Other Education Commons^™

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc Strategic Audit, Carter Herchenbach

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Abstract:

This case study focuses on Take-Two Interactive, Inc (TTWO). Take-Two is a video game developer and publisher most well known for their 2K Sports and Grand Theft Auto video games. By focusing on issues critical to strategic management, this paper provides a detailed analysis of Take-Two Interactive and its subsidiaries. To accomplish this, the paper uses different analysis to examine how, where, and what actions Take-Two uses to compete in the video game industry. The analysis implemented to accomplish this includes a PESTEL analysis, Porter’s Five Forces analysis, and an analysis of Take-Two’s senior leadership team and corporate strategy. …

Volunteering For Medically Underserved Children: Clinic With A Heart–Back-To-School Clinics, Isabella Marie Kerby Kessinger

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Medically underserved children, often from low-income families or areas with limited healthcare resources, face significant barriers in accessing essential medical services and represent a fundamental challenge to equity and social justice. School physicals and back-to-school clinics play a crucial role in addressing these healthcare needs, serving as a gateway to educational and extracurricular opportunities.

Clinic With a Heart (CWH), a non-profit medical and dental clinic in Lincoln, Nebraska, serves as a model for addressing healthcare disparities. In 2023, CWH provided 3,109 visits to 1,846 unique patients, with 83% lacking health insurance and 63% having household incomes below $16,000 annually. The …

Virtual Control: A Comparison Of Methods For Hand-Tracking Implementation, Nathan Roberts

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis examines the design philosophy of modern virtual reality applications that utilize hand-tracking as a primary form of user input. The analysis presented hopes to provide ideas for future implementations of this technology so that more immersive experiences are developed. This analysis starts with the discussion of a modern example of successful hand-tracking implementation, then comparing that implementation to a recent senior design project. This comparison is primarily based on each experience’s ability to create interactivity and immediacy. Interactivity is the degree to which the user can quickly and reliably make changes to their virtual environment, while immediacy is …

Nebraska Department Of Transportation Strategic Audit, Chloe Hoover

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is a state government agency that is responsible for the planning, development, design, construction, maintenance, and administration of the state highway system. Two strategic analyses are completed about NDOT: a PESTEL analysis and Porter’s Five Forces analysis. Both of these analyses showed that since NDOT is a state agency, it impacts foundational aspects of its strategy. NDOT’s strategy is influenced by its financial strategy, policies or political influence, and public importance. NDOT competes with other companies in its workforce and employees and/or applicants leaving NDOT for other companies. This report details NDOT’s strategy, competitive …

In The Case Of Prince Ling Ching: Visualizing The Boxer Rebellion Through Puck Magazine, Mimi Yu

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Through the framework of orientalism, this paper examines the historicism behind satirical illustrations created by artists and editors in Puck Magazine which depict the Boxer Rebellion, spanning from 1899 to 1902. In doing so, I aim to explore the nuances in which mass-produced visual satire seeks to justify Western hegemony. Widely published and distributed in the United States, Puck was a satirical magazine from the late 19th and early 20th century, and one of the first satirical magazines to contain colored lithographic covers. Puck further contributed to discourse over the “Yellow Peril” by employing caricature art and passages of punchlines …

Nebline, November/December 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Positive Insights Shared Regarding CHIME: Head Start University Partnership Project, Jaci Fogel

Diabetes Awareness: Small Changes, Big Impact, Kayla Colgrove

Recipe of the Month: Turkey Cranberry Meatballs, Kayla Colgrove

Commercial/ Noncommercial Pesticide License

Love Gardening? Become a Master Gardener!

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Upcoming Green Industry Conferences

Managing the Demands of Water & Wastewater Systems Can Make Gatherings More Enjoyable, Becky Schauerman

It’s Time to Plant Fall Cover Crops, John Nelson

A Quick Guide to Fleas, Kait Chapman

Heart of 4-H Award: Shane Cuttlers and Dena Noe

4-H Specialty Clubs Invite New Members

Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer …

Insects All Around Us: A Four-Session Bug Club Lesson Plan For Grades 3-5 Covering The Biology And Importance Of Insects In Nebraska, Carolyn Almonte

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Insects are often overlooked in science curricula when talking about conservation due to the surrounding fear and disgust regarding insects. This disgust not only permeates the mindsets of students, but also teachers, which leads to a hesitance to incorporate an insect-based curriculum or club into a lesson. In response to this, I have created a four-session club curriculum that can be used across four two hour long sessions spread out across four weeks. The goals of this club are: to explain the key traits of insects and arthropods, differentiating the two groups; to explain and define the basic stages of …

A Lonely Walk Down 24th Street, Ladaysia Smith

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Growing up in North Omaha, 24th Street represented history and community to my family. Inspired by their memories, I began chronicling its history and architecture, only to discover its current silence and neglect. "A Lonely Walk Down 24th Street" became a monument to beauty interwoven with loneliness. Known as the "Street of Dreams," 24th Street was a thriving metropolis. Will Brown's lynching in 1919 signaled its demise, resulting in decades of municipal indifference. My research focused on documenting the Street's desolation and degradation. Challenges included creative block, technical issues, and adjusting to an older camera given to me by my …

Nebline, October 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Super Fair Showcases 4-H’ers Learning Experiences

10 Money-$aving Grocery $hopping Hacks You Need to Try, Alyssa Havlovic

Recipe of the Month: Air Fryer Pork and Apple Burgers, Alyssa Havlovic

Growing Woody Floral Plants in the Home Garden, Sarah Browning

Garden Guie: Things to Do This Month, Mary Jane Frogge

Highboy Cover Crop Interseeding Project, John Nelson

Car Seat Safety for Your Family, Hayley Jackson-Perez

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: Lorene Bartos

Join 4-H

4-H Livestock Scholarship Recipients

State 4-H Horse Expo Top Results

Lancaster County Volunteers Receive Statewide 4-H Awards

4-H Announcements

Super Fair 4-H/FFA Top Results

State Fair 4-H …

Nebline, August/September 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Preserving the Harvest: Canning, Freezing and Drying Tips, Kayla Colgrove

How Savvy are YOU with Home Canning?

Recipe of the Month: Freezing Onions, Kayla Colgrove

Deep, Infrequent Irrigation Makes Lawns and Trees Healthier, Sarah Browning

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month, Mary Jane Frogge

Get the Jump on Jumping Worms, Kait Jumpman

Preparing Water for Use in an Emergency, Becky Schuerman

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: Nicole Miller and Cole Meador

4-H Teen Council Invites New Members

4-H Announcements

Lancaster County Super Fair, August 1-10, 2024

4-H Premiere Communication Event Top Results

4-H Clover College: 55 Hands-on Workshops

4-H …

Computable Species Descriptions And Nanopublications: Applying Ontology-Based Technologies To Dung Beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae), Giulio Montanaro, James P. Balhoff, Jennifer C. Girón, Max Söderholm, Sergei Tarasov

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Faculty Publications

Taxonomy has long struggled with analysing vast amounts of phenotypic data due to computational and accessibility challenges. Ontology-based technologies provide a framework for modelling semantic phenotypes that are understandable by computers and compliant with FAIR principles. In this paper, we explore the use of Phenoscript, an emerging language designed for creating semantic phenotypes, to produce computable species descriptions. Our case study centers on the application of this approach to dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae).

Nebline, June/July 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Facts Related to Drinking Water by Becky Schuerman

Tar Spot is an Emerging Corn Disease in Eastern Nebraska by John Nelson

Nutrition Education for Refugee and Immigrant Families in Lincoln by Emily Gratopp

Recipe of the Month: Biryani by Emily Gratopp

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Sudden Wilt and Death in Tomatoes by Sarah Browning

Sun's Out, Fun's Out: Keeping Your Little One Safe This Summer by Hayley Perez

Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs by Kait Chapman

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: Netsy Barent and Jessica Marsh

Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarship Winners

Learn …

Early Intervention Within Orthodontics: The Sociological Aspects, Trenton Hammond

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Orthodontic treatment is one of the final phases of dental treatment. Its use is to provide aesthetics in some cases, yet the quality-of-life aspect that it can provide is greatly underestimated. Orthodontic care can provide proper function of teeth, improve facial structure, avoid tooth decay/loss, and improve gum health (AAO, 2024). Within this research the overarching goal is to understand the sociological aspects of families looking to start orthodontic care, what the reasons behind starting or not starting are, and providing information to the public about orthodontics that may be misunderstood or might push people away from searching for orthodontic …

Scalability And Connectivity Challenges For The Future Of Digital Radio Communication, Christopher Bayliss

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis explores future challenges in digital radio communication, particularly focusing on scalability and connectivity issues that could impede technological advancements. With the increasing production of digital technology and reliance on radio frequencies, there is a need for innovative solutions to overcome limitations in spectrum availability, interference management, and bandwidth constraints. This work evaluates current modulation techniques, spectrum allocation strategies, and advanced communication technologies such as cognitive radio systems and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis, this thesis identifies promising developments, including dynamic spectrum sharing and symbiotic radio systems, that could significantly enhance spectrum efficiency and …

Analysis Of Deck-Building Games For The Development In A Digital Medium, Eric Ian Dundas

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis discusses the game design justifications of Rift Colosseum, a deckbuilder card game developed by Eric Dundas. The research conducted intends to reinforce the design decisions for the game. The research includes systems from Trading Card Games Magic: The Gathering, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and Flesh and Blood. Additionally, research is conducted on Slay the Spire, a deckbuilder roguelike. The analysis helped to find unique mechanics that could be utilized further when combined with other systems, especially digital-only mechanics inspired by Slay the Spire.

Several concluding materials were developed, such as the card types, card restrictions and …

An Analysis Of Attending Industry Events As An Independent Game Developer: My Experience At The 2024 Game Developers Conference, Ben Laube

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The game development industry, known for its rapid evolution and competitive nature, presents significant challenges and opportunities for both novice and veteran developers. This paper provides a personal account and reflection on attending the 2024 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, aiming to demonstrate the substantial impact such events can have on independent developers. Through detailed descriptions of attended sessions and networking opportunities, including “GDC Pitch: Day 2,” “Getting Hired With a Personal Touch,” “Learn From Our Mistakes,” “Speed Networking,” and the “GDC Expo” this paper explores the value of industry events in terms of knowledge gained, connections made, …

Netflix, Inc. Strategic Audit, John Kinney

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Netflix, Inc. is a large publicly traded multinational corporation within the Streaming entertainment industry. Founded in 1997, Netflix started as a mail-based DVD rental service. Soon switching from a per-rental fee model to the subscription model they still use today. In the late 2000s the company began offering the ability to stream content directly from home and have now grown to become the most successful streaming company in the world. This report will provide an overview of Netflix’s background, its position in the industry landscape, and its ability to sustain a competitive edge. Using both Porter's Five Forces and PESTEL …

Building A Data Pipeline And Machine Learning Model For Insurance Data, Connor Weyers

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Insurance telematics is an emerging and exciting field. It combines the advancements in GPS tracking, computational analytics, data processing, and machine learning into a useful tool to help insurance companies make the best product for their consumers. This is why National Indemnity looked to implement a telematics portion to their business processes of underwriting insurance policies and sponsored a School of Computing Senior Design project. In this report, we will first review existing solutions that been used to solve problems and subproblems similar to that we are given in this project. We then propose designs for the data pipeline and …

Rivian Automotive Strategic Audit, Bruno Salles

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of Rivian Automotive, a pioneering electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, focusing on its background, performance, challenges, and future outlook. Founded in 2009 by Robert "RJ" Scaringe, Rivian embarked on a mission to revolutionize the automotive industry with its innovative EV offerings, driven by a commitment to performance, utility, and sustainability. The company's journey from inception to its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2021 and subsequent challenges amid the global semiconductor chip shortage and market dynamics are examined. A detailed PESTEL analysis evaluates the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors influencing Rivian's operations and …

The Hope Venture: Strategic Audit, Bradley Sullivan

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The Hope Venture is an international nonprofit headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. Their work is comprised of education and health projects targeted at individuals living in extreme poverty. Currently, most of their projects are located in India and Sub-Saharan Africa. A PESTEL analysis was performed to assess the external environment in which they operate, while a Porter’s 5 Forces analysis explained industry dynamics. Their competitive advantages, such as their unique 100% model, are explored, while key challenges regarding scalability are discussed. In the end, recommendations are given to overcome potential threats and to continue to sustain a competitive advantage in the …

Nelnet, Inc. Strategic Audit, Jeanette Glover

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Nelnet, Inc. is a. As of 2024, Nelnet as a United States-based conglomerate operates through five divisions including: Nelnet Diversified Solutions, Nelnet Business Services, Nelnet Financial Services, Nelnet Communications Services, and Nelnet Energy Services. Under the Nelnet Diversified Solutions umbrella are: Nelnet Consumer Services, Nelnet Technology Services, Nelnet Business Process Outsourcing, Nelnet Renewable Energy, Nelnet Government Services, ScholarNet, and Nelnet Federal Loan Services. This strategic audit report will mainly focus on Nelnet’s strategy primarily through the business segments of Nelnet Financial Services and Nelnet Diversified Solutions’ service business Nelnet Federal Loan Services within the student loan industry to analyze its …

Nebline, May 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Weed Control in Pastures and Hayfields by John Nelson

Navigating Nutrition Information: Separating Fact from Fiction by Alyssa Havlovic

Recipe of the Month: Pepper Steak Sandwich by Alyssa Havlovic

Care for New Bedding Plants by Sarah Browning

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Cash Rent Survey

No Matter Where You Live, Submit a Request Before You Dig! by Becky Schuerman

4-H Achievement Celebration

8 Lancaster County 4-H’ers Modeled Their Sewn Garments at Omaha Fashion Week

4-H Events Open to All Youth

Support 4-H by Eating Out, May 1 & 2

Support 4-H During “Give to Lincoln Day,” May 30 …

Parental Child Rearing Beliefs And Children's Behavioral Problems: The Mediating Role Of Parental Involvement In Elementary School, Catalina Correa Ramirez

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The contributions that parents make to child development have been heavily investigated but the potential links between parents’ child rearing beliefs and school involvement levels have been overlooked. In this study, a model was proposed where parental involvement was examined as a potential mediator in the relationship between parents’ child-rearing beliefs and internalizing and externalizing outcomes in children. Using data from the NICHD SECCYD study, these constructs were examined in first, third, and fifth grade (N = 1128). SEM analyses supported our hypothesis regarding the mediating effect of parental involvement and it appeared to act as a potential mediator …

Analyzing Phototaxis And Related Visual Behaviors Among Diverse Species Of Drosophila, Madeline M. Hill

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Phototaxis and related visual behaviors can vary between species, and thus members of the genus Drosophila make an excellent study system to examine the evolution of vision. While some existing research points to these phototactic behaviors arising due to mating requirements or due to their species-specific ecology or environmental factors, there exists a lack of understanding as to why striking behavioral differences can exist between closely related species, or between members belonging to the same genus. The present research seeks to uncover the specifics regarding these discrepancies in visual evolution and aims to provide a foundation of knowledge about visual …

Topgolf Callaway Brands, Corp. Strategic Analysis, Sean Smith

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Topgolf Callaway Brands, Corp. (the “Company”, “Topgolf Callaway”, “Topgolf”, or “Callaway”) is an industry-leading golf and active lifestyle company that provides golf entertainment experiences, designs and manufactures premium golf equipment, and sells golf and active lifestyle apparel and other accessories through their family of brand names. They operate under the Topgolf, Callaway, Jack Wolfskin, OGIO, TravisMathew, Odyssey and Toptracer logos for their various product and service offerings. This report seeks to understand the industries in which the firm operates, the forces present in those industries, the resources and advantages of the firm, risks associated with their operations, and recommends several …

Sarcopenia And The Importance Of Resistance Training And Protein-Rich Diets For Prevention Of Muscle Loss In Older Adults: A Literature Review And Informational Pamphlet, Madison Steele

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The growing prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults as well as youths has prompted further research aimed at developing effective preventative measures and treatment plans. Sarcopenia is often thought to occur solely due to aging, but several other factors contribute to progressive muscle loss. Previous research studies have found an effect of physical activity and dietary protein levels on the risk of developing sarcopenia as well as its onset age. This study aims to review existing knowledge in the field to compile an extensive list of sarcopenia causes and methods of prevention. The main causes identified in this review are …

The Standards And Expectations Of The Speech-Language Pathology Field, Abbie Summers

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The goal of this project was to provide individuals interested in the field of speech-language pathology with relevant information from professionals in various positions in the field. These sources were to include speech-language pathologists in education, research, academia, and medicine. Interviews were conducted with these professionals covering various questions about their experiences, salary, education, professional development, interprofessional work, and on-the-job skills. From these interviews, data collection occurred based on responses to find commonalities to include in the write-up. The article provides information on personal experiences in the field, professional certification, professional growth and development, salary expectations according to work settings, …

Zara Strategic Audit, Rachel Hoffschneider

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Zara, a popular fast-fashion brand, operates under the Inditex group. Rooted in Spain, the company sought expansion and gradually worked its way into the international market. Utilizing vertical integration, the company provides swift production cycles in order to appeal to customer demands. This strategic audit analyzes Zara by comparison to rival competitors, a PESTEL test, Porter’s Five Forces, and highlights possible future challenges.

Mechanical Engineering Capstone: A Reflection On The Design And Prototyping Of A Portable Water Heating System, Timothy Goldsmith

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis includes several documents from a Mechanical Engineering Capstone course. These include project postmortem reports written at the conclusion of each term. These reports summarize the designing and prototyping of a portable water heating system. Additionally, this thesis includes written feedback on the final presentations for six other senior design teams. In these documents, presentations and projects are evaluated and encouragement and feedback are provided for the teams. The final component of this thesis is an essay reflecting on the different leadership roles assumed during the capstone course.

An Interdisciplinary Lesson Plan Of Social Studies And English Language Arts For Third Graders, Sidney L. Yant

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

My name is Sidney Yant and I am a current senior honors student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I am majoring in Elementary Education. For my honors senior project, I have created a four-week-long unit lesson plan that focuses on English Language Arts and Social Studies. This unit starts off with two weeks of separate lesson plans for English Language Arts and Social Studies and then the last two weeks the lessons are completely integrated together into one plan.