Business Commons^™

Accounting Case Studies, Virginia Sudduth

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of accounting case studies completed during the 2020-2021 academic school year. Each case was assigned and reviewed by Dr. Victoria Dickinson in her honors independent study class. There are twelve cases that comprise this thesis including A Tale of Two Cities, Asset Concepts, Presidential Debate, Excel Course, Taxodus – Playing The Global Tax Avoidance Game, Business Interview, Case Competition – Earnings, Stock Price, and Analysis, and Financial Crisis of 2008. These cases cover a wide variety of topics that allowed me to apply concepts learned in my studies in order to solve complex accounting issues …

Honors Practicum, Niland Fortenberry

Honors Theses

This work was conducted over the course of my junior year of college. I was a part of Dr. Victoria Dickinson’s accounting practicum course. Over the first semester of thiscourse, we spent each week writing papers pertaining to various topics, including potential cities where we were interested in interning, relevant news topics, and relevant accounting matters, to name a few. We spent time researching and increasing our knowledge about different subject matters. We also gained greater expertise in Excel, as we completed a mastery course one week during the class. During the second semester, we spent much of our time …

A Collection Of Financial Accounting Case Studies, Evelyn Rowan

Honors Theses

Throughout my two semesters in ACCY 420, taught by Dr. Victoria Dickinson, I wrote my thesis for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Throughout this class we analyzed different case studies, completed an excel certification, participated in a case competition, and listened to presentations from different accounting firms.

Each case study helped me gain knowledge in different accounting topics in the real world. We read articles, watched a movie, watched a presidential debate, and conducted an interview with an accounting professional to complete the case studies.

For the case competition our class was divided into teams of four to five …

Effective Green Marketing Strategies On Social Media: Selling Companies And Their Consumers On Investing In Carbon Offsetting And Solar Energy In 2021, Melvin Richard Springer Iv

Honors Theses

In a digital world where consumers and businesses alike care significantly about sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), the success of startup companies hinges on constant, clear, and thoughtful communication. Through my research into successfully marketing such concerns on social media as well as my internship at Clearloop, I discovered some of the best ways to convince both companies and consumers that preserving the planet should be a primary concern for every environmentally conscious company. Companies that ignore their impacts on the environment are synonymous with companies doomed to fail in the 21^st century. Clearloop’s model of partnering with …

A Study Of Public Accounting And Related Economic Concepts, Seth Gerus

Honors Theses

This thesis consists of several case studies relating to different topics within the world of accounting. These cases were completed as assignments within the thesis practicum class taught by Dr. Victoria Dickinson. Each case pertains to a different accounting-related topic, and topics include the fundamentals of accounting as well as recent events in the business world. The thesis also includes a five-week long case competition in which students were put into groups to present Audit, Tax, and Advisory strategies for companies headquartered in the United States. Each of these cases were completed during the course of the Fall 2020 and …

Teacher Preference In Professional Development, Cheri L. Keyes

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Teacher Preference in Professional Development

Teacher professional development (PD) is seen as best ways to ensure teacher quality and guarantee positive student achievement outcomes; however, there is a lack of appropriate and effective PD. This quantitative study examined teachers’ preferences in PD content and delivery. Teachers from a K-12 public school district in Northwest Arkansas were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey, and 292 teachers responded. The measured variables were the professional development preferences of the teachers, the teachers' years of experience, the grade level at which teachers teach, gender, the content of preferred PD, and the delivery or …

The Impact Of Virtual Learning Modalities On The Academic Success Of Students In One Arkansas School District, Diane F. Richards

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way Arkansas public schools’ offered students an education. While moving through this pandemic, many Arkansas schools implemented optional methods of delivery for their students. Some schools tried to maintain face-to-face classes, while others offered completely online classes. Still, others offered a hybrid format where students attended some face-to-face classes and online classes. One Arkansas school district offered all three options. School districts need guidance as to which teaching methods worked well. The long-term effects of the educational impact of COVID-19 are not known at this time. Schools could benefit from a guide with useful strategies …

Sustainability In Minor League Sports, Sara Nimmo

Honors Theses

The COVID-19 Pandemic has greatly impacted the sports industry with the substantial changes that were prevalent during 2020. With those changes, many leagues had drastic budget decreases and were forced to compensate for the lost revenues. Many teams throughout Minor League Baseball, the AHL and the NBA G League were forced to come up with creative revenue streams as well as cost cutting strategies in order to maintain operations after the pandemic. Along with the effects of COVID-19 on the business of minor league sports, there is also heightened attention on what minor league teams are doing to sustain the …

A Series Of Accounting Case Studies, Grace Anne Jones

Honors Theses

The following thesis consists of a variety of case studies surrounding accounting and related topics. Each case contains an introduction to the case and key takeaways from completing the case. Through completing these cases, I gained valuable knowledge regarding current accounting issues a developed a more robust understanding of the profession. The case studies were completed during the 2020-2021 academic year under the direction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson in fulfillment of the requirements for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.

A Study Of Accounting And Economic Concepts With Reflection On Various Speakers, Kaitlin Seiberlich

Honors Theses

This thesis contains a series of twelve cases covering various accounting and economic concepts, including five cases providing a deeper analysis of Alphabet Inc. in relation to audit, tax, and advisory strategies formed based on public information and the company’s annual financial statements. The case topics were directed by Victoria Dickinson in accordance with the standards set by the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi. A few of the more technical issues covered in this thesis include a discussion on asset measurement practice, the completion of an excel certification course, and the effects of the Financial …

How Brands Go Viral: An Analysis Of Successful Brand Marketing On Tik Tok With Gen Z, Alyssa Rezek

Honors Theses

This thesis seeks to examine the unique relationship between Generation Z and the social media platform TikTok, especially in regard to its marketing function. A literature review, survey, and interviews were conducted to examine the social media habits of Generation Z and the attitudes they have towards these platforms. The data suggests that highly visual platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, are more widely used and trusted by members of the generation in question. These trends indicate that brands wishing to market toward this generation should become proficient in the use of these platforms. This research seeks to examine the …

Black Homelessness In Los Angeles, Dezmin Hemmans, Rosemary Kim

Honors Thesis

Throughout American history, Black people have experienced disproportionate amounts of racism, inequity, and lack of resources. This systemic lack of resources and disparities contribute to an overall lack of individual economic development. These factors were further emphasized following the COVID 19 pandemic, which, increased the separations between others. At the start of the Reconstruction Era, the recently freed enslaved faced homelessness as they left plantations penniless with nowhere to go. They were met with both de facto and de jure segregation codified through restrictive covenants, deed clauses that restricted the sale of property to Black people (Cite). Today, Black people …

A Comprehensive Study Of Accounting Methodologies Through Case Studies, Sahara Karki

Honors Theses

This honors case study aims to study the different areas in accounting and dig deeper into some of the accounting scenarios used in the real world. This research is based on different case studies done in the classroom done by analyzing the financials of different companies. These case studies provide students a great opportunity to understand the different accounting concepts by researching and analyzing real-life topics and situations faced by some of the top companies in the nation. This also allowed students to meet professionals from the particular industry to discuss and understand the accounting methodologies and apply that to …

Grabbing Consumers By The Ears: Exploring The Role Of Branded Podcasts In An Integrated Marketing Communications Strategy, Lilly Hamm

Honors Theses

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) is a framework for understanding how brands can meet consumer needs. Practitioners of IMC use an array of communication channels like marketing, advertising, sales, and public relations to build a consistent brand narrative, but they also recognize that strong marketing potential rests in the hands of the consumer. With the rapid advancement in new technology, IMC professionals are constantly looking for new ways to reach their targeted audience.

By 2016 and 2017, IMC practitioners began to notice the lack of ad clutter in the podcasting platform, leading them to flock to this channel to promote their …

Downfalls Of Economy Leading Small Businesses: A Study Of Corrective Actions, Alexis N. Davis

Honors College Theses

This study explores the significance of inappropriate accounting procedures and their detrimental effects on small businesses. This conceptual study is centered around small business decisions made by decision makers with weak understanding of financial literacy. The study highlights a series of improvements to weak internal controls that are not uncommon in small businesses.

Comprehensive Analysis Of Financial Accounting Through Series Of Case Studies, Tyler Anderson Burke

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of eleven case studies that were compiled during the 2020-2021 school year. The cases studies focus on a variety of topics concerning the field of accountancy. Over a period of two semesters, the cases were researched and written independently and in a group setting. The cases studies that were written with my fellow group members resulted in a group case competition at the end of the course. This thesis was developed under the guidance of Victoria Dickinson, Ph.D., CPA.

Case Studies In Accountancy, Michael Keene

Honors Theses

Case Studies in Accountancy is a compilation of case studies completed in fulfillment of ACCY 420. My cases are titled as followed: A Tale of Two Cities, Financial Statements, Presidential Debate, Tax Cuts and Job Act and Taxodus, Professional Interview, Financial Crisis, Case Competition Amazon Overview, Case Competition Amazon Audit Analyst, Case Competition Amazon Tax Advisor, Case Competition Amazon Advisory Consultant and Case Competition Amazon’s Equity Position. These cases covered a variety of topics in the world of accountancy as well as touching on our personal lives. In the first semester of the course, cases were typically individual before moving …

How Integrated Marketing Communications Can Be Used To Better Engage Generation Z In Bridge Building, Gracie Bynum

Honors Theses

The use of Integrated Marketing Communications holds strong promise for engaging Generation Z in the work of bridge building. The work of bridging is dedicated to healing America by decreasing political polarization and bridging divides between people who think differently. The bridging space has grown drastically in the last few years because of a variety of factors including, but not limited to: increasing polarized political elections, rising racial tensions, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that Generation Z, the most educated and diverse generation, is engaged in this space in order to create a less divided America. I conducted …

Financial Accounting Case Studies, Mark Miller

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to study and reflect on a variety of different aspects of the accounting profession and the professional world at large. Over the course of two semesters, we engaged independently and collectively with our peers in some of the deepest dives into our future profession of our academic careers. Each of the initial cases broadened my horizons and brought to light much of accounting that I had yet to be exposed to. Ultimately in the second semester we were divided into groups to work on series of cases revolving around one major business entity. In …

Contributions Community Health Centers In The Delta Have Made During The Pandemic And Their Future, Ajah Tiyanna Singleton

Honors Theses

Community health centers that are located in the Mississippi Delta serve as critical points of contact for residents pertaining to medical care. The framework for the services provided locally, and nationally, originate from the now Delta Health Center in Mound Bayou, MS. The care that providers within these institutions have transformed over the course of the pandemic, and the aid rendered to patients have enabled residents to maintain their current level of health. Analyzing the various services provided during this time will allow for stakeholders to determine the next steps for these institutions as the imminent transition into a COVID-19 …

Rising From The Ashes: An Analysis Of How One Infamous Promotional Event Caused A Company's Ruin And A Concept On The Future Of Influencer Experiences, Janis B. Kruger

Honors Theses

This thesis and its research focuses on the topic of modern influencer marketing through digital media. Throughout the thesis, traditional marketing tactics and the power of influence is discussed, and then it moves into the topic of modern advertising and the role that modern social media influencers play in reaching the consumer. The methodology behind influencer marketing is explained and consumer behavior is analyzed. The 2017 Fyre Festival promotional event is then used as an example to dissect this marketing tactic and how the event impacted the future of influencer marketing. Finally, a modern-day, hypothetical campaign based on the concept …

Accounting Case Studies, Jack Mcinnis

Honors Theses

Accounting Case Studies is a compilation of independent case studies performed during the Honors Accounting 420 class. The case studies consisted of multiple performed individually, and a case competition with an assigned group. The case studies I performed individually consist of an assessment between the two cities I was interested in beginning my career in, a case study about the presidential debate in 2020, an evaluation of the optimal corporate tax, a mentorship interview, and an analysis of the 2008 housing crisis in the United States. My group for the case study included my fellow classmates; Francena Sekul, Caitlyn Henry, …

What Factors Drive The Development Of Insurance Markets? A Comparison Between Developed And Developing Countries, Lily J. Van Elderen

Honors Theses

In this study, I use a sample of twenty-one developed and developing countries to examine (1) the country-specific factors related to non-life insurance market development and (2) how factors differ between developed and developing countries. Insurance density, penetration, and total premiums were used as dependent variables to proxy for the insurance market while GDP, inflation, population, fuel exports, population growth, gender, population density, and legal system are used as country-specific independent variables. A comparison of means was conducted to evaluate differences in the dependent variables across the developing and developed countries. Furthermore, regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships …

Comprehensive Review Of Accounting: A Case-By-Case Study, Cristina Trefry

Honors Theses

This thesis was prepared to investigate a variety of accounting scenarios to further learn and challenge student’s notion of accounting. These accounting scenarios were in the form of 11 case studies done over the course of September 2020 to April 2021. These case studies highlighted a wide variety of accounting concepts, and even challenged students to a case competition highlighted in cases 6 through 10. These case studies not only challenged students to think about accounting concepts in a different light, but also to learn more about the field they are going into through personalized cases. These personalized cases allowed …

Strategic Planning With Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship At The University Of Mississippi, Taylor R. Coe

Honors Theses

In this paper, I detail the strategic planning process undertaken by Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship at the University of Mississippi. I do this by first presenting information about strategic planning and about Chi Alpha as an organization. Then, I present a narrative detailing how we completed the planning process. After that, I present the results that make up the strategic plan itself. I end with an evaluation of the overall effort. Our planning process created strategies to address five strategic issues: reaching international students, lacking a unified discipleship structure, lacking a property, developing a “missions mindset” instead of a “leadership …

The Influence Of Culture On The Accounting Profession: An Investigation Into The Implementation Of The Oecd's Inclusive Framework On Beps In The United States And Germany, Vivian Francis

Honors Theses

This research investigates the United States and Germany’s implementation of the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on BEPS and assesses the degree to which each country’s response was influenced by its culture. The objective of this research is to present a perspective on how international accounting regulations can take cultural characteristics into consideration in order to produce their desired outcomes. For the purpose of this thesis culture is defined and quantified through the framework developed by Geert Hofstede. Furthermore, this thesis investigates the relationship between the neoliberal political paradigm and the role of culture in accounting. This research uses a combination of …

Factors Determining Attraction Of Neurodivergent Applicants To Organizations, Barri Levitt

Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses

Neurodivergence is used to describe a broad range of neurodevelopmental differences that result in a distinct set of challenges for individuals in interacting with the world around them. Within Diversity, Equity and Inclusion campaigns, neurodiversity is the term used to describe the composition of a space to include neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. The unique perspectives that come from workplace neurodiversity are a valuable tool, yet companies are routinely missing out on the addition of neurodivergent individuals because of current hiring practices. This study was developed using the theoretical bases of person-organization fit, which emphasizes value congruence between organizations and employees, …

Adjusting On The Fly: Nonprofit Marketing During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Chenaire Barmore

Nonprofit and NGO Studies Student Projects

This capstone is a case study of the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB) in an effort to assist with answering the main research question. The main question is “To what extent has COVID-19 impacted the marketing and communications of nonprofit organizations”? The mission of the RACVB is to drive quality of life and economic growth for our citizens through tourism marketing and destination development. Due to the lack of tourism during this two-year period, I was interested to see how the RACVB adjusted to this new normal in marketing the Rockford region. Over the course of two months, …

Effects Of Internet Exclusion On The City Of Detroit, Alexander G. Haddad

Honors College Theses

Introduction

The rise of Information Technology (IT) in the past 50 years has revolutionized many areas of human life and activity. Information Technology’s most obvious areas of impact are often those where they add a great and obvious value to a particular industry, and it is extremely difficult to find some aspect of life that has not changed since its inception. Some examples include the digitization of stock trading, the automation of factories and life-saving operations, and the enhanced communication and collaboration across public education, enterprise activity, and international affairs. However, what is often overlooked and understudied are the secondary …

Covid-19 And The Subsequent Change On Buyer Behavior, Chloe J. Chadwick Miss

Honors Capstones

The purpose of this Honors Capstone research project is to gain insight and understanding into how buyer behavior may or may not have changed after by the COVID-19 Pandemic through the perspectives of sales professionals, marketing professionals, and consumers themselves. This research project compared data from literary based research, 1:1 interviews, and three unique mass surveys dispersed on LinkedIn to gather information from multiple touch points. There were limitations to this research given the Pandemic is ongoing and there continues to be adjustments to this global phenomenon. Additionally, data collection from interviews and surveys was strictly voluntary and survey responses …