Business Commons^™

Antecedents And Consequences Of Channel Alienation: An Empirical Investigation Within Franchised Channels Of Distribution, Ivan Lapuka

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Investigating an important overlooked phase of interorganizational relationship evolution, which is currently hypothesized to progress through five stages of awareness, exploration, expansion, commitment, and dissolution, this dissertation proposes that in the long road between commitment and dissolution, the quintessential interfirm relationship is likely to be characterized by aprolonged period of relationship alienation, which then becomes the immediate precursor to the dissolution stage.

The dissertation utilizes social learning theory, behavior constraint theory, and alienation theory to explain apathetic behaviors of franchisees. The principal proposition is that certain characteristics of the franchise system’s operating environment inadvertently condition franchisee estrangement and failure, and …

Good Grapes - Good Wine., Meilin Chung Curtis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Good grapes are required to make good wine. Quality wines start in quality vineyards. Vineyard design, installation, and operation, including site location, trellis options, vine selection, and canopy management, along with when to harvest are discussed. While winemaking is the final phase in the pursuit of the winemaker's passion, it is but a simple formula. The beginning of a good wine is in a good vineyard. This study includes a financial projection for a 10-acre vineyard as well as for starting an onsite, complementary sized winery. Even though many small-to-medium vineyards-to-wineries have started over the last decade, the reason to …

The Drivers Of A Successful Corporate Sponsorship And The Quantified Financial Impact: Applying The Attitudinal Triad Of Cognition, Affect, And Conation And Customer Lifetime Value To Corporate Sponsorships, David Nickell

Marketing Dissertations

While the volume of research on corporate event sponsorships as a marketing tool has increased markedly over the past decade, the results have done little to help marketers to justify sponsorship spending. Not only do marketers have little knowledge of a sponsored event’s financial return, they also struggle to demonstrate any impact on consumer behavior at all.

Using multi-wave survey data, we quantified the financial impact of a sponsorship. We predicted the number of new buyers based upon changed brand attitudes, consistent with a hierarchy of effects model. We then established the financial return on the sponsorship spending by estimating …

Entrepreneurial Career Choices Resulting From Influential Factors: Survey Of B.B.A. Management And Marketing Alumni., Caitlin Brooke Trent

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research focused on East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Management and Marketing Alumni who graduated between 2003 and 2008. Based on the available literature and research on this topic, there was a limited amount of specific information as to the careers these alumni seek. As a means to gather data about the careers management and marketing alumni pursue, an online survey was used, which also supported three specified objectives. In summarized form these objectives are: non-corporate career choices and certain factors that influence entrepreneurship, B.B.A. Management and Marketing Alumni careers (or employment), and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or multinational …

Occasioning Dialogic Spaces Of Innovation: The Pan-Canadian Ehr, Infoway And The Re-Scripting Of Healthcare, Akbar M. Saeed

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The Canadian public healthcare system appears to currently be under considerable strain. Escalating costs, dwindling budgets and growing patient dissatisfaction are just a few of the systemic pressures that have called into question our current ways of delivering healthcare. As a consequence, there is a growing recognition that renewal is needed, and that this renewal, to be successful, should meet the needs of a wide array of stakeholders, hence calling for unprecedented levels of collaboration among increasingly fragmented interests. In order to bring about this renewal, the federal government seems to be intent on implementing a pan-Canadian electronic health record …

Incentives For Optimal Allocation Of Hiv Prevention Resources, Monali M. Malvankar

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The thesis consists of three main chapters on optimal incentives for a multi-level allocation process of HIV/AIDS prevention funds. HIV/AIDS prevention funds often traverse several levels of distribution. At each level, equity-based heuristics are often used by decision-makers that may lead to sub-optimal allocation. Mathematical programming models may help to allocate prevention funds optimally. Thus, incentives could be given to decision-makers to encourage optimal allocation.

Chapter 4 investigates the impact of incentives by developing a model in which an upper-level decision-maker (UD) allocates funds to a single lower-level decision-maker (LD) who then distributes funds to local programs. The UD makes …

What Drives The Property-Type Focus Of Reits?, Seunghan Ro

Real Estate Dissertations

Using a sample of 678 property portfolio changes (acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures) of U.S. REITs during the period 1990 to 2009, I investigate the issue of what drives the property sector focus of REITs. Geltner and Miller (2001) argue that investors prefer to make their own diversification decisions using narrowly focused REITs as an explanation for the lack of diversification. On the basis of their argument, I develop and examine the research question of how investors react to a change in a REIT’s property type focus. I find a significantly negative market reaction to acquisition and acquisitional JV events …

Investigating The Relationship Between It And Organizations: A Research Trilogy, Benoit Raymond

Computer Information Systems Dissertations

The overall objective of this dissertation is to contribute to knowledge and theory about the influence of information technology (IT) on organizations and their members. This dissertation is composed of three related studies, each examining different aspects of the relationship between IT and organizations. The objective of the first study is to provide an overview of the dominant theoretical perspectives that IS researchers have used in the last five decades to study the influence of technology on organizations and their members. Without being exhaustive, this study seeks more specifically to identify, for each decade, the dominant theoretical perspectives used in …

Harley-Davidson, Inc.: A Strategic Audit, Sheila Lenz

Honors Theses

Thesis presents a strategic audit to assess the strategy of Harley-Davidson, Inc. Includes financial information, risks and strategies, and marketing information.

What Support Does Information And Communication Technology (Ict) Offer To Organizational Improvisation During Crisis Response ?, Anouck Adrot

Computer Information Systems Dissertations

While evidence of the exceedingly important role of technology in organizational life is commonplace, academics have not fully captured the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on crisis response. A substantive body of knowledge on technology and crisis response already exists and keeps developing. Extensive research is on track to highlight how technology helps to prepare to crisis response and develop service recovery plans. However, some aspects of crisis response remain unknown. Among all the facets of crisis response that have been under investigation for some years, improvisation still challenges academics as a core component of crisis response. In …

A Dynamic Analysis Of Variable Annuities And Guarenteed Minimum Benefits, Jin Gao

Risk Management and Insurance Dissertations

We determine the optimal allocation of funds between the fixed and variable sub-accounts in a variable annuity with a GMDB (Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit) clause featuring partial withdrawals by using a utility-based approach. In section two, the Merton method is applied by assuming that individuals allocate funds optimally in order to maximize the expected utility of lifetime consumption. It also reflects bequest motives by including the recipient's utility in terms of the policyholder's guaranteed death benefits. We derive the optimal transfer choice by the insured, and furthermore price the GMDB through maximizing the discounted expected utility of the policyholders and …

The Relationship Between Family Recreation And Relatedness In Children And Their Families, Kristen Berrett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the factors contributing to relatedness in children, specifically family recreation, and to look at relatedness between family members (family relatedness), and whether or not family recreation makes a contribution to this construct. Two instruments were used to collect data for this study. The Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP) measured family recreation involvement and satisfaction, and the Activity-Feelings States Scales (AFS) measured child and family relatedness. The sample included elementary school children between the ages of 6 years and 12 years (n1=405), and the parents of those children (n2=405). The data …

Two Essays On Momentum Strategy And Its Sources Of Abnormal Returns, Yu Zhang

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation studies the sources of the momentum abnormal returns. The first essay attempts to find the relative role of cross-sectional and time-series variances in generating returns from the momentum strategy. By decomposing the returns from the momentum strategy both theoretically and empirically, the first essay finds that own-stock autocovariance is an important source in generating momentum returns. More interestingly, the own-stock autocovariance comes primarily from the loser portfolio. This finding provides another explanation to the recent finding that the loser portfolio is the driving force of the momentum abnormal returns.

Based on the above discovery from the first essay, …

Consolidating And Implementing An Employee Handbook At Souza’S Dairy, Inc., Adrianna Souza

Dairy Science

The objective of this senior project was to create a more useful handbook that employees will read, condensing the existing but still retaining the important information. Along with updating the handbook, I plan to implement the use of the employee handbooks. An employee handbook is an important solution to help employers and employees have consistent information. An outdated employee handbook can create problems in the workplace. New and changed laws occur every year and the firm will want to ensure that the employee handbook and policy handbook are up to date with the most recent laws and policies to mitigate …

Feasibility Of Operating A Training Facility On The Central Coast, Katrina Young

Agribusiness

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of American And Australian Preferred Wine Label Attributes, Taylor Lee Hansard

Agribusiness

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Study Of An Enomatic Wine Bar In San Luis Obispo, Eric Daniel Maida

Agribusiness

The purpose of this project was to determine whether it would be feasible to open an Enomatic Wine Bar in downtown San Luis Obispo.

There were two major costs involved in this project, the development of the facility and the operation of the business. Once all of the costs were determined, they were entered into an Excel spreadsheet providing the Enomatic Wine Bar Budget and the Income Statement. From the Enomatic Wine Bar Budget and the Income Statement a Return on Investment of 27% was realized.

Using the figures from the Enomatic Wine Bar Budget and the Income Statement, it …

Financial Feasibility Analysis Of A Custom Harvesting Business Of Wine Grapes In Fresno County, Jacob Constance

Agribusiness

This study was undertaken to determine if it was financially feasible to start a custom harvesting business of wine grapes in Fresno County. A fully amortizing loan for $120,000 was taken out at a four percent interest rate and loan term of five years. The custom harvesting business in Fresno County was analyzed using capital budgeting techniques and forecasted financial documents. It is concluded to be profitable over an eight year span to establish and maintain a machine harvesting business based on the investment analysis that provides a net present value of $69,450.37 at a discount rate of 12 percent, …

A Cost Benefit Analysis Of Utilizing Solar Panels On Bates Nut Farm, Brandon Walter Ness

Agribusiness

No abstract provided.

Optimal Palm Oil Processing Plant Size In South Sumatera, Shelly V. Gozali

Agribusiness

This study was conducted to determine if the palm oil processing plant with a capacity of thirty tons per hour is the optimal size for the Sutopo Lestari Jaya Company. This report represents two important techniques when performing the analysis. A net present value has been calculated in determining the feasibility of the palm oil processing plant in the next ten years after it is built. A break-even analysis has been performed to determine the number of units produced to cover the fixed cost after the processing plant operates.

It is concluded that the processing plant with a capacity of …

Observational Study Of Retail Wine Venues In San Luis Obispo In Relation To Shelf Space And The Amount Of Wine Sold, J. (James) Calvin Mead

Agribusiness

This study was conducted in order to gain valuable information related to the retail wine industry and find similarities and differences in wine shelf space from store to store. All the stores were unique to some degree, but they also shared several aspects of the wine display. For example, some stores were similar in relation to the number of wine brands they offered, structure of the wine displays, prices of wines, types of promotions, types of packaging, number of sections based on varietals or countries, and overall ratings. Averages, frequencies, one-way analyses, multiple comparisons, and descriptive statistics were all calculated …

Price Comparisons Of Selected Produce Between Farmers’ Markets And Grocery Stores In San Luis Obispo County., Jacqueline De Figueiredo

Agribusiness

This study was undertaken to determine the price comparisons of selected produce between farmers' markets and grocery stores in San Luis Obispo County.

All data was collected through out an eight week period and recorded to determine if prices, on average, are lower at famers' markets compared to their neighboring grocery. This data was used to compare prices of commodities at farmers' markets and neighboring grocery stores in San Luis Obispo County for five selected produce items. The data collected includes prices of each commodity, location, and date. After collecting the data, the final step in determining if prices are …

Is Portfolio Performance Related To Whether A Manager Has An Ivy League Education?, Jonathan Janos

Business/Business Administration

No abstract provided.

Performance Attribution: Are Sector Fund Managers Superior Stock Selectors?, Nicholas Scala

Business/Business Administration

Abstract:

Do equity sector fund managers outperform diversified equity fund managers? This paper examines this question during 2000-2009 by formulating simulated portfolios of Fidelity Select Sector Funds with weights similar to the sector weightings of actual multi-sector equity fund portfolios. The returns of the simulated portfolios were then netted against the actual portfolios to determine which outperforms. The results indicate that Sector Fund managers have superior stock selection ability, with one notable exception: the small-cap value investment style. Small-cap value multi-sector equity fund managers outperformed the simulated portfolios, indicating superior stock selection ability by fund managers in that category. Although …

Japanese Business And Tennessee: A Look At The Past, Present, And Future, Paul D. Weiler

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

U.S. Biennial, Inc.; Prospect New Orleans, Ashley Chavis

Arts Administration Master's Reports

In February 2010, I began an internship with U.S. Biennial, Inc. in their New York City office. U.S. Biennial, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that produces Prospect New Orleans, an international contemporary art show. I was asked to be the Development Intern to work directly with the Director of Development as well as assist the other staff with their day-to-day duties. The following report includes an overview of the organization, a description of my role as an intern with the organization, my analysis of the administration of the organization, and my recommendations for the organization that I developed over the …

Application Of Leadership Principles In Theatrical Direction, Rebecca L. Rizzio

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

This research explores the relationship between leadership principles widely believed to be effective and the behaviors demonstrated in art of theatrical direction by directors believed to be effective. The Appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach was used to survey actors, designers, and stage managers. Directors from the Twin Cities theater community that the respondents deemed to be most effective were then interviewed. Parallels were drawn between the qualities cited in the surveys and the leadership behaviors theorists believe to be most effective. Findings will be shared with the theater community.

What Is The Impact Of Liquor Licensing Laws On Portland’S Entertainment Venues? A Case Study, Will Etheridge

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

In January 2009, Port City Music Hall in Portland, Maine was preparing to open its doors to the public for the first time. With a capacity for nearly six hundred attendees, Port City Music Hall was designed to attract national touring acts to Portland too big for the bar scene, but not suited for the Merrill Auditorium or Cumberland Civic Center. With the State Theatre still shuttered at the time, this new venue hoped to fill an important niche in the city’s creative economy, bringing a diverse array of performers that would not otherwise be able to find a viable …

Use Of Social Media For College Athletic Events: Analysis And Implementation For The Cal Poly Women’S Basketball Program, Krista Lee Scarbrough

Journalism

No abstract provided.

Paths To Upper Level Positions In Public Relations, Patrick J. Bishop

Dissertations

Preparation for a career in the field of public relations (PR) is based on a set of unique core competencies typically found in liberal arts. Though PR professionals rarely gain business degrees, they acquire knowledge, skills, perspectives, and strategies wellsuited to executive-level positions in business. Additionally, managerial positions in PR offer greater potential for influence than task-oriented roles with limited strategic opportunity.

This study examines the advancement of PR practitioners into upper-level management positions in business. The purpose of this research is to identify factors and behaviors that contribute to, or hinder, PR professional’s attainment of top-management positions. This study …