Honors Grant Recipients 2007

Diana Haggerty

Doing Business in the Emerging Markets of Latin America

Faculty Mentor:ProfessorEdward Child

Abstract: Diana conducted research of Latin American markets first-hand this summer, visiting several countries during a Semester at Sea.  She says, “Latin America has experienced strong economic growth during the past three years.  Much of this growth can be attributed to lowered interest rates, the higher price of commodities, and the rise of the ecotourism industry. 

            Diana’s study addresses new global relationships, specifically between the United States and the emerging markets of Latin America.  Today, global trade is an important contributor to national wealth, the United States its largest player with estimated 2006 imports and exports totaling about $2.7 trillion.  In the second half of the century, American commercial and geopolitical interests converged in the fundamental belief that increasing global trade is like the rising tide that raises all ships.  Yet, not all nations participate and benefit equally.  In particular, commercial relations with Latin America reflect a mistrust that has evolved from the unequal economic circumstances and a perception of trade imperialism that makes a treaty, trade ruling, or other market-opening initiative appear to favor American interests.  As companies seek competitive advantage in the global marketplace, they are forced to develop strategies to deal with emerging markets.  This study examines the difference in these markets and their impact on commercial opportunities, addressing why Latin America has failed to benefit in the same way as China and India.

Matthew Meier

Building a Power PC for Non-Linear Editing

Faculty Mentor:ProfessorWilliam Pappenheimer

Abstract: An NLE is a non-linear editing system, a tool that enables editors to upload their videos onto a computer and manipulate it into a presentable final draft.  Interested in the student made and independent film, Matt Meier’s research lends itself to finding an affordable solution to the problem of the expensive NLE technology.  His goal is to create an NLE from scratch at a cost of $800-$1,100, a large cut from the $3,000 or more at which it would normally be priced, and then to create a tutorial to instruct others on how to create their own NLE.

            Finding a computer powerful enough to run today’s demanding software can be a daunting task for an event videographer, young graphic artist, or freelance web designer.  Most personal computers that can handle the popular Avid Editing Systems at professional speed cost as much as $2,000 even without being fitted with the personalized set up that the user requires.  This project demonstrates how a fully customized PC capable of running the best graphic software may be built for half the price of the typical Super PC.  Three criteria important to the research were: easy customization, continual data back up, and safe over clocking (running hardware faster than it is set in the factory) abilities.  

Frances Uzzi

Italy: Enjoying the Euro or Longing for the Lira?

Faculty Mentor:Dr.Joseph Pastore

Abstract: Frances plans to asses the state of the Italian economy through the transition form the Lira to the Euro monetary system, examining gross domestic product, gross national product, interest rates, import/export levels, inflation, and debt.  She will be obtaining her information from places such as the Italian Trade Commission, the Banca D’Italia, the European Union, the National Institute of Economic Analysis, the National Statistics Agency of Italy, and the Italian Cultural Institute.  Her goal is to learn whether the transition has been a positive or negative change to the Italian economy.

            Frances attempts to identify the impact of Italy’s currency migration from the lira to the euro.  Specific attention is devoted to assessing the change that has occurred to the Italian economy, with some reference to the political and social context in which the Italian economy is formed.  The study concludes that, while data and sentiment appear to indicate that the transition to the euro has not helped depressed economic and social (and, therefore, political) conditions in Italy, the incrementally adverse consequences of the currency change are no more compelling than as composite of forces which have been a large part of the Italian culture and social structure for centuries.