JON(ATHAN)
FRANKO

📊 Loan Default Predictive Modeling

MBA Capstone · Kent State University

Context

As part of my MBA coursework, I worked with a dataset of 80,000+ loan records and 763 variables. The objective was to design a predictive model that could help lenders better assess financial risk.

Problem

Traditional models often failed to accurately predict both:

• Loan default likelihood (whether a borrower would default), and
• Default loss amounts (the financial impact when a loan defaulted).

This limited decision-making accuracy for lenders managing large portfolios.

Solution

I developed a two-step predictive approach:

• Classification model — to predict the probability of default.
• Regression model (LASSO) — to estimate the expected loss when defaults occurred.
• Combined methods improved overall accuracy.

Tools & techniques: Excel (data prep), R (regression), machine learning methods
Other research and analysis

Outcome

• Reduced mean absolute error (MAE) from 5.2 → 1.72.
• Delivered a model framework replicable by future cohorts.
• Demonstrated how data-driven modeling can improve lender decision-making and reduce financial risk.

🧾 HR Audit Comparative Study

MBA Research Project · Kent State University

Context

Interviewed HR leaders at Eaton, Timken, Heritage Valley Health Systems, and Main Street Gourmet to understand how audits vary by industry and scale.

Problem

Organizations often struggle to balance:

• Compliance requirements (costly but necessary), and
• Cultural audits (ensuring employee engagement and organizational health).

Solution

Conducted cross-industry interviews, synthesized findings, and benchmarked HR audit practices.

Tools & methods: structured interviews, comparative analysis, presentation synthesis.

Outcome

• Identified key differences between compliance-focused and culture-focused audits.
• Recommended balanced approaches tailored by organization size and sector.

🎭 Applicant Faking in Selection

MBA Position Paper · Kent State University

Context

Examined whether dishonesty in job applications and interviews is a minor nuisance or a serious organizational risk.

Problem

Unverified applicant claims can lead to costly mis-hires and reputational damage.

Examples included George O’Leary (Notre Dame football coach) and a Walmart VP.

Solution

• Built arguments from both perspectives in a debate-style project.
• Proposed structured interviews as a cost-effective way to reduce faking.

Tools & methods: literature review, case study debate, HRM frameworks.

Outcome

• Strengthened organizational awareness of applicant deception.
• Demonstrated HR’s role in safeguarding hiring integrity.

⚖️ Ethical Dilemmas & Opinion Papers in Corporate Governance

MBA Coursework · Kent State University

Context

Explored complex corporate challenges through two formats:

• Ethical dilemma case studies (Graham Corporation, Cotter Ladder Co., Orkin Extermination).
• Opinion papers on broader business ethics topics (Fiat Chrysler emissions, distance learning strategy, tech innovation).

Problem

Organizations often struggle to balance legal compliance, profitability, innovation, and public trust while navigating evolving business environments.

Solution

Produced structured case analyses and opinion pieces applying stakeholder mapping, liability frameworks, and governance models alongside forward-looking commentary on technology and education.

Outcome

• Demonstrated ability to apply legal/ethical frameworks to both real corporate dilemmas and contemporary business debates.
• Showcased critical thinking, persuasive writing, and the ability to weigh long-term reputational impact.

🌳 Native Trees Brochure

Undergraduate Project · The Ohio State University

Context

Developed an educational brochure for the OSU campus arboretum.

Problem

Students and visitors lacked an accessible resource distinguishing native vs. non-native tree species.

Solution

• Researched tree species, mapped locations, and created descriptive entries.
• Designed an easy-to-read brochure for campus distribution.
• Tools & methods: GIS mapping, forestry research, educational design.

Outcome

• Improved public understanding of ecological and economic forestry values.
• Supported OSU’s sustainability and outreach goals.