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Title: Corporate governance structures of business entities in Aboriginal communities
Contributors: John Allan Curry (author), Han Donker (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This project examines the development of corporate governance structures of development corporations in First Nations communities in British Columbia and across Canada. The concept is advanced of a close relationship between local community and corporate goals. Discussion focuses on potential conflicts of interest (agency problems) between community political leaders and managers of on-reserve businesses. Three theoretical models were developed -- traditional Native, Economic Development Corporation, and modern Native -- and in-depth interviews were completed in selected case study communities and questionnaires were administered to economic development professionals at the annual conference of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers. The findings from this study indicate that the traditional Native model of corporate governance prevails in small communities and that traditional Native model boards of directors are politicized -- not independent from local government. Politicizing of business decisions should be avoided, and checks and balances should be put in place within the corporate governance structure of development corporations.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:12:47.314Z

Title: Establishing a culture of workplace health and safety: the Northern Health way
Contributors: David J. Williams (author), Steven Cronshaw (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This paper presents a synthesis of the literature exploring the key drivers required to establish a culture of workplace health and safety. Culture is important to Northern Health. Northern Health's strategic plan articulates a focus on its people and a commitment to establish a culture of workplace health and safety. The way in which this task is accomplished is the primary focus of this paper, recognizing this task is a first step and may possibly be easier said than done. Essentially, how can the leadership of Northern Health establish a culture of workplace health and safety? Culture is a reflection on how organizational values are demonstrated, or the 'way we do things around here'. It is anticipated that the findings from this project will provide Northern Health with a solid plan and framework upon which it can establish and develop a culture that will flourish and be sustained within all sectors and levels of the organization. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:07:37.619Z

Title: Economic impact of sporting events using the case of 2015 Canada Winter Games
Contributors: Miranda Kynoch (author), Ajit Dayanandan (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Economic Impact studies have been a popular research topic among Economists. These studies look at the direct, indirect and induced effect of hosting or bidding on sporting, cultural or other events. This paper identifies a few of the more popular methodologies for conducting an economic impact study as well as the benefits, drawbacks and reasons for using each method. As well, an economic impact assessment of the 2015 Canada Winter Games is carried out using 2 methods. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:04:40.575Z

Title: The Port of Prince Rupert: opportunities and challenges for small business in BC's northern corridor
Contributors: Kelly McCormack (author), Paul Bowles (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The Port of Prince Rupert development (the port), located in BC's Northwest corner and part of Canada's Pacific Gateway Strategy, has stimulated great promise for economic prosperity for Canada, British Columbia, and BC's Northern Corridor (the corridor). Research indicates that small business is a significant contributor to the economic health of the province, regions, and communities in BC. This project seeks to identify if there are specific opportunities for small business and the communities in which they reside in relation to the port. A literature review and focus-group conducted in Smithers, BC as part of this research concludes that there is currently little direct economic opportunity for small business and communities in BC's Northern Corridor related to the Port of Prince Rupert development. The research reveals, however, that critical support resources and collaboration with proponents of CN Rail and the Prince Rupert Port Authority could provide communities and small businesses with prospects for economic development. --P. ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:07:09.502Z

Title: An analysis of earnings management: A comparison of seven countries.
Contributors: Zhijian He (author), Raymond Cox (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This article examines the systematic differences in earnings management including the possible impact of cross-country differences in culture on earnings management in seven countries: India, Hong Kong (China), Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. A set of traditional financial variables (firm performance, business cycles) and cultural variable (Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism, Power Distance) were used to test the hypotheses developed in this paper. Regression results indicate both the traditional financial variables and cultural variables can explain the choices of accounting accruals in different countries when the Jones Model serves as a dependent variable. Also, the Jones Model provides the most statistical explanatory power in the regression model on the international level. This paper's primary contribution to the existing literature is the thorough analysis of discretionary accruals and their relationship to traditional financial variables and cultural variable using a large data set. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:12:59.027Z

Title: Succession planning and exit strategy: creating a feasibile exit strategy for Northern Printers & Stationers
Contributors: Corrin L. Peet (author), Elizabeth Croft (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Succession planning in small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) is no longer a macro economical problem. SMEs that are expected to sell within the next five to ten years employ over 2 million Canadians and account for roughly 15% of the GDP. As many SME owners reach the common age of retirement, many do not have anyone to sell their businesses to. This project will argue that many times the solution is within the company, and that with proper planning the owner can realize his or her return on investment by selling to the top management team. A literature review was conducted to understand the how to create a team that an owner can trust to manage his business, and then to analyze the step-by-step processes of initiating and completing a management buy-out. This project uses a case study of a local company to create a physical example of what type of company might see the most success from a management buy-out, and how that company should go about initiating one. It concludes by examining the ideal positions for the successful management team, how the debt structure may theoretically look, and what the implications will likely be for the vendor and the management team. --Leaf 2.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:04:44.839Z

Title: Unit rate contracts: is it a model for oil sands projects?
Contributors: Patrick Anthony Hibbitts (author), Raymond Cox (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This project will investigate strategies that help provide cost surety to the oil sands construction industries. The project will begin with a review of the historical cost overruns and the lessons learned. The next focus point will be reviewing the demographics of Wood Buffalo to demonstrate the changes that have occurred since the early 2000s and refute the labour availability claim. Following the demographic review we will review construction contracts and the use of good faith as a contractual term. We will then conclude with a review of a unit rate simulation and discussion. --Leaves 2-3.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:24:45.395Z

Title: Engaging success: a qualitative analysis of the prospective benefits of implementing gainsharing in British Columbia's pulp and paper industry
Contributors: Angela Horianopoulos (author), Steven Cronshaw (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This qualitative analysis examines the effects of gainsharing on both productivity and employee engagement in the British Columbia pulp and paper industry. The pulp and paper industry plays an important role in the provincial economy by contributing four billion dollars annually and employing over 10,000 workers in high-pay unionized jobs. However, the industry has seen a significant decline in the past ten years in the number of facilities operating, which has reduced employment and ultimately tax revenue in the province. The economic importance of the pulp and paper industry highlights the need for unions and management to work together. Management must engage the human capital of its employees in order to achieve a competitive advantage in the global market. Gainsharing is a means to increase productivity more importantly, it is a method of facilitating a cooperative relationship between unions and management. This cooperative relationship not only increases productivity, but also significantly reduces labour relations costs while promoting a sense of satisfaction, loyalty and commitment within the employees. In this project, I develop a model explicitly outlining the impact of gainsharing within the pulp and paper industry. I test the model by reviewing and summarizing existing literature. The results are strongly supportive of the positive impact of gainsharing on productivity, reduced labour relations costs, employee engagement and profitability. I present recommendations for the application for government involvement, which can contribute to the success of this process, thus contributing to the success of the pulp and paper industry. --P. 2.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:08:33.351Z

Title: Ups and downs: creating a culture of engagement at a small airline
Contributors: Rod Hayward (author), Rick Tallman (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: An airline, whether large or small, relies on a vast array of talents and skills to operate successfully. With such a variety of goals and objectives, sometimes it is difficult for employees to see how their contribution affects the success of the company. As a result, employees may just 'go about the motions' of their job without being actively engaged in the process. Fostering engagement in an airline presents some unique challenges, such as those derived from the conflicts between diverse work groups and the intensely competitive nature of the aviation industry. This paper explores several areas regarding employee engagement. First, it examines a variety of engagement definitions and the benefits of engagement. Next, it explores the concept of relational coordination. Finally, the paper examines the six drivers of workplace engagement and the six high performance work practices that support relational coordination. A plan for creating a workplace environment, which supports employee engagement, is presented at the end of this document, as a result of combining the information learned about employee engagement and relational coordination with the author's knowledge of a small airline. --P. ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:06:50.171Z

Title: Supply chain management for pharmacy services in the Northern Health Authority
Contributors: Kirsten Thomson (author), Balbinder Deo (Thesis advisor), Cameron Egli (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The Northern Health Authority, a healthcare region located in northern British Columbia, executed a case study to analyze the current distribution relationship between G.R. Baker Hospital Pharmacy in Quesnel, B.C. and Prince George Regional Hospital Pharmacy. The purpose of the study was to examine the organizational structure, personnel relationships, and business processes that exist between the two facilities, in order to determine which processes in the current distribution network are working well, and to learn which areas require improvement. In order to complete the case study, a brief questionnaire was sent to G.R. Baker Hospital Pharmacy staff to glean further insight into the positive and negative factors of the service they currently receive. Further interviews were conducted with the Pharmacy Manager at G.R. Baker Hospital Pharmacy to determine satisfaction levels with the services provided. Finally, an observation of shipping practices was conducted to analyze the time and cost requirements for providing such service. The study resulted in the identification of several factors that are working well within the distribution relationship between G.R. Baker Hospital Pharmacy and Prince George Regional Hospital Pharmacy, particularly with respect to the provision of pre-packaged and convenience packaged products. The study also identified problem areas, primarily with respect to the limitations on the number of days per week for ordering, and the early cut-off times required by Prince George Regional Hospital Pharmacy. The primary recommendation resulting from this case study is to use this case as a building block for subsequent studies into the provision of drug distribution services and the establishment of distribution relationships with other regional facilities, leading to more efficient supply chain management and better utilization of limited resources.--P.ii-iii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:17:17.911Z

Title: UNBC small and medium sized business consulting center: a market demand study
Contributors: Raymond J. Noonan (author), Charles Schell (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:17:19.062Z

Title: The use of technology and the internet in the adaptive business and marketing strategies for the sustainability of small to medium sized travel agencies
Contributors: Phil Mentacos (author), Sungchul Choi (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Technology and the Internet have brought on monumental changes in how we live, learn, communicate, shop and travel. Businesses that have been around for decades have evaporated as a result of the expansion and growth of the Internet. In the travel and tourism industry, travel agencies are seen as middlemen, and it makes sense that efficiencies could be gained by removing them. The Internet has enabled the supplier to reach the consumer directly, and the consumer can go directly to the source. This notion has been brought up many times over the past ten to fifteen years, and yet travel agencies are still around. Various studies show that there still exists value for agencies. Customer service, custom products, education and consultation are all resources and capabilities valued in travel agencies. If a travel agency can differentiate itself through its value proposition and value chain, provide custom products and services to its clients, align itself strategically with other industry players, and brand and market itself through carefully evaluated and selected channels, it will not only survive in the industry but can thrive as well. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:06:54.067Z

Title: Nisga'a: integrity within a nation
Contributors: Theodore Allen Gosnell (author), Raymond Cox (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This project will present a conceptual analysis of the integrity of the Nisga'a Nation's cultural system. In addition, Werner Erhard, Michael Jensen, & Steve Zaffron's theory on integrity will form the foundation of the conceptual analysis their research on integrity is highly regarded, phenomenal, and brand-new. The analysis will focus on significant components of Nisga'a culture using: books, articles, and testimonials that support the structural integrity of the nation as identified by the Nisga'a and examples of some significant recollections throughout their history (and of the author of this project) that affirm the existence and importance of integrity within the nation. This project is not meant to represent all that exists within the Nisga'a system but only to spur future research on something as simple as honoring our word or more importantly how the Nisga'a honor their word since time immemorial. --Leaf iii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:24:34.78Z

Title: Adoption of wood pellets in the Prince George, BC market: perceptions and opportunities
Contributors: Mark Dunsford (author), Ian Hartley (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:15:57.554Z

Title: Crossing the THz gap: marketing strategy for a new technology
Contributors: Dennis Callaghan (author), Rick Tallman (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Terahertz Solutions Inc. is a new company that has developed out of research at the University of Northern British Columbia. State of the art terahertz emission and detection equipment has been purchased for development of a prototype to measure density and orientation in the production of oriented strand board. Terahertz Solutions Inc. (TSI) has little in the way of resources to begin operations once the prototype is finished, however. Effective marketing is crucial to the success of any new product, but TSI will not have the financial or human resources to create and implement a traditional marketing plan. This project incorporates elements of strategy to devise a cost effective marketing plan that will set the stage for TSI to become a major player in materials characterization. This strategic marketing plan draws from the literature of marketing and of strategy. The boundary between marketing and strategy is blurred. Traditional marketing concepts based on promotion, product, price, and placement will do little to help a company that cannot afford a marketing program. Strategic insight is gained from Michael Porter's five forces model, and prescriptive advice from the marketing literature is then applied to each of the five forces as they relate to the industry in which TSI will operate. Financial projections are made based on the incorporation of this prescriptive advice. A strategic marketing plan emerges that is practical given TSI's current position, and could led the company through its crucial start-up phase and ensure that this technology which could have a significant impact on the forest industry actually makes it to market. Competitive advantage in business-to-business transactions can be tough to negotiate. It is hoped that the strategic marketing plan presented can serve as a roadmap for the future of TSI, and of other start-up companies applying new technology to existing manufacturing processes. The formulation of a strategic marketing plan that will enable TSI to establish competitive advantag
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:05:03.767Z

Title: The economic viability of radio frequency identification for lumber retailers
Contributors: Aureliusz Artymowicz (author), Xin Ge (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to define the importance of radio frequency identification (RFID) for major lumber retailers. This project will emphasize the cost savings and efficiencies that would be gained by transitioning out of the current bar coded method of tracking into more effective RFID technology. The focus will be to analyze the processes associated with selling lumber and wood-related products with emphasis on inventory visibility of product in retail stores and retail lumber yards. This document will show the realized losses by large lumber retailers from traditional bar coding systems versus their potential return on investment from RFID technology. Each necessary process to sell lumber in the retail environment, from receiving product to the point of sale procedure, will be scrutinized to show the optimal potential results with RFID. The results will be divided into three key areas of savings with RFID: the decrease in labour the higher inventory visibility within the retail location and the reduction in inventory shrinkage. Speculative examples will also be discussed to give better understanding of the retail processes and their prospective economic benefits. This project has been devised to help lumber retailers realize the potential of the technology and direct them to pull the demand of implementation from their suppliers and throughout their own supply chains. --P. ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:08:34.707Z

Title: Social media as business ecosystem: modeling users' adoption of social networking sites
Contributors: Milad Fathi (author), Waqar Haque (Thesis advisor), Sungchul Choi (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Social Networking Sites (SNSs) have become of fundamental importance in shaping the dynamics of the way people communicate. A primary objective of social media practitioners is to formulate strategies that can lead to higher number of adoption rates among users. The aim of this research is to study adoption of SNSs and to shed light on the factors that influence user preferences. To that end, first, by borrowing theories from business ecosystem, platform business, the technology acceptance model (TAM), and hedonic and utilitarian benefits an initial set of potential measures is reached. Next, the measures are used to create a quantitative survey which is completed by a sample of 100 university students. An exploratory factor analysis performed on the collected data yields four dimensions: 1) platform, measured by control over privacy and ease of use 2) user benefits 3) network, measured by number of friends and members and 4) contributor benefits. Consequently, the results of a conjoint analysis based on uncovered components highlight the considerable importance of control over privacy and ease of use from a user perspective. Moreover, findings show that for users, an optimal SNS where other users share mostly entertaining content, contributors share mostly useful content, applications are mostly fun, control over privacy of posts exists, a good number of friends are registered and accessible, and is easy to use. Results also show that content shared by external contributors is almost as important as content shared by users in shaping preferences. These findings are expected to be of value to both scholars and social media and communications practitioners. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:28:30.683Z

Title: BRIC and Canada's dependence: impact of manufacturing costs
Contributors: Kristoffor E. Benson (author), Pei Shao (Thesis advisor), Zaidong Dong (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Brazil, Russia, India, and China together form the BRIC group of developing economies and are experiencing growth much greater than both the G7 and world as a whole. All four countries have significant ties to Canadian business and through the process of this project we will look at how our economic landscape is affected by their growth. The focus of this project will be on the manufacturing sector and how the rising cost of labour in the BRIC will affect Canadian producers and manufacturers. The research performed notes the increased cost of labour has reduced the benefits for Canadian companies to offshore their manufacturing requirements and goes on to demonstrate that this cost will exceed that of onshore manufacturing by 2025. Recommendations are made for the producers, manufacturers, and Canadian governments to both mitigate this risk and take advantage of the BRIC's growing economies. Primarily, these recommendations are focused on the onshoring of manufacturing. --P. ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:05:17.119Z

Title: Private rapid response fire and rescue unit RESC-U commercial viability
Contributors: Tony M. Messer (author), Raymond Cox (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Resource companies in Canada operate in remote locations, often hours away from the closest municipality where emergency services such as police, fire and emergency medical services are located. People and equipment use low grade roadways to travel in and out of these locations and deal with the risks of incidents occurring. When an incident such as a motor vehicle collision does occur, the patient can be trapped in the wreckage for hours with no protection from the elements waiting for rescuers to arrive and provide critical interventions. Similarly, tank truck leaks and wildfires that start small can grow in size and severity without quick response actions from trained responders utilizing the appropriate equipment. We will investigate the frequency and severity of these and other incidents occurring in remote locations where resource companies are expanding into and evaluate whether the risks justify the commercial viability of a new service delivery. By analyzing the costs of these incidents to the resource companies in terms of injuries to humans and wildlife, environmental impact and also company reputation, we will see if there is a need for providing a more rapid response model. If the service is indeed justified, at what price point does it become palatable to the resource companies as they weigh the pros and cons of taking on additional costs. Our research will ask the question of the companies and then see if that pricing model will provide sufficient revenue to cover the costs to provide the service and provide a reasonable return on investment for the service provider. Some of the metrics used for the financial analysis will be payback periods to recoup the capital outlay, internal rates of return on the capital investment, and the net present value of the future revenues that are projected to be generated. At the conclusion of the study we can make an informed decision as to whether this venture is truly a wise investment of time, money, and manpower or if the return on investment is not worth the
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:08:14.814Z

Title: Business cycles and profit warnings: over and under reaction of U.S. firms, according to size and industry 1995-2009
Contributors: Daniel Joseph Levy (author), Han Donker (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This study examines whether investors overreact to bad news during good times (economic expansion) and under react to bad news during bad times (economic downturns). The study examines the investors' overreactions and under reactions to bad news during business cycles. It is found that the immediate price reaction to a firms' profit warning (bad news) is much stronger during periods of economic expansion than during periods of economic contraction. Firms that issue bad news during good times are severely punished by investors as opposed to firms that release negative news during bad times. Furthermore, the size of the company and the sector in which it operates is a major factor in the reaction of these firms' price shares due to the issue of the profit warning. --P. ii.
Discipline: Business Administration
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:05:34.422Z

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