Business Commons^™

Signaling Towards The Cultural Lanes That Inform The Map Of Corporate Culture:Surveying Employer Perceptions Of Study Abroad Impacts, Maia Correll

Honors Projects in Modern Languages

While thorough research has been conducted to assess the short-term and long-term personal and professional impacts of a study abroad experience (SAE) on an individual, there lacks no further research on how and if such effects carry forward in a student's later career. This paper identifies whether employers of employees with SAE are more satisfied with their performance as compared to the performance of employees without prior SAE. Following this line of inquiry, I investigate the most frequently recognized attributes of employees with SAE as compared to their colleagues without such experience, identifying the researched benefits of study abroad which …

Vf Corporation, Kerin Coleman

Honors Senior Capstone Projects

Throughout this research paper, VF Corporation's (VFC) financials will be analyzed and compared among its competitors through its strategic group and industry benchmark. A deep understanding of VFC's history will be seen through its failures and success independently and in comparison, to its competitors. VFC has grown significantly from its initial creation and has pushed through hardships including the recent Covid-19 pandemic. They continue to grow and advance in the modern world of business adapting to the fast-paced environment. VFC adapted quickly with the start of Covid-19 and created a great online presence for themselves. They are one of the …

Psychosocial Work Influences On Adaptive Performance, Eli Alvin Dickinson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The present study sought to understand why some employees may be more or less able to adapt to the changing work environment. Adaptive performance can help employees to be resilient to technological advances, economic factors, and/or cultural shifts, making it an important form of extra-role performance. According to conservation of resources (COR) theory, one reason employees may fail to adapt is because they lack resources that are required in order to be adaptive. I proposed that the resources needed for adaptive performance aggregate in a resource caravan. Job embeddedness is a proposed resource caravan that may facilitate more adaptive performance …

Changes In Consumer Market Preference And Purchase Frequency In Response To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sean Thomas Dial

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research literature throughout 2020 indicate consumer behavioral changes in response to the systemic effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, but these studies investigate transient adaptations in consumer behaviors during the early quarantine period of the pandemic. This study intends to investigate lasting or permanent changes in consumer market preference and purchase frequency between BAM and online retail due to the effects of the pandemic. The principal investigator designed a survey for participants to estimate purchase frequencies and market preferences for apparel, electronics, groceries, and general purchases before and after the pervasive effects of the pandemic (N = 1195; n = …

Visual Management In Engineering Can Improve Resource Utilization And Reduce Administrative Non-Value Added Time, Brian Kirby Trent

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This research has demonstrated how Visual Management (VM) can be used in an engineering environment to improve engineering resource utilization. Furthermore, it reduces the administrative time associated with unclear project scope, schedule, budget, and task alignment amongst engineers and project leadership. The research references a case study in which low engineering utilization was directly impacting overall project success. Inconsistent visibility of scheduled engineering activities, changes in tasking, and project metrics created uncertainty and resulted in greater than appropriate administrative time. The methodology used was to implement visual project management tools and track engineer utilization over two years. Quarterly utilization results …

Analyst Talent, Information, And Investment Strategies, Zhichuan Li, Stephen R. Foerster, Zhenyang Tang, Chongyu Dang

Business Publications

Analyst talent, rather than the number of analysts following a firm, matters most to investors. We find: 1) Analysts with greater “natural” forecasting talent—controlling for experience, brokerage affiliation, and task complexity—contribute relatively more firm-specific rather than industry or market information; 2) Earnings forecasts by low-talent analysts may lead to substantial mispricing; 3) When earnings surprises are large, post-earnings-announcement drift is more prominent among firms covered by low-talent analysts; 4) Firms with low-talent analysts have significantly more insider trading prior to positive earnings news; and 5) Investing following insider trading is more profitable in stocks followed by low-talent analysts.

1st International Conference On Economics And Sustainable Development Conference Proceedings, Iba School Of Economics And Social Sciences (Sess), Center For Business And Economic Research (Cber)

Conference Proceedings

The IBA School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS) and the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) organized the 1st International Conference themed "Economics and Sustainable Development", in the month of April, 2021. The conference brought together academics, practitioners and advocates to have a dialogue on creative ideas, local and global best practices, and evidence-based solutions for sustainable development.

The Integral Of Education Technology In The Society, Prof. Iwasan D. Kejawa Ed.D

School of Computing: Faculty Publications

Abstract

Are there ways people can better utilize technology to suit their needs in the society of ours? It has been inferred that without technology, our lives would be miserable. The societal factors of using technology are an important area of the technical education system in the world. Are we really learning and using technologies to our advantage? Does technology provide the necessary ingredients or proper ways for the education of all in the society? A look into what constitutes the means and how technology education can be improved and be implemented is explored and emphasized in this work. The …

Macra And Accountable Care Organizations: Is It Working?, Bukola Abodunde, Chelsea Slater, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

The purpose of this study was to examine how the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) has improved health care delivery and to determine its impact on Accountable Care Organization (ACO) goals. ACOs have provided quality care through the reduction in readmission rates, coordinated care, and cost savings. With the passage of the MACRA, it has been estimated that it would further decrease Medicare spending on physician and hospital services. Also, ACOs have had a positive impact on improving health care delivery and have played a significant role in providing exceptional quality of care while also managing to increase …

Technical Career Institutes, Inc., (Tci College) Strategic Analysis, Wilfredo Moran

Publications and Research

This paper provides a framework for the in-depth analysis of TCI College strategy and corporate management. The analysis will culminate with a recommendation to the CEO and the board of directors on how to improve strategy for TCI. The analysis will include mission, vision, values, strategic plans, five forces model, SWOT, competitive strategy, strengthening the competitive position, the global market, business diversification, ethics, social responsibility, building capabilities to executing strategy, managing internal operations, among others.

Women In Accounting, Kayla Cline

Honors Projects

There is gender inequality at the equity partner level in public accounting firms. The number of female partners is much lower than male partners. This paper examines the three main reasons for this discrepancy. The reasons are the difficulty in finding an appropriate work-life balance, good formal and informal mentors, and the extra financial risk associated with being an equity partner. Next, comparisons to law firms and educators are made examining the reasons for any gender inequality in those industries. Finally, proposed solutions to the three main reasons for the gender inequality in public accounting are explored.

Business Responses To A Pandemic In A Global Economy: Case Studies Detailing The Impact Of Covid-19 On Medical Supply Chains, Lowell Hundley Coleman

Senior Theses

This paper details the best practices of three multinational medical supply companies in their efforts to overcome supply chain disruptions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Through a series of case studies on the supply chain responses of 3M, Becton Dickinson, and Honeywell between January and December of 2020, this paper highlights the strengths and weaknesses of their respective supply chains, company cultures, and mitigation strategies and provides useful insight into what actions medical supply companies will need to make going forward to prevent and reduce supply chain disruptions amidst future global pandemics.

An Evaluation Of The Sustainability Of The Palm Oil Industry, Leah Marie Roberts

Senior Theses

The goal of this thesis is to critically analyze the sustainability of the rapidly growing palm oil industry in order to diagnose whether the benefits of production outweigh the varied costs incurred by stakeholders, how the industry can be improved, and what analytical tools consumers can use to make better purchasing decisions. The body of the thesis begins with a discussion on sustainability definitions and determines that for this paper, sustainability will be defined as analyzing the socioeconomic and environmental effects of palm oil and how they affect different actors of the value chain in order to allow for prescriptions …

Analysis Of The Relationship Between Covid-19 And Employee Satisfaction In Luxury Hotels, Renee Bawcom

Senior Theses

This paper investigates the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and employee satisfaction in luxury hotels. Through a review of the existing body of scholarly literature about factors affecting employee satisfaction, and new collection and analysis of data on the topic, the identification and evolution of factors affecting employee satisfaction was explored. In reference to companies’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, luxury hotel employees’ levels of satisfaction were analyzed. The analysis concluded that the widespread changes made to the luxury hotel industry in response to the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a negative impact on employee satisfaction.

The Dominance Of Masculinity: How The Expectation Of Stereotypical Gender Role Performance Undermines The Productivity Of Gay Men Working In Public Accounting Firms, Joshua Leinheiser

Senior Theses

Discrimination against LGBTQ employees in business settings has been shown to be a problem and negatively affects these employees’ productivity and well-being. In particular, discrimination against gay and other queer men often stems from the view that homosexuality is emasculating and conflicts with traditional expectations of male gender performance. This is seen as undesirable in business since traditional masculinity is seen as useful due to its association with competitiveness and control.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether this paradigm extends to the workplaces of public accounting firms. A survey containing questions about gender, sexuality, gender expression, experiences …

Meat Alternatives: The State Of The Industry, Barriers To Adoption, And Overcoming Barriers, Steven Maler

Senior Theses

The world faces many environmental problems that can be linked to human activity, including links to the production of food. The meat industry is often seen as a major contributor to such problems. Meat alternatives are often proposed as a way to address these environmental problems. However, these products face barriers when it comes to their adoption by consumers, and firms that produce meat alternatives must overcome these barriers to be successful. I used data from a variety of academic works, newspaper articles, research reports, and company websites to find that these barriers are related to taste, nutrition, convenience, expense, …

Ironing Out Anemia: Assessing The Role Of Marketplace Factors And Government Investment Incentives In Shaping East African Pharmaceutical Markets, Madison M. Bradley

Senior Theses

Africa suffers from the highest disease burden in the world, with over half of the population lacking regular access to essential medicines (Owoeye, 2014, p.214; Chaudhuri & West, 2015, p.23). Following two decades of reform, the continent has now emerged one of the fastest-growing economic regions, shifting public health focus toward non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (Holt et al., 2015, p.2). Among these NCDs is anemia, which has direct and indirect economic effects as large as 4.05% of GDP (Horton & Ross, 2003, p.51). Encouraged by the rapid growth of liberalized markets, African governments and health officials are now considering local pharmaceutical …

Emergent Trends In The Chinese Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Supply Chain And Opportunities For Public-Private Reform, Mary Monk

Senior Theses

This research seeks to identify and analyze emerging trends in the Chinese counterfeit pharmaceutical trade, extending from the supply chain’s point of origin to domestic and overseas retail dispensary. To aid readability, Chapter 1 of this thesis opens with key conclusions and policy recommendations for various Chinese and U.S. stakeholders based on the shortcomings identified in Chapter 5. Chapter 2 begins with a review of international roadblocks to diagnosing the issue, such as lack of consensus on working definitions and cross-border discrepancies in pharmaceutical oversight regulation. This section also provides a general overview of existing factors driving demand for counterfeit …

Fixed Income Fund Report, April 2021, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

Equity Fund Monthly Report, April 2021, Bryant University, Archway Investment Fund

Archway Investment Fund

No abstract provided.

2021-April-01-Appalachian Awakening, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – “Appalachian Awakening,” a short film giving an intimate look at the springtime wildlife of East Tennessee, is being featured online through the month of April. In addition, viewers will be able to join a virtual interview and Q&A with the producer on Earth Day – Thursday, April 22.

East Tennessee Wildlife

Producer Mauricio Antón is a paleoartist based in Madrid, Spain, who served …

2021-April-01-Bfa Exhibitions At The Reece Museum, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – The East Tennessee State University Department of Art and Design and the Reece Museum present the “Spring 2021 BFA Senior Exhibition” now through April 30 featuring nine Bachelor of Fine Arts students.

The ETSU Department of Art and Design offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in studio art and graphic design. Studio arts seniors are William Arrowood, Camila Edye, Loki Gardner, Lindsey Goddard, and Jess Uhl. Seniors in graphic design are Hank Collie, Haley McBrayer, Laura Rogers, and Emilee Storie. All nine students will graduate from ETSU in May.

 “Essential” is Arrowood’s look into the home-improvement …

2021-April-01-Dr Ted Olson Wins Appalachian Teaching Award, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY (April 1, 2021) – East Tennessee State University professor Dr. Ted Olson is one of two postsecondary level winners of the 2020 Stephen L. Fisher Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded by the Appalachian Studies Association (ASA).

Dr. Ted Olson

The Fisher Awards are sponsored by the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services …

2021-April-01-Diesel Daze At Carter Railroad Museum, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – The George L. Carter Railroad Museum, located in the Campus Center Building of East Tennessee State University, will recall the era of diesel-powered railroading this Saturday, April 24.

With COVID-19 safety protocols in place, visitors will be welcomed to “Diesel Daze,” a day of internal-combustion trains dating from 1935 through 1970. Steam trains will be in operation on exhibits devoted to older reference points, but “usurpers to the throne” of horsepower will be on the HO and N scale displays.

The event places emphasis on unique earlier designs, stylized and painted for eye-catching beauty. 

“Today, the special …

2021-April-01-Etsu Archival Studies Program Ranks Th, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – Intelligent.com recently ranked East Tennessee State University’s Online Archival Studies Program, part of the university’s Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree, 15th in the nation’s “Top 43 Master’s in Liberal Arts Degree Programs” for “Best Archival Studies Focus.”

The ETSU Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies offers two graduate options for students seeking to pursue archival education: a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) degree with an archival studies concentration, and a standalone graduate certificate in archival studies. Students who earn the graduate certificate may apply their credits later to the MALS degree. 

Students may also concurrently …

2021-April-01-Etsu Bands Wind Band Classics Ii, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – The East Tennessee State University Wind Ensemble and Concert Band will share their second virtual concert performance of the spring semester, which will stream on YouTube on Wednesday, April 14, at 5 p.m. and remain available for viewing afterward.

“Wind Band Classics II” features both concert bands of the ETSU Bands program in performances that were prepared over the course of several weeks and recorded in the Grand Hall of the new Martin Center for the Arts. These performances took place during each band’s rehearsal time, with safety accommodations and COVID-19 precautions in place.

This program of …

2021-April-01-Etsu Celebrating Homecoming In Spring, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – East Tennessee State University students and alumni were disappointed to not be able to celebrate Homecoming as usual in the fall for the 2020-21 academic year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the world, nation, state and university gradually begin moving toward normalcy, students can “click their heels” and say, “There’s No Place Like Homecoming!” this spring.

Homecoming activities are getting underway this week after several months of preparation for this spring’s observation of the annual celebration, which runs from April 10-17. With the exception of some activities being virtual, and of course, spring flowers rather …

2021-April-01-Etsu Museums Receive Awards Of Excellence, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – The Reece Museum and Slocumb Galleries at East Tennessee State University received multiple honors from the Tennessee Association of Museums (TAM) during the organization’s recent virtual Awards of Excellence Conference.

The TAM awards are presented annually to museums across the state for exceptional projects, programs and events. Nominations are made by museum staff and individuals. Each entry is presented to the TAM Awards Committee, who makes final judging and awards decisions based on creativity, originality, resourcefulness, success, support of museum mission statement, and utilization of staff and volunteers. Categories include permanent, temporary, blockbuster and traveling exhibits; educational …

2021-April-01-Etsu To Hold Day Of Giving On April 15, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – East Tennessee State University alumni, friends and the campus community are invited to take part in the university’s annual Day of Giving, which will take place from 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 15, through 8:59 a.m. on Friday, April 16.

Sponsored by the ETSU Office of University Advancement and planned and conducted by a committee of 55 staff, faculty, retirees and alumni of the university, the Day of Giving is a concentrated effort to engage donors and encourage support for student scholarships, research, campus initiatives and more.

This is the third year ETSU has observed a Day …

2021-April-01-Fantastic Fungi, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – The documentary film “Fantastic Fungi” will be shown at East Tennessee State University on Monday, May 3, at 7 p.m. in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium on the lower level of the D.P. Culp Student Center.

This critically acclaimed film by Louie Schwartzberg is a descriptive time-lapse journey into the magical, mysterious and medicinal world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth that began 3.5 billion years ago.

Hosted by ETSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Sustainability, this free screening is open to students, …