MBA Student Scholarship

Factors Influencing Students’ Selection of a Bank

Wei Tai et al. — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:21:37 PDT

The paper aims to determine what factors influence students’ choice of bank. Exploratory sample data (N= 100) was taken from students at John & Wales University, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island (All Southern New England). The instrument was comprised of fourteen questions, ten being derived from the related literature: service provision, the proximity of ATM, branch location, card design, students benefit, service charge, financial products, recommendation, security, and online service. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed using convenience sampling; 94 were returned, and among them 89 were deemed valid, yielding a response rate of 89%. This rate was considered sufficient for exploratory survey research, using the self-administered questionnaire approach. Responses were measured using the five-point Likert type scale on importance, which ranged from 1 (“not at all important”) to 5 (“very important”). A rank order of the top three factors are: first, “Secure Feelings” (M = 4.70; SD = 0.412); the second, “Proximity of Branch and ATM Service” (M = 4.67; SD = 0.452); and third “Banks Reputation” (M =4.34; SD = 0.516). Gender differences were not statistically significant, except for proximity of branch and ATM service where females rated higher in importance than males (p < .05).

Assessing the Financial Literacy of Domestic and International College Students

Jane Boyland et al. — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:39:05 PDT

Improving student financial literacy has become a major goal of colleges and universities within the United States in recent years. Many schools are now instituting programs to increase student financial literacy in order to improve their students’ later quality of life and decrease student loan default rates. The purpose of this study is to assess the current financial literacy of undergraduate students at a southern New England university in order to provide insights on how such a program could be customized to the unique needs of its student body. The Jump$tart Survey was administered to 92 junior and senior students and the results were analyzed based on student knowledge of income, money management, saving, spending and credit. Significant differences concerning level of financial literacy between domestic and international students were noted, however, no significant difference gender based differences were detected. It is recommended that the colleges and universities tailor their financial literacy education program based on the cultural and ethnic differences among its student body.

Factors Affecting Students’ Decision of Hotel Selection

Mingyang Liu et al. — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:09:26 PST

The goal of this research is to identify the factors affecting students’ hotel choices, to examine the impact of hotel servers when a potential guest selects a hotel, and to determine how hotel servers influence a student’s preference. The target populations for this study were Johnson & Wales University students who had stayed in U.S. hotels. A print-out questionnaire survey was distributed, descriptive statistics, and z-tests were used to address the research hypothesis. The results of the study indicated a significant positive relationship between hotel services and students’ decisions on their hotel selection. Location of the hotel, online information, and “package” components were statistically significant at the .05 level. Results indicate that a successful hotel should continuously improve its services/products that relate to better performance to meet customers’ special needs and expectations.

The Value of Foreign Languages in Business Communication

Racquel Moreau — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:09:25 PST

There are several factors that a company considers when deciding to operate in an international territory or with a foreign company. Factors such as language and culture greatly affect the success of business. Being able to effectively communicate ideas and strategies can be challenging in a new business environment. Determining the importance of language by a company is crucial to its success. Studying another language helps to understand the culture of the studied language which will assist in a corporation’s decision making process. English is a popular language in conducting business; however, communicating in other languages is gaining popularity. The aim of this research proposal is ascertain through questionnaires and interviews distributed in the United States, managers’ and employees’ attitudes and perceptions on foreign language acquisition.. By using this sequential, mixed-method approach, corroboration of survey results with interviews might be achieved. Many countries have made it compulsory to learn a foreign language and the Unites States is attempting to make adjustments accordingly.

Laboring Forward: The Future of Labor Unions

Lisa Koenig — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:38:23 PST

Labor unions have played an important part in shaping the workforce as we know it since the passing of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) in 1935. However, whether they are still perceived as essential in today’s economy is still questioned as union favorability ratings have declined from 35% to 7% over a thirty year span. A survey questionnaire was distributed to a non-random sample (N = 50) to ascertain their attitudes and perceptions on labor unions. Sixty-seven percent of respondents believe that unions should be in every state with 60% of those in a non- Right to Work state in favor of unionizing. Representation was favored for an apparent need for further representation (60%) and 40% seeking an increase in pay. Half of those surveyed feel labor unions are perceived as good for the economy and 43% felt that members of unions earned more on average than laborers in a comparable job who did not belong to a union. Review of related literature and research suggests that the best hope at reviving U.S. union participation is to look toward union expansion among white collar workers and the re-definition of what the words “labor” and “union” truly mean.

Exploratory Research: The Effects of Electronic Books on College Students

Ya-Ling Chen et al. — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:55:12 PST

In recent years, the e-book has become more and more popular among college students, and it is much easier to be installed and set up in electronic equipment, such as laptop, Kindle, or IPad. A random sample (N=80) of undergraduate (n=25) and graduate (n=55) students not only use the e-book to read in class and library, but also at public places and at home. Of the respondents, 46% have a part-time job, 32% have a full-time job, and 22% are not employed. Fifty-five percent of the sample was male and 45% were female. The results of the survey questionnaire indicate that 55% sample claimed to spend hours on learning every week by using electronic tools, especially reading articles. Twenty-eight percent of the participants would take their electronic equipment to class instead of traditional textbooks; and 17% of them own at least two pieces of electronic equipment. Although most students rely on traditional paper print books, the population of college students applying e-book in their study life is increasing rapidly because many more “smart” and inexpensive electronic equipment (hardware) are displayed in markets in which an e-book can be installed. As everyone knows, textbooks in the United States are very expensive to be afforded by all college students. Consequently, the e-book offers a far less expensive alternative than paper print books.

A Research Proposal: How can the United States Postal Service Respond and Recover From a Decade of Decline?

Victoria E. Ayers — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:18:33 PST

The purpose of this proposal is to identify the various financial struggles the United States Postal Service is currently facing. The interpretation of the related literature reveals some of the issues which the Postal Service is currently facing. Through the analysis of articles addressing the present and past volumes of mail and the recent usage of postal facilities it is evident that there is still a need for the USPS to survive. This proposal examines the current actions taken to save the United States Postal Service from their financial turmoil and also presents the results of past actions. It is evident that more serious action needs to be taken along with help from Congress in order to address the numerous issues. Proposed are the assessment of attitudes and needs towards the USPS from households, small and large businesses, and postal employees themselves, while also assessing the current level of service that is required from the USPS. The various researches identify the continuous downward spiral in which the United States Postal Service has fallen. The Method section provides potential data collection and analysis procedures for the assessment.

Stress Related Issues Due to Too Much Technology: Effects on Working Professionals

Katherine Walz — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 06:08:15 PST

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine stress related issues on working professionals within a retail organization and Information Communication Technology (ICT). This type of stress is known as “technostress.” Employees within four job levels; entry, middle, management and upper management were surveyed to learn what types of Information Communication Technologies they use in the workplace and what kinds of stress they experience because of these technologies (Brod, 1984; Ayyagari, Grover, and Purvis, 2011). Previous studies have shown that information communication technologies may be related to stress, but the specific kinds of stress related issues have not been fully researched. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between technology and stress and to find out what the stress related issues are, to what extent does “technostress” affect our personal lives and overall to gain a better understanding of the consequences of too much technology use. Findings suggest “Techno-insecurity” (individuals who feel insecure in their level of understanding of information communication technologies) is not supported… the opposite of this condition was found, 73% agreed or strongly agreed they have adequate skills to understand the technology they are using. Thirty-eight percent of the respondents almost always feel anxiety when they do not have their cell phone on their person, and 58% always check their cell phone the instant they get an alert for an incoming text or email. It was also found that “blurring boundaries” exist between the work-home environments. Overall, results corroborate that the phenomenon known as “technostress” exists.

The Impact of Nationality, Gender, and Education on Students’ Buying Attitudes Towards Ethical and Socially Responsible Products

Christina Blundin et al. — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 05:30:13 PDT

In today’s corporate climate, a company’s ethical and social responsible (ESR) involvement raises concern amongst consumers. Companies seek methods to demonstrate their high level of ESR in order to win customers’ loyalty. Prior research has been performed examining different variables with regards to the purchase of ESR products. This study utilizes empirical evidence from a private university in Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University to investigate the significance of demographic variables such as nationality, gender and educational level with regards to students' ESR buying attitude. Additionally considered and analyzed external factors are product price, advertisement and industry concern. Results indicate that demographic variables such as nationality, gender and education level have no significant influence on students' purchase decision of ESR products. However, the external factors such as price, product advertisement and industry concern do have an impact on the students’ ESR buying attitude. Implications for companies and direction for further research are presented.

Analysis of the Upscale/Fine Dining Sector in the Restaurant Industry

Volha Ban — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:54:35 PDT

Upscale segment of the restaurant industry makes up approximately 10% of total U.S. restaurant sales (Trends in Fine Dining, 2011a). Severe impact of the economic downturn on the fine-dining segment demonstrated the 13% decline in customer visits in 2009 what triggered steep decline in sales.

In 2011 industry experienced positive tendency and renewed interest to high-profile steakhouse chains and upscale seafood restaurants. As National Restaurant News stated “…fine-dining restaurants will remain popular as long as they continue to offer individuality, food quality and more casual setting …”(Trends in Fine Dining, 2011a). Trend of casualization in fine dining led to the implementing of two different concepts within one establishment: casual bar area with small-plate offerings and formal dining space for the whole experience.

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. (Ruth’s) is one of the leading companies in the segment that demonstrated positive trend in revenue within five years (2007- $319.17M, 2008 - $393.65M, 2009 - $344.63M, 2010 - $357.63M, 2011 - $369.57M) (Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., 2012a). Balance sheet of the company confirms Ruth’s capability of paying its bills and investing in the future growth.

Dealing with economical factors, change in customer preferences and strong competition Ruth’s proved the strength of the company with overall success. Leaders of the company use its competitive capabilities and resources with reasonable and fair adjustments in order to stay true to the tradition and culture of Ruth’s, obtain the profits, expand nationwide and internationally.

Personal Social Networking: Affects on Companies Hiring Decisions

Damaris Betances et al. — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:54:34 PDT

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the effects personal social networking sites had on candidate’s opportunities for obtaining employment and how and to what extent hiring managers used this information in the hiring process. Hiring managers across four industries: Retail, Banking, Healthcare and Hospitality were surveyed to learn how they are using social media sites to “screen” potential mid-level (and above) managers for their organizations. Additionally, the researchers wanted to determine what social media content was most influential in developing negative perception of the candidate. The results of the study showed contrasting results to prior studies which typically included samples of professional recruiters. The study found moderate social media usage to screen candidates, and little success finding candidates through such medias, however four basic areas were of significance to hiring managers and if found on social media could significantly jeopardize candidate’s potential in obtaining the job. These areas included: poor communication skills, substance abuse content, bad mouthing former company/boss/colleagues, posting provocative / inappropriate photos.

As with many inventions, one typically leads to many others creating an even greater effect on a society. Over the last 20 years the Internet has been such an invention which revolutionized how we obtain, share, and exchange information. The Internet has affected many facets of our daily routine from how we shop, obtain our news, and communicate to name a few. The ability to share information with a larger audience can have both potentially positive and negative results.

Social media can offer many examples of that. While many would agree that being able to share pictures, thoughts and important life events with family members or friends may be enjoyable and have a positive impact on social interaction, overall privacy of an individual may suffer as a result, leading to potentially negative consequences.

Whole Foods Market ™ Case Study: Leadership and Employee Retention

Kristin L. Pearson — Tue, 29 May 2012 05:37:07 PDT

Employee retention can be a challenge for Human Resources in today’s business climate, especially in retail food service occupations due to long and sometimes unpredictable hours, limited benefits, and growth potential to name a few. Despite the obstacles, Whole Foods Market has been able to overcome such limitations allowing employees flourish and as a result have set an industry benchmark for reducing voluntary turnover. This case study research is an examination of Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey and his modern approach to leadership and its effect on employee retention. The purpose of the research is to examine the association between employee retention and modern leadership practices. Primary data was collected from observational field research and qualitative interviews with six Whole Foods Market personnel whom currently or have previously held positions throughout various departments within the company. To identify the perceptions of employees, detailed notes were transcribed, collected and evaluated. The study provided a number of key findings of successful practices: (1) establish a mission and values driven culture; (2) provide a thriving environment in which your employees can be their true selves; (3) empower employees by encouraging innovation and dispersed decision making; (4) offer individual and team incentives for ideal behavior and performance; and (5) promote growth opportunities both vertically and laterally within the company. The conclusion answered the primary research question and argues for emphasis on the role of modern leadership approaches such as servant, values and decentralized leadership theory to improve retention efforts.

Employee retention is of growing concern for Human Resources regardless of business initiatives to reduce turnover costs and strengthen competitive advantages. Due to the nature of food service, hospitality and retail industries including low wages, long working hours, unfair healthcare, inadequate benefits, insufficient training & development in addition to limited job growth, employee dissatisfaction and voluntary turnover is on the rise. The importance of this subject is to be able to provide collected qualitative data in the form of best practices in support of foodservice retail companies so they too are able to retain valuable human capitol in a similar fashion as Whole Foods Market has been able to do. This case study research investigation will evaluate the effects of John Mackey’s approach to reduce voluntary turnover and improve employee retention at Whole Foods Market as seen through the eyes of current and past employees of the company.

The objectives of this case study research are:

Review and dissect literature on employee retention, turnover and job satisfaction
Examine the non-traditional leadership concepts, culture and philosophies of Whole Foods Market, honing in on Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Mackey
Interpret observation and qualitative results of interviews conducted with current and past employees (Team Members) of Whole Foods Market
Study factors that contribute to a sustainable work force and strong organizational mission, values and culture

Corporate Social Responsibility: Fallacies and Flaws

Christina Blundin — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:25:08 PDT

Over time, the ideals of business and society have become discordant from one another. When exactly this occurred is not as important as the effects it has had. When society began asking more from business, it voiced its concerns over companies solely existing to create profits, as well as their lack of responsibility to society. Consequently, businesses were coerced into performing acts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and philanthropy, to justify the profits they receive. However, in the pursuit of CSR, both business and society got short changed. They misconstrued the tenants of CSR. Each thought that it was the answer to their problems.

Analysis of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Industry

Frederic Juillet — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:30:30 PST

In 2009, most REITs opted for the recapitalization of their balance sheets in order to respond to the recent global credit crisis, thus reducing their leverage and strengthening their financial statements (REIT, 2011b). In 2011, the REIT industry represented $54.3 billion in revenue and a profit of $7.8 billion. The industry annual growth expectation for the next 5 years (from 2011 to 2016) is 5.1% or $69.7 billion (IBISWorld, 2011b). The Hotel & Motel industry counted 14 REITs in the lodging/resort sector in the U.S. (REIT, 2011c) and represented 10.5% of the equity REIT Industry (IBISWorld, 2011b). The REIT structure keeps gaining popularity among investors and real estate firms (IBISWorld, 2011b). Expansion, capitalization (balance sheet strategy), and portfolio restructuration and selection are the main objectives in the Lodging REIT industry. As a result of an interest rate to remain low in 2012, investors should still be interested in investing in REITs. However, the uncertainty and volatility in the market are expected to remain in 2012. In addition, quality assets are not easy to find, which makes it difficult for a quick recover. The position of FelCor Lodging Trust (FelCor) in the market is worse than its competitors as evidenced by the worst net income result (-$290.48 million) and the lowest operating margin (2.97%). Overall from 2008 to 2010, the reduction of total assets reflects the CEO’s, Richard Smith, decision to shrink the company in order to reposition and strengthen it (FelCor Lodging Trust, 2011f). The company show an ongoing effort to shift to a new market strategy, which started in 2005 and which clearly show FelCor’s intention to become an oligopolistic firm by dropping hotels in markets with low barriers to entry and by focusing on high barriers market hotels, thus increasing its market force (FelCor Lodging Trust, 2011b).

The Effects of Social Media on College Students

Qingya Wang et al. — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:08:25 PST

As social media sites continue to grow in popularity, it is our premise that technology is a vital part in today’s student success equation. This descriptive, exploratory research study drew a random sample (N=48) of males (n=26) and females (n=22) who were administered a student perception questionnaire on how social media affects college students. Thirty-five percent of the participants were undergraduates and 65% were graduate students, studying at Johnson & Wales University. Thirty-one percent of participants have full-time jobs, 30% have part-time jobs and 39% do not have jobs. The results of the survey questionnaire indicate that 45% of the sample admitted that they spent 6-8 hours per day checking social media sites, while 23% spent more than 8 hours; 20% spent 2-4 hours and only 12% spent less than 2 hours on this task. Results indicate while most college students use social media and spend many hours checking social media sites, there was a negative aspect to college students’ use of social media.

Carnival Corporation & plc

Ye Zhou — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:08:16 PDT

Carnival Corporation & plc is a global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world. This paper researches the company by analyzing environmental factors, strategic position within the cruise industry and competitive advantages. After reviewing company's strategic history, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of the company's present strategies (Carnival Corporation and PLC, 2010b).

Wynn Resorts, Ltd.

Myung Ji Doh — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:36:41 PDT

Wynn Resorts, Ltd. ("Wynn Resorts"), established in 2002, is an international corporat ion, providing the luxurious casino resorts destinations in two areas: Las Vegas and Macau. A total of four properties offers casino and non-casino services including rooms, F&B, entertainment, meetings, retail outlets and otbers. The company generates approximately 70% of revenues from casino and Macau properties. The company sets up several subsidiaries to operate business more effectively and retains the most influential person, Steve Wynn, in the casino resorts business. The maturity of the casino resorts varies based on the region: the US market is in the mature stage and the Asian market is in the growth stage (IBIS World. 2011; Samadi. 2011: Wynn ResOl1s, Ltd" 20 11 a), Most of the general external environmental issues - global, environmental, economic, socia-cultural, political and legal issues - strongly affect the casino resorts, while demographic and technological issues do not strongly affect this business. Based on the business maturity and the nature of the casino resorts, the threat ofrivalry shows a moderately strong position and the threat of new entrants shows a moderate position. Also, the power of supplier and buyer does not strongly affect the casino resorts business, while the threat of substitutes shows a moderate position in this business. The company shows a strong position in product and price. However, a limited geographical distribution and generous promotion lead the company's overall marketing position to moderately strong. Also, an unfavorable solvency condition gives rise to the company's finance position as moderately strong. However, due to the renovation of the rooms, its short history, many awards, and various partnerships, Wynn Resorts shows strong in the physical and partnership position. A recent change of the president in Las Vegas properties, the lack of the successor of Mr. Wynn, and the reduction of the number of employees tum the company's organization and human resources position into moderate, but the company's innovative movement and a good reputation result in the company's current market position (Benston, 20 I I: Finnegan, 20 11; Wynn Resorts. Ltd., 201 Oe, 2011 a). Compared with two closest competitors, Las Vegas Sands Corp. and MOM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts shows a stronger position in product, price, the assets utilization and reputation, which are called distinctive competencies. Considering the sustainabi lity of the di stinctive competencies, only good reputation is said to be a sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) of the company. However, I believe that the reputation is very sensitive to be damaged, so that the company should be very careful to keep it sustainable in the long-term. In addition, from the above analysis, I conclude that Wynn Resorts is in a favorable position in the market (Las Vegas Sands Corp .. 201 1; MGM Resorts International, 20 11 ; Wynn Resort, Ltd., 20 11 a). From the beginning of the business, the company sticks to the global broad differentiation strategy and mainly implements the organic growth, along with forming several strategic alliances and ajoint-venture. The profitable financial performance, a good reputation. and the customers' perception to Wynn Resorts may prove that these strategies, which the company adopted, work effectively for the business success (.l inks, 20 11 ; Wynn Resorts, Ltd" 2003, 2004, 201Ia,201Ib). For the future success, I suggest that the company keep basic strategies, the global and the broad differentiation, aggressively expand its business through the organic growth and other partnerships. Also, the company needs to maintain the SCA. the reputation, more sustainable through executing the green movement and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Making organization more stable and strong is necessary for the business prosperity.

Red Lion Hotel Corporation

Yin-Chia Shao — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:27:53 PDT

This paper is a strategy executing research project of Red Lion Hotels Corporation. The research content includes the nature of the business, environmental analysis, strategy position within the industry, competitive advantage, strategic history, evaluate strategy and a conclusion. The company grew from a focused differentiation strategy to a broad differentiation diversification. Examining the business environment analysis, the external environment has a moderately strong impact on the company and the internal environment has a moderately weak position. The inferior position is a disadvantage to the Red Lion Hotel Corporation's growth. In addition, compared the company with Choice International Hotels, Inc and Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., it reveals the Red Lion Hotels does not possess any distinctive competencies among the lodging industry. It will hinder the company's future development I will suggest the company keeps adopting organic growth strategy in the entertainment segment and focusing on franchising strategy in the hotel segment. It will reduce the fisk of expansion and consider the acquisition strategy as a long term strategy when the market is 5arurated and the economy condition is getting recovered (Red Lion Hotels Corporation, 20] Oa).

Online Versus Face to Face College Courses

Ningning Shi et al. — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:29:35 PDT

Students have perceptions of the on-line course environment whether they have taken an on-line course or not. A random sample (N = 100) of undergraduate (n = 34) and graduate (n = 66) students were administered a student perception questionnaire on students' attitudes towards studying online versus traditional classroom instruction in a large, private, southern New England University. Thirty-nine percent of the participants have a part-time job, 29% have a full-time job, and the remaining 32% are not currently employed. Thirty-three percent of the sample was male and 67% were female. Results of the survey questionnaire indicate that 29% of the sample attended or had some online course experience. Fifty-six percent reported having positive perception towards online education and yet only 22% would actually take an online course if given the opportunity. Time management and flexibility were given as prime reasons for taking on-line courses. Although all students use the Internet very much in their daily life, the results show that students still seem to prefer the traditional classroom environment for their education.