Honors Theses
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/239594
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Item Open Access Paws & perception: the influence of marketing on animal rescue behavior(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Miller, Amanda, author; de Brito, Paulo Borges, advisor; Wright, Jennifer, committee memberThis honors thesis examines how marketing can catalyze a renewed cultural shift toward animal rescue in the United States, with a specific focus on Gen Z consumers. Drawing on historical analysis, secondary data from national animal welfare organizations, and primary survey data from pet owners in the Denver Metro Area, the paper traces the evolution of the rescue movement from the 1970s—when an estimated 15 million animals were euthanized annually— to the present plateau of approximately 607,000 euthanasias per year. The study identifies key historical inflection points, including the Animal Welfare Act, early animal rights advocacy, and high-profile celebrity interventions such as Oprah Winfrey's 2008 coverage of puppy mills, and contrasts these with current stagnation in progress. Quantitative analysis indicates that preventable euthanasia could be eliminated if only 27% of recent pet purchasers chose adoption instead, suggesting that a relatively modest behavioral shift could have an outsized impact. Survey findings further show that 60% of respondents who purchased from breeders asked about welfare-related practices, and half of those altered their purchasing decision, highlighting an existing ethical sensitivity to leverage. The thesis argues that the legacy slogan "Adopt, Don't Shop" is increasingly perceived as accusatory and insufficiently nuanced for Gen Z, who seek authenticity, narrative depth, and a sense of belonging in social causes. It proposes that modern marketing strategies—particularly influencer partnerships, viral storytelling, and socially resonant messaging reframed as a positive, joinable movement (e.g., "Join the Rescue Revolution")—offer a promising pathway to shift perceptions away from breeder purchases and toward rescue and adoption.Item Open Access Applied crisis management in the supply chain: a qualitative study(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Coulson, Kirstyn, author; Mumford, Troy, advisor; Macdonald, John, committee memberThis thesis examines how supply chain leaders handle crisis and what effective leadership looks like. I conducted qualitative interviews with six leaders across manufacturing, logistics, procurement, healthcare, and rail. Their experiences point to several themes that shape crisis response, including the severity of the disruption, the vulnerabilities within a complex supply chain, and the leader’s own capabilities. Crises happen in every industry. They create financial risk, time pressure, and a need for strong coordination across teams. The leaders I interviewed described a shared approach. They stay outwardly steady while managing internal stress, pull people and resources together quickly, and turn each disruption into a learning opportunity through root cause analysis and prevention planning. A key takeaway is that a supply chain never leaves a crisis in the same condition it entered. Disruption exposes weak spots and moves the organization from a mindset focus on efficiency toward greater resilience. Overall, the research shows that effective crisis leadership relies less on technical expertise and more on emotional intelligence and a commitment to supporting teams through uncertainty.Item Open Access Integrating market research and creative strategy: an advertising proposal for Stio(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Zoller, Kaija, author; Slejko, Gina, advisor; Robinson, Arnold, committee member; Krukowski, Kipp, committee memberThis project integrates comprehensive market research with creative advertising strategy to develop an informed, multi-channel marketing proposal for Stio, a premium outdoor apparel brand rooted in mountain-athlete culture. Through industry analysis, competitive benchmarking, and consumer trend evaluation, the research identifies a rapidly evolving outdoor apparel landscape defined by rising participation in outdoor activities, growing demand for versatile and sustainable gear, and the increasing role of social media in shaping lifestyle-oriented outdoor fashion. Using quantitative and qualitative data, including onsite interviews, analytics, social listening, and third-party research, the project establishes four key consumer personas: the Graduated Grom, Mountain Maven, Eco Explorer, and Seasoned Seeker. These personas guide the development of a research-driven campaign concept, "The Gear That Does It All," which highlights Stio's ability to balance technical performance with everyday versatility. Paired with a six-month, funnel-based digital media plan spanning awareness, consideration, and conversion channels, the campaign is designed to support revenue growth, strengthen brand differentiation, and maintain Stio's aspirational mountain-towner identity. The resulting proposal positions Stio to expand its audience while preserving authenticity, addressing strategic challenges of credibility, brand dilution, and sustainability storytelling within a crowded and competitive market.Item Open Access Struggling with ghosting? Why volunteers and donors do it, how to rekindle non-profit engagement(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Ferris, Adelle, author; Seabolt, Logan, advisor; Falcon, Gilbert, committee memberNon-profit organizations actively address societal challenges and improve lives. However, sustaining volunteer and donor recruitment and retention remains challenging. This thesis explores the complications that arise in acquiring and engaging volunteers and donors long-term, specifically focusing on the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Chapter at Colorado State University (CSU), and the broader organization of NMDP. The analysis examines psychological motivators, such as Self Determination Theory, which drive individuals to perform altruistic acts. This thesis highlights constraints that prevent individuals from volunteering or donating – barriers extending beyond recruitment. These include a lack of education, structural deficiencies, institutional mistrust, cultural hesitancy, and systematic limitations within the healthcare sector. Additionally, the examination investigates the role of the medical industry, particularly how burnout affects engagement. Recognizing these issues is the first step toward proposing effective solutions.||People naturally want to help others when given the capability and opportunity. Adjustments must occur to correct limitations individuals currently face during onboarding and the conversation process. Proposed solutions include effective communication, social media engagement, and psychology-backed techniques such as the Door-in-the-Face and Foot-in-the-Door strategies to drive participation. Accentuating community interaction through proper training and information fosters confidence and promotes workplace sustainability. Evaluating the global significance associated with donor recruitment and retention provides insights beyond the scope of NMDP. This thesis offers a framework for various non-profit organizations and companies seeking to improve their own recruitment and retention efforts. Altruism alone will not change the world, but a system empowering it can – and will.Item Open Access Zap & Snack: an EV convenience store business plan(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Benson, Mahriana, author; Ready, Randy, advisor; Thrasher, Pat, committee memberZap & Snack is an innovative concept in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, designed to merge fast, efficient EV charging with a health-conscious convenience experience. Founded by Mahriana Benson, the company aims to redefine the typical charging station by offering high-speed charging, free Wi-Fi, healthy snacks, and a smoothie bar, all within a uniquely designed pull-through parking layout. As the EV industry experiences rapid expansion, adding over 10,000 charging ports weekly, according to the Federal Highway Administration; Zap & Snack seeks to stand out from at-home and traditional public chargers. To support its launch and growth, the company is pursuing a 10-year loan of $1,467,500. Financial projections estimate a net income of $90,927 in the first year, growing to $172,730 by year ten. With a grand opening planned for 2025, Zap & Snack aims to achieve national recognition by 2031 for its distinctive approach to EV charging and consumer wellness.Item Open Access Redesign of non-profit website: improving user experience for greater impact(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Clement, Alexandra, authorA non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and donations for their cause needs a website that engages their users. This thesis explored the redesign of a northern Colorado non-profit organization to enhance user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) through a combination of user-centered design principles, accessibility improvements, and elevated functionality. The process to complete this project involved evaluating the current website’s limitations, conducting A/B testing, and applying learned web design techniques to create a more friendly, visually appealing, and informative platform. By improving the website's UX/UI, this thesis aims to increase community engagement and support.Item Open Access Kasooli sustainable product: developing sustainable health solutions(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Borchert, Phillip, authorThis thesis is a business plan exploration of Kasooli, a venture-backed senior design project from Colorado State University's Scott College of Engineering, inspired by faculty member Robert Serunjogi. Kasooli aims to launch affordable, sustainable menstrual products made from corn fibers into the U.S. market, addressing environmental concerns and menstrual health needs. The paper examines market dynamics, consumer preferences, and operational strategies through primary research, customer discovery, expert interviews, and financial modeling. Key findings highlight the potential for eco-friendly, cost-effective hygiene solutions to bridge the gap between traditional and premium products. This study outlines a strategic roadmap for Kasooli's market entry, emphasizing its potential to drive innovation in sustainable hygiene solutions.Item Open Access A reflection on the rooibos tea industry: empty tea bags(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Peek, Molly, authorTea is a popular beverage enjoyed by tea drinkers in all corners of the globe. There are many variations including green, black, white, and herbal, among hundreds of others, all of which contain special ingredients sourced from global regions. While a great deal of tea ingredients are grown across Asia, specifically in India and China, specific roots, leaves, and spices are also found in South America and Africa. One such plant, known as Rooibos, is uniquely found only within a specific region within South Africa, called the Cederberg Region. With the entire supply of this plant concentrated in just one region, there are concerns about the protection and longevity of the rooibos crops. When a global supply comes all from just one place, forming a bottleneck, there are several complex sourcing issues that could arise if that supply is diminished. This foundational document will focus on the rooibos industry, how it is grown and harvested, the environmental, economic, and social concerns related to rooibos and South Africa, and ongoing solutions to these challenges. In addition to this foundational document, my thesis is presented in a visual medium, a world map created out of recycled tea bags. The piece highlights the scale of the globe compared to the small land area from which rooibos originates. It is also made using sustainable materials, highlighting the importance of global sustainability initiatives. I chose to produce a fine arts project for my thesis because I believe that the visual medium is an approachable way to introduce and represent complex issues. Current research in the art field has shown that contemporary art today, more than ever, is a catalyst for activism and political identification (Strehovec, 2020). The rooibos industry is plagued by several challenges, one being recognition. A visual representation of industry challenges via the tea map allows viewers to find intrigue in an industry and learn about something that they may not have encountered previously. I think that the interconnections of business, art, and social science in this piece make it approachable to a wide audience, prompting thought and curiosity on a multi-faceted situation.Item Open Access Change management for small business in practice(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024-11-05) Sanchez, Miyana, authorTo explore the effectiveness of change management, I tested a sample of 20 employees' resistance to change (RTC) from a small business in practice. The small business is family-owned, local to Colorado, and was established in 2008. Throughout the organization, employees are in a range of roles, with a total of 8 being a part of administrative functions and 12 in manufacturing. This study analyzes how change is managed and identifies key factors influencing small businesses' willingness to adopt new practices.