Through my role as a Research Assistant for the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), I have written and contributed to several business case studies, focusing on a range of industries and challenges. One of these case studies is being published in a Pearson textbook, while others are being developed for educational purposes and academic journals. This experience has sharpened my research, analysis, and writing skills, enabling me to present complex business scenarios in a clear and impactful way.
I’ve collaborated with Dr. Asbjorn Osland, PhD, on global business case studies, researching international business strategies, cultural factors, and market dynamics. This work has refined my ability to develop insightful business cases for both educational and professional use.
I also worked with Dr. Jennifer Schauer on a project exploring Eastern religions' views on non-human species. I conducted a thorough content analysis of religious texts and scholarly articles, contributing to a research project that will be published academically.
Should AAHOA Hoteliers Decide to "Go It Alone?"
The case study "Should AAHOA Hoteliers Decide to Go It Alone?" explores the challenges and opportunities facing hotel owners within the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). Through this analysis, I evaluated whether AAHOA members should continue to leverage the association’s resources or consider pursuing independent business strategies. The research was based on hospitality trends, interviews with hotel owners, and insights into competitors such as Airbnb, providing a comprehensive view of the industry.
This project holds personal significance to me, as my great-grandfather was the first legal Patel and one of the pioneers who helped establish Indian-American hotel ownership in the United States, starting in San Francisco. His legacy within the hospitality industry made this case study particularly meaningful, deepening my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
This case study will be published in Pearson Education's The Business of Hospitality and Tourism textbook, 7th edition, by Roy Cook.
Generational Challenges for Indian Farmers
This case study explores the challenges faced by farmers in South Gujarat, India, as younger generations turn away from agriculture in favor of urban lifestyles. While some are committed to modernizing and continuing the family business, many are abandoning farming due to rising land prices and low crop returns. This shift is worsened by global urbanization and the lack of financial incentives for farmers. Influential farmers, such as Manhar Patel, struggle to find successors, leading to concerns about the future of agriculture. Proposed solutions, including a farmer boycott to pressure policymakers, highlight the urgent need for action to preserve the agricultural industry.
I presented this case at the MBAA 2024 International Conference in Chicago, IL, where I engaged with a panel of experts. The experience provided valuable feedback and allowed me to further refine my analysis and recommendations.
Content Analysis of Jainism's Perspective on Non-Human Species
I completed this content analysis for Dr. Jennifer Schauer as part of her research project on Eastern religions and their stance on non-human species. My role specifically involved finding, compiling, and analyzing journals, articles, and texts on Jainism. I then performed a detailed analysis of the key themes related to Jainism's teachings on animals, non-violence, and karma, ensuring that each source was thoroughly reviewed and categorized in alignment with the project's objectives. This process allowed me to synthesize important insights on Jain ethical principles and contribute to the development of a deeper understanding of how these philosophies apply to the treatment of non-human species.