FCB Working Paper Series
The FCB Working Paper Series provides FCB faculty with a convenient,
in-house dissemination vehicle for working papers authored by FCB faculty.
While the topics of such papers are subject to faculty selection, the overall
criterion for acceptance in the Working Paper Series is that the working paper
be mission-driven.
Specifically, papers should pertain to either instructional-based research
or research to advance knowledge in the fields of business and economics, or
be directly related to the outreach activities of the College. All faculty are
invited and encouraged to submit working papers for inclusion in the Series
in accordance with the Guidelines for Working Paper Series.
View the FCB Working Paper Series abstracts.
FCB Brown Bag Series
The W. A. Franke College of Business hosts periodic, voluntary presentations
by FCB faculty on a variety of topics. The brown bag series is organized by Chris
Scherpereel. Please send him an email at Chris.Scherpereel@nau.edu if you are interested in giving a
presentation or have further questions about any of the presentations.
All FCB seminars will take place in Room 346 from 1:30-2:30, unless otherwise noted. Following is the list
of presentations for Spring 2008 (Links to
abstracts below):
4/4 Dean Smith, “Energy and Water Use in Arizona Agriculture”.
4/11 12:30-1:30, “Teaching Evaluation Group”
4/18 Kathy Savage and Chris Scherpereel, “Aerial Chair Case”
4/25 Dean Smith, “Global Potentials”
FCB Brown Bag Spring 2008 Abstracts
“Energy and Water Use in Arizona Agriculture”
4/4 - Dean Smith
Abstract
Increasing energy and water concerns in Arizona are the driving forces
to improve the efficiency of agricultural production within the state.
In this article we address the energy and water uses in growing a variety
of crops in Arizona. The goal of the research project is to identify and
quantify all energy and water uses from the production of the initial seed,
through the treatments of the soil and various chemical introductions, all
the way until the crop is harvested in the field. Thus, the analysis is
“from seed to the edge of the field.” Using a series of secondary data
sources, the paper provides ranges for the energy and water consumption
for the predominant crops grown in the major agriculture areas of the
state.
“Teaching Evaluation Group”
4/11 - 12:30-1:30
“Aerial Chair Case”
4/18 - Kathy Savage and Chris Scherpereel
Abstract
In 1996 Craig Hines sold his first Aerial Chair. The chair was a design
that he personally developed and manufactured in a small shop in Montana.
He originally developed the Aerial chair out of curiosity, and for his own
personal use. The concept became his passion, so he began trying to find
customers for his product. Product interest was sporadic and material costs
drove the price up to a premium level. In December 2000, the Aerial Chair
was still not a commercial success, and many of Craig’s marketing attempts
had failed. He was faced with the decision of how to best create a viable
business around the Aerial Chair product.Craig Hines never wanted to be
influenced by external factors that might hinder his creativity in developing
and promoting the Aerial Chair, consequently, he never developed a functioning
business plan. The industry in which he was attempting to enter was already
established with several direct competitors, and many substitute products
were available. Given the high manufacturing cost and inventory requirements,
mass distribution outlets seemed unlikely to carry the Aerial Chair. Although
Craig had learned a great deal through trial and error, he still remained unsure of the demand for the Aerial Chair. This uncertainty regarding demand, the high material costs, and the difficulty accessing distribution channels, convinced Craig that his current ad hoc approach to building a company would not create the successful company he envisioned.
“Global Potentials”
4/25 - Dean Smith
Abstract
According to Human Development Report 2007/2008
there are 1.577 billion people in the world without
electricity, from which 1.569 billion are from developing
countries. It creates a question: Should they start with
a coal for their electricity needs as developed world did
in 19th century or could they leapfrog to the renewable
energy technologies? Mostly, developed countries in the
world understand a problem of carbon emission and issue
of climate change. One of the adaptation options
according to the IPCC AR4 report is renewable energy
such as wind and solar energy. Moreover, prices and
security of oil and natural gas are not surely predictable.
In this paper we investigate the possibilities for small to
mid-sized distributed electricity and co-consumption systems.
Using three countries as case studies, Brazil, Kenya and Uganda,
we explore the possible use of electricity as development tool.
Faculty will be given the opportunity to ask
questions and express opinions.