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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- Creators: Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business
Description
Our thesis brought forth the question, how would the implementation of a salary cap into the English Premier League influence the entertainment level of the league as well as the financial aspects of the league. The English Premier League currently has no salary cap which allows teams with billionaire owners to heavily spend on star players and training facilities. This makes it extremely difficult for small market teams to be able to compete for silverware when put up against these high spending clubs. There is also a huge financial issue with a lot of clubs in the EPL because many of them are heavily in debt and rely constantly on loans from financial groups to support their high cash outflow. We hypothesized that this implementation of the cap would help teams become more financially stable as well as creating more parity in the league. To test these assumptions we issued a survey which asked various questions regarding what people preferred when watching a sporting league. We then ran a simulation on the video game FIFA 19 with our own created salary cap which we developed to see if the implementation of the cap would create more parity in the league. To test the validity of the simulation on the video game, we ran simulations on last years FIFA 18 and compared it with the actual standings of the league season from that year. According to our simulation, the EPL would be a much more competitive league with more exciting games and more chance for the smaller market teams to compete for the lucrative positions in the league table. We also compared the financial successes of the NBA versus the EPL to see if the cap has been beneficiary to the NBA since its’ adoption in the early 80’s. We concluded that the implementation of the salary cap would make the league more exciting as well as having the ability to make the clubs more financially stable.
ContributorsMcwatt, Aaron (Co-author) / Soldan, Dario (Co-author) / Goegan, Brian (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
The purpose of this thesis is to outline the importance of setting an inclusive organizational culture within a professional baseball franchise, with a network of teams ranging from Rookie Leagues to Major League Baseball. In addition, the purpose of this research is to assess the current state of culture throughout Major League Baseball organizations to determine the most appropriate approach to culture for an MLB franchise, showing evidence for culture as a competitive advantage. Through qualitative research through the form of interviews (n=8), former players at the MiLB and MLB levels (n=3), player development staff (n=3), and directors of international scouting (n=2) provided insight into professional baseball culture in the United States (U.S.), its successes, and its shortcomings.
ContributorsSher, Jake (Author) / McIntosh, Daniel (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2023-05
DescriptionBusiness Plan and Purchase Agreement for a private swim lesson business, FH Kids Academy.
ContributorsMeyers, Deven (Author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Department of Military Science (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor)
Created2023-12
Description
In this paper, I analyze the reluctance of expanding nuclear power in the United States. This is done by exploring the history of nuclear power and using two conceptual theories to guide this analysis. The impact of nuclear accidents throughout history allows individuals to perceive risks as greater than they are while potentially ignoring the benefits of this energy method. By looking at the perception of risk through the Psychometric Theory of Risk, one can understand hesitance at a more individual level for perceived risk, knowledge, and trust. From there, one can look at more of a macro level with the Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF) to see what the psychometric paradigm may forget and view the ripple effects of media coverage and their effects on the perception of nuclear energy.
ContributorsEthridge, Ava (Author) / Reilly, Thom (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning (Contributor) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor)
Created2022-12
Description
This thesis explores the power of food to transcend cultural and racial borders and to act as a common ground, bringing people of all different backgrounds together. Through globalization, there is an increased movement of people from their homeland to different regions around the world and with this migration comes the spread of their culture and cuisine to new areas. This spreading of culture often creates friction and tension amongst other cultures, however as this thesis argues, with increased diversity, there is the great potential for greater interaction with other cultures and therefore greater appreciation. The key aspect of this thesis is the ways in which food can be used as a tool to overcome racial barriers and serve as a means of positive expression of a culture. I hope to show that by engaging with a culture through its cuisine, one can arguably build a greater appreciation for that culture and therefore lower their preconceived notions and stereotypes.
ContributorsZayanderoudi, Rana Patricia (Author) / Talebi, Shahla (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Economics Program in CLAS (Contributor) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyze work that I personally contributed to Sun Devil Giving Day and to present the recommendations I have as a result. This thesis will also serve as a guide for next year’s campus activation lead and team. Volunteers, locations, and booths are the three main components that I managed leading up to SDGD. The work within those areas has been detailed throughout the document. Having the opportunity to write and reflect on SDGD has given me the chance to share an experience I had as campus activation lead and to critically think about the work that was completed and my personal lessons for leading similar projects in the future.
The idea of a university-wide giving day is not a new one. Seven year’s ago, ASU and the ASU Foundation set out a goal to incorporate giving as a university tradition. Shifting the student mindset has been no easy task, as building the next generation of philanthropist will continue to take innovative creativity and grit. As the idea of monetary giving increasingly dwindles, it will be annual traditions like Sun Devil Giving Day (SDGD) that will serve as a touch point to educate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the whole ASU community on the importance of philanthropy, what giving means to them, and how they can make an impact now. With 9,318 gifts and $11,462,634 raised, this year’s SDGD was a success. Outlined throughout are benefits of a giving day, the history of ASU’s SDGD, and current student giving. One of the ways that Sun Devil Giving Day sets out to do this is through campus activation. This includes creating and executing a philanthropic engagement booth that serves as a way for students to interactively think about their giving and what they care about at ASU. Through serving as the Campus Activation Lead, I coordinated the volunteers, campus locations, and the booths leading up to and the day-of the event.
The idea of a university-wide giving day is not a new one. Seven year’s ago, ASU and the ASU Foundation set out a goal to incorporate giving as a university tradition. Shifting the student mindset has been no easy task, as building the next generation of philanthropist will continue to take innovative creativity and grit. As the idea of monetary giving increasingly dwindles, it will be annual traditions like Sun Devil Giving Day (SDGD) that will serve as a touch point to educate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the whole ASU community on the importance of philanthropy, what giving means to them, and how they can make an impact now. With 9,318 gifts and $11,462,634 raised, this year’s SDGD was a success. Outlined throughout are benefits of a giving day, the history of ASU’s SDGD, and current student giving. One of the ways that Sun Devil Giving Day sets out to do this is through campus activation. This includes creating and executing a philanthropic engagement booth that serves as a way for students to interactively think about their giving and what they care about at ASU. Through serving as the Campus Activation Lead, I coordinated the volunteers, campus locations, and the booths leading up to and the day-of the event.
ContributorsAlibrandi, Amanda (Author) / Mokwa, Michael (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut (Contributor) / School of Public Affairs (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Sports have always incited an emotional response in fans unlike anything else and creates a special relationship between fans and their favorite sports team. However, in the current age, attendance numbers have started to fall, due to games being available on multiple platforms for viewers to watch in their own homes, along with the increased competition in the entertainment industry. Teams are seeking new ways to leverage that relationship with their fans in order to draw fans into their games. This study will look at the history of fandom and reasons why people remain loyal to “their team” year after year. In turn, fan loyalty and increased attendance translates to increased revenue for teams across all sports. As part of this study, existing literature was reviewed covering the following areas of fandom: fan loyalty, memory association, and team actions that will impact fans. This research will aid in developing hypotheses to test on why fans remain fans and how their fan dedication develops. A questionnaire was then developed to find the reason why a fan is so dedicated to their favorite team. Respondents are asked to self- identify as a fan type in order to quantify the label of “fan” and build a deeper analysis within the questions being asked. The three fan options are diehard, casual and social fans. The following analysis explored why people are fans and what factors influence their level of fan loyalty. From that, recommendations were developed for professional sports teams to take advantage of the factors found in the analysis. The hope is that they will be able to translate psychological factors and an emotional connection into a concrete strategy to drive ticket sales and revenue.
ContributorsTassinari, Isabella (Author) / McIntosh, Daniel (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
In this thesis, I seek to identify the best practices that can lead to an increase in community service and volunteerism. After the loss of my mentor led me on a path to make a difference through community service, I decided that volunteerism is an especially important area of interest to understand. Through secondary research, I have identified the many benefits of volunteerism specifically mental health, professional development, and more. Then to explain what drives people to volunteer, I investigate three major theoretical frameworks which are self-determination theory (Deci and Ryan), functional theory (Clary and Snyder), and social responsibility theory (Cheng et al) and relate them to peoples’ motivation to volunteer. In addition to looking into these theories, it is important to understand some additional factors which are the effect of mandatory volunteerism, age, and the missions of different organizations on an individual’s desire to volunteer. After analyzing the prior research, I found that social responsibility drives group volunteerism, functional motivation is what explains individuals’ drives to participate in community service, and the self-determination can help explain what creates strong volunteer retention. Furthermore, mandatory volunteerism, age, and the goals of organizations can have signifigant impacts on people’s drive to get involved in community service. After investigating the prior research, I interviewed four managers of non-profits to see if their views aligned with my findings. There answers and views were found to be consistent with the ideas I drew from prior research and helped me conclude that organization must factor age, mandatory volunteerism, and the mission of their non-profit into recruitment and retention efforts. Furthermore, non-profits should understand social responsibility theory and functional theory to recruit volunteers effectivly, and self-determination theory to retain their volunteers.
ContributorsBarto, Amber (Author) / Ostrom, Amy (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
The Golf Equipment Industry is flooded with many competitors, all looking to expand and grow with their various customer bases. In an industry which demands rapid new-product developments and offerings, companies must position their various brands in a way that appeals to both current and future customers. In tailoring product offerings and leveraging existing brand equity, effectively manipulating brand portfolios, companies must assess the risk of brand dilution effects when fulfilling company-wide growth initiatives. The following project will present research-based marketing principles with marketplace examples from various industries; specifically looking at marketers’ strategies in manipulating brand portfolios through the use of brand architectures, upward/downward line stretches, and brand extensions. Essentially, this paper will present the importance of manipulating brand portfolios in a variety of industries (including the golf industry), exciting current and new customer bases, eventually establishing an understanding of the risks associated with each leveraging strategy.
With a deep emphasis on the criticality of mitigating brand dilution whilst manipulating product offerings, this paper will then provide a golf-specific industry trend analysis, diving into the various ways marketers at TaylorMade Golf, Callaway Golf, and Cleveland/Srixon/XXIO Golf leverage brand equity while mitigating brand dilution risks. With a greater understanding of marketing-theory based principles and research conducted on the current customer trends prevalent in the golf industry, supplemented by marketing-personnel survey responses, I will be able to translate branding-based principles into recommendations for companies competing in the golf equipment industry.
With a deep emphasis on the criticality of mitigating brand dilution whilst manipulating product offerings, this paper will then provide a golf-specific industry trend analysis, diving into the various ways marketers at TaylorMade Golf, Callaway Golf, and Cleveland/Srixon/XXIO Golf leverage brand equity while mitigating brand dilution risks. With a greater understanding of marketing-theory based principles and research conducted on the current customer trends prevalent in the golf industry, supplemented by marketing-personnel survey responses, I will be able to translate branding-based principles into recommendations for companies competing in the golf equipment industry.
ContributorsMilroy, Thomas Carlo (Author) / Montoya, Detra (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
The purpose of advertising is nearly always to persuade the viewer. Ads persuade us to buy products, to stop using products, to visit places, to vote for candidates, and more. When it comes to food marketing, advertisements often use appeals that have nothing to do with the taste or nutritional value of the food its selling. They may use scantily clad models, famous celebrities, striking images, and funny quotes. However, the same advertisement does not appeal across all demographics. Culture and society play a role in the way we perceive the ads presented to us. Amongst millennials (the generation born between 1985-2000), changes in social norms and ideologies have particularly influenced the content this generation prefers to see, even across different ethnic groups. The digital age has changed the world that millennials have reached adulthood in, and social media and globalization have made us more connected than ever. By studying the kinds of food advertisements that entice millennials and turn them away, we can find trends that are popular across all cultures in this age division as well as the appeals that may alienate certain groups.
ContributorsLujan-Flores, Adriana Elena (Author) / Wiessner, Pauline (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05