Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes both ASU Theses and Dissertations, submitted by graduate students, and the Barrett, Honors College theses submitted by undergraduate students.
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Description
The purpose of this paper is to identify if there is a relationship between the year-over-year success of a Division 1 college football team and numerous academic and financial indicators of the host university. College football has become the lifeblood of major university athletic programs as it is consistently the top revenue generator for university athletic programs across the country. The purpose of this paper is to not only identify the correlation between the success of these teams and financial indicators but to also identify if there are non-financial aspects that are affected by the football team’s success and how a university can capitalize on these.
Specifically, this paper focuses on the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team’s year-over-year results from 2006-2016 and uses this dataset as a comparison against multiple academic and financial measures from the university. This paper also attempts to define what a university's “brand” is and discuss the effect that these teams have on a student’s experience at the university. Based on these findings and results, we attempt to draw conclusions surrounding this information on if there are certain correlations between football success and university indicators and how strongly these indicators affect the university and its brand.
Specifically, this paper focuses on the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team’s year-over-year results from 2006-2016 and uses this dataset as a comparison against multiple academic and financial measures from the university. This paper also attempts to define what a university's “brand” is and discuss the effect that these teams have on a student’s experience at the university. Based on these findings and results, we attempt to draw conclusions surrounding this information on if there are certain correlations between football success and university indicators and how strongly these indicators affect the university and its brand.
ContributorsRaysik, Bailey (Co-author) / Whiteley, Andrew (Co-author) / Roberton, Sean (Co-author) / Ingram-Waters, Mary (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
This thesis examines the ongoing debate/discussion surrounding the compensation of NCAA student-athletes. While some athletes receive full academic scholarships in addition to other perks that non-athletes might not receive, this makes one wonder if the compensation programs and protocols in place are fair, particularly considering the large sums of money athletes generate for their respective universities. Through lengthy interviews with two former Division I athletes, an associate athletic director at a major university, and a journalist who has covered this polarizing topic since some of its earliest milestones, we have covered both sides of this debate in the hope that the audience can take that information and form their own, thoughtful opinions. In addition to the interviews conducted during the process of writing this paper, we also conducted an extensive literature review of some of the most in-depth stories about the major milestones in the history of this discussion. While there may not be an amicable solution, knowledge and information constitutes the most powerful element that seems to largely be missing, often replaced by emotion. We seek to contribute to the solution by showing the human side of the debate and laying out exactly what is at stake before offering what we think, after this entire process, could be the answer. The issue is explored in more depth with supplemental podcasts submitted to Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University.
ContributorsFranklin, Jacob (Co-author) / Gaither, Justin (Co-author) / Anderson, Douglas (Thesis director) / Reed, Sada (Committee member) / School of Film, Dance and Theatre (Contributor) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Comm (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
This thesis examines the ongoing debate/discussion surrounding the compensation of NCAA student-athletes. While some athletes receive full academic scholarships in addition to other perks that non-athletes might not receive, this makes one wonder if the compensation programs and protocols in place are fair, particularly considering the large sums of money athletes generate for their respective universities. Through lengthy interviews with two former Division I athletes, an associate athletic director at a major university, and a journalist who has covered this polarizing topic since some of its earliest milestones, we have covered both sides of this debate in the hope that the audience can take that information and form their own, thoughtful opinions. In addition to the interviews conducted during the process of writing this paper, we also conducted an extensive literature review of some of the most in-depth stories about the major milestones in the history of this discussion. While there may not be an amicable solution, knowledge and information constitutes the most powerful element that seems to largely be missing, often replaced by emotion. We seek to contribute to the solution by showing the human side of the debate and laying out exactly what is at stake before offering what we think, after this entire process, could be the answer. The issue is explored in more depth with supplemental podcasts submitted to Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University.
ContributorsGaither, Justin (Co-author) / Franklin, Jacob (Co-author) / Anderson, Douglas (Thesis director) / Reed, Sada (Committee member) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Comm (Contributor) / School of Film, Dance and Theatre (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
The sport of tennis is played in over 100 countries and over 256 Division I collegiate programs across the United States. Each program contains 8-10 individual athletes for both men's and women's rosters. When first observing a roster from any Division I program, people will see that many of the athletes are international. Courts of Cultures is a documentary about the lives of five select tennis athletes of how they have adjusted to life in the United States, the shift in cultures and the transition into playing in collegiate tennis. Makey Rakotomalala (France), Pierre Louis Dodens (Switzerland), Thomas Wright (Great Britain), Lauryn John-Baptiste (England), and Tereza Kolarova (Czech Republic) all share their experiences of coming to Arizona State University and give insight into what life adjustments they have made not only for the college lifestyle, but international living as well. Head coaches Matt Hill (men's) and Sheila McInerney (women's) also speak to the recruitment of international students and how new technology has made the process simpler. In many countries, you either have to go professional in tennis out of high school, or toss away the racquet and just go to college for academics. Being able to play tennis and go to school benefits these athletes because they are able to improve on their skills and earn a degree. Each athlete featured in this film has a different story and a different background, but they all find commonality on the tennis court. A worldwide sport that has brought worldwide talent to Tempe. Courts of Cultures was directed, photographed, edited, and produced by Blaine McCormick along with narration by Scotty Gange.
ContributorsMccormick, Blaine Robert (Author) / Kurland, Brett (Thesis director) / Fergus, Thomas (Committee member) / Rhodes, Gail (Committee member) / School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning (Contributor) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Comm (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-12
Description
It's the last Friday before break, everyone is excited and rush to put on their uniform. The class eagerly lines up for morning stretches and the P.E. Instructor announces, "Today we're playing... DODGEBALL!" Half the class cheers eyeing their friends with a competitive smirk, while the other half tremble in their sneakers mentally reliving their last terrifying red rubber ball experience. Dodgeball's polarizing popularity has created an uproar in the public-school system with many claiming that the traditional sport is beneficial while others assert it's dangerous and lobby for its prohibition citing recent damages and lawsuits. Dodgeball is a sport that far most often elicits vivid memories of gym class; however, there is a rich and active history of competitive dodgeball worldwide. Dodgeball's resurgence since the popular film of the same name in 2004 has sparked a competitive flair for the game and quickly gained the attention of sports media which has highlighted the team-focused competitive aspect of the beloved sport. The sport of dodgeball was originally developed in Africa over 200 years ago and first observed by a missionary named Dr. James Carlisle (History of Dodgeball)1. The concept of the sport was exceptionally crude, as the African tribes used large rocks and putrefied matter to continuously pelt the opposing players. The defending team would gather around their downed player to deflect projectiles and allow their teammate to recover. Dr. Carlisle recognized that the tribesmen used the sport as a means to build trust and demonstrated remarkable athleticism amongst their warriors. Dr. Carlisle introduced this innovative team-based sport to his colleagues in England instead utilizing leather balls; however, the doctor quickly recognized that his colleagues didn't possess the necessary strength, agility, nor teamwork to compete in the game at its current state. The sport was updated and played on an open field with no set area restrictions. The game was similar to a large-scale chess match in which opposing teams aim to strategically trap and aggressively target players in order to remove them from play. The sport was played this way for a century until in 1884 when Phillip Ferguson from Yale University brought the competition to America with a new set of guidelines. The reformed sport included a definite number of players, dodgeballs, and predetermined space for the competition leading to widespread adoption by the American school system. Today, dodgeball has emerged as a competitive sport with multiple regional competitive leagues around the country and even two distinct professional dodgeball leagues in which teams can earn prize money, sponsorships, and for elite teams, world championship glory. Dodgeball is often recognized as a popular activity in the public school physical education system and has been a cornerstone of the course exemplifying sportsmanship, leadership, and athletic skills through coordinated team play since inception; however, in recent years, the sport has come into scrutiny as lawsuits resulting from damages and concerned parents voice against the activity.
ContributorsHorton, John Joseph (Author) / Sadusky, Brian (Thesis director) / Carter, Phillip (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
This thesis, done in a capstone course through the Arizona State University School of Sustainability, examines the current state of sustainability-related processes at all of Major League Baseball's Cactus League sites, with a focus on Salt River Fields. Through this close examination, a final report created of our findings and suggestions were presented to executives from Major League Baseball and the two occupants of Salt River Fields: the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. The overall goal is to add value to Cactus League stadiums, clubs, and the fans while promoting sustainable initiatives and creating lasting change. With a team of 11 undergraduate and graduate students from ASU led by Colin Tetreault, research was conducted by examining similar efforts by major sports leagues and comparable organizations. Our team researched reports from organizations such as the National Hockey League to determine how we could implement our ideas on a large scale successfully. Determining that fan engagement is crucial to changing the culture and implementation of sustainability, we also researched ways to interact with fans on social media and cooperated with the social media teams from the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. Additionally, we visited every stadium in the Cactus League and met with representatives from each team to determine what sort of processes they have in place, if they have any suggestions or thoughts for our efforts, and we gave each of them advice as consultants. At each site, we also interviewed vendors, cleaning crews, and fans for more information. At Salt River Fields, we engaged the guest service attendants, social media team, vendors, the Jani King custodial team, and staff involved with operations for information and to suggest changes. We started a new initiative in cooperation with these entities known as the "Recycle Rally" where we engaged with fans about recycling information and collected their recyclables. Additionally, we surveyed fans on their personal views on sustainability at each game we attended. We also conducted two waste audits at Salt River Fields, where we examined a large sample size of waste, sorted all of it into categories, and weighed it on a scale to determine how much of each category of waste there was. This data was later plotted and analyzed.
ContributorsLassman, Matthew Joseph (Author) / Tetreault, Colin (Thesis director) / Benaza, Paesly (Committee member) / W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
As the premier colligate summer league in the country, the Cape Cod Baseball League has operated since 1885 and has seen over one thousand all-time alumni step foot in professional baseball. Every season, each of the CCBL's ten teams call upon some of the nation's top aspiring sports broadcasters, writers, and social media managers to spearhead the coverage of the league and tell the stories of the summer. However, while the season offers hours of repetition and exposure to players and journalists alike, the league's coverage capabilities fall short of its high potential due to inconsistencies and inadequacies that restrain its media content from matching the level of baseball that takes place on the field. Through the identification of specific problems within the league's broadcast equipment, its varying platforms, and its growing gap between individual coverage teams, this thesis offers both short-term and long-term solutions that aim to raise the standards and capabilities of league content while also raising awareness of the issue itself. While considering the Cape Cod League's unique non-profit business model and its most recent financial situation, this thesis also illustrates opportunities within fundraising events, the league's online audience, and its vast alumni network that can create a sustainable business plan for the near and distant future of the Cape Cod Broadcast Network.
ContributorsKercheval, Kyle Nicholas (Author) / Kurland, Brett (Thesis director) / Cesmat, Brad (Committee member) / W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
The National Basketball Association is the world's most recognized professional basketball league. Athletes such as Kobe Bryant and Lebron James have transcended from being high school standouts to global icons, but their careers might not have panned out the same way if they weren't allowed to declare for the draft immediately upon graduating high school. In 2005, the NBA and the NBA Players Association agreed to implement an age limit for athletes declaring for the NBA Draft. Although this was supposed to reduce the quantity of younger players declaring for the draft, the rule has been ineffective as the average age of lottery picks, also known as the first 14 picks of the draft, has decreased since the rule's implementation. Adam Silver, the current commissioner of the NBA, has been vocal about potentially raising the minimum draft-eligible age once more because of NBA team executives calling recent draft picks unfit for the NBA. The purpose of this research is to examine if lottery picks are indeed "NBA ready" upon being drafted, and if there is a correlation between the age at which they are drafted, the pick at which they were selected, the length of their career, and their career success. Various statistical analysis techniques are utilized, such as the calculation of R-squared values and correlation coefficients, and the usage of t-tests and multiple regressions. Box score statistics such as minutes per game, points per game, rebounds, and assists as well as advanced metrics such as player efficiency rating, win shares, box plus/minus, and value over replacement player were the focal point of this study. Players drafted with lottery selections from the 1985-2016 drafts had their career statistics compiled and examined for this analysis in order to adequately conduct the regressions. The results indicate that although lottery picks are having a decreasing immediate impact upon being drafted, the younger an athlete is drafted, the more long-term success they can expect to achieve in the NBA.
ContributorsKender, Mitchell Edward (Author) / McIntosh, Daniel (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
The FIFA World Cup is one of the most anticipated, inspiring, and intense sporting events in the world. Soccer has integrated itself not only in sports circles, but also in politics, commerce, and society as a whole. The sport has about two hundred million active players and is still growing, especially in areas such as North America and Asia. As of mid-2007, FIFA’s membership included 208-member associations, making it not only one of the largest and most powerful sports governing bodies, but also one of the most popular in the world.
Since 1930—with the exception of the break for World War II—every four years, the world’s best national teams face off in a soccer tournament. The last two tournaments hosted by South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014 will be the emphasis of this paper. Each tournament featured the thirty-two countries and captured a television audience of over three billion people throughout the month-long tournament, one billion of which tuned in for the final. For comparison, the Super Bowl XLIX where the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28 to 24 was the most watched event in United States’ history with a viewership of 114.4 million people.
Countries spend years planning and preparing to win a bid to host one of these mega events. Bids are often times awarded eight to twelve years in advance. There has been a recent trend of developing countries hosting the FIFA World Cups and the future bids already awarded follow that trend. Many people ask the question of whether all the money spent on infrastructure, construction, and tourism to host this tournament and gain international exposure are really worth it? Simply put, the 2010 FIFA World Cup was valuable to South Africa while the 2014 FIFA World Cup was not worth the costs to Brazil.
Since 1930—with the exception of the break for World War II—every four years, the world’s best national teams face off in a soccer tournament. The last two tournaments hosted by South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014 will be the emphasis of this paper. Each tournament featured the thirty-two countries and captured a television audience of over three billion people throughout the month-long tournament, one billion of which tuned in for the final. For comparison, the Super Bowl XLIX where the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28 to 24 was the most watched event in United States’ history with a viewership of 114.4 million people.
Countries spend years planning and preparing to win a bid to host one of these mega events. Bids are often times awarded eight to twelve years in advance. There has been a recent trend of developing countries hosting the FIFA World Cups and the future bids already awarded follow that trend. Many people ask the question of whether all the money spent on infrastructure, construction, and tourism to host this tournament and gain international exposure are really worth it? Simply put, the 2010 FIFA World Cup was valuable to South Africa while the 2014 FIFA World Cup was not worth the costs to Brazil.
ContributorsLooney, Andrew (Author) / Goegan, Brian (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Department of Economics (Contributor) / W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the factors leading to the valuations of professional sports teams, with a focus on three of the largest professional sports by revenue: soccer, baseball, and basketball. The main goal of this report is to analyze historical growth rates in the total price paid for professional sports teams and the value-added activities that lead to increased sales prices well above the Forbes yearly valuation. Additionally, we will incorporate statistical analysis and data sets highlighting different approaches and valuation tactics used when determining a proper sales price for a team that can be incorporated in future research and provide a basis for explaining the high price many are willing to pay to acquire a sports franchise.
ContributorsProietti, David Anthony (Co-author) / Frei, Sebastian (Co-author) / Goegan, Brian (Thesis director) / Garverick, Michael (Committee member) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05