Business Commons^™

Evaluating Mcdonald’S Sustainability Practices: Real Commitment Or Greenwashing?, Lorena Elizabeth Alonso De León

Business ETD Collections

This study critically examines McDonald's sustainability claims and practices, focusing on its greenhouse gas emissions and beef consumption. Through secondary research, the study contrasts McDonald's sustainable initiatives with data from reputable sources and climate institutions. While McDonald's has set a net-zero emissions target for 2050, its position as one of the largest beef buyers, contributing 1-2% of global beef consumption, undermines these efforts. The company’s approach to achieving net-zero emissions is described as vague and unattainable without significant changes to its plant-based menu, agricultural practices, and consumer awareness. The findings highlight a gap between McDonald’s sustainability claims and its operational …

Investigating Factors Influencing Changing Consumer Patterns And The Impact On Sales Revenue In The Clothes Department At Marks & Spencer In Dublin, Ireland., Ruth Boyani Mogire

Business ETD Collections

Constantly changing consumer purchasing behaviours have greatly impacted the sales revenue collection in the clothing department at Marks and Spencer in Dublin. Among the concerns for M&S, is the failure to maintain a constant or predictable sales revenue amount annually due to erratic purchasing patterns among consumers. For organisations such as M&S that depend on growing its sales volumes to realise higher revenues could face challenges due to changing consumer purchasing patterns. As such, it is valid to investigate the factors that influence a changing purchasing pattern among consumers for M&S to increase its sales volumes within the clothes department. …

Investigating Negative Brand Perception And Toxicity In X (Formerly Twitter)., Nandin Batbold

Business ETD Collections

The rapid growth of social media has transformed brand-consumer communication and image management. Among these platforms, X (formerly Twitter) stands out for facilitating real-time interactions and fostering public discourse. While social media provides a powerful channel for engagement, its open and unmoderated nature exposes brands to risks such as negativity, trolling, and toxicity. Recent developments, particularly Elon Musk's 2022 acquisition of X and subsequent rebranding efforts, have heightened these challenges. These organisational changes, including renaming Twitter to X and altering its logo, have sparked mixed reactions from users and brands. This study explores how such drastic transformations impact user activity, …

Investigating The Environmental Impact Of Tesla’S Electric Vehicles Compared To Fossil Fuel Vehicles., Bayezid Han Kulak

Business ETD Collections

Emphasizing production techniques, emissions, and competitive strategies, this project examines the environmental effects of Tesla's electric vehicles (EVs) relative to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles. Leading in the EV market as the automotive sector moves toward sustainable practices is Tesla. Still, evaluating the environmental advantages of Tesla cars calls for a thorough investigation going beyond zero tailpipe pollution. This paper looks at the high energy consumption and environmental effects related to the manufacturing of Tesla batteries including cobalt and lithium mining. Emphasizing less greenhouse gas emissions than ICE vehicles, it also assesses the total emissions of Tesla vehicles over …

Tesla-Addressing Eco Challenges Globally., Enkhzaya Enkhtuvshin

Business ETD Collections

This dissertation examines Tesla Inc.'s contributions to global environmental sustainability through its renewable energy solutions and managerial approach to regulations. Aligning with Tesla's mission as an electric car and energy solutions provider, the study employs secondary qualitative research and thematic analysis to explore the company’s role in sustainability, its market niche, and the regulatory challenges it faces. Key findings highlight differences in legal systems across major markets, the challenges Tesla encounters in meeting diverse environmental standards, and the significance of technology in advancing sustainability initiatives. The research underscores the critical role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in achieving global sustainability goals …

Macy’S Store Closures: Primary Drivers, E-Commerce Impact, And Strategic Responses To Maintain Brand Loyalty., Joselyn M Maldonado Solis

Business ETD Collections

This research explores the economic and technological factors driving the retail giant Macy’s to close physical stores across the U.S. and how these factors also shape business strategies in the retail industry. With the exacerbated rise of e-commerce and economic factors like operational costs, Macy’s has had to reevaluate their approach to remain competitive in this new digital era.

Through the review of existing literature and the chosen methodology for this project that will rely on in-depth interviews with two experienced retail professionals, this project will dive into how retail chains manage the impact of rising expenses, the shift in …

Labor Practices And Their Impact On Employee Perception At Amazon Usa., Yelitza Manzano Jimenez

Business ETD Collections

This study examines Amazon employees' perceptions in the United States and their impact on engagement and organisational culture. Since its founding in 1994, Amazon has grown from an online book retailer to a global platform and one of the "Big Four" internet companies. Positive employee perceptions foster engagement through a supportive work environment, but challenges such as timely and transparent feedback persist. Recommendations include adopting an open-door policy aligned with the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model to enhance feedback processes and improve engagement, contributing to Amazon’s sustained success.

Recommended Strategies For Tesla Company In Encouraging People To Buy Electric Vehicles (Evs)., Kamran Rafiee

Business ETD Collections

This research explores Tesla's challenges in convincing consumers to transition from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to electric vehicles (EVs). It employs a mixed methodology, combining primary and secondary research, to evaluate Tesla's strategies in addressing these barriers. Key findings highlight that while Tesla leads in EV innovation, challenges remain in battery technology, charging infrastructure, affordability, and consumer perception. The study recommends further advancements in battery technology, adoption of innovative solutions like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems, expansion of charging networks, offering additional incentives, and developing cost-effective EV models to enhance affordability and market acceptance.

Global Marketing And Cross-Cultural Challenges In The Home Interiors Industry: Neptune Case Studies., Alida Tuane Silva Ciqueira

Business ETD Collections

This thesis examines the challenges of global marketing for Neptune, a British furniture company, with a focus on cultural differences, branding, and overcoming language and regulatory obstacles. Using a case study approach, the research explores how Neptune adapts its marketing strategies in various countries through partnerships. Through in-depth interviews with key leaders, field research, and document analysis, the study underscores the significance of cultural exchange and social dialogue in maintaining brand identity while supporting local cultures. It also highlights the crucial role of collaborating with local partners to overcome marketing challenges.

Changing Nutrition Trends And Mcdonald’S Product Strategies: The Rise Of Plant-Based Products And Their Impact On Consumer Behaviour., Meryem Yildirim

Business ETD Collections

This research explores the influence of McDonald’s plant-based product development strategies on consumer behaviour and brand perception. It highlights the challenges McDonald’s faces when launching plant-based products, particularly in the US, where the desired impact on consumers has not been achieved. The study contrasts this with the success of these products in Europe, where they have enhanced the brand’s sustainability image and contributed to profitability. Additionally, McDonald’s has made strides toward promoting healthy eating by offering plant-based and diet products, while also accommodating cultural and religious sensitivities in its menu localization. The findings emphasise the importance of continuing these strategic …

Navigating The Crooked Road: A Case-Study Into The Appalachian Regional Commission’S Strategy To Promote Economic Development Through Cultural Tourism, Nicholas Relich

Gaines Fellow Senior Theses

Since 1965, the federal government’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has sought to improve Appalachia’s wellbeing by funding state and local economic development projects. One recent ARC strategy is investing in projects to develop the region’s tourism sector as a means of growth, particularly “cultural tourism,” which markets Appalachia’s cultural heritage to potential visitors. This paper seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of such ARC investments based on economic theory and by performing an empirical and qualitative case-study of one such series of projects: The Crooked Road, a music heritage trail located in Southwest Virginia. Officially organized in 2004 and receiving substantial …

A Multi-Method Examination Of Donor Overhead Aversion: Implications For Marketing A Cause, Devin Lunt, Ryan E. Freling, Lucas D. Lunt

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Overhead aversion refers to a reluctance among donors to contribute to a charitable cause when a portion of that donation is allocated to non-cause-related costs. As a consequence, there is an impact on donor intentions and behaviors. A meta-analysis shows that characteristics of potential donors and the charitable cause moderate the impact of overhead level on donation intentions and behaviors. A follow-up experiment investigates two potential mechanisms underlying overhead aversion: perceived personal impact and perceived efficiency. Results of a survey experiment suggest the negative influence of overhead costs on donative behaviors is exacerbated when potential donors doubt their ability …

The Impact Of Csa 2010 Metrics On Profitability Of Motor Carriers, Ahren Johnston

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) 2010 was launched in the third quarter of 2010 by the FMCSA despite the extreme trepidation of the motor carrier industry. The main focus of the new rules was to track seven metrics and make some of them publicly available to encourage carriers to hire safer drivers. This article examines the impact of CSA 2010 metrics on the profitability of motor carriers. In other words, is it more beneficial to adhere to all rules or break some of the rules and pay the fines when you are caught? The costs of poor CSA 2010 metrics could …

Why Students Select Their College Major: An Investigative Study, Kate N. Matthews, Diane R. Edmondson, Lucy Matthews

Atlantic Marketing Journal

With the decline in the number of traditional college-aged students, understanding the degree selection process is important for departments, colleges, and universities alike. For students, selecting the proper major early is also beneficial since it reduces time in school and tuition costs. Therefore, a better understanding of the degree selection process is worthwhile. Survey data was collected from 1,177 undergraduates at a southeastern U.S. university. Survey questions included major selection influences and other attitude and demographic items. The highest ranked reason is interest and passion followed by fit with personality type. This was similar for students who changed majors. External …

Creating The New Normal: A Historical Approach To Understanding Marketing Agility And Its Implications Across Business, Healthcare, And Social Welfare In A Post Pandemic World, Elan Burton, Delancy Bennett, Linda Burton

Atlantic Marketing Journal

The purpose of this article is to expand our understanding of how marketing agility shapes business, healthcare, and social welfare policy and societal responses to global pandemics. We set the stage for this discussion by presenting an historical exemplar case of marketing agility during the 1918 Influenza pandemic in the US. Next, we outline a necessary conceptual revision and update to previous treatments of marketing agility relative to historical pandemics considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Our novel conceptualization focuses on a firm’s (business, healthcare, social welfare) prompt response to dynamic and turbulent circumstances beyond the control of the firm (Araújo …

Generation Z'S Use Of User-Generated Content For Travel Advice, Emmie Kay Hudson

Honors College Theses

This research project examines Generation Z’s use of TikTok’s and YouTube’s user-generated content (UGC) for travel advice related to accommodation, activities, cuisine, and other tourist practices. As this generation ages and enters the consumer market, continued research is needed to implement marketing strategies with the most significant influence. This study will examine the younger generations' behaviors and help the tourism industry understand its rising target market in comparison to Generations X and Y. This study is conducted through a non-experimental systematic literature review of the subject. This research provides information from various sources on topics such as Generation Z, TikTok, …

Tesori: Uniting Italian Artisans Via An Inline Platform, Ekaterina Kladova

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

No abstract provided.

What Corporate Factors Explain Variation In How Individuals Value Dei In The Beauty Industry?, Hannah Bolar

Honors College Theses

The beauty industry is known for its multi-billion dollar market, such as skincare, makeup, and haircare. As an employee in famous beauty stores, Ulta and Sephora, over the last five years, a bigger discussion has been brought to the table, being Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) . The scope of my study is to shed light and address what factors beauty industry corporations factor in and how customers view and value DEI in the beauty industry; in which my methods of surveying and focus groups support my claim that internal and external factors do play a role. My results found …

Managerial Coaches’ Enacted Behaviors And The Beliefs That Guide Them: Perspectives From Managers And Their Coachees, Beth Adele, Andrea D. Ellinger

Human Resource Development Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction: Managerial coaching is considered a powerful developmental intervention in the workplace that has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. A growing base of scholarship examining the efficacy of this form of coaching has identified numerous benefits, primarily for employees receiving this form of coaching, and some limited attention has focused on benefits for managers who coach. However, an important topic related to managerial coaching that has gone under-explored is the beliefs that managers have about coaching. Since beliefs often guide behaviors, obtaining a more robust understanding of the beliefs that guide managers who serve as coaches is warranted and …

Discourses That Undermine Union Movements: A Multimodal Analysis Of Union-Busting Videos, Theresa A. Catalano, Julia Schleck

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

Labor unions in the United States have experienced decades of decline, but recent years have seen a rebirth of union campaigns and successes. Because unions are once again becoming a threat to large companies, it is reasonable to assume that efforts to discourage organizing efforts will increase and become even more robust in the near future. Although traditionally, companies have worked to suspend union organizing through captive audience meetings in which unions were discussed via verbal or written modes, more recent means of reaching workers with anti-union messages incorporate a variety of communication strategies to get the message across. As …

Heterogeneity Of Capital Structure Adjustment Speed Across Industry Sector: Evidence From Non-Financial Firms In Malaysia., Mei-Shan Chua, Noor Maimun Abdul Wahab, Siti Nurhidayah Mohd Roslen, Soo-Cheng Chuah, Nurhuda Nizar, Hon-Choong Chin

The Indonesian Capital Market Review

This study investigates the speed of adjustment (SOA) to target leverage for different industry sec- tors in Malaysia. Using the two-step system generalized method of moments for 415 non-financial firms from 2010 to 2021, we found that the SOA for the overall sample is 38.6% and 22.0% for total debt and long-term debt, respectively. Our paper reveals the heterogeneity of SOA based on industry sectors. The industrial sector has the slowest adjustment speed (14.1%), whereas the healthcare in- dustry has the quickest adjustment speed (80.4%) to target leverage. Our results are consistent with the dynamic capital structure theory regarding the …

Determinants Of Islamic Banks’ Stability In Malaysia And Indonesia, Siti Zaitun Saddam, Mohamad Nizam Jaafar, Amirul Afif Muhamat, Nurien Syahirah Mohd Nizam, Nurin Aqilah Halim

The Indonesian Capital Market Review

The economic prosperity of any nation relies on its banking sector, which serves as the linchpin of the economy. This paper investigates key bank-specific factors influencing the stability of Islamic banks in Malaysia and Indonesia from 2012 to 2021. Using panel data analysis, the study identifies the fixed effect model as the optimal approach. The subsequent fixed effect regression analysis highlights the significance of the cost-to-income ratio in determining financial stability for both Malaysian and In- donesian Islamic banks. Notably the study reveals that the non-performing loan ratio is the primary stability indicator in Malaysia, while Indonesian counterparts prioritize maintaining …

Impact Of The Relationship Among Financial Development, Ict And English Proficiency On Income Inequality: Evidence From Malaysia, Norhasimah Shaharuddin, Abdul Hafiz Mohd Azam, Mohd Hafiz Abdul Wahab, Norzitah Abdul Karim, Nurul Hilmiyah, Sharul Shahida Shakrein, Adibah Alawiah Osman

The Indonesian Capital Market Review

Income inequality is a persistent phenomenon and fundamental issue of concern, especially in this new digital era, because unequal access to finance has long been recognized as a critical mechanism for generating persistent income inequality. ICT tools and approaches are being used widely today due to their convenience, omnipresence and economy. This study examines the influence of financial development, ICT, and English proficiency on income inequality in Malaysia during the period of 1979-2019. The empirical results based on the ARDL bounds test indicated that financial develop- ment and English proficiency support the hypothesis that both factors can reduce the income …

Development Potential Of Smes In Poland Selected Aspects Of Age, Diversity And Intellectual Capital Management, Elwira Gross-Gołacka, Izabela Warwas, Justyna Wiktorowicz

Monografie/Monographs

Monografia o charakterze teoretyczno-empirycznym przybliża funkcjonowanie małych i średnich firm w Polsce przez pryzmat wybranych aspektów kapitału ludzkiego. Autorzy szczególną uwagę poświęcili zaprezentowaniu determinant rozwoju oraz czynników sukcesu małych i średnich przedsiębiorstw, roli kapitału ludzkiego w budowaniu trwałej przewagi konkurencyjnej przedsiębiorstw oraz prezentacji różnorodnych zasobów i relacji pomiędzy kapitałem intelektualnym a zarządzaniem różnorodnością

This theoretical and empirical monograph presents the functioning of small and medium-enterprises in Poland through the prism of selected aspects of human resources. The authors devote particular attention to presenting the determinants of development and success factors of small and medium-enterprises, the role of human resources capital …

Od Społecznej Odpowiedzialności Do Esg W Zarządzaniu. Wybrane Aspekty, Karolina Łudzińska

Monografie/Monographs

Monografia poświęcona problematyce społecznej odpowiedzialności przedsiębiorstw z perspektywy uwzględniania kryteriów ekologicznych, społecznych i zarządczych (kryteriów ESG) wobec potrzeb i oczekiwań interesariuszy. Publikacja zarysowuje rozwój idei społecznej odpowiedzialności i jej implementacji, zwłaszcza w kontekście integracji czynników ESG przez przedsiębiorstwa i rynki kapitałowe. Przedstawiono w niej aktualne informacje i wyniki badań, a także najnowsze wytyczne dotyczące raportowania niefinansowego. Szczególny nacisk położono na ewolucję integracji czynników ESG na rynku polskim, uwzględniając aspekty takie jak inwestowanie społecznie odpowiedzialne, indeksy ESG na Giełdzie Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie oraz obecny stan raportowania niefinansowego w Polsce. Korzystając z różnych metod badawczych, publikacja zapewnia kompleksowy zbiór analiz na …

A Rare Leadership Journey: Exploring Perspectives Of Women In Construction, Taylor M. Krueger

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of female leaders in the U.S. construction industry. A narrative method and methodology was used incorporating Mezirow’s (1978) transformative learning, Super’s (1957) career development, and Cooperrider et al. 's (2008) appreciative inquiry theories. The primary research question: How do women currently leading at their respective construction firms make meaning of their leadership development experiences? Eight interpretations emerged. First, leadership development experiences occur in non-formal settings, since childhood, and rarely follow a linear path. Second, company culture or the perspective and bias of upper management strongly dictate the opportunities and occurrences of female employment, …

Climate Risk, Insurance Retreat, And State Response, Mark P. Nevitt, Michael Pappas

Faculty Articles

Climate change is fundamentally destabilizing the private insurance industry, with many high-profile insurance companies exiting states in the face of catastrophic, climate-­induced risk. This rapid "insurance retreat" represents a major market signal in response to climate-exacerbated risks. Private businesses are making actuarial decisions, assessing that some locations are just too vulnerable to insure. At the same time, this insurance retreat also poses a policy challenge for states as they react to the mounting insurance gaps left by exiting private insurers.

This Article analyzes insurance retreat, its attendant policy challenges, and the lessons that can be drawn from state responses. It …

Corporate Law As Decolonization, Martin W. Sybblis

Faculty Articles

After centuries of colonial subordination, Black and Brown former colonies are still fighting to achieve the fruits of decolonization. The traditional theory is that former colonies will emerge from the colonial period with the legal mandate and international recognition needed to chart their own futures. But, for those Black and Brown British colonies that achieved political independence, it became clear that, without economic strength to care for their societies, legal separation could not deliver on its promise of freedom from subordination. This Article argues that investments in corporate law innovations by some jurisdictions, such as Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, …

Criminal Recordkeeping, Andrew K. Jennings

Faculty Articles

Business managers must create and keep records for decision-making. Yet doing so presents an obvious problem for those who manage illegal businesses: their records would make for powerful evidence in the hands of prosecutors. That problem raises a question—why would one knowingly create and keep such records when their mere existence risks detection and sanction? The answer, in short, is that the interaction of illicit activity’s complexity and continuity compels recordkeeping. A business, including a criminal one, cannot be managed without adequate information about its operations, obligations, and condition. Just how complex and long-lived its affairs are will drive the …

Exoneration Finance, Kay L. Levine, Russell M. Gold

Faculty Articles

The path to financial compensation for the wrongfully convicted can be complex and time-consuming. Exonerees often struggle to make ends meet and function in free society, let alone navigate serpentine processes while waiting years for the recovery they deserve. Securing the assistance of an attorney is often a critical step, but too few lawyers are willing to risk accepting these complicated cases on a contingency-fee basis—the only way that exoneree-clients can likely pay their lawyers without outside help.

Litigation finance—an important tool for increasing access to justice in tort cases—could help close this access to justice gap for exonerees. In …