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This thesis discusses our path toward creating Cookies 4 Change (C4C), a student organization at Arizona State University. This organization works in tandem with the Community School's Initiative (CSI) at Children's First Leadership Academy (CFLA), a school for housing insecure K-8 students in the valley. This mission of Cookies 4

This thesis discusses our path toward creating Cookies 4 Change (C4C), a student organization at Arizona State University. This organization works in tandem with the Community School's Initiative (CSI) at Children's First Leadership Academy (CFLA), a school for housing insecure K-8 students in the valley. This mission of Cookies 4 Change is to mentor 7th and 8th grade students of the CSI program at Children's First Leadership Academy in life, in entrepreneurial endeavors, in academic pursuits, and in fundraising to illuminate future potential in both education and careers beyond. To fulfill this mission, we researched three main fields: volunteer motivation, self-esteem in the classroom, and curriculum. This research helped us to first determine the best way to structure our organization to keep ASU students engaged, second to build the self-esteem of the middle school students, and third to create sustainable curriculum on the topic of entrepreneurship. In addition, to ensure the sustainability of Cookies 4 Change, we are developing strong and committed members to take the reigns of the organization when we graduate. We have created detailed pass along documents to complement this thesis and assist them in running C4C. Lastly, we discuss the potential scalability of Cookies 4 Change as a concept to different underprivileged schools in the valley and other cities with a similar socioeconomic makeup. By delving further into our story, the research, the organization, the curriculum, our future, and the scalability, we hope to detail the work we have done to help these students and how the organization will continue helping after we are gone.
ContributorsMiller, Jenna Marie (Co-author) / Lefever, Ian (Co-author) / Feeney, Mary (Thesis director) / Clausen, Tom (Committee member) / Department of Economics (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-12
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Financial Intelligence Pays Off blog is an easy to use blog for high school juniors and seniors and college students to access in order to receive a quick overview of essential financial topics. There are many sources and college courses for students to take to get a more in-depth understanding

Financial Intelligence Pays Off blog is an easy to use blog for high school juniors and seniors and college students to access in order to receive a quick overview of essential financial topics. There are many sources and college courses for students to take to get a more in-depth understanding of topics such as saving, filing taxes, learning about credit but many times students do not know about these courses. However, it is often that courses are restricted to students who are business majors and online sources sometimes use to technical of terminology for young adults to follow along. The goal of this blog is for it to give students just a quick overview of what taxes are, how to manage and have a good credit score, how to keep a budget and other essential financial tasks. There are five topics covered in the blog as well as resources for students to access if they would like more information on a topic.
ContributorsFavata, Danielle (Co-author) / Perez-Vargas, Sofia (Co-author) / Sadusky, Brian (Thesis director) / Hoffman, David (Committee member) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-12
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This case study sought to comparatively analyze well-publicized auditor-client lawsuits between the years 2008 and 2018. The five lawsuits were all filed following the events on the Financial Crisis of 2008. This was done as the 2008 Financial Crisis signified a turning point in many prominent financial firms and the

This case study sought to comparatively analyze well-publicized auditor-client lawsuits between the years 2008 and 2018. The five lawsuits were all filed following the events on the Financial Crisis of 2008. This was done as the 2008 Financial Crisis signified a turning point in many prominent financial firms and the modern day economic landscape. With focus on the Big 4 Auditing firms as the defendants, the findings of this paper will allow for further analysis into the most critical aspects of these types of lawsuits. Specifically, pertaining to the cases’ both similar and dissimilar components. The five cases analyzed in this paper found common factors pertaining to the role of bankruptcy, as well as the role of the In Pari Delicto Doctrine in the defense strategy. Upon summary, it was determined the most successful iteration of the doctrine occurred in those cases where the strategy was combined with other laws and precedents. Furthermore, it was determined the failure of the doctrine in initial court proceedings such as, the motion to dismiss and the motion for summary judgement, lead to instances of settlement. Additionally, the cases primarily involved fraudulent activities or accounting errors, and focused on the role of the auditor in the collapse of the various clients’ firms. In the case of accounting errors, cases typically ended in settlement as well. After careful analysis, it can be inferred cases involving fraudulent behavior on the part of the clients, have a substantial impact on the successful utilization of the In Pari Delicto Doctrine. In the future, the scope of this case study can be expanded beyond well-publicized lawsuits.
ContributorsPatel, Tejal (Author) / Lamoreaux, Phillip (Thesis director) / Maksymov, Eldar (Committee member) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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This paper classifies private equity groups (PEGs) seeking to engage in public to private transactions (PTPs) and determines (primarily through an examination of the implied merger arbitrage spread), whether certain reputational factors associated with the private equity industry affect a firm's ability to acquire a publicly-traded company. We use a

This paper classifies private equity groups (PEGs) seeking to engage in public to private transactions (PTPs) and determines (primarily through an examination of the implied merger arbitrage spread), whether certain reputational factors associated with the private equity industry affect a firm's ability to acquire a publicly-traded company. We use a sample of 1,027 US-based take private transactions announced between January 5, 2009 and August 2, 2018, where 333 transactions consist of private-equity led take-privates, to investigate how merger arbitrage spreads, offer premiums, and deal closure are impacted based on PEG- and PTP-specific input variables. We find that the merger arbitrage spread of PEG-backed deals are 2-3% wider than strategic deals, hostile deals have a greater merger arbitrage spread, larger bid premiums widen spreads and markets accurately identify deals that will close through a narrower spread. PEG deals offer lower premiums, as well as friendly deals and larger deals. Offer premiums are 8.2% larger among deals that eventually consummate. In a logistic regression, we identified that PEG deals are less likely to close than strategic deals, however friendly deals are much more likely to close and Mega Funds are more likely to consummate deals among their PEG peers. These findings support previous research on PTP deals. The insignificance of PEG-classified variables on arbitrage spreads and premiums suggest that investors do not differentiate PEG-backed deals by PEG due to most PEGs equal ability to raise competitive financing. However, Mega Funds are more likely to close deals, and thus, we identify that merger arbitrage spreads should be narrower among this PEG classification.
ContributorsSliwicki, Austin James (Co-author) / Schifman, Eli (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertzel, Michael (Committee member) / Department of Economics (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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Description
Autonomous vehicles (AV) are capable of producing massive amounts of real time and precise data. This data has the ability to present new business possibilities across a vast amount of markets. These possibilities range from simple applications to unprecedented use cases. With this in mind, the three main objectives we

Autonomous vehicles (AV) are capable of producing massive amounts of real time and precise data. This data has the ability to present new business possibilities across a vast amount of markets. These possibilities range from simple applications to unprecedented use cases. With this in mind, the three main objectives we sought to accomplish in our thesis were to: 1. Understand if there is monetization potential in autonomous vehicle data 2. Create a financial model of what detailing the viability of AV data monetization 3. Discover how a particular company (Company X) can take advantage of this opportunity, and outline how that company might access this autonomous vehicle data.
ContributorsCarlton, Corrine (Co-author) / Clark, Rachael (Co-author) / Quintana, Alex (Co-author) / Shapiro, Brandon (Co-author) / Sigrist, Austin (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Reber, Kevin (Committee member) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
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Description
In 2014, IASB and FASB published a new revenue recognition standard that will upend the way revenue is recognized on financial statements filed with the SEC. The new standard, ASC 606 \u2014 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is effective as of December 16, 2017 for all public US GAAP entities

In 2014, IASB and FASB published a new revenue recognition standard that will upend the way revenue is recognized on financial statements filed with the SEC. The new standard, ASC 606 \u2014 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, is effective as of December 16, 2017 for all public US GAAP entities and effective for all IFRS entities as of January 1, 2018. All non-public US GAAP entities are required to implement the reporting standards for financial periods following December 16, 2018. The purpose of this new guidance is to shift from industry and transaction specific revenue recognition methods to a framework that enables financial statement users to understand how and when revenue is recognized. As an incoming associate within the audit industry, I decided to analyze the key differences between the new revenue recognition standard with the existing GAAP and IFRS standards. The following research explores the impact on various industries, particularly the real estate industry. ASC 606's impact will vary depending on the industry. In terms of real estate, the industry will experience a moderate impact. The new guidance will likely enable the earlier recognition of revenue in most instances, based on the five-step revenue recognition process laid out by the IASB and FASB. This publication also analyzes the 10-K's of three companies in the real estate industry; Kennedy Wilson Holdings Inc., CBRE Group Inc., and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Through excerpts from the 10-K's of these companies, readers will gain insights into how real estate companies are preparing for the implementation of ASC 606. With this new revenue recognition standard, financial statement users will be able to better grasp the nature, timing, amount, and uncertainty of revenue recognition, thereby increasing transparency within the public accounting profession.
ContributorsThomas, Kade Anthony (Author) / Shields, David (Thesis director) / Geiger, Karen (Committee member) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
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On September 11, 1973, Augusto Pinochet became the leader of Chile after a violent coup d’état, which left the economy in shambles. The previous president and ruling party, Salvador Allende and the Popular Unity coalition respectively, were moving the country towards socialism and in doing so increased the government presence

On September 11, 1973, Augusto Pinochet became the leader of Chile after a violent coup d’état, which left the economy in shambles. The previous president and ruling party, Salvador Allende and the Popular Unity coalition respectively, were moving the country towards socialism and in doing so increased the government presence in the economy, nationalized copper and other industries, and redistributed agricultural land. Soon after nationalizing the copper industry, prices fell and the large expenditures being made by the government lead to a recession characterized by shrinking GDP, failing nationalized businesses, US economic sanctions, high inflation, and unfavorable exchange rates. Pinochet turned to the Chicago Boys, Chilean economists educated at the University of Chicago’s School of Economics by Milton Friedman, to formulate an economic plan that would reduce inflation as well as limiting government involvement in the economy. This paper will examine the neoliberal free market principals instituted by the Chicago Boys, the immediate and delayed effects in the Chilean government, and how these principals have been and can be utilized to provide stabilization and growth in other Latin American economies.
ContributorsJohnsen, Kaitlin (Author) / Goegan, Brian (Thesis director) / Hobijn, Bart (Committee member) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
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Description
In the fall of 2012 I had the incredible experience of studying abroad in Rome, Italy. While there I was able to travel to several different European countries and experience the local lifestyle from a student's perspective. During my travels I found it difficult to find a succinct weekend travel

In the fall of 2012 I had the incredible experience of studying abroad in Rome, Italy. While there I was able to travel to several different European countries and experience the local lifestyle from a student's perspective. During my travels I found it difficult to find a succinct weekend travel guide for the city that I was in. Travel books are expensive and burdensome for backpackers, and wireless internet connection is rather scarce in European cities. I often found myself looking at a church or historical monument and not knowing why I was surrounded by tons of tourists. The entire semester I had hoped for a detailed, easy to read, itinerary for major European cities. I thought it would be even better to gear it towards young independent travelers. A guide for backpackers made by backpackers so to speak. No longer will student travelers feel the need to buy a $40 travel book for a country that they may only be spending a few days in. This guide will contain everything one needs to know such as where to sleep, what to eat and drink, and how much it will all cost. No longer will a young traveler be staring at a famous memorial and not know one piece of information about it. No longer will backpackers wanting to experience nightlife have to wander around a city until they find a tourist filled pub. "The European Explorer" will be the must have guide for all future backpackers. Much of my research is from personal experience. I was able to see firsthand what students enjoy, and what they do not enjoy while traveling. Based off of my itineraries I will use the internet and travel books to pull the most vital information and transform it into one itinerary. It is up to the user what he or she wants to do or see. There will be options for various interests such as art, religion, architecture etc. The itinerary as a whole is meant to be a grand trip of Europe, but can be divided up to the users liking. My sources vary from travel blogs and forums to history websites to travel books. I will be using approximately 2-3 resources for each destination. A forward to my thesis will include general vital information such as how to ride the rail, safety tips, and hostel information. This information is best to be read by the user before travel has started. Another addition will be an analysis of travel guides, including the history of them, the profitability of the guides, and the future of travel guides.
ContributorsTaubman, Daniel Jordan (Author) / Bruhn, Karen (Thesis director) / Piper, Erin (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor)
Created2014-05
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We were interested in whether or not certain demographics, such as gender, age, education level, and academic major, would affect an individual's political awareness. In particular, we hypothesized that Political Science majors would have a higher level of political awareness than Non-Political Science majors. In an in-person survey, we asked

We were interested in whether or not certain demographics, such as gender, age, education level, and academic major, would affect an individual's political awareness. In particular, we hypothesized that Political Science majors would have a higher level of political awareness than Non-Political Science majors. In an in-person survey, we asked participants on the Arizona State University, Tempe campus a series of nine questions measuring government structure and procedure, current politics, and policy issues. Our findings concluded that, within our sample: 1) on average, Political Science majors outperformed Non-Political Science majors 2) education level appears to be positively associated with political awareness 3) like education, age appears to be positively associated with political awareness, however, there seemed to be a peak at 21 years of age 4) males outperformed females, as suggested by research studying the gender gap in political knowledge. Because our sample population was not randomly selected, and this report focuses on descriptive statistics, we cannot generalize or comment on our findings' statistical significance. However, many of our findings are supported by current research and, with further specification, may be of interest to university officials who seek to measure the political knowledge and awareness of various demographic groups on campus.
ContributorsTaylor, Kaela (Co-author) / Leung, Emily (Co-author) / Lennon, Tara (Thesis director) / Woodall, Gina (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor)
Created2014-05
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The Wish List is a website that allows users to input URLs of products that they like into a wish list, much like Amazon's Wish List. The website also connects users to their Facebook friends who also use the application, so that users can view their friends' wish lists and

The Wish List is a website that allows users to input URLs of products that they like into a wish list, much like Amazon's Wish List. The website also connects users to their Facebook friends who also use the application, so that users can view their friends' wish lists and "claim" products that they've purchased. This makes the Wish List like a registry as well. This report documents the functionality and the structure of the website, but the website itself is not yet released to the general public.
ContributorsChesley, Bryana Renee (Author) / Ahmad, Altaf (Thesis director) / Prince, Linda (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor)
Created2014-05