Thesis Archives Search
This search engine will let you explore the over 1800 theses written in Honors at The University of Maine since the Program’s inception in 1935. You may search our thesis archives based on any of the fields listed above. If the thesis is available at the Reynolds Library (Thomson Honors Center) or Fogler Library (Special Collections), the information will appear below the bibliographic data. At last count, we had about 1800 theses in the Reynolds Library.
Search Results
An Examination of the Factors Determining American Foreign Policy with Regards to Global Climate Change Treaties
Author:
James
Lyons
Major: Biochemistry & Political Science Graduation Year: 2010 Thesis Advisor: Timothy Cole
Description of Publication:
For several decades, global climate change has been an issue addressed in both national and international debates. While much of the rest of the world has adopted a number of treaties aimed at addressing global climate change, the United States has consistently lagged behind its peers. An examination of poll responses, Senate statements, and editorials determined that a number of factors may be causing this effect. Specifically, a disconnect between the public and the scientific community, a political system that has made the question one of elites versus the masses, and a historical tendency for the federal government to prioritize security and economic issues above all others help explain the United States’ policy response.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/575/
Major: Biochemistry & Political Science Graduation Year: 2010 Thesis Advisor: Timothy Cole
Description of Publication:
For several decades, global climate change has been an issue addressed in both national and international debates. While much of the rest of the world has adopted a number of treaties aimed at addressing global climate change, the United States has consistently lagged behind its peers. An examination of poll responses, Senate statements, and editorials determined that a number of factors may be causing this effect. Specifically, a disconnect between the public and the scientific community, a political system that has made the question one of elites versus the masses, and a historical tendency for the federal government to prioritize security and economic issues above all others help explain the United States’ policy response.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/575/
An Examination of the Influence of Sustainability on Business Strategy in the Three-Dimensional Printing Industry
Author:
Yvette
Alexandrou
Major: Marketing Graduation Year: 2016 Thesis Advisor: Jason Harkins
Description of Publication:
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is an emerging field that has yet to find its place in society. Research and development in the 3D printing industry spans a vast range of technologies, materials, and applications. Many say that it is still in search of its “killer app,” a tool or capability that will lead to mass popularity the way the internet and personal computers played an essential role in the exponential growth of the computer industry (Kurman & Lipson, 2013; Misek, 2013). New entrepreneurs and established business executives involved with the 3D printing industry are scanning the field for areas this technology can benefit. In search of key market targeting and positioning these executives must ensure that their businesses remain financially sustainable. Some companies are looking to reduce the environmental impact of 3D printing by creating 3D printing materials made from recycled plastics or that have biodegradable properties, or minimize the impact on the environment in other ways. For some companies this is a key piece of their business model. The commonly used definition for eco-sustainability is, “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Drexhage & Murphy, 2010). The literature review reveals common themes around the sustainability and the 3D printing industry. This research brings up several questions: How do executives sustain their 3D printing businesses in this emerging and volatile industry? What are the trade-offs in pursuing a sustainability-focused business strategy vs. a more traditional business model? Where does social and environmental sustainability fit into the 3D printing industry and how does it influence other businesses? These questions have driven the research in this paper. 3D printing startups and end-users were interviewed to explore to what extent sustainability is a priority and which types of sustainability are manifested within their businesses.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/716
Major: Marketing Graduation Year: 2016 Thesis Advisor: Jason Harkins
Description of Publication:
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is an emerging field that has yet to find its place in society. Research and development in the 3D printing industry spans a vast range of technologies, materials, and applications. Many say that it is still in search of its “killer app,” a tool or capability that will lead to mass popularity the way the internet and personal computers played an essential role in the exponential growth of the computer industry (Kurman & Lipson, 2013; Misek, 2013). New entrepreneurs and established business executives involved with the 3D printing industry are scanning the field for areas this technology can benefit. In search of key market targeting and positioning these executives must ensure that their businesses remain financially sustainable. Some companies are looking to reduce the environmental impact of 3D printing by creating 3D printing materials made from recycled plastics or that have biodegradable properties, or minimize the impact on the environment in other ways. For some companies this is a key piece of their business model. The commonly used definition for eco-sustainability is, “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Drexhage & Murphy, 2010). The literature review reveals common themes around the sustainability and the 3D printing industry. This research brings up several questions: How do executives sustain their 3D printing businesses in this emerging and volatile industry? What are the trade-offs in pursuing a sustainability-focused business strategy vs. a more traditional business model? Where does social and environmental sustainability fit into the 3D printing industry and how does it influence other businesses? These questions have driven the research in this paper. 3D printing startups and end-users were interviewed to explore to what extent sustainability is a priority and which types of sustainability are manifested within their businesses.
Location of Publication:
URL to Thesis: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/716