Types of Research

Option 1: Academic Research:

This research is conducted as part of a course assignment where the primary objective is to provide students with the opportunity to apply concepts they have learned in class to real-world settings using primarily secondary data. In doing so, students are able to better understand the analytic principles of business through application.

Information Technology Hardware and System Software (MIS 4100, under the direction of Dr. Zsolt Ugray)
This course covers the principles and application of computer hardware and software, including topics related to theoretical underpinnings, setup, installation, configuration and management of computer hardware and system software.

Students work in groups to develop and present reports on topics related to recently introduced technologies in such areas as mobile computing platforms, handhelds and game consoles. Students are asked to research and describe the main features of the respective devices using the principles of information systems presented in class. The reports describe the main ideas behind the system (including the reason for its existence), targeted customers, intended uses, cost of manufacturing, price, operating system, other software, system architecture, interesting peripherals, input/output devices.
Some recent examples include:

  • Eee PC by ASUSTeK
  • iPod Touch by Apple
  • OLPC by N. Negroponte
  • Xbox 360 and the Xenon (Waternoose) processor
  • Sony PS3 and the Cell processor
  • Nintendo Wii and the Broadway processor

Buyer Behavior (BA4510, under the direction of Dr. Cathy Hartman)
The project in this class addresses sustainability issues using buyer behavior concepts, frameworks and theories to design/develop a marketing strategy to diffuse wind energy/electricity in the State of Utah. Students work in teams of three or four students using secondary and primary data sources to develop a marketing strategy. As students complete the project, they not only gain knowledge that might improve our energy choices but also enhance their research skills and ability to collaborate with others on projects.

Global Marketing Strategy (BA4590, under the direction of Dr. Ed Stafford)
A marketing audit is a critical survey and analysis of an organization’s marketing programs in the face of a dynamic social and competitive environment. It requires viewing an industry or market as an ever changing system of economic, social, environmental, political and technological forces driving competition. The marketing auditor’s tasks are (1) to identify evolving opportunities and threats in the external social and competitive environment that will impact the organization’s marketing programs; (2) to evaluate the organization’s internal strengths and weaknesses as an effective marketer in this evolving environment; and (3) to propose strategic policy recommendations and a plan of action to exploit or address these issues. Given the dynamic nature of global markets (e.g., shifting consumer demands; changing technologies; evolving political and economic trends), marketing audits should be conducted annually (at a minimum).

Option 2: Client-Sponsored Research.

This research addresses important issues relevant to a sponsoring organization. In doing so, students apply the skills learned in class to actual business problems under the direction of noted experts in the field.

Opportunities to participate in client-sponsored research include the following courses:

Continuous Improvement (BA5730, under the direction of Drs. Randall Cook and Karina Hauser):
The effective and efficient application of continuous improvement concepts, systems and techniques throughout an organization is critical to success. Topics covered in this class include: continuous flow, scientific thinking and the continuous improvement cycle, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, mistake proofing and creative problem solving.

Projects in this course have been completed for clients such as:

  • Icon Fitness
  • La-Z-Boy
  • Presto
  • Thermo Fisher
  • Juniper Systems
  • Architectural Detail
  • Logan Coach

Introduction to Performance Improvement (MIS 4350, under the direction of Dr. Robert Mills):
This class works closely with organizations to help apply classroom theories learned to real-world projects. Performance improvement solutions have been designed and developed in such areas as: security, evacuation, operations, food services, ticket office and guest services.

Students have also developed training programs for organizations such as:

  • Energy Solutions Arena/Utah Jazz.
  • Lee’s Marketplace
  • Convergys
  • Cache County School District
  • Bourns Manufacturing
  • ATK

Designing Graphical User Interfaces (MIS5450/6450, under the direction of Dr. Hauser):
Students learn the fundamentals of website design using HTML and CSS in accordance with web standards and accessibility rules. This knowledge is then applied to a real-world project for an organization. Past clients have included:

  • Phiva Salon and Spa, Logan
  • Advocate Hospice, Ogden

Marketing Research (BA4530, under the direction of Dr. Stacey Hills)
This course provides students with the skills to conduct high quality marketing/business research. During the semester student teams conduct multiple forms of secondary and primary market research, collect and analyze data, design a campaign to meet client objectives and present that work both orally and in writing at a formal business meeting. Past clients have included:

  • Apple Computer, Higher Education Division
  • Citibank Credit Education Division
  • Girl Scouts of Utah
  • USU Community Credit Union

Option 3: Collaborative Research.

The purpose of collaborative research is to provide students with an opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor to develop a project that adds to the common body of knowledge in the discipline. Each project is uniquely designed to have practical applications to the profession of business. It is expected that the results will be published in a professional journal and/or proceeding.

The following are examples of undergraduate venues where students have an opportunity to present their work:

Student Showcase
An annual symposium to showcase outstanding work done by students on research, scholarly and creative projects. The program may include oral presentations, poster sessions, exhibitions and recitals. It is a part of Undergraduate Research Month, a culminating event of the academic year.
(Source: http://research.usu.edu/undergrad/htm/sharing-your-research/student-showcase)

Representative Examples:

  • Grant Keaton: “Does Everyday Low Price Mean Lowest: A Comparative Analysis of Hi-Lo versus EDLP pricing in the Grocery Industry.”
  • Zachary Ames “Do Job Titles Matter? A Content Analysis and Survey of Consumer Perceptions”


Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research
The Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research (UCUR) is modeled after the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and organized by a committee of representatives from educational institutions across the state. The conference celebrates academic, professional and personal achievements resulting from undergraduate research projects or creative endeavors.

Undergraduates from all disciplines are invited to apply for the conference, which provides an excellent opportunity to students to present their work in a scholarly setting to students, faculty, field specialists and community members. Presentations may include both visual and oral displays of work in all academic disciplines, from art history to molecular biology.
(Source: http://www.ucur.org/)

Representative Examples:

  • Joseph Irvine & Joshua Kerkmann “A Technology-Based Approach to the Charter School Lottery Selection Process”
  • MaKenzie Martin & Natali Naegle “Student Evaluations of Teaching and Measurement of Item Importance: A Test of Equivalency”


Research Day at Capital Hill, Salt Lake City
Research on Capitol Hill is an annual celebration of undergraduate research held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. Organized by USU, it features the two public research universities' students and their research projects. Students of all disciplines from around the state share the results of their investigations with legislators.
(source: http://research.usu.edu/undergrad/htm/sharing-your-research/research-on-capitol-hill)

Representative Examples:

  • Angela Webb “The Influence of Non-Academic Factors on Academic Performance: A Test of the Jones and Pittman Taxonomy of Impression Management”
  • Zachary Nelson “The Impact of Earnings Management on Firm Performance”


National Conference on Undergraduate Research
The National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), established in 1987, is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of young scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all corners of the academic curriculum. Through this annual conference, NCUR creates a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement, provides models of exemplary research and scholarship and helps to improve the state of undergraduate education.
(Source: http://www.ncur.org/aboutNCUR.htm)

Representative Examples:

  • Vikki Carlisle “Are Product Certifications Misleading? An Empirical Investigation of the Effects of Information Disclosure on Consumer Attitudes and Beliefs”
  • Myles Powell “Analyzing E-bay Auctions: Does the Power Seller Designation Affect Final Purchase Price?”


Posters on the Hill, Washington, DC
The annual Undergraduate Research Posters on the Hill event occurs in late March or April. Sixty competitively selected student posters are displayed on the U.S. Capitol during a late afternoon reception. In the morning of the same day, there is an orientation session, followed by visits from students and their faculty mentors to their representatives and senators' offices.
(Source: http://www.cur.org/postersession.html)

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

Dr. Bartkus is the director of undergraduate research programs in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. He can be reached at

Phone: 435-797-3891
Email: urp@usu.edu
Fax: 435-797-3929