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DescriptionI made a full business plan and pitch to investors for a company I plan on starting next semester.
ContributorsOramas, Michael (Author) / Trujillo, Rhett (Thesis director) / Naumann, Gary (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-12
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In my exploration of the expectations of customer service that people have in regards to their visits at Starbucks retail stores, I will utilize Laswell's Model of Communication and the theory of symbolic interactionism to guide my findings. These overarching ideas provide a foundation for understanding the communication process as

In my exploration of the expectations of customer service that people have in regards to their visits at Starbucks retail stores, I will utilize Laswell's Model of Communication and the theory of symbolic interactionism to guide my findings. These overarching ideas provide a foundation for understanding the communication process as a whole, and will therefore allow us to extract meaningful information from regular interactions between Starbucks employees and consumers. Additionally, my goal is for these discoveries to produce insight in regards to critical customer service qualities that other businesses should incorporate into their own customer service programs in order to find success.
ContributorsRomero, Felipe Antonio (Author) / Martin, Judith (Thesis director) / Robinson, Jennifer (Committee member) / Propes, Rebecca (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Hugh Downs School of Human Communication (Contributor)
Created2014-12
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Description
The following business plan will delve into the financial feasibility of a business venture into niche pet product markets: more specifically, the market for pet products both sourced and made in the USA, which is a distinction also discussed in the body of the paper. The paper begins by detailing

The following business plan will delve into the financial feasibility of a business venture into niche pet product markets: more specifically, the market for pet products both sourced and made in the USA, which is a distinction also discussed in the body of the paper. The paper begins by detailing the anecdote that brought about the vision for the company and then segues into a description of the products that will be carried by the company. These include pet toys, beds, leashes, vitamins, soaps, treats and more, which is followed by a list of potential product suppliers who have all already expressed interest in the venture. The plan then discusses the possibility of expanding into markets abroad such as China and the feasibility of carrying products outside of those strictly for dogs and cats. An in-depth market analysis includes a series of statistics reinforcing the potential profitability of the business, including the fact that a recent study has found that 81 percent of pet owners consider their dogs to be "bonda fide family members" and that online spending on pet supplies increased 67 percent between July 2015 and July 2016. It also includes the projection that the industry is intended to reach $91.72 billion in sales by 2019. The discussion then transitions into the company's target market, which, at the most specific level, will be white, married individuals age 55 to 64 living in rural areas with an annual household income of $125,000 or more. The plan then delves into a target market segment strategy, which addresses how marketing and business strategies will target certain demographics to appeal to them individually, whether it be through a "family-owned" impression or an appeal to their sense of patriotism or social consciousness. Next, the plan addresses potential competition within the pet product market, first discussing the super giants PetSmart and Petco and how these corporations hardly cater to this niche market and then smaller companies who do meet the same demand, such as myusapetsupplies.com, but fall short in terms of strategy and marketing. Marketing for the business venture will be almost entirely digital, ranging from pay-per-click services to mass newsletters and online social media contests and giveaways. The paper then transitions to location, facilities, shipping, and licensing, discussing the layout, which will be in a residential garage that meets all city regulations. A best-in class e-commerce experience is vital to the success of the business. By optimizing our e-commerce platform and search marketing, we can level the playing field and standout from our competition. Therefore, Shopify will be used as the content management system and the domain name "petsuppliesusa.com" has been selected. Three potential logo designs and reasoning for each are examined. Next, the plan discusses the company and management, stating that decision making will lie in the hands of the founders even after a larger employee pool is hired and a flatter structure is employed. Lastly, the plan lists a pro forma for the business and a projection that the first year will reap final profit of $125,000 at the end of the first year of operation.
ContributorsGish, James (Author) / Trujillo, Rhett (Thesis director) / Gray, Nancy (Committee member) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05
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Description
During the Innovation Space program, my team and I (which included graphic design, industrial design, engineering, and business majors) created a product that solves a problem posed by our sponsor Johnson & Johnson. This year long project involved researching biological aggressors, specifically mosquitoes, brainstorming over sixty ideas, developing a business

During the Innovation Space program, my team and I (which included graphic design, industrial design, engineering, and business majors) created a product that solves a problem posed by our sponsor Johnson & Johnson. This year long project involved researching biological aggressors, specifically mosquitoes, brainstorming over sixty ideas, developing a business plan for the final 3 ideas ("ago", "WANDELAR", & "FIL"), and eventually pursing and finalizing the final idea chosen. We chose to further develop "ago", a stroller seat insert that creates an air barrier between the child in the seat and any insects flying nearby. This portable seat fits in most strollers and also cools the child's back so they don't overheat while outside. The team created a design book, design model, and prototype of "ago" including the seat, fan, and hose. As the business member of the group, I developed three business plans, a final business plan, and conducted primary research by surveying our target market, parents. This business plan included customer research and validation efforts, cost structure, entry market, competition, and other crucial information required to sell "ago". Along with the final presentation of our product to our sponsors, I also completed a reflection paper about my experience working on an interdisciplinary team and the similarities and differences I found the Innovation Space program has to a real world product development team. I also included how my experience in Barrett and W.P. Carey contributed to my success in the program as well as any personal takeaways I had from the program.
ContributorsRefermat, Jocelyn Rae (Author) / Trujillo, Rhett (Thesis director) / Montoya, Tara (Committee member) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
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Description
Within the beauty industry, a common issue that exists is the lack of diversity in product colors that suit consumers of darker-skinned ethnicities. Ethnic diversity in makeup products is often difficult to find, particularly in regard to more affordable brands. Over the years, the makeup and beauty industry has focused

Within the beauty industry, a common issue that exists is the lack of diversity in product colors that suit consumers of darker-skinned ethnicities. Ethnic diversity in makeup products is often difficult to find, particularly in regard to more affordable brands. Over the years, the makeup and beauty industry has focused their attention on Caucasian females, thus excluding many other races, ethnicities, skin colors, and even genders. Although the lack of diversity in the cosmetics world is often related to people with darker complexions, this issue can affect any individual of any ethnicity or skin tone. This lack of diversity causes a negative psychological impact on individuals and causes people to experience feelings of frustration, anxiety, and exclusion. The purpose and significance of this research is further outlined in Chapter I. To address this issue, I developed an overarching research question: How might I create a custom makeup product that provides value to my audience? In order to answer this overarching question, I conducted research to answer the following areas: (1) Who is my audience? (2) What are my audience's perceptions and attitudes about makeup? (3) What challenges does my audience face when searching for or purchasing makeup? (4) Why does my audience value my product? and (5) What does my audience believe about my product? These questions allowed me to gather an in-depth understanding of the customer, including their tastes, preferences, needs, values, and demographic characteristics. Chapter II is comprised of the literature search which explores four themes: (1) the changing perception of the makeup industry, (2) diversity in makeup, (3) makeup's psychological impact on individuals, and (4) custom makeup & the market. Chapter III describes the research design and process while Chapter IV presents and analyzes the data and findings. The compiled research informed the business plan and influenced the conception and creation of the brand. Based on my qualitative and quantitative research -- which included a literature search, multiple depth interviews, and a survey -- I created Flesh and Bone Cosmetics. Flesh and Bone Cosmetics is an inclusive custom cosmetics brand that addresses the lack of diversity in the makeup industry by offering Liquid Foundation Drops. This product is a highly pigmented range of tints that recolors and adjusts any existing liquid foundation -- this allows individuals to discover their perfect color match at an affordable price range. Chapter V provides recommendations on forming a business model and marketing strategy for Flesh and Bone Cosmetics.
ContributorsCuenca, Sondra Camille (Author) / Gray, Nancy (Thesis director) / Samper, Adriana (Committee member) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
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Description
This study examines how a commitment to service can impact and come to exemplify a company’s brand image, customer loyalty, and overall organizational success. It examines the history and evolution of customer service, as well as what commitment to service looks like in present-day businesses. It differentiates companies that have

This study examines how a commitment to service can impact and come to exemplify a company’s brand image, customer loyalty, and overall organizational success. It examines the history and evolution of customer service, as well as what commitment to service looks like in present-day businesses. It differentiates companies that have attained a reputation for superior service and companies that have struggled to overcome service failures. Trader Joe’s, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Chick-fil-A, Southwest Airlines, and The Walt Disney Company are identified as five companies that have attained a reputation for remarkable service. This study includes five analyses to understand each company’s mission, history, leadership, employee engagement, and organizational culture. This study synthesizes how an unwavering commitment to customers, emphasis on employee empowerment, and ability to embed service in culture are common themes that can significantly contribute to a company’s ability to develop a reputation for remarkable service.
ContributorsBarr, Chandler Wallace (Author) / Desch, Timothy (Thesis director) / Shick, Jennifer (Committee member) / Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / School of Community Resources and Development (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05