NJCU School of Business Student Wins Award at Professional Society Conference

NJCU School of Business honor student Erika Gonzalez recently earned a Best Poster Presentation award during the 2018 Annual Conference of the Northeast Decision Sciences Institute.

Gonzalez, a senior who is earning a Bachelor of Science in Global Business, presented her research, entitled, Influencing Factors on Brooklyn Nets Market Demographics Using Spatial Regression Analysis, at the conference, held April 12 - 14 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Her research analyzes the impact an individual’s characteristics and geographical conditions have on fan attendance for the National Basketball Association (NBA) team, the Brooklyn Nets. In the results, a spatial representation of the customer base for the 2011 – 2017 seasons was produced. By developing these models, sporting teams such as the Brooklyn Nets can cultivate long-term, valued customers and improve their customer relationship management.

Gonzalez conducted her research under the advisement of Dr. EunSu Lee, Assistant Professor of Management at the School of Business.

“Erika was never discouraged by new data and tasks required in solving a problem,” said Lee, noting Gonzalez works as a student research assistant for Lee. “She learned Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by herself and created the maps to tell her story,” Lee said making a reference to systems designed to store, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data. “She really enjoys the challenges with data.”

The NEDSI Best Poster awards were selected based on criteria that included Clear Research Purpose; Professional and Appealing Layout of Poster; Clear and Appropriate Methodology; Clear and Interesting Conclusion/Findings, and Student Professionalism.

Out of 25 submissions, 17 posters were entered into competition for the final award. 

The Northeast Decision Sciences Institute is one of several regions that comprise the professional association. The Decision Sciences Institute. Membership includes university professors, graduate students, and practitioners whose interest lies in the application of quantitative research and qualitative research to the decision problems of individuals, organizations, and society.