Senior Seminar Projects

Title: Senior Seminar Projects

Pages

: College Athletic Department Finances: How to Allocate Resources; Although college Athletic Departments are designed to produce revenue for the university through increased enrollment, athletic related sales, and donations, as well as increase school awareness throughout the community and nation, many athletic departments disperse finances without a plan which could lead to a significant amount of misused resources. The purpose of this business study was to identify the best approach for financial resource allocation within an athletic department and identify effective and efficient methods to create, manage, and organize an athletic department budget. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews, to learn and understand resource allocation in college athletic departments. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that that athletic departments often vary in size, level of competition, sports offered, budget, etc., but still operate in a very similar way, and that resource allocation is of the extreme importance in college athletics. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional industry knowledge, the researcher recommends that in order to prevent issues and to make the resource process easier, the athletic departments should offer an annual training for all the head coaches and administrative staff in which a budget manager will meet with each team and implement a common resource allocation spreadsheet and monthly reporting mechanisms to track each budget., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: Financial Education in the Workplace: Effectively Planning for Retirement; Increasingly, individuals are in charge of securing their own financial well-being after retirement. The purpose of this study was to identify impactful components of financial education programs which could be launched in the workplace to empower employees with a range of tools to help them make informed, effective decisions about their overall financial wellness. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews, to learn and understand about personal financial behavior and employee participation in financial education programs which contributed to the recommendations. Results of the data collection indicated that financial stress has impacted a significant portion of the workforce and financial wellness was linked to improved productivity, reduced distractions, increased engagement, and enhanced organizational commitment. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that many individuals are ill-prepared for retirement, either through their lack of planning, understanding the basics of financial products and services, and, the heavier burden that has been placed on individuals to save on their primarily through defined contribution vehicles. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that business leaders adopt and implement workplace financial education programs as they can lead to higher satisfaction and better knowledge of employer benefits, less physical illness due to lower stress, higher productivity at work and, of course, financial security., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018

: NCAA Student-Athlete Basketball: How Can Schools Increase Retention?; Division I Basketball has a significant problem of student-athletes leaving school after one year in hopes of getting drafted into the NBA. The purpose of this business study was to explore options that will increase retention among NCAA basketball student-athletes. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews to learn and understand the problem more in-depth, and thus, make realistic recommendations towards retaining more basketball student-athletes. Results of the data collection indicated that there are an abundance of potential solutions that can be utilized and time is of the essence for the NCAA to solve this problem before talented student-athletes bypass the NCAA altogether. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that while monetary compensation for student-athletes would persuade more to stay, it is unrealistic with budgetary restrictions. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that what makes the most sense is to let student-athletes profit off of their images and likenesses, and that the NCAA look into changing its current recruiting model., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: The Fast Food Industry: How Can Customer Service Be Improved?; Good customer service in all industries, particularly the fast food industry is critical to an organization’s success. The purpose of this study was to evaluate common customer complaints in the fast food industry and identify whether the fast food restaurants were actively using customer complaints to improve customer satisfaction and maintain customer loyalty. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews to learn and understand what they were doing to improve the satisfaction of the customer, how they were measuring customer satisfaction, and furthermore how they were handling the customer complaints so that their bottom line was not affected. Results of the data collection indicated that organizations that handled feedback from customer complaints being received from either social media or in person and tried their best to resolve the problems were successful in improving customer service and keeping the customer loyal to the business. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that service operation management is vital in the fast food industry because superior customer service helps in improving good engagement with the customers which will lead to the long-term relationships that are beneficial both the customers and the business. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that business leaders continue to improve customer service and resolve customer complaints by improving certain strategies in management as well as revisit honest and instant feedback especially in responding to the customer complaints for overall improvement of the connection between customer satisfaction and service quality., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: Finding Equilibrium: How can Organizations Implement Security Protocols without Hindering Facility Operations?; With an increase in terror attacks, mass shootings and violent protests around the world, many organizations are preparing their defenses against anticipated attacks from unknown assailants, making security the top priority for many organizations and government agencies. The purpose of this study was to identify a business practice or process that can create equilibrium between the competing priorities of security and facility operations so that both groups could be successful in meeting their mission objectives without hindrance. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews, to learn and understand what industry best practices can be implemented for both security and facility operations, as well as highlight examples of how the two groups can work together for meeting a shared mission. Results of the data collection indicate that in order for security and facility operations to be successful in meeting their mission objectives, a strategic approach should be taken in order to create opportunities for collaboration and compromise. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that it is through partnerships and collaboration that organizations experience and learn the value created in a relationship, which in turn strengthens and encourages continuation in the collaborative process. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends the development of a process to review security and facility initiatives utilizing a joint risk matrix, along with a realignment of the strategic mission of both security and facility programs to encourage team collaboration., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: Hiring NCAA Division I Head Coaches: Standardizing the Selection Process; Currently, across the nation, NCAA Division I member institutions are led by an Athletic Director and one of their responsibilities is to find and hire the best head coaches to lead their respective teams and represent the university to the highest standards. The purpose of this study was to determine what variables and factors Athletic Directors look for in the head coaches they hire, if having a standardized selection would help make the decision, and if there was a financial consequence of firing a head coach. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews to learn and understand the procedure they followed when hiring a new head coach. Results of the data collection indicated that standardizing the selection process of head coaches will not help Athletic Directors make hiring decisions, nor would it minimize the number of terminations and financial consequences each year, as firings occur for reasons other than lack of competitive success. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that business leaders should look more closely at the personality, values, and purpose of each candidate to determine if they are the right fit for the institution and program. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that business leaders have a standard review of candidates’ personal history, avoid illogical hires, and be thoroughly prepared for an impending vacancy., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: America’s Opioid Epidemic – What Is the Most Effective Treatment?; To date, “the opioid drug epidemic has killed more than 42,000 people in 2016, more than any year on record, and is a major problem costing the United States $78 billion a year” (https://www.drugabuse.gov). The purpose of this study was to identify which treatment modality works best for opioid use disorder. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of four industry experts through interviews/surveys, to learn and understand the different modalities and approaches to treatment, and which of these were most effective. Results of the data collection indicated that detoxification, cognitive therapy, long term residential treatment, along with spiritual awareness are essential elements to a solid foundation to recovery. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that medical assisted treatment, when used with the recommendations in the previous sentence, is the preferred remedy to wean patients off of opioids. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that business and social leaders call upon the federal government executives to allocate funds in the yearly federal budget to build government owned treatment facilities, conduct further research to determine the outcomes and feasibility of opioid use disorder treatment in primary care and office care settings, and enforce more stringent penalties and consequences for overuse of prescribers writing prescriptions., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: Millennial Retention: What does an organization need to do to retain millennials?; Differing from previous generations, millennials have a reputation for job-hopping and moving from one company to another company. The purpose of this study was to decrease millennial turnover rates while increasing millennial retention. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews, to learn and understand what successful strategies leading companies have used to successfully retain millennial. Results of the data collection indicated that in order to decrease millennial turnover, new strategies need to be developed to increase employee retention. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that successful strategies to retain millennials include companies being more than just a workplace by providing opportunities to engage and better the community, giving millennials a voice, offering non-traditional benefits, setting up official mentoring programs, and giving frequent feedback and instant gratification. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that business leaders need to successfully implement a corporate social responsibility program, set up an official mentorship program, and offer flexible work options., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: Successful Teachers: What are the Qualities Needed to Impact the Learning of Adolescents?; Teachers are leaders that guide adolescents inside and out of the classroom, so it is vital that all teachers have the qualities that allow them to be successful. The purpose of this study was to identify what qualities are necessary to be a successful teacher by appraising accomplished teachers that have gained many accolades in the classroom. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews to learn and understand what specific qualities and teaching techniques make a teacher successful with their students. Results of the data collected indicated that successful teachers do more than just transfer information from a textbook, but effectively engage students to such an extent that they are actively involved in every lesson. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that the best teachers ignite the fire of learning through connections, engaging students, and preparing quality lessons. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that business leaders model the behaviors expected from teachers on day one, host meetings before the official school year to express the importance of expectations, and create a warm and welcoming environment so that teachers feel comfortable coming to their leaders with questions or concerns.

: Dept of Health & Human Services (HHS) FOIA Requests: How to Reduce the Backlog?; The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), passed in 1966 and amended periodically, requires federal agencies to make their records promptly available to any person who makes a proper request for them. The purpose of this study was to identify what process and technology obstacles currently exist which are preventing the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) from being in compliance with FOIA law. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews, to learn and understand these obstacles in order to propose solutions. Results of the data collection indicated that FOIA analysts are almost never in possession of the requested records themselves, but are required to task people in other offices with the search for them, which adds time and complexity to the process of responding to requestors. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated that the FOIA requests received by government are increasing in volume and complexity, while the tools with which the analysts handle the workload and process the requests are aging and often incompatible with other offices. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that business leaders work from the top to create a stronger cultural emphasis on FOIA and records management, including acquiring and applying available technologies to capture existing and future records in a way that the analysts can more easily access and analyze them., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: Retention: How to Keep Skilled Administrative Employees in the Workplace; Skilled and talented administrative assistants are the mainstay of any corporate organization, and retaining excellent administrative employees is imperative if an organization is to be successful. The purpose of this study was to research the high turnover rate among administrative employees and what organizations can do to retain them. In order to answer the research question, the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through personal interviews, to learn and understand the methods used for creating happier and productive workplaces where employee motivation remained high. Results of the data collection indicated that by cultivating more human-focused workplaces where employees are treated as valuable contributors, organizations realized higher levels of quality productivity from its workers, greater satisfaction on the job, happier, healthier environments, and significant reductions overall in employee turnover rates. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the Subjects’ responses indicated that providing a nurturing work environment that contributes to growth and development of administrative support professionals – as well as all employees from every work sector – is vital if employers wish to retain their employees for the long term. Based on the project conclusions and the researcher’s professional knowledge, the researcher recommends that business leaders implement specific changes that will demonstrate the greatest impact on employee morale, satisfaction, and productivity in the workplace, such as recognizing the authenticity of each employee, and providing ongoing opportunities for growth and development., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.

: Diversity in College Athletics: What can the NCAA do to recruit and retain female college coaches?; The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a nonprofit association committed to providing opportunity for more than 460,000 college student-athletes who compete in 24 organized sports sponsored where student-athletes are enrolled (NCAA.com), yet, currently, only 40 percent of NCAA women’s teams are coached by a female head coach. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that are keeping women from pursuing careers in the college coaching industry, and determining how athletic directors can create a bias free hiring process. In order to answer the research question the researcher sought the insight and counsel of industry experts through interviews, to learn and understand how to recruit and retain female college coaches. Results of the data collection indicated that few athletic directors have recruitment plans in place to hire the best possible candidate, and that gender bias is keeping women from applying to head coaching jobs. Conclusions from the brief Literature Review, and the results of the subjects’ responses indicated there needs to be a more extensive recruiting process to find females to fill coaching positions. Based on the projects conclusion, and the researcher’s professional knowledge the researcher recommends that at each NCAA institution, there should be gender bias training, a standardized hiring process, and mandatory recruitment plans to find the best possible candidate regardless of gender., Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, Master of Science in Management, Capstone Project, 2018.