Date on Honors Thesis

Spring 4-24-2025

Major

Accounting/Finance

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Samer Khalil, Advisor

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Leigh Johnson, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Dr. David Eaton, Committee Member

Abstract/Description

Over centuries, disease has been an instigator of economic change. From the Black Death and the overturning of feudalism to the Spanish flu and its relationship with World War 1, pandemics have a profound effect on the social, political, and economic climate of the affected areas. In 2020, COVID-19 began in Wuhan, China and spread across the world rapidly and unexpectedly. The world economy was forced into a recession with major effects on industries such as airlines, energy, and automobiles. While some industries made smooth recoveries, the pandemic undeniably altered the way business is conducted. The shift between in-person and remote business accelerated and resilience became a top priority for business executives. This research aims to observe the effects of various pandemics on the economy, including the Black Death, the Spanish Flu, and the most recent COVID-19 pandemic, and give an overview of some of the industries most affected by the pandemic.

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