Other Business Commons^™

The Microfinance Experiment: An Evaluation Of Programs And Effectiveness In St. Louis, Maxwell Miller

Honors Scholar Theses

Widespread poverty remains a reality for many in both developed and developing countries. Policymakers, charitable organizations, and entrepreneurs have introduced diverse strategies to provide individuals and communities opportunities to rise from poverty. One such method is microfinance, a system developed by Muhammad Yunus in the early 1970s to provide small loans and financial services to borrowers too impoverished or otherwise lacking in credibility or collateral to be considered by traditional means of credit.

Since its inception, microfinance has spread among other countries to mixed success. While many researchers claim microfinance has proven to be an effective tool to combat poverty, …

The Business Of Beds: An Exploration Of Hotel And Hostel Business Strategy, Robert B. Bunda

Honors Scholar Theses

At their cores, hotels and hostels are similar in that they provide a place for travelers to stay. Despite this core similarity, the structures of the two industries are radically different. The hotel industry began in the Middle Ages and has given rise to massive multinational companies, many managing more than four thousand hotels. In stark contrast, the hostel industry began in 1909 and is mostly comprised of independently owned and operated guesthouses, with the largest global chain comprising of less than twenty properties. This study first defines the hotel and hostel industries and examines the different experiences they offer …

For-Profit Social Enterprise: Creating Value For Consumers & Society In The Face Of Competition, Sarah J. Quirk

Honors Scholar Theses

The goal of social enterprises is to attain social, cultural, community, economic, or environmental outcomes. They achieve this by generating revenue from the goods or services they sell. In recent years, social enterprises have grown notably in popularity, number, and profitability worldwide, as the model for social enterprise has been refined. This paper aims to answer the question, what makes for-profit social enterprises successful? Is it their product, price, place, promotion, social mission, the prior success and capital of the social entrepreneur, a cult-like following, or the aspirational nature of socially minded consumers? This thesis will examine real-life social enterprise …

Medicare: What Is In Store For Future Generations?, Karen L. Poon

Honors Scholar Theses

Medicare is the health insurance coverage provided to all senior citizens over the age of 65. It has been around since 1965. This paper takes an in-depth look into the Medicare program. First, the history behind Social Security is introduced. The Medicare program was created as an addition to Social Security, and its history follows. Although the ideas and goals of the Medicare program have good intentions, there are many issues with it. These problems are discussed in detail in the current issues portion of the paper. As a follow up, I have expanded upon and come up with some …

Motivation To Train For Creativity, Nina Sacco

Honors Scholar Theses

Creativity among Unites States citizens is on a steady decline despite the overwhelming evidence that creativity is a crucial skill in the professional world (Zacko-Smith, Puccio, Mance, 2010). Educational organizations, such as the Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC) and other non-profit educational organizations, have been dedicated to increase the presence of creative problem solving and innovation through STEM-based learning and inventions in various schools in Connecticut. To promote the existence of these organizations in hopes of countering the current nations lack of focus on creativity, this thesis examines teacher's motivation to be involved in their programs and to train their students …

Production Streamlining Through Design, Implementation, And Analysis Of Lean Manufacturing Methods, Tyler Pattison

Honors Scholar Theses

Through the correct implementation of lean manufacturing methods, a company can greatly improve their business. Over a period of three months at TTM Technologies, I utilized my knowledge to fix existing problems ans streamline production. In addition, other trouble areas in their production process were discovered and proper lean methods were used to address them. TTM Technologies saw many changed in the right direction over this time period.

A Student Manual For Venture Consulting, Julianna Ferri

Honors Scholar Theses

This manual is written to provide students taking the venture consulting class a better understanding of how to consult a small or medium sized business. It covers topics such as how to find a client, how to determine the business problem, how to collect data from customers as well as managers and employees, and how to come up with solution recommendations. By reading the manual, students will gain a better understanding of the consulting industry and will have a guide to help them through the project.