Matching Items (46)
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- All Subjects: Entrepreneurship
- Creators: Department of Finance
- Creators: Department of Marketing
Description
This study explores the best known practices of small businesses from different entrepreneurs' perspectives and attempts to address the question: are there consistencies between different entrepreneurs' approaches to establishing and growing a business? Ten entrepreneurs from a variety of business types (product and service) were interviewed using a consistent question template that asked questions regarding financing, business strategy (and scalability), interpersonal forces, innate qualities, partnerships, and resources. The primary overlaps between these businesses are with regard to the confluence between personal risk and business strategy, the risk of working with friends and family, the capacity to scale relative to special content knowledge or process knowledge, and partnerships
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ContributorsCole, Chandler William (Author) / Kellso, James (Thesis director) / Gilmore, Bruce (Committee member) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-12
Description
Women dominate in terms of purchasing power and spending. They hold 60 percent of all US personal income, and those aged 50 years or older have a combined net worth of approximately $19 trillion. Of this group, women between 50 and 70 years old, in particular, are the biggest spenders (Barmann, 2014). More important than their spending power, however, is how satisfied (or dissatisfied) they are with their current purchases. Though women make 85 percent of all consumer purchases, 91 percent of women say, "...advertisers don't understand them," (Barmann, 2014). This makes sense, considering that 50 percent of the products marketed to men are actually purchased by women (Barmann, 2014). Successfully targeting women, especially Baby Boomers (women between 52 and 70 years old), would be a lucrative endeavor, and to better understand the unmet needs of that demographic, exploratory research was needed. In-depth interviews of Baby Boomer women reveals a problem that \u2014 even on a macro level \u2014 has gone unresolved, and has perhaps worsened, throughout written history: the Generation Gap (Bengtson, 1970). To illustrate the depth of the problem, there exist starkly different impressions of younger generations, namely Millennials (born between 1980 and 1995). According to The New Generation Gap by Neil Howe and William Strauss (1992), Baby Boomers view Millennials as unintelligent, entitled "pleasure beasts." In Millennials Rising, also by Howe and Strauss (2000), Millennials are characterized as a generation that is, "...beginning to manifest a wide array of positive social habits that older Americans no longer associate with youth, including a new focus on teamwork, achievement, modesty, and good conduct." These contradictory opinions further support the substantial misunderstanding between generations that surfaced during in-depth interviews. Using the results of in-depth interviews and follow-up questions for idea validation, this thesis presents a potential method for "closing the gap." The goal of this business offering is not to homogenize older and younger generations of women; the goal is to cultivate empathy and connection \u2014 Intergenerational Cohesion \u2014 between them.
ContributorsSeefus, Cole Hawk Gillette (Author) / Gray, Nancy (Thesis director) / Giard, Jacques (Committee member) / Department of Management (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
The Confessions of a College Entrepreneur is an honors project with the goal of revealing the business and marketing strategies that Charles Crawford used to create multiple successful companies. It's a collection of personal stories, book notes, millionaire interviews, and experiences that Charles had over the past 4 years of intense business experience and research across multiple industries. Charles wants college students and business owners to succeed in business ventures and life in general. This creative thesis project is the map for how to do just that.
ContributorsCrawford, Charles Joseph (Author) / Budolfson, Arthur (Thesis director) / Giles, Charles (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2014-12
Description
The thesis "How Professional Artists Can Better Promote Themselves Online" aims to create a solution to improve artists' online sales and exposure. With the Internet being such a congested platform, I began to wonder how it was possible for artists to stand out from the crowd. I conducted six in-depth interviews in order to form a better understanding of what problems and frustrations artists currently faced everyday online. The data I collected from these interviews transformed my thesis into an entrepreneurial venture, and the iPhone app Artello was born. I created an entire working prototype of my app using Keynotopia. Artello's mission is to build an interactive art community that will create and foster relationships between artists and buyers like never before. This platform illustrates to buyers an artist's personality, style, and individual story. With Artello's guidance, artists will form stronger relationships with art buyers, connect with similar artists, and create a compelling online presence.
ContributorsPoole, Parker Anne (Author) / Gray, Nancy (Thesis director) / Pomilio, Mark (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Management (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
The "Dutch Dukeout" is a memorial, community engagement venture founded by Scott Fitzgerald and Sam Minton. The event was also supported and facilitated through the help of a third party member, Dylan Bryant. The "Dutch Dukeout" will continue annually, as an opportunity for Brophy College Preparatory alumni and current students to come together and connect. This venture also exists to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Fr. Harry "Dutch" Olivier, a former, prominent faculty member of Brophy. Additionally, the "Dutch Dukeout" aims to raise money to support the Brophy Scholarship Foundation, a resource for current Brophy students to offset the financial burden it costs to attend the prominent college preparatory. Foremost, the "Dutch Dukeout" flag football tournament provides a powerful way for Brophy Alumni to reconnect with their school. By communicating and participating with graduates from various classes, alumni have an opportunity to provide valuable life lessons and share personal stories with the youth, as well as bond over their shared experience at Brophy. For a school that is able to continually develop community leaders and social activists, the "Dutch Dukeout" provides a platform for collaboration and inspiration for everyone who participates. By raising money to support the Brophy Scholarship Foundation and providing an opportunity for alumni to engage in their community, the "Dutch Dukeout" is an event that truly embodies Fr. Olivier's values and beliefs. This thesis report documents the ideas, work and efforts that were completed to launch and then ensure the success and longevity of the venture. It also serves as an example for future social entrepreneurs who aim to make a difference in communities of their own.
ContributorsFitzgerald, Scott (Co-author) / Samuel, Minton (Co-author) / Mokwa, Michael (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
The following creative project was a two part study regarding the wedding and event planning industry. Part one consisted of planning and executing an event followed by an analysis of the event in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and customer feedback. Part two consisted of evaluating a potential wedding planning company by the standards of the Business Model Canvas Method. The overall goal of this project was to determine if I would be pursuing a career as an independent wedding and event consultant or exploring other career options based on the research conducted and which option would be best aligned with my desires and career aspirations.
ContributorsHawbaker, Christina Elizabeth (Author) / Peck, Sidnee (Thesis director) / LePine, Marcie (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Management (Contributor)
Created2013-12
Description
The objective of this paper is to give information that can assist Independent (indie) authors at every stage of the book process: development, promotion and distribution of their books. The book market is changing, and it's changing today. As the market evolves it is essential for authors to evolve as well. Due to the market's evolution, authors must question every stage of the book process, from beginning to end. It is due to these significant changes that my paper will be formatted more as a guide for newer indie authors or authors who are having trouble keeping up with the new market. The guide will assist indie authors at every stage of the book process and will also make clear where the new market stands. In order to create a more credible guide, I collected large amounts of primary data and entered the market myself in order to truly understand the new market from an indie author's position. I found this approach essential due to the near absence of credible secondary data and because of the plethora of nuances at every stage of the book process. For primary data, I created and distributed an in-depth survey with the purpose of revealing book blogger preferences, online habits, and preferred methods of contact. The reason for my focus on book bloggers is because of the greatly increased importance of book reviews. I also believe that book blogger preferences are a good indicator of what the typical reader enjoys, giving me further insight into market preferences as a whole. I became an indie author in order to better understand the market so that I could ask the right questions and be better able to give practical suggestions. I wanted to create a guide that real indie authors could use, so it seemed natural that I should become a real indie author. This guide is structured in the way indie authors would create their book.
ContributorsCollopy, Robert Edward (Author) / Ostrom, Amy (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
This research project examines the American Craft Distilling Industry. In particular, I provide an overview of the most important aspects of the product market and cost structure in the industry and an assessment of the viability of several modes of entry. Because the industry is relatively new, at least in its modern incarnation, industry knowledge is concentrated among a relatively small group of industry veterans. Thus, the majority of my research has been through interviews with industry experts and through my attendance of the American Distilling Institute (ADI) 2014 Conference in Seattle. My data and analysis indicate that the industry is promising and poised to grow, as demand for craft or differentiated spirits is strong. Nonetheless, significant risks include extensive regulatory hurdles that vary across jurisdictions and significant entrenched competitors. This paper will explore those constraints and business models that may be able to overcome (or profit because of) them. The business models analyzed focus on production, distribution, and retail of craft spirits operating in specific niches identified through the course of my research of the industry at large.
ContributorsReiter, Adrian Lake (Author) / Coles, Jeff (Thesis director) / Trappen, Eric (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
A fun, interactive, and practical motivational speaking package designed to inspire and encourage high school and college students, as well as young adults, to achieve success and discover their leadership potential. Using secrets learned from starting my own business, Board Blazers LED Underglow Skateboard Lighting, and performing as Drum Major of the 400+ member ASU Sun Devil Marching Band, I share tips and tricks that can be applied in everyday life. Topics include surviving in difficult leadership situations unique to young leaders, celebrity confidence secrets, and creating infectious enthusiasm while working on a team.
ContributorsRudolph, Gregory James (Author) / Eaton, John (Thesis director) / Desch, Timothy (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
This paper takes a look at developing a technological start up revolving around the world of health and fitness. The entire process is documented, starting from the ideation phase, and continuing on to product testing and market research. The research done focuses on identifying a target market for a 24/7 fitness service that connects clients with personal trainers. It is a good study on the steps needed in creating a business, and serves as a learning tool for how to bring a product to market.
ContributorsHeck, Kyle (Co-author) / Mitchell, Jake (Co-author) / Korczynski, Brian (Co-author) / Peck, Sidnee (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Economics (Contributor) / Department of Management (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2014-05