Business Commons^™

Honors Accounting Thesis, Joseph Harris

Honors Theses

During the fall and spring of the 2019-2020 school year, I was a part of the Honors 420 accounting thesis class. This class was led by Dr. Vicki Dickinson as a series of case studies featuring several notable speakers throughout the year. Dr. Dickinson was a fantastic instructor. She greatly helped me in my recruiting process by giving me real-world tips that directly translated into navigating both accounting socials and interviews. Even throughout the COVID period of the spring semester, Dr. Dickinson was constantly giving me advice on how to navigate interviewing and networking opportunities. Each separate case presented in …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of Accounting Principles Through Case Studies, Meredith Mcdonald

Honors Theses

The following thesis consists of eleven accounting case studies that were presented as the curriculum followed in the Accounting 420 class. Each case covers a different topic that in some way demonstrates the purpose and place of accounting theory in the current industry. This thesis exercised deep analysis of each accounting principle and therefore demonstrates a well-rounded understanding of topics covered. Each case study was completed under the direction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson in fulfillment of the requirements for The University of Mississippi, Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and the Patterson School of Accountancy ACCY 420 course in the 2019-2020 …

A Survey Of Financial Accounting Principles As Illustrated By Comprehensive Case Studies, Shelby D'Amico

Honors Theses

This document is a compilation of a year of work under the direction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson as a part of the Accounting Practicum Program in accordance with the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. The eleven case studies that are completed and shown in this thesis are representative of numerous accounting principles and topics that are applicable in the real-world setting. The topics discussed cover a wide range of information such as Regulation Fair Disclosure and the presidential debates, all of which allow students to see how various accounting topics will present themselves in the professional world. Some cases were …

A Collection Of Case Studies Representing Financial Accounting, John Quaka

Honors Theses

This thesis focuses on different case studies that have to do with the field of accounting. All of the cases that are represented here relate to the field of financial accounting. Several of these cases were having to analyze either a company’s 401k or receiving an audit or tax accounting situation and having to answer questions about it. For others, we had to watch a video or an interview and write down what we thought about it. A couple of other case studies were had to interview either an accountant from our hometown and an accountant student older than us. …

Analyzing Case Studies And The Different Uses Of Accounting Knowledge, Meghan Foley

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to further my accounting knowledge outside of traditional classroom learning. Throughout my time at Ole Miss, I had not used my accounting class work outside of the classroom. I was able to apply the knowledge to practical real life issues.

I participated in 11 case studies that each targeted a different topic of the accounting profession. The early cases related to my choice of specialty and city, whereas the final cases delved deeper into economic implications of accounting and finance.

I learned a great deal about real world accounting while writing this thesis. I …

Complete Analysis Of Netflix, Inc., Anna Gregory

Honors Theses

This thesis focuses on the company, Netflix, INC and the projected value of this company. This study provides valuable information regarding the projected value of Netflix, INC and future stock price predictions. I derived my findings through several procedures. The most important procedure in analyzing the future value of Netflix was the use of a Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. This analysis provided me with a projected value and share price for Netflix, INC in five years and again in ten years. The second method used to evaluate Netflix was the multiples valuation. This method provided information on whether or not …

Fundamental Principles Of Accounting: A Series Of Case Analyses, Bridget Mcmillan

Honors Theses

Over the past four years at the University of Mississippi, I acquired knowledge about the accounting profession and the application of accounting principles that have arisen throughout the evolution of modern professional accounting. For the thesis requirement in accordance with the standards set by the Patterson School of Accountancy and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, I completed a series of case studies covering a variety of topics related to the study of accounting. Under the direction of Victoria Dickinson, I completed these cases over the 2019-2020 academic year. Each case introduces a unique topic and presents findings about various …

Honors Accounting Thesis: An Investigation Of Specific Issues In Various Accounting Methods And Their Outlook For The Future Through Case Studies, Flint Christian

Honors Theses

This thesis focuses on broad topics concerning the field of accountancy. Primarily, the topics involve an analysis demonstrating an understanding on innovative technological developments, political changes, financial planning, professional preparation, and their effects on the accounting field, including possible changes. Information was found through online search engines, database analysis, and interviews and discussions with key informants from the accounting field. This thesis was performed in conjunction with the Honors Accountancy 420 class, where I also experienced case studies, interviews, and presentations with public accounting firms. Our methodology and methods were developed throughout the year in groups, as well as with …

Accountancy Practicum, Connor Mccarthy

Honors Theses

The cases enclosed within this thesis discuss a variety of accounting topics. These were selected by Dr. Dickinson to focus on a number of concepts that aid young professionals like myself in addressing the expectations of the financial reporting world.

Each case involved either formal research or a completion of a task that represented the fulfillment of this overarching goal. A synthesis of knowledge gained was usually included unless otherwise instructed. Two of the enclosed cases were completed alongside fellow students – Case 4 and Case 8, but two case competitions not featured here were also team-based.

The conclusions reached …

An Analysis Of Current Accounting And Financial Matters, Payton Argabright

Honors Theses

This document demonstrates and represents the work done over the course of a full year for Accounting 420, the Honors Thesis Practicum course under Dr. Dickinson at the University of Mississippi. The case studies following delve into a wide variety of topics mean to simulate what various future careers in accounting could like, as well as to expose current issues and debates that are ongoing in the business world.

Forecasts And Implications Using Vix Options, Spencer Stanley, William Trainor

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examines the Chicago Board Option Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index (VIX) which is the implied volatility calculated from short-term option prices on the Standards & Poor’s 500 stock index (S&P 500). Findings suggest VIX overestimates average volatility by approximately 3% but explains 55% of S&P 500’s proceeding month’s volatility. The implied volatility (IV) from options on the VIX add additional explanatory power for the S&P’s 500 proceeding kurtosis values (a measure of tail risk). The VIX option’s volatility smirks did not add additional explanatory power for explaining the S&P 500 volatility or kurtosis. A simple trading rule based on …

Case Studies Of Various Accounting Concepts, Astha Kandel

Honors Theses

Accountancy students enrolled in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College have an opportunity to choose an honors practicum route instead of writing a regular thesis. The students take two ACCY 420 classes taught by Dr. Victoria Lynn Dickinson as part of the practicum. In those two courses, students gain a better understanding of how accounting works in the real world. The thesis is made up of several cases that cover a variety of accounting theories and methodologies. Students are required to do thorough research while writing the cases and each of those cases is carefully reviewed and evaluated by Dr. …

An Overview Of Financial Accounting Through The Use Of Case Studies, Sim Mosby

Honors Theses

This thesis encompasses many major accounting topics and different global phenomena’s that have changed the accounting profession. This thesis has allowed me to understand modern accountancy and the reasons it has had to adapt to the modern world. The University of Mississippi has allowed the accounting students of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College to complete this thesis by participating in the ACCY 420 class in their Junior year prior to their internship. This class was taught by Dr. Victoria Dickinson and consisted of eleven cases throughout two semesters

Financial Accounting: A Collection Of Case Studies, Dalton Gibson

Honors Theses

Financial accounting encompasses many topics such as different accounting methods, ethical practices, financial reporting, and more. We were assigned students case studies, each covering a different category of financial reporting, including case studies about accounting methods, accounting standards, and financial statements. The cases are designed to help students understand real examples, think critically to solve problems, and develop strong research and collaboration skills. At the conclusion of this course, students had an improved technical knowledge of accounting and a better understanding of the importance of proper financial accounting methods. The knowledge learned will continue to benefit students in their future …

Politics Of Privacy: The Role Of Individual Political Views In Consumer Data Privacy Concerns, Connor Neill

Honors Theses

Today, every choice that is made, from where to shop to what music to listen to, has turned into a reflection of one’s political views and identity. The main purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between an individual’s political views and his or hers attitudes toward the security of personal information in the consumer realm. Two studies were conducted in the form of surveys. The first study aims to measure the consumer’s trust and risk beliefs for a company of a certain size as well as their feelings toward the dimensions of control, collection, and awareness of …

Representation Matters: African American Female Readers’ Perceptions Of Young Adult Literature, Asia Harden

Honors Theses

In 2019, only 6% of U.S. children’s books published were written by black authors. This portion of the publishing industry, and particularly the category of young adult literature (YA) has room for improvement when it comes to African American representation. To identify how this lack of representation affects readers, this study was broken into two parts which resulted in obtaining the African American female YA author perspective, as well as African American female readers. J. Elle and Kristina Forest were interviewed in the first portion of the study, and three focus groups were conducted in the second study with 13 …

A Comprehensive Evaluation Of Accounting: A Series Of Case Studies, Emma Acheson

Honors Theses

The following thesis is a compilation of the evaluation and solutions derived from a variety of case studies provided regarding a variation of accounting topics related to financial accounting. Each case presented in this thesis is accompanied by an analysis describing the valuable knowledge that was extracted from each unique study. Through these case studies, real-world accounting concepts can be observed in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. In addition to the analyses of these case studies, the completion of this thesis involved participation in two accounting case competitions. These presentations …

A Compilation Of Financial Accounting Topics Through Case Studies, Logan Gage

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and discuss a broad range of accounting topics. This paper was formed over the yearlong class in the Honors Accountancy Independent Study class taught by Dr. Victoria Dickinson. It is divided into case studies that cover different accounting themed topics. These case studies gave me an advanced knowledge of financial accounting beyond the traditional assignments my other classes assigned me. My understanding of the real-world accounting profession was able to be improved because of this class and these case studies.

Walt Disney World As A Model For Brand Marketing: An Imc Approach To Build Brand Loyalty, Sarah Camille Blankenship

Honors Theses

The Walt Disney Company has an estimated brand value of $61.3 billion and a brand revenue of $38.7 billion according to Forbes’ 2020 World’s Most Valuable Brands (Swant, n.d.). As number seven in the world’s most valuable brands and the only leisure brand in the top fifty, the Disney brand is often used as a business model and inspiration for many companies (Swant, n.d.). Its success can be attributable to the high degree of brand loyalty they create among their customers. Among its approximately 157 million visitors who visited Disney Parks globally, there was a 70% return rate of first-time …

A Collection Of Analyses Regarding Financial Accounting Through Case Studies, Wes Duffield

Honors Theses

This thesis is a collection of case studies that cover and analyze a multitude of topics within the world of accounting. The Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College offers two classes to accounting majors during their junior year with Dr. Victoria Dickinson. This class consists of twelve separate case studies covering from the analysis of public financial statements, to the completion of a Microsoft Excel certification course, to even the dissection and research of living conditions of cities. The completion of this thesis was undertaken over the course of the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters. Each case contains its own …

Implications Of Emerging Technologies On The Accounting Profession, Collin Peace

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Automation recently implemented for some and awaiting to be implemented for others is set to revolutionize the field of accounting, as well as the roles and responsibilities of those who work in it. This study will present and analyze the impacts of current emerging technologies on the accounting profession through first-hand interviews with current accounting professionals. Secondary data obtained will provide the reader with the proper context and background of these technologies, while the primary data acquired from the interviews will explain the implications such technologies will have or are currently having in their respective companies/firms. The results of this …

Simulating The Feasibility Of Dual Use Switchgrass On Cow-Calf Operations, Michael P. Popp, Amanda J. Ashworth, Charles P. West

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Meeting biorefineries' demands for lignocellulosic biomass will require sourcing feedstock without affecting the food or animal-feed supply. A decision-aid model can assess the dual use of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) to maintain animal production while providing biomass. We simulated a mixed-farm operation with 156 ha of hay+pasture, 96 beef cows (Bos spp.), and poultry (Gallus gallus L.) production wherein the hay land was converted to switchgrass for dual use as biomass and forage. The cow-calf simulator tracked changes in forage and cattle production, economic returns, and net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Dual use of switchgrass consisted of …

Privacy Is Infringed In Plain Sight And How To Dissapear, Zachary Taylor

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culminating project explored how Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft infringe on their user's information privacy. Focus was on tools and techniques one can use to strengthen their information privacy. Privacy or information privacy was defined as the right to have some control over how your personal information is collected and used. This project will also introduce a verity of open-source tools and techniques that would help the unsuspected user to maintain their privacy.The questions asked were: what are some common techniques that Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, or Microsoft use to gain personal information?, At what cost would it …

An Analysis Of Online Internships And Video Conferencing Security, Joshua Trapp

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culminating experience project explored online internships and video conferencing security. The research questions asked focus on the effectiveness of online versus in-person internships, internship curriculum, third-party internships, video-conferencing applications and their security, advantages of micro-internships, and benefits of internships to all stakeholders. To answer these research questions, data was collected on the security and encryption of video conferencing, and a literature review was conducted using the following terms: Employment, Internship, Video, Video conferencing, Virtual, Online, Electronic, Technology, and Security. Key findings include: (1) Online internships can provide employers with a global pool of employable candidates with increased diversity. (2) …

An Overview On Amazon Rekognition Technology, Raghavendra Kumar Indla

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily operations of many businesses due to which they were forced to follow the guidelines set by the local, state, and federal government to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus. This project focused on how few businesses that resumed their operations during the onset of Covid-19 integrated Amazon Web Services Rekognition technology to comply with government rules and regulations.

Analysis Of Immigration Trends In The U.S. To Discover Patterns And Make Better Policy Decisions, Amita Tandon

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Immigration is one of the most hotly debated topics in the US. Merely taking a look at the types of immigrant and non-immigrant visas issued by the US government, one can realize the complexity of the law governing the numerous intricacies involved with the issue of immigration (Golash-Boza, 2009). With the ever-increasing population of immigrants in the US, a good understanding of immigration’s impact on the US society is more important than ever before. The objective of this project was to increase our understanding of immigration’s impact on the US society by investigating the general trends in Visa Applications, employers, …

Half Baked: The Hungry Elephant Baking Company Business Plan, Ankush Patel

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hungry Elephant Baking Company seeks to open a locally sourced bakery featuring a variety of sourdough and traditional products alongside a tea-house style drink space. All baked goods will be produced in house, and teas will be sourced both locally as well as from a premier tea vendor. All products and services will be designed with sustainability and fair-trade practices in mind, and a majority of the products will be sourced organically to minimize the company's ecological footprint. By offering drinks alongside different single serving baked goods, the Hungry Elephant Baking Company can appeal to the large college and millennial …

Retain Or Rotate: Outcomes Of Frequent Auditor Switching, Ryan Decker

Accounting Undergraduate Honors Theses

Regulators continue to debate the effectiveness of mandatory auditor rotation versus mandatory auditor retention in improving audit quality. Recent regulation in the European Union mandates auditor rotation, but if companies choose a more-lenient auditor with each switch, frequent switching could impair audit quality. I examine whether more-frequent switching leads to an increase in aggressive reporting and evaluate its effect on audit quality and audit attention. I find that audit quality decreases as the number of switches increases, with the results being driven mainly by switches between non-Big 4 audit firms. I also find that frequently switching between non-Big 4 auditors …

Workforce Assessment: Measuring The Impacts Of Covid-19 On The Maternal And Child Health Workforce, Ashleigh M. Sutphen

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Workforce assessments provide an opportunity to assess, evaluate, and identify the needs of a particular workforce. The use of workforce assessments in the field of maternal and child health (MCH) has been an ongoing and a strongly supported effort by the Health Resources & Services Administration: Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). The maternal and child health workforce is responsible for providing essential public health services to some of the most vulnerable populations such as mothers, children, and people living with disabilities. Thus, the continuation of providing these essential public health services is critical – even in the midst of …

The Impact Of Integrating An Sbdc Program Into A College/University Career Center, Harshdeep Singh Nanda

Master's Projects

With a new approach for integrating the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program in Alameda County, the Ohlone Community College District (Ohlone College) has introduced a new model for hosting an SBDC program on a college/university campus. While many other educational institutions across the nation have hosted an SBDC program (Cook Center for Entrepreneurship - Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, n.d.; University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) | Helping NEPA & Northern Tier Small Businesses Start, Grow & Prosper., n.d.; Olson, 2006), most have treated the program as a separate entity or department, often leading to the …