Business Commons^™

Knockin’ On Music’S Door: A Cross-Generational Study Of The Formation Of Tastes, Roles, And Affinities For Music, Hannah B. Turner

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The music we love is a direct reflection of who we are. It shapes our identity, fuels our emotions, and connects us to the world around us. Whether it's the anthems of our youth, the lyrics that put our feelings into words, or the melodies that bring back memories, music is woven into every stage of life. It influences the way we dress, the communities we belong to, and the way we see ourselves. Our playlists may evolve, but the connection remains the same. Music is more than just something we listen to; it’s a part of us.

From Gender-Building To Sustainability: The Evolution Of Toy Advertising And Purchasing Decisions, Camille S. Hernandez

Whittier Scholars Program

For my Whittier Scholars Program senior project, I am exploring the psychological dynamics behind toy purchasing decisions. Specifically, what compels parents to buy certain toys and what drives children’s desires for specific products. As toy marketing continues to evolve, a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and non-toxic toys has emerged, appealing to both parents’ environmental concerns and children’s interest in aesthetics and play value. This shift has been heavily influenced by social media, where platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook play a key role in shaping consumer preferences. Through constant exposure to advertisements, parents and children alike are becoming more aware …

An Empirical Study On The Economic And Policy Drivers Of Livestock Risk Protection Utilization, Milan Chauhan

Department of Agricultural Economics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Federally supported risk management programs for livestock producers have existed for the last twenty years. Among these, Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) is a federally subsidized insurance tool available for cattle producers to manage downside price risk. In recent years, participation in LRP has surged. This paper examines the key economic and policy variables that partially drive LRP utilization and analyzes the role of risk management educational efforts in the decision to participate and the intensity of the insurance utilization using unique state-level panel data from 2003 through 2023.

The study analyzes three complementary metrics of insurance utilization: market volume (policies …

Evaluating Risk And Return Of Corn And Soybean Marketing Strategies Using Monte Carlo Simulation Methods, Johanna Ilves

Department of Agricultural Economics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study evaluates the performance of pre-harvest marketing strategies for corn and soybeans, using Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Given the increasing volatility in commodity prices and the evolving landscape of agricultural markets, producers face growing challenges in developing effective marketing plans that manage risk and enhance profitability. This thesis examines thirteen marketing strategies from 2008 to 2024, including benchmark harvest-only sales and various pre-harvest futures contract approaches. Historical futures price data for December corn and November soybean contracts were used to simulate 1,000 marketing outcomes per strategy per year, capturing a broad range of market conditions. Key performance indicators such …

Planting The Seed: Rumors And Ceo Dismissal, Diego Villalpando

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Researchers have investigated the short-term performance implications of CEO dismissals as assessed through investor reactions to CEO dismissal announcements. While the corporate governance mechanism of dismissal that boards orchestrate when CEOs underperform could be positively perceived by investors, empirical evidence suggests that a positive association between CEO dismissals and investor reactions is equivocal. Thus, in my dissertation, I examine investor reactions to S&P 500 dismissal announcements and further understanding about this intriguing relationship through the development of theory that incorporates the important theoretical mechanism of information uncertainty. Since it is increasingly hard for boards to reduce the information uncertainty surrounding …

Amazon Strategic Audit, Trinity L. Hansen

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Amazon.com, Inc., also known as Amazon, is a global e-commerce company that provides online retail, digital streaming, and cloud services. Since 1995, Amazon has grown to encompass a variety of diverse markets while maintaining leadership and competition in each. Although Amazon competes in several industries, this strategic audit mainly focuses on its pivotal role in the e-commerce industry and how Amazon has maintained its competitive advantage over the years. This report will start by overviewing Amazon’s history and business model and exploring the e-commerce industry overall and the various competitors in Amazon’s e-commerce market. Diving deeper into Amazon's competitive analysis, …

Gap, Inc. : A Strategic Audit Of Gap, Inc. Company, Amber Hanson, Ike Mcley, Sophie Thomas, Avery Plessel, Kira Pavlik

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The following paper is a comprehensive overview of the company Gap, Inc., a leading global retailer with a diverse brand portfolio that includes Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta. They compete in the Family Clothing Industry through their operation of over 3,352 brick-and-mortar stores along with offering their digital shopping platform to align with changing consumer preferences. Gap, Inc. plans to maintain financial rigor, reinvigorating its brands, and strengthening its platform. Their strengths are found in their expanding e-commerce segment and their strong commitment to sustainability. Through a broad differentiation strategy, Gap, Inc. targets a diverse consumer demographic across …

Chipotle Mexican Grill Strategic Audit: An Analysis Of Chipotle Mexican Grill Business Strategy, Garrett Smith, Karissa Hodge, Baden Brumbaugh, Daniel Koland, Ellie Hurst

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This report outlines a strategic audit of Chipotle Mexican Grill and its business strategy and policies. The report dives into how Chipotle creates strategic value and competes in the fast-casual food industry. Chipotle’s strategic mission, Cultivate A Better World, motivates them to focus on sustainable practices involving farming, emissions, and water stewardship. Despite facing issues involving health concerns, Chipotle has recovered and positioned itself in a strong position for the near future. With its new CEO, Scott Boatwright, Chipotle has to navigate a crowded fast casual industry that faces market pressures from consumers around healthy eating.

A Case Study On Readiness Of Engineers In Agricultural Technology Start-Ups, Katie Marie Mowat

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This dissertation explores the perceptions of practicing engineers regarding the skills necessary to be workforce-ready at agricultural technology (ag-tech) start-ups in the Midwestern United States. A qualitative case study methodology is leveraged, combining both interview and job description data. Given their uniqueness, the study divides the ag-tech start-up industry into two subcases: livestock and cropping systems. The Work Readiness Integrated Competence Model (WRICM) is used as the theoretical framework for this study and informs the conceptual framework and analysis processes. The study identified skills that fit into thirteen distinct categories, which are further grouped into four overarching resource groups. Skills …

Circular Framework In The Design & Planning Phase Of Construction, Shreya Kanther

Full-Text Theses & Dissertations

Executive Summary

The transition towards circular economy in the design and construction industry represents a transformative opportunity to align economic growth with environmental sustainability. This dissertation delves deeply into how circular strategies can be implemented within the construction sector, examining their potential to mitigate resource depletion and waste generation, while fostering innovation and efficiency. By integrating theoretical frameworks with empirical research, the study provides a robust understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with circular models and offers actionable insights for stakeholders navigating the shift from linear to circular economic practices.

The backdrop for this research lies in the unsustainable …

The Product Of Property Tax: How Property Tax Affects Agricultural Production In Nebraska, James L. Kriz

Department of Political Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The question of what level of property tax is acceptable has become an increasingly prominent question within agriculture, which is shown by the rise of interest groups and bill introduction in Nebraska. As such, this paper examines how property taxes affect Nebraska's agricultural output. The study employs a quantitative analysis of all Nebraska counties over 21 years from 2000 to 2020. This study hypothesizes that as property tax rates increase, farm outputs will decrease. The study offers a new analysis in an understudied subsection of the agriculture policy literature and points towards a new direction in which the field can …

Sociological Understandings Of Entrepreneurial Action And Intention, Jeffrey Cavanaugh

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Entrepreneurship as a trend has emerged across many different disciplines, drawing on theory from psychology, economics, and sociology. Importantly, sociologic aspects of entrepreneurship remain hidden from scholarship, as existing topics are often vague or narrowly partitioned. In my dissertation, I utilize sociological understandings of human interactions which define entrepreneurial intention and action. Specifically, I explore how entrepreneurs’ religion, rurality, and social media use influences their behaviors. Throughout these three quantitative essays, I contribute to a better understanding of the social psychology of entrepreneurship, and why entrepreneurial pursuits are so intricately linked to every aspect of society. Throughout my research, which …

Support, School Climate And Teacher Wellbeing In The Wake Of Covid-19: A National Study Using Ntsp Data, Annastashia M. Teepe

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Research indicates a significant number of teachers planned to leave the profession following the COVID-19 pandemic, with national surveys in 2021 revealing about 25% considering departure. Stress, low pay, remote teaching demands, and lack of support contributed to attrition, impacting school climate, which influences productivity, collaboration, and job satisfaction, and is inversely related to turnover. The shift to remote learning also demanded new skills and exposed technological disparities. This quantitative study examined the pandemic's impact on teachers' perceptions of school climate, support, resources, job satisfaction, burnout, and intent to leave using the 2020–2021 National Teacher and Principal Survey. Factor analyses …

Sustainable Fashion Identified: An Exploration And Education Of Sustainable Apparel, Michaela M. Lentsch

Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Consumers today are searching for and are loyal to companies who support their views and concerns about sustainability. The fashion industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, but one that has many environmental and sustainability concerns. Fortunately, there are many ways the fashion industry and consumers can take steps to make sustainable change and better the planet. Small fashion businesses and boutiques can make positive changes to operate and provide sustainable options and services for customers which can help the planet become more sustainable.

Through this manuscript, an assortment of sustainable methods and practices will be shared …

Morgan Stanley’S Competitive Strategy And Industry Environment: An External And Internal Analysis, Mikaela S. Waggoner

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm that trades, manages, and distributes capital for a wide range of clients. Its competitive position is dependent on a number of factors including reputation, quality, and innovation, and the firm is subject to many internal and external factors that affect its competitive position. This work seeks to examine the factors that affect Morgan Stanley’s strategy and competitive position, looking at both historical factors and potential future outcomes. A PESTEL analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces in the financial industry are used to demonstrate the external factors that influence …

Through Every Door A New Story: An Advertising Campaign For Francie & Finch Bookshop, Aislinn T. Sullivan

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

More and more of our world is run by algorithms. What we see, what we buy, and what we share. Online retail has sent ripples through the book-selling industry, but the algorithms can’t replicate the feeling of tangible discovery and shared experience.

As more free time is taken up by digital entertainment, moms are seeking to create personally resonant experiences for those they love. This campaign strives to introduce Francie & Finch as the stage for the target market, moms ages 35-50, increasing brand awareness.

These moms remember the things that tightened their bond with their loved ones like …

Espn Navigates A New World Order, Grace Rowe

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

ESPN has been at the top of sports broadcasting for decades. Recently, there has been a shift in consumer behavior towards preferring digital streaming instead of cable television. In this report, I will discuss the background of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) and its competitive advantages. I will analyze the situation using a strategic framework to take a closer look at what solutions ESPN could implement. Finally, I will recommend how to successfully transition from the crown jewel of cable bundles to an online streaming platform. After looking at the PESTEL framework, Porter’s Five Forces, the VRIO framework, …

Administering Grant-Subsidized Workforce Training: A Critical Case Study, Kaleb Preston Futch

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Grant monies are distributed for the purpose of funding workforce training programs aimed at affecting the skills gap in the United States. While research has shown that these grants are being awarded, there is not a well-established standard for designing and implementing the programs they fund. This study focuses on recording and classifying the lived experiences of grant staff working on a state funded workforce training program in the United States. This study will employ a qualitative case study approach designed to capture and codify, in the words of those most familiar with it, the aspects of the grant program …

Achieving Reward-Based Crowdfunding Project Success: An Examination Of Value Congruence, Bright Frimpong, Emmanuel Wusuhon Yanibo Ayaburi, Francis K. Andoh-Baidoo

Information Systems Faculty Publications

Crowdfunding founders increasingly rely on reward-based platforms to raise capital for their projects. However, the low success rate of reward-based project campaigns remains a concern for many founders and platform managers. Prior studies investigating participants’ motivations have focused on either the founder or backer perspective, with little research examining the joint effects of founder and backer motivations. Drawing on the theory of basic human values, we assert that founders and backers are strategic about their motivations for engaging in crowdfunding campaigns. We identify four basic human values—self-transcendence, self-enhancement, openness to change, and conservation—that may reveal their intrinsic motivations and investigate …

Addressing Housing Insecurity In Pacific Grove: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Affordable Housing Resources, Melissa Gembe

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The City of Pacific Grove is a beautiful coastal place to live, yet it is difficult to find affordable housing. The housing division works together with other departments in the city and state to carry out its goal of ensuring that residents have access to affordable housing. In previous community housing needs surveys 60% of respondents reported an interest in building an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Similarly, 50% respondents showed an interest in landlord incentive workshops. The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the effectiveness of these two key resources. A study was conducted through in-depth interviews with specialists in …

Fintech Companies Vs Traditional Lenders: Who Performed Better During Recent Rate Hikes?, Jordan Terry

Honors Scholar Theses

This research examines the performance of financial technology (fintech) lending companies, compared to traditional lenders, to assess whether a competitive advantage exists during periods of rising interest rates. A meta-analysis is conducted, linking historical lending behavior of banks and fintech lenders in relation to interest rate movements. Analysis of loan performance during the period 2013-2024 indicates that fintech lending does not reveal a significant advantage on a risk-adjusted basis during interest rate hikes. However, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that the largest peer-to-peer lending platform experienced enhanced lending efficiency during a period of low interest rates. Overall, evidence suggests that …

The Deterrence Effects Of Tax Whistleblower Laws: Evidence From New York’S False Claims Acts, Yoojin Lee, Shaphan Ng, Terry Shevlin, Aruhn Venkat

Research Collection School Of Accountancy

In this study, we provide evidence on the effects of state tax whistleblower laws. We exploit a novel 2010 amendment to New York’s False Claims Acts (FCA) that explicitly extended whistleblower incentives to corporate income tax whistleblowers. We identify treated firms (firms exposed to New York’s FCA) using establishment-level data and descriptive analyses. Using a sample of firms exposed to New York and neighboring states, we find evidence that New York’s FCA reduced state tax avoidance. In cross-sectional tests, we find that effects are increasing in firms that grant fewer employee stock options and industry regulation, consistent with deterrence increasing …

Adapting To The Digital Age: Information Management Strategies For Improving Customer Perceptions Of Digital Banking In Ghana, Crystal Frema Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mobile money services are crucial in the financial landscape of Ghana’s economy. Despite Ghana's successful Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI) project, significant disparities exist in digital banking service utilization. Using Design Science Research, this study examines customer hesitancy in digital banking adoption. The TIDE framework was developed by analyzing the information management practices and artifacts of MTN Mobile Money, Banks and reviewing the literature. It comprises three key pillars: Security Management, Customer Education, and Experience Enhancement. This framework aims to instill digital trust, improve service adoption and utilization, and promote financial inclusion and digital literacy. Expert reviews acknowledged its potential to …

From Interactions To Brand Value Co-Creation: How Internal And External Stakeholders Drive Consumer-Generated Branding, Vaibhav Shwetangbhai Diwanji, Juliann Cortese

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

Brand value co-creation (BVCC), a key concept in service-dominant logic (SDL) and identity-based brand management approach (IBBMA), plays a critical role in branding. However, the integrated roles of internal stakeholders (e.g., brand practitioners) and external stakeholders (e.g., consumers) in this process are not fully understood. Existing research has focused on either internal or external perspectives in isolation. This study addresses this gap by exploring the concept of consumer-generated branding (CGB) through the combined lens of both internal and external brand stakeholders. The findings show that as brand value becomes more experience-driven, meaningful interactions between consumers and marketers can lead to …

Why Do We Buy What They Recommend? Investigating The Effects Of Fashion Influencers’ Source Factors On Consumer Attitudes And Purchase Intentions, Faren Karimkhan, Sindy Chapa

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

This study examined the effects of source factors (trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, similarity, and likability) among Social Media Fashion Influencers (SMFIs) on consumers’ attitudes toward SMFIs and attitudes toward endorsed products, as well as the influence of these attitude variables on consumers’ purchase intention. A one-shot single-group case study was conducted (n=440). PLS-SEM was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that trustworthiness, attractiveness, and likability influence attitudes toward SMFIs but not the product. Expertise, similarity, and likability influence attitudes toward the product but not attitudes toward SMFIs. Attitudes toward the product and similarity with SMFI significantly influence purchase intentions. Attitudes …

Personalized Retention Strategy Optimization Of Auto Insurance Customers Using Churn Prediction Analysis, Sai Charan Kurakula

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Addressing customer churn remains one of the greatest difficulties in the auto insurance sector, frequently caused by unmanaged complaints, service inaction, and insufficient communication regarding the customer’s needs. The goal of this research is to create a framework based on machine learning algorithms that predict whether a customer complaint will be confirmed by the regulatory authority and use this as a proxy to estimate customer churn in the absence of direct cancellation data. Through predicting complaint confirmation, which acts as an indicator of genuine service failure, the model helps in detecting customers with greater risk and aids in formulating individualized …

Sustainabilty Reporting And E-Waste Management In The Electronic Industry, Sai Prasad Pochampally

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The rapid expansion of the electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) industry has led to a critical surge in electronic waste (e-waste), which is currently growing at an annual rate of 4%. E-waste contains hazardous substances such as mercury, cadmium, and lead, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation and pose serious health risks—particularly in low- and middle-income countries where proper recycling infrastructure is lacking. In response, electronics manufacturers increasingly rely on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting frameworks to demonstrate transparency and accountability. However, a significant gap persists between what companies choose to report and what stakeholders—particularly consumers—expect to see.

This …

Challenges The Sporting Industry Faced During Covid-19 On Fan Attendance: The Case Of The National Basketball Association, Marlon Long

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culminating experience project investigates the challenges the sporting industry faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focused look at the National Basketball Association. The research questions are: (Q1) How did the NBA arena shutdowns impact fan attendance for each team during the COVID-19 pandemic? (Q2) What factors influenced NBA arena attendance before the COVID-19 shutdowns? (Q3) What factors influenced NBA arena attendance after the COVID-19 shutdown? The data collected includes all 30 NBA teams from 2019 through the 2024 seasons. The research questions were analyzed using multilinear regression analysis and comparison of attendance data over 6 seasons including the …

Quick Response Codes In Extension Outreach Communications: Insights From A Visual Content Analysis And Educators’ Perceptions, Kobina Danful Fanyinkah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increased smartphone use presents an opportunity to enhance the creative inclusion of Quick Response (QR) codes in extension outreach efforts. Tailoring extension programs to communicate with specific audiences has been identified as essential, highlighting the need for targeted and context-specific strategies. The development of QR code technology has provided a unique approach that allows extension professionals to target clientele with specific extension messages and programs. While extension has a commendable record in educational delivery through traditional forms of outreach, research on how best to employ digital tools with extension audiences is thin at best. Though the rising popularity of QR …

Sensory Elements And Perceived Value In Cosmetics Packaging, Laurel G. Kunkel

All Theses

This research looked at how different sensory features of packaging can affect the way Generation Z consumers feel about a product's value. Focusing on a high-end sunscreen brand called Oasis Sunscreen Co., four packages were created with a unique sensory element. 53 college students were surveyed to see which package they preferred. The results showed that the visual aspects of the packaging were the most important, with over half of the participants choosing the visually appealing package as their favorite. Scented packaging also caught people's attention, while features that involved touch were appreciated but not as influential. The study suggested …