Second Annual
School of Business Undergraduate Research Forum

Honors Thesis
Cristi Tilden
“How is Benford’s Law used and does it hold any predictive value?”

Benford’s Law is a mathematical law that observes the first digit of data. The law states that in a series of data or statistical numbers the probability of the first digit being a 1 is 30%. Benford’s Law is used in forensic accounting to detect fraud. Observing and researching how Benford’s Law works can give an informed, in-depth analysis of its use and whether it holds any predictive value.

Advisor: Professor Troy Janes
Second Reader: Professor Rich Michelfelder


Undergraduate Research Projects
"The current state of health benefits”
BLDP Student Researchers:
MARIANO AGNESE, WILLIAM CAMACHO, PAMELA CARCIONE, BRIANNA J. CASTRATARO,
JENNIFER A FRITZ, THANH T HUYNH, ZHU H LIN, KAREN L MILES, TARA L MONAGHAN,
LAUREN M MURRAY, KATHLEEN D RIVERA, KRYSTEN E SCHONBERG, KENNETH H.VIRTUE

Advisor: Professor Chet Spell

The students, under the direction of Professor Spell, are researching the current state of health benefits within three different industries (clothing, restaurant, and transportation). The projects assess, on an industry level, the prevalence of an
array of benefits deigned to promote healthy behavior by employees, as well as health assessments. They also consider the prevalence of current health insurance practices and will make interpretations and recommendations based on the findings.



Remarks on Undergraduate Research
Saun O. Conlin (SBC – 2006 )
Financial Senior Analyst
CIGNA International