, and multiple reviews. The resulting survey captures critical feedback from participants to guide instruction adjustments and ensure the program’s continued effectiveness. To promote the inclusion of diverse perspectives, …

Can I Get A Witness? Employee Reactions To Witnessing Visible Self-Compassion At Work, Sara Krivacek

All Dissertations

Self-compassion is defined as a tripartite process whereby an individual notices their own suffering, feels empathetic concern for oneself, and responds to alleviate or address the suffering. Research on self-compassion has proliferated in the last decade, and a major theme in the literature posits that it is beneficial for the practicing individual. However, less attention is given to the impact of self-compassion expression on other individuals in the workplace – partly because one major assumption is that self-compassion is an internalized process. In this dissertation, I conceptualize self-compassion as a social process and draw from affective events theory to make …

Navigating Uncertainty In Tax Strategy Surrounding The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Sunset, Tate Smith

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Throughout history, taxpayers have relied on tax strategies to reduce the proportion of income that is deemed taxable by the government. Today's tax environment is no exception, and with the changes surrounding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) Sunset, taxpayers need to prepare their tax plans. In 2025, much of the current tax legislation for individual taxpayers will potentially revert to the pre-TCJA legislation. Preparing a strategy during this time period will be difficult because when the current legislation sunsets in 2025 many of the legislation changes will depend on which political party controls the presidency.

This paper seeks …

Cultivating Atmosphere In Independent Coffee Shops: Reflections On How Atmospheres Are Created Through Sensory Experiences, Brooke Bierhaus Sutton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Affective atmosphere is a fundamental component to the allure of coffee shops that is cultivated through sensory experience. In this thesis I examine how the sensory experience of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, create atmospheres in coffee shops. I ask, “how do coffee shops cultivate an affective atmosphere?” Through an exploration of material culture, design, affect, and the intentional production of third places, I illustrate the ways in which independent coffee shops have their own unique identities and atmospheres. By using memoir and reflexive analysis of my decade in global coffee culture, as well as an extensive literary review, …

Creating An Evaluation Instrument For Governing Board Chairs At Institutions Of Higher Education, Kristi Shackelford

Dissertations, 2020-current

The goal of this mixed methods study was to design an instrument that evaluates the board chair of an institution of higher education’s governing board chair using criteria identified by current and former board members as contributing most to their perceived success as a leader, according to fellow board members. The assessment would provide feedback on the work of the board chair, providing a metric for accountability and guidance for continuous improvement.

The study uses a three-phase exploratory sequential design, using social construction as a theoretical framework. Qualitative data was collected through a literature review and semi-structured expert interviews, then …

Resilience To Supply Chain Disruptions: An Investigation Of The Roles Of Innovativeness And Green Supply Chain Management Practices During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lindsay Givens

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

The number of global supply chain disruptions is increasing at an alarming rate. These disruptions vary in terms of source, duration, and scope, but all pose major threats to the continuity of firms worldwide. Because of this increase in turbulence, there has been heightened interest in recent years surrounding the development of firm-level resilience to such disruptions. The supply chain sustainability research stream is relatively well-developed; less is known, however, about specific strategies for strengthening resilience. This study aims to contribute to the resilience literature by examining the viability of innovativeness and the adoption of green supply chain management practices …

Examining Outcomes Of Privacy Risk And Brand Trust On The Adoption Of Consumer Smart Devices, Marianne C. Loes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

With more connected devices on earth than there are people, Internet of Things (IoT) is arguably just as innovative as the original introduction of the Internet. Though much of the research on technology acceptance and adoption has been conducted in organizational settings, the consumer use of IoT technologies, such as smart devices, is becoming a fertile field of research. The merger of these research streams is especially relevant from a societal perspective as smart devices become more embedded in consumer’s daily lives, particularly with the introduction of the “meta verse.” While original technology acceptance research is limited to two system-specific …

Association Between Food Insecurity And Chronic Health Condition Among Adults (18 To 48), Prasanth Reddy Guda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Uncertainty or limited access to safe food, known as food insecurity, can affect the health and healthcare needs of individuals with several chronic conditions. During 2022, 12.8 percentage (around 17.0 million) of households in the United States experienced food insecurity. The main objective of this study was to examine the Association between food insecurity and chronic health conditions adults. We collected data from NHIS 2022 sample Adults’ Interview (The National Health Interview Survey). The research question asked are: (Q1) Are there certain long term health issues that are more common among adults facing food insecurity age in between the ages …

Effectiveness Of Cnn-Lstm Models Used For Apple Stock Forecasting, Ethan White

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culminating experience project investigates the effectiveness of convolutional neural networks mixed with long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) models, and an ensemble method, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), in predicting closing stock prices. This quantitative analysis utilizes recent AAPL stock data from the NASDAQ index. The chosen research questions (RQs) are: RQ1. What are the optimal hyperparameters for CNN-LSTM models in stock price forecasting? RQ2. What is the best architecture for CNN-LSTM models in this context? RQ3. How can ensemble techniques like XGBoost effectively enhance the predictions of CNN-LSTM models for stock price forecasting?

The research questions were answered through a thorough …

Investigating The Potential Of Augmented Reality In Creating A Sense Of Place On College Campuses, Linda White

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This project examines how designing an augmented reality (AR) campus navigation app can improve college students' sense of place and connection with California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). To guide the design of the app, I engaged in qualitative research using a curated campus walk protocol that invited students to walk to their favorite place on campus and record their walk while narrating it.

My analysis reveals the larger patterns that students use to select favorite places and favorite routes to those places, as well as how space navigation may lead to the formation of a sense of connection with …

Study Of Brain Tumor Prediction By Using Machine Learning, Vishaya Ummaneni

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Technological advancements in deep learning and machine learning have greatly improved the diagnosis and analysis of medical images. This culminating experience project utilized the EfficientNetV2B3 model to predict brain tumors. The research questions are: (Q1) Does the study's deep learning model perform better than current methods when it comes to predicting brain tumor? (Q2) How much does the model's performance change when using different optimizers such as Adagrad, Adam, and SGD? (Q3) Can the regularization method, such as dropout, enhance the neural network model's generalization? The findings are as follows: (Q1) Yes; the EfficientNetV2B3 model performs better than current methods. …

Enhancing Audit Quality Through Artificial Intelligence: An External Auditing Perspective, Jonah Mitan

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

The evolving landscape of the audit profession has been significantly influenced by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, marking a pivotal shift in audit methodologies, the auditors' roles, and the overarching quality of audits. This thesis delves into the breadth of AI's impact on the industry through a comprehensive review of academic literature, professional publications, and industry insights, highlighting the transformative effects of AI on audit processes. AI-driven tools, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing can expedite laborious audit tasks, enhancing data analytics capabilities, and enabling more accurate risk assessment and fraud detection. AI technologies …

Faculty-Led International Business Seminar In Dublin, Ireland: An Account Of Personal Experiences And Reflection Of The Difference In Work-Life Balance Between Ireland And The United States Of America, Megan Hanigan

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

The study abroad program consisted of four weeks of learning through cultural immersion, tours, classes, travel, and personal experiences. I was granted the opportunity to travel abroad to a foreign country with fellow University of Arkansas students. While abroad, I learned about international business affairs and participated in local Irish activities. The purpose of the study abroad trip was to provide the students in attendance with the chance to immerse in another culture while learning about the differences between office structures in America and Ireland.

Post-Brexit International Trade: The Impact Of Brexit Import Duties On The Outdoor Clothing Industry Between The United Kingdom And The Republic Of Ireland., Nurdin Shadiev

Business ETD Collections

This study investigates the effects of changing import duties and customs following Brexit on trade within the outdoor clothing sector in the UK and Ireland. Brexit has caused drastic changes to the terms of trade for the UK following its withdrawal from the EU. These changes particularly affect the outdoor clothing sector and other businesses that rely on already established trade relationships with the Republic of Ireland. This review aims to examine the impacts of Brexit import duties on the outdoor clothing sector.

Navigating Cross-Cultural Challenges: Strategies For Effective Management Of Diverse Teams Within The Organization., Dhanusha Devarajulunaidu

Business ETD Collections

This comprehensive research explores the intricacies of managing cross-cultural challenges within the organizational context of Primark. Leveraging a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study investigates effective strategies for navigating cultural differences and promoting collaboration in diverse teams.

The literature review delves into two prominent theories: Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Theory, providing valuable insights into cultural interactions and management practices. Building on these theories, the research examines real-world scenarios within Primark to understand the challenges faced by managers and employees in multicultural environments.

Through in-depth case studies, and surveys, the study uncovers key themes …

Assess The Resilience And Adaptability Of European Automotive Supply Chains In Response To Unforeseen Disruptions. Case Study: The Covid-19 Disruption Of The German And English Automotive Industries., Irene Chebet Lelei

Business ETD Collections

The study set out to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic disruption on the established resilience and adaptability measures of the automotive supply chains in Germany and England; identify and analyze the specific measures implemented by automotive supply chain experts in Germany and England to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 disruption; and note key lessons from the COVID-19 disruption of the German and England automotive supply chains. A multiple case study research approach was applied to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of automotive supply chains.

Cost Benefit Analysis Of Anesthesia Providers Within Gastroenterology Outpatient Practices, Jennifer Buffum Brown

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Anesthesia delivery in ambulatory and office-based settings has seen significant growth in the last 25 years. The advances in effective short-acting anesthetic drugs, combined with the rise in demand for minimally invasive surgery, allows for an increase in the number of surgical procedures to be achieved outside the hospital setting. Ambulatory anesthesia promotes patient health by reducing recovery times. It also contributes to sustainability by lowering costs otherwise associated with overnight hospital stays. Patient preferences for minimally invasive outpatient surgery, and faster recovery times have spurred an increased demand for business relationships between modern medical practices and anesthesia providers. Certified …

Has Electricity Deregulation Eliminated The Nuclear Option?: Rethinking The Coasian Ios For Project-Finance Investments, Stephen Dansky

Theses and Dissertations

Installed electric generation capacity in the United States is expected to grow significantly over the next two decades. This raises concern about climate change as several common methods of electricity generation emit greenhouse gases. Nuclear power, which doesn’t create greenhouse gases while generating electricity, has been heavily promoted by the nuclear industry and a segment of the environmental community ever since it was codified by the United Nation’s 26^th Climate Change Conference of the Parties as an acceptable energy source to fight climate change. However, this dissertation establishes that the increased revenue risk and uncertainty created by the deregulation …

Organizational Cultural Entrenchment: Exploring Cultural Antecedents Of Actively Destructive Employee Behaviors As A Manifestation Of Voice In Mergers And Acquisitions, Keith Dellano Holloway

Theses and Dissertations

Mergers and acquisitions are frequently leveraged as a vehicle for company growth. However, many of these transactions fail to yield a positive result and often cause a net loss of shareholder value.

There are many interrelated factors at work within a merger or acquisition. Structure, leadership, finances, strategic fit, market, and price are just a few variables to consider. However, the factor of culture, and the failure of cultural integration, has surfaced in literature as a significant contributor to losses within mergers and acquisitions.

This study built on the work of Harris, Hirschman, Kotter, and Schlesinger and examined the deleterious …

Artificial Intelligence In Finance: Transforming Decision-Making And Risk Management For Enhanced Financial Outcomes, Bryce Layn

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

The impact of artificial intelligence on the financial sector is evaluated in this study, focusing on its management of financial risk capabilities and its role in creating tailored banking experiences. AI's rapid evolution has brought unprecedented capabilities, raising questions about human adaptability to these developments in finance. The thesis will conduct further research on how AI manages financial risks and navigates regulatory frameworks and potential mismanagement. Multiple companies will be investigated to showcase their diverse capabilities, with each one highlighting unique characteristics and contributions to the AI finance landscape. This Thesis presents a comprehensive summary of the evolving financial industry, …

Analyzing The Supply-Side Dynamics Of Affordable Housing In The United States, Evan Lee Bartlett

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis delves into the multifaceted realm of housing affordability in the United States, focusing on the supply-side dynamics shaping its availability and accessibility. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study investigates various factors influencing the supply of affordable housing, including governmental policies, market forces, and socio-economic trends. By synthesizing existing literature, statistical data, and case studies, it sets out to reveal the interconnectedness of regulatory frameworks, existing housing policies, existing programs, and initiatives in the affordable housing sector. Moreover, this research examines strategies to combat the housing affordability crisis. The findings highlight the importance of taking a regional approach to …

Co-Creating A Process Of Tacit Knowledge Seeking Using Appreciative Inquiry: An Exploratory Case Study, Kristina Lewis

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In today’s dynamic workplaces, knowledge exchange among employees is vital for organizational innovation and competitive advantage. However, existing literature on knowledge management has primarily focused on knowledge sharing, neglecting the proactive process of knowledge seeking, particularly regarding tacit knowledge. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the social process of tacit knowledge seeking in the workplace. Using appreciative inquiry as a method for collecting data, this qualitative exploratory single case study examines how employees seek tacit knowledge in an international consumer products organization. Guided by a social constructionist framework and appreciative perspective, the study seeks to understand the …

Measuring Inclusive Leadership In Nonprofit Performing Arts Organizations, Thomas Abruzzo

Dissertations

Inclusive leadership is undoubtedly a practice to strive for, and few would argue against the value of leading inclusively. Yet, empirically, little is known about what constitutes effective inclusive leadership, especially in the context of nonprofit performing arts organizations. This sector is a particularly apt place to study and practice inclusive leadership because, in addition to the many benefits it provides, the nonprofit arts sector has problematic roots in terms of privileging a dominant social class by prioritizing certain art forms over others. For example, the popularity of the nonprofit form in the arts sector, when compared to for-profit or …