REPORT.
YUM! CENTER FOR GLOBAL FRANCHISE EXCELLENCE
IMPACT
REPORT
2024-25
Franchising is more than a business model — it’s a launchpad for personal and generational transformation. At the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, we believe in opening doors: to ownership, to leadership, to innovation, and to wealth-building that extends across families and communities. When one learner gains the tools of franchising, the impact doesn’t stop with them — it ripples outward, creating opportunities that last far beyond a single lifetime.
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message from the director about us our team educational programs milestones & achievements learner impact student/alumni spotlight scholarships & funding yum! scholars collaborations & initiatives student experience franchiseu! podcast in the media board of advisors
Welcome to the 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report
CONTENT INSIDE
Innovation
At the core of our center lies inclusivity. Our dedication to inclusivity is evident in bilingual content, representation of all communities, and a steadfast commitment to equal opportunities for all learners.
our vision
welcome
Our commitment to excellence guides our Center, ensuring top-tier franchise education. We empower students with knowledge and skills to excel in the ever-evolving world of franchising.
our mission
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These values collectively define our brand's character and shape our mission to empower individuals through franchise education.
Reflecting on our second year as a Center, our mission remains constant: provide education and research on the franchise model, particularly to those who have not had the opportunity. We have not wavered from this mission – it is our daily focus and passion. Franchising is a growth engine, and we are grateful to be a part of this robust business model. I would like to provide deep appreciation for all the support we have received:
Kathleen Gosser, Ph.D. Yum! Brands Associate Professor of Franchise Management Practice Director, Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence
We are driven by innovation and forward-thinking in franchise education. Staying ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies, we lead with creative and cutting-edge approaches.
Expertise is the corner-stone of our educational approach. We are proud to provide instruction from industry professionals who are trusted leaders in the field of franchising.
Accessibility
Expertise
Empower communities to create and sustain generational wealth through franchising.
core values
Inclusivity
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence embodies innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing education and research across the franchise industry.
This year has been a defining one for the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence. With the successful launch of the Accelerating Growth programs, sponsored by Yum! Brands, we are equipping operations leaders with the skills to expand their businesses and strengthen communities.
We believe that quality education should be accessible to everyone. Through online courses, competitive pricing, and scholarships, we break down barriers, making franchise education attainable for all.
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At the same time, our undergraduate program is reaching new heights with record enrollment, proof that more students than ever are eager to explore franchising as a powerful path to entrepreneurship and generational wealth. And with our new five-year partnership with the International Franchise Association (IFA), we are creating a national platform for thought leadership, research, and innovation in the franchise space. We extend our sincere gratitude to Yum! Brands for their continued investment and support, which makes this work possible. To our Advisory Board members, thank you for your guidance, investment, and vision as your leadership is helping us write the next chapter of this journey. As we look ahead, we see tremendous opportunity. The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence is committed to expanding access to education, developing new programs in collaboration with the IFA, creating more opportunities with research, and scaling our impact globally. Our goal is to ensure franchising is recognized as a powerful engine for economic mobility and community growth, and that the next generation of leaders is fully prepared to harness its potential. I invite you to explore this Impact Report to see the full breadth of our accomplishments and the inspiring stories behind them. Together, we are not only building programs, but we are also building futures. KATHLEEN GOSSER Director, Yum! Center fir Global Franchise Excellence
Excellence
about us
Be a world-class center for franchise education and research, unlocking entrepreneurial opportunities for all.
CEO, FranNet
denise cumberland
VP Learning and Tax Education, Jackson Hewitt
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 620, FRAN 640 Exec. Ed.: FRAN 20
Assistant Director
Instructor Exec. Ed.: FRAN 20
Instructor Exec. Ed.: FRAN 10
annie nell wadley
Retired Restaurant Executive, Yum! Brands
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 601 Undergraduate: MGMT 410, MGMT 413 Exec. Ed.: FRAN 01
bett mickels
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 630 Undergraduate: MGMT 409 Exec. Ed.: FRAN 30
lauren madden
jania bailey
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 610
Director, Yum!! Associate Professor of Franchise Management Practice
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Senior Researcher, Associate Professor (Joint Appointment with College of Education)
René zimmerman
sarah hill
TROY price
Business Strategy Consultant, WorldWide Teams
Instructor Graduate: FRAN 650 Exec. Ed.: FRAN 50, FRAN 60
jordan moore
Franchise Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, Wellbiz Brands Chief
Intern
our team
Program Coordinator, FranchiseU! Podcast Producer
kathleen gosser
gary masterson
Our team of dedicated faculty and staff brings together academic expertise and operational support to provide an exceptional learning experience for our students.
Director, Legal at Yum! Brands
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Instructor Undergraduate: MGMT 390 Exec. Ed.: Franchise Markering Certificate
This new course brings the world of franchise marketing to undergraduate students for the very first time. From brand positioning to customer engagement, students will learn how marketing powers growth across franchising and prepares them for high-demand careers.
navigating franchise law
Explore franchising fundamentals from the franchisee's perspective, focusing on evaluating opportunities, pros and cons of franchising, and strategies for successfully planning, launching, and managing a new franchise.
Learn the financial terms and considerations for becoming a franchisee and growing operations. This includes funding sources, financial statements, unit economics, cash flow, and business plan development.
FRANCHISE MARKETING
franchise fundamentals
Gain insight into legal and regulatory concepts in franchising, with a focus on Franchise Disclosure Documents, contracts, trademarks, and issues like breach, termination, renewal, infringement, and disputes.
Learn the financial terms and considerations for becoming a franchisee and scaling operations. This includes funding sources, financial statements, unit economics, cash flow, and business plan development.
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Designed in partnership with Yum! Brands and UofL Executive Education, this program equips franchise leaders with the tools to expand units, scale operations, and accelerate enterprise growth. With two dedicated tracks, participants gain hands-on strategies for driving sustainable success.
building a profitable relationship with your franchisor
franchise hr infrastructure
buy & grow your franchise
Understand effective HR infrastructure design, including legal issues, job descriptions, pay levels, recruiting, onboarding, training, and retention strategies.
Learn strategies to boost performance and retain top talent by focusing on creating organizational culture, leveraging franchisor training, developing growth plans, building recognition programs, and reducing turnover.
INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING FUNDAMENTALS
franchise marketing for undergraduates
educational programs
Our new YouTube series will spotlight local franchisees right here in Louisville. Each episode takes viewers behind the scenes of a franchise business, sharing stories of ownership, leadership, and community impact in a fresh, accessible way.
coming in 2025
franchiseu! in the 502
Explore International Franchising, covering five business models, franchisor feasibility, lessons from global expansion, and strategies for product adaptation, supply chain, and partnerships, with a focus on cultural agility and global trends.
new in 2025
Whether you’re an undergraduate exploring entrepreneurship, a graduate student advancing your career, or a professional seeking certification, our programs deliver the same high-value content at every stage. Built on a shared foundation — the franchise business model — each pathway is tailored to learners’ goals and prepares leaders to grow, scale, and sustain success.
leading franchise teams
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accelerating growth for franchise leaders
Acquire essential skills for promoting and growing your franchise. Explore the latest marketing tactics, digital strategies, and branding to engage customers and drive success and expansion.
awards
GRADUATE
EXECUTIVE ED.
10
Small Business Institute Best Empirical Paper Award Denise Cumberland
Celebrated 100 episodes of FranchiseU! Podcast.
45
milestone
173
learner impact
milestones & achievements
161
TOTAL ENROLLMENTS
131
Top Franchise Podcasts for Entrepreneurs - Franchisewire.com 6 Podcasts on Franchising You Must Check Out - Delightree.com
212
UNDERGRAD.
PUBLICATIONS
The FranchiseU! Podcast brings expert insights, inspiring stories and real-world strategies from franchise leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. Each episode offers listeners a deeper understanding of franchising, exploring challenges, growth strategies and community impact.
$313,000 in scholarships opened doors to franchise education by removing financial barriers for students.
$313k
2024-25 Student Champions Kathleen Gosser Denise Cumberland Annie Nell Wadley Troy Price
recognition
Each certificate earned represents a student equipped with the skills to lead and grow in franchising.
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
Cumberland, D. M., *Holahan, B., & Jones, G. (2025). Empowering future entrepreneurs: The impact of franchise courses on undergraduate and MBA students. International Journal of Management Education, 23(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2024.101108 Cumberland, D. M., Smith, D., Kelepouris, C., & Thomsen, L. (2025). From stereotypes to understanding: How college courses can shape undergraduates’ views on franchising [Refereed Paper]. Small Business Institute Conference Proceedings, New Orleans, LA.
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total certificate graduates
total scholarship support
3
STUDENT/ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
ABBY EPPERLY (SHE/HER)
SCAN HERE TO HEAR MORE FROM ETHAN
Ethan McNary entered the Franchise Management Certificate program with a clear vision: to accelerate his career in franchising. Through his participation in the Franchise Accelerator, Ethan secured a role with Tacala, the nation’s largest Taco Bell franchisee, as an Area Manager. Today, he is not only leading teams and managing operations but also building the foundation for future ownership opportunities. Ethan represents how our graduate students are using franchise education as a direct springboard into leadership and, ultimately, ownership.
MARLEE HENSON (SHE/HER)
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SCAN HERE TO HEAR MORE FROM MARLEE N
SCAN HERE TO HEAR MORE FROM NIMA N
Franchise Development Representative FranNet
ETHAN MCNARY (HE/HIM)
Area Manager Tacala, LLC
Nima Asgari took his passion for gaming and transformed it into a business concept with franchise potential. While pursuing the Franchise Management Certificate, he launched Olympus, a state-of-the-art esports lounge designed to bring people together through competition and community. Nima is already exploring how the franchise model can help scale his idea beyond a single location. His story proves that franchising isn’t just for restaurants or retail — it’s a model for innovation across industries.
NIMA ASGARI (HE/HIM)
SCAN HERE TO HEAR MORE FROM ABBY N
Marlee Henson blended classroom learning with hands-on industry experience through her internship with FranNet. While completing the Franchise Management Certificate, she supported real-world franchise marketing projects, gaining insight into how brands attract and sustain owners. Her professionalism and passion for franchising quickly stood out, turning her internship into a full-time position with the company. Marlee’s journey shows how coursework, experiential learning, and industry partnerships work together to prepare graduates for lasting careers in franchising.
Franchisee BadAss Coffee
Abby Epperly made history as the first student to graduate with the Franchise Management Certificate. What began in the classroom quickly translated into real-world opportunity: Abby and her father purchased a Bad Ass Coffee franchise, becoming proud owners and operators. Her journey shows how education in franchising can fast-track ownership, equipping students with both the confidence and practical tools to make bold moves in business. Abby is proof that our programs create pathways from learning to legacy.
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Founder/Owner Olympus Gaming Lounge
SCAN HERE TO HEAR MORE FROM ETHA N
UNDERGRADUATE
In 2025, Yum! Brands established a $1 million endowment to launch the Yum! Scholars Program, administered by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence. This transformational gift ensures long-term support for students across majors who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to community impact. Scholarship & Student Experience Yum! Scholars receive $1,000 per semester (up to $8,000 total) to help with tuition and student experiences such as industry field trips, mentorship, and professional development. The program begins in Fall 2025 with ten inaugural scholars—five sophomores and five juniors—and will expand annually to include new freshmen cohorts. Connecting Education to Industry All Yum! Scholars complete at least one course in franchise management, gaining insights into the business model behind many of the world’s most recognized brands. Students are encouraged to complete the full Undergraduate Certificate in Franchise Management to further strengthen their career pathways. By establishing this endowment, Yum! Brands has created a legacy of opportunity that will empower future generations of leaders and advance our mission of creating generational wealth through franchising.
Marlee Henson Peter Kakaletris Maria Mardis
Integrity, courage, and the ability to inspire others.
Ashley Boxley Kendra Ford Kaden Kozlowski
Cayenne Boone Marlee Henson Matt Klein James McKim Harsh Menaria Ashley Moats Meet Patel Asia Turner
yum! scholars program
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$2,000
Scan the QR code to help provide scholarships and opportunities. Your gift fuels education that has a lasting impact in franchising.
$4,300
Creating welcoming spaces where all voices are welcomed.
Making meaningful contributions on campus and in communities.
Undergraduate and graduate scholarships were made possible through the generosity of our Board of Advisors, while this year’s executive education scholarships were proudly provided by Yum! Brands.
impact
$14,000
IFA EXPERIENCE
$3,000
14
$1,500
Matthew Barcey Aliona Chavez Aaron Humphrey Cynthia Julian Brandi Lett Daniel Medina William Peterson Bianca Sandoval Brian Takagi Tamika Wright
More than financial support, the Yum! Scholars Program is a recognition of students who embody four core values:
drive
scholarships & funding
Matthew Ansert Marcus Bailey Mark Benavides Katherine Bunora Lisa Contreras Maegan Cummings Warren Disch Maxwell Dresen Ron Dresen Joshua Dunn Andre Dyson Lilia Flores Jonathan Gonzalez Amanda Good Austin Graham Ahmed Hadrami Sara Huntley Zaria Johnson Catherine Kosnosky Consuelo Lewis Armando Loutfi Denise Marie McNeil Anabelle Moreno Kimberly Morris Hideaki Nishioka Estassy Ramos Wynter Robinson Christina Rose Bryan Shower Sonya Spaulding Randy Thompson Colby Trotter Darlene Van Cliff Juan Zazueta
belonging
Resilience in the face of challenges and determination to succeed.
leadership
women in franchising africa
As a sponsor of BEATS Week, we support a week-long celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and student creativity at the University of Louisville. This initiative fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and inspires the next generation of changemakers.
navigating leadership now conference
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This year we launched Accelerating Growth for Franchise Leaders in partnership with Executive Education at the University of Louisville College of Business and powered by Yum! Brands. The program was designed to empower current and aspiring franchise leaders with the knowledge, strategies, and networks needed to grow their businesses and themselves. With two dedicated tracks; Accelerating Unit Expansion and Accelerating Enterprise Growth, participants tailored their learning to match the stage and scale of their operations.
yum! brands & executive education
Through strategic collaborations and innovative programs, we are shaping the future of franchising by fostering industry engagement, leadership development, and student learning experiences.
Hosted by the Center for Positive Leadership, this conference brings together thought leaders and practitioners to discuss the future of values-driven leadership. Our sponsorship reflects our belief that ethical, people-centered leadership is central to long-term franchise and business success.
collaborations & initiatives
The results were immediate and measurable. Thirty-one leaders completed the program, collectively receiving over $226,000 in scholarships to fuel their growth. Participants in the Enterprise Growth track were awarded $140,000, while those in the Unit Expansion track received $86,000. Beyond funding, participants gained critical skills in operations, financial strategy, team leadership, and customer experience. Together, these tools not only help them scale their businesses, they create momentum for generational wealth across their enterprises, employees, and communities.
Together with Yum! Brands and UofL’s Executive Education program, we launched Accelerating Growth for Franchise Leaders. This new offering is designed to equip established franchise executives with the advanced skills needed to drive growth, strengthen leadership, and navigate an ever-changing global marketplace. Would you like me to polish these even further into a unified narrative style (so the page reads more like a flowing story rather than a list), or keep the bullet structure so each initiative stands out clearly?
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In collaboration with the IFA, we deliver the Foundations of Franchising course, which serves as the educational cornerstone for the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credential. This partnership allows us to shape the professional development of franchise leaders worldwide.
Through our partnership with WIFA, we are helping open doors for women entrepreneurs across the African continent. By sharing resources, research, and franchise education, this collaboration supports women who are building businesses and creating economic opportunities in their communities.
international franchise association
b.e.a.t.s. week
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We proudly sponsored the Center for Positive Leadership’s Navigating Leadership Now — a full-day conference convening thought leaders, executives, and change-makers to explore values-driven leadership in today’s complex world. The gathering aligns with our mission to nurture principled franchise and business leaders who lead with integrity, inspire growth, and build impact in their communities.
FOUNDATIONS OF FRANCHISING
Launched by KFC Africa General Manager Akhona Qengqe, WIFA is the first franchising network for women on the African continent. The platform is dedicated to educating, mentoring, and empowering women to build thriving franchise businesses while expanding access to funding and networking opportunities. As a proud partner, the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence awarded two full scholarships for our Franchise Management Certificate Bootcamp, creating pathways for women to gain industry-recognized education and leadership training.
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The Franchise Marketing Certificate equips participants with vital marketing skills tailored for the franchise industry. This self-paced course covers: Developing effective marketing plans for franchises Leveraging digital marketing strategies to boost brand visibility Understanding consumer behavior and market analysis
We were proud to sponsor BEATS Week, a campus-wide celebration dedicated to innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Throughout the week, students engaged in workshops, competitions, and networking events that encouraged them to think like entrepreneurs and bring new ideas to life. This initiative directly supports our mission of empowering communities through franchising, as both franchisees and franchisors embody entrepreneurial pathways that foster economic growth and generational wealth. By supporting BEATS, we help inspire students to see entrepreneurship—in all its forms—as a powerful tool for creating opportunity.
Our partnership with the International Franchise Association (IFA) remains a cornerstone of our executive education programming. Through the Foundations of Franchising course, delivered as part of our Franchise Management Certificate Bootcamp, participants gain both a certificate and valuable credits toward the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credential. This year, we continued to expand the educational pathways offered through the IFA by maintaining the International Franchising Fundamentals course and advancing our new self-paced Franchise Marketing course. Together, these programs provide flexible, high-impact opportunities for franchise professionals to deepen their expertise and advance their careers.
The Foundations of Franchising program delivers essential knowledge for aspiring franchise leaders, focusing on key operational aspects. Participants learn: Fundamentals of Franchise Operations and Strategy Legal and Financial Frameworks for Franchising Best Practices for Building Franchisee-Franchisor Relationships
The International Franchising Fundamentals course offers critical insights into expanding franchises globally. Participants explore: Different international franchise models Feasibility assessments for global expansion Challenges and strategies for entering new markets
navigating leadership now
Looking ahead, we are proud to strengthen our collaboration with the IFA by ensuring that our content not only supports today’s leaders but also sets the standard for the next generation of franchise executives.
signarama - downtown
"Hands-on experiences bring franchising to life for our students. This year, site visits and national events gave them a front-row seat to how leading brands operate and grow, showing how classroom learning connects directly to real-world leadership."
texas roadhouse
Maggie shared her journey into franchising, the challenges and rewards of ownership, and the strategies that have allowed her business to thrive in a competitive market. Students toured the facility, observed how orders move from concept to completion, and learned how brand standards are upheld across locations worldwide. The visit underscored the power of franchising to create both business success and community impact.
At Texas Roadhouse headquarters, students were welcomed by President Gina Tobin, who offered an insider’s perspective on what it takes to grow and sustain a nationally recognized franchise brand.
The experience provided unmatched networking opportunities, as students connected with executives from global brands, learned directly from industry trailblazers, and gained insight into how franchising operates on the world stage. For many, the convention solidified their vision of building a future in the franchise sector.
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The trip to the International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas gave students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the broader franchise ecosystem. Surrounded by thousands of franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers, they attended educational sessions, sat in on leadership panels, and explored the latest innovations in franchising.
Students visited Signarama Downtown, owned and operated by Maggie Harlow — a respected franchisee, community leader, and advocate for entrepreneurship in Louisville.
student experiences
IFA convention - las vegas
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Gina walked students through the company’s commitment to culture — from its ‘Legendary Food, Legendary Service’ motto to the importance of consistent execution across hundreds of restaurants. Students experienced the behind-the-scenes operations that fuel the brand’s success, including supply chain management, menu innovation, and team training. The visit highlighted how a strong culture combined with operational excellence can scale a brand from one restaurant to an international presence.
UofL Online MBA and fellowship led alumnus to new career in franchising.
Secrets to Thriving in Franchising with Kathleen Gosser.
RECENT GUESTS & INDUSTRY LEADERS:
President, The Bar Method Episode 89
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
franchiseU! podcast
DOWNLOADS
in the media
hourly podcast
uofl news
22
Careers in Franchising, Grounds for Success, and Franchising Forward.
currency
ERIKA WASSER
22,290
Episode 27 - Dr. Kathleen Gosser
STEPHANIE SCHON
109
COO, Keil Group, LLC Episode 107
With over 100 episodes produced and a growing audience, the FranchiseU! podcast extends our reach far beyond the classroom. Through conversations with leaders and innovators across the franchise industry, the show amplifies our mission and inspires the next generation of franchise professionals. Recognition on national podcast lists highlights the growing influence of FranchiseU! as a trusted voice in franchise education.
CEO/Co-founder, Prospr Episode 103
EPISODES
23
fordify live
HAMPDEN KEIL
paul pickett Wild Birds Unlimited
25
Beyond their leadership, the Board demonstrates its commitment through mentorship, scholarships, and active engagement with our programs. We are grateful for their partnership in advancing our mission and ensuring the Center remains a national leader in franchise education and research.”
rocco fiorentino Benetrends Financial
24
“The Board of Advisors of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence is made up of distinguished franchise executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who generously share their expertise and vision. Their guidance helps shape our strategy, inform our curriculum, and expand opportunities for students and communities.
kathleen gosser University of Louisville
board of advisors
michelle rowan Franchise Business Review
ron gardner Dady & Gardner, PA
denise cumberland University of Louisville
jim holthouser GoTo Foods
erica spector wishnow Southpaw, Inc.
jennifer brandeen IFA
sophia swemba Marriott International
yuvay ferguson Yuvay Ferguson, LLC
jania bailey FranNet
reese neumann KFC Global
joe malmuth Batteries Plus
rich watson Bank of America
renee boudakian Rubicon Franchise Partners
heather mcleod Authority Brands
karen grissom Tropical Smoothie
therese thilgen Franchise Update Media
Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence
Thank you for taking the time to explore our 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report. Your support and engagement are essential to our mission of educating, empowering, and uplifting future franchise leaders. Together, we continue to grow, innovate, and create opportunities that make a lasting impact. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead!
thank you!
110 W. Brandeis Ave. Louisville, KY 40208 | business.louisville.edu/yumcgfe