Digital Commons Network^™

Has The Militarization Of Police Influenced Public Perceptions Of Police Departments Due To Police Use Of The Dod 1033 Program? A Case Study Of The Virginia Beach Police Department, Gerald Caetano

EMPA Capstones

Public attention to the militarization of police has grown out of the media and social media attention provided by the coverage of recent protests of police shootings. This national coverage of protest events has thrust an image of police clad in military body armor, assault rifles and mine-resistant armored personnel carriers into the minds of anyone viewing the news. Recent research has been conducted on how this equipment has protected police and also incited violence against police from its use. This research will try to answer the question, whether peoples’ perception of police has changed due to the militarization of …

Military Veteran Healthcare Access And Quality, George Bernardino

EMPA Capstones

The topic for the research proposal seeks to determine the preference for medical care by military veterans between the Kaiser Permanente and Veterans Health Clinic in Stockton, California, based on quality and access to care. The importance of this particular research may broaden ongoing studies to support and improve the healthcare needs of military veterans. Relevant literature to support the research will substantiate and justify the Veterans Choice of care between VA and private healthcare. A vast portion of the research method will consist of quantitative techniques in order to produce and compare statistical data. Additionally, the proposed study will …

The Affects Of Social Economic Status On Adolescent Leadership Participation In High School: Improving Mcclymonds And Albany High School’S Leadership Program, Kiesha Douglas

EMPA Capstones

Studies have revealed that adolescents who participate in leadership activities are more successful. If leadership is a determinant factor of success, every adolescent need for leadership development should be addressed within public education. Countless research examinations have explored the affects that race, gender and disability in education. However, many answers still are left unanswered in the field of adolescent leadership. The premise of this research is to analyze the relationship that low socio-economic status has over student’s positional leadership involvement (i.e., holds a leadership position in student council or another organized school club) in school related activities.

The study revealed …

An Analysis To Determine Whether A Road User Charge As An Alternative To The Gas Tax Could Provide A Sustainable Funding Source: A Case Study Of Contra Costa County, California, Tarienne R. Grover

EMPA Capstones

Emerging technologies, increased fuel-efficiency, alternative fuel-based vehicles, and mandated state legislation require an updated revenue model to provide a more sustainable funding source for the transportation system. The gas tax is the main contributor to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which pays for the operations and maintenance of transportation infrastructure and mass transit projects. However, the gas tax no longer provides a sustainable funding source that meets current infrastructure needs. Loss of gas tax for local road repair and maintenance is being recognized at the local level. As more fuel efficient and alternative fuel-based vehicles become commonplace and gas usage …

Assessing The Efficacy Of African Boundary Delineation Law And Policy: The Case Of Ethio– Eritrea Boundary Dispute Settlement, Lantera Nadew Anebo

Theses and Dissertations

Africa is poor in the midst of plenty. Though multiple causes and reasons may be claimed for Africa’s shrinking state of development, disruptive effects of colonialism takes forefront. Present-day Africa is literally free but colonial footprints are still apparent in the borderlands. The study pinpoints how natural borderline development was thwarted by the infamous Berlin Conference of 1884 -1885. As result, people, ethnic groups, nations and nationalities have been disintegrated. Ethnic disintegration and arbitrary colonial boundaries lines have been source of unavoidable intra and inter state conflicts in Africa. Ironically, in fear of opening “Pandora’s Box” that would further unlock …

Impact Of Career Pathways To Academic Success: A Case Study Of Twin Rivers Unified School District, Nichole Davis

EMPA Capstones

With California’s growing social and economic development, there is a need to address the educational methods and approaches used that will prepare future leaders. The current high school structure may not be adequately preparing young people for entering into higher learning and/or the workforce. There are many reasons why students drop out of high school. One reason is that many are taught there is one path to higher learning. To meet the needs of California’s growing economy; different methods of learning should be available. This study examines the impact of career pathways and explores whether or not the implementation of …

The Feasibility Of Implementing Flex-Scheduling At Santa Clara County Social Services Department, Lisa Garcia-Duque

EMPA Capstones

No abstract provided.

Why Immigrants Benefit The United States Economy And The Legal And Tax Issues Chinese, Filipinos And Vietnamese Face When Immigrating To The U.S., Marc Santamaria

Theses and Dissertations

This comprehensive study in U.S. immigration law examines its interactions with many relevant and significant laws and issues that affect immigrants. This study argues that immigrants benefit the U.S. economy because of their improvement on labor competition, contribution to the technology and science fields, and direct and indirect creation of jobs. This study draws upon scholarly research that proves immigrants help wages in their respective regions grow at high rates. The next question then turns to how immigrants can move to the U.S. through certain visas, and this study has a special focus on employment and investor visas. These are …

On The Development Of The Law Of Self-Determination From External To Internal Aspects, Vadim Anatolyevich Godorozha

Theses and Dissertations

The crisis within international law of self-determination cannot be ignored. This dissertation analyses and discusses the reasons for the crisis which are: the lack of analysis of the correlation of legal doctrines with doctrines of social science; a general absence of analysis of the changes occurring within contemporary international law due to the changes of doctrines of social science (particularly on the topics of the subjects of international law, and on the law of self-determination and recognition); a lack of analysis of the new laws within a context of rapid social development; and finally, the absence of a development of …

The Defense Language Institute Pay System, Mehrdad Dezyanian

EMPA Capstones

The Defense Language Institute (DLI) is the Department of Defense language school plays and important role in the nation’s national security. Fifty different languages are taught at the DLI with 2000 faculty. The DLI is losing many subject matter experts due to a current and significant pay issue. This paper provides an examination of the different pay systems that may work for the DLI. In this research, some pay systems in the other Department of Defense universities such as Naval Postgraduate School and the Defense War College that are relevant to this topic are considered relevant and valuable literature references. …

Effects Of Proposition 47 On Community Policing In Contra Costa County, Miguel Aguilera

EMPA Capstones

Proposition 47 is a state initiative that was passed by California voters in November 2014. This new law reduces the classification of most "non-serious and non­violent property and drug crimes" from felonies to misdemeanors. As a result, drug users are being cited and released rather than being taken and jailed. After being cited, some drug users are never held accountable due to the common practice of local prosecutors not filing charges for these offenses. This results in individual law enforcement officers' reduction of self-initiated arrests for these types of offenses. A review of the scholarly literature summarizes Proposition 47, provides …

Juvenile Justice System-Utilizing Public Funds To Foot The Bill For Youth Confinement, Emina Abrams

EMPA Capstones

Scientific and legislative changes have produced remarkable shifts in the way the courts handle youth involved in the Juvenile Justice system. What remains steady is the cost of juvenile confinement. The City and County of San Francisco has been utilizing public funds to maintain and operate Log Cabin Ranch School as an alternative method of confinement for youth who have been committed to out of home placement due to delinquent behavior. A review of the public funds spent and relevant literature pertaining to juvenile justice system, will examine if the funds that are spent to maintain and operate Log Cabin …

The Impact Of Housing On Ab 109 Realignment On Offenders In Sf Bay Area Counties A Case Study On, Jonathan Blackman

EMPA Capstones

This research paper takes a look at The State of California's 2011 Realignment Law - Assembly Bill (AB 109) and its impact on counties in the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA). California revolutionized corrections by diverting sentenced offenders from the state (CDC and parole) to the county (jails and probation). This is a drastic change that reduced the prison population and transitioned financial and social challenges of the state onto the counties. Now as offenders exit incarceration, they face the same challenge so many other citizens currently face - finding and securing affordable housing. The SFBA has seen record surges …

Artist Housing Support In San Francisco, Shawn Carrera

EMPA Capstones

This study addresses the research question of whether San Francisco taxpayers are willing to support a 0.03 percent sales tax increase to fund affordable housing for city artists. This tax initiative seeks to maintain and increase the number of artists living in the city during economic hardships because San Francisco attracts many visitors by being a cultural center for artistic expression. Published studies in literature were used to inform the subtopics of this study: the cost of rent, artists’ incomes, artists’ contributions, sales tax effectiveness, tax popularity with voters, and affordable housing. Survey data was used from one hundred San …

Military Friendly Universities And Helping Veterans Succeed Academically, Silvana Giacalone

EMPA Capstones

No abstract provided.

Physician Secure Text Messaging, Hiren Barot

EMPA Capstones

A communication need exists for physicians to be able to exchange “actionable” patient information instantaneously and concisely with their peers to improve the coordination of care with respect to increasing patient safety and reducing delays in patient care. Secure text messaging provides a potential value stream in meeting this communication need within both hospitals' facilities and physician medical offices.

The results and recommendation of this case study will be shared with the region's Chief Medical Information Officer a large Northern California healthcare system, with its headquarters based in Sacramento, California. The case study will be presented as a decision and …

Technology And The 4th R After-School Program, Verghese Abraham

EMPA Capstones

Economic barriers to technology in today’s society hinder the growth and development of low income families continuously and widens the social economic gap of families that live below the Federal Poverty Level. These barriers contribute to and impact individuals, families and children who can live above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) in the Sacramento region. For the year 2015, the United States Health and Human services department defines the FPL for a family of 4 in the US as $ 24,250.00 (Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2015). For many families and children that live within the impoverished areas of …

Increasing Employee Satisfaction With The Basic Principles Of Lean Manufacture A Research Conducted In California Pacific Medical Center, Radiology Department, Jeannette Castellanos

EMPA Capstones

Healthcare across the United States is feeling the impact of the economic recession. The challenge is to do more, with fewer resources. In response, many healthcare organizations are moving to redesign their processes and practices in an effort to survive. The purpose of this thesis is to document the Lean implementation and its impact in employee satisfaction at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC). “The lean approach is a production strategy in which all parts of the production system are focused to eliminate waste and defect while continuously increasing the percentage of value-added work.” (Liker, 2004, p. 4) This research will …

Efficacy Of Medi-Cal Outreach Efforts And Enrollment Processes: Impacts On Willingness To Access Healthc, Jennifer J. Giusti

EMPA Capstones

Covered California includes the expansion of Medi-Cal as part of the state's response to Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. Residents making less than 138% of the federal poverty level qualify at no or low cost. Despite intentions to promote Medi-Cal and improve the enrollment process, the application and eligibility verification process is still confusing and lengthy. The number of enrollees has been greater than originally projected, causing an unanticipated surge of applications and several month delays in providing eligible individuals with proof of insurance. Additionally, outreach efforts may not have reached many additional eligible individuals as of yet. This study …

Implementing Cots And Tqm Concepts In Healthcare Equipment, Glenn C. Ajero

EMPA Capstones

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) equipment management system relies on antiquated technology and have limited functionality to track medical equipment. Its ability to identify equipment asset is limited, which may pose risks to veteran’s safety and limit VHA’s cost effectiveness. This study will determine if implementing a commercial off-the-shelf technology and applying Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts will improve accountability of medical equipment within a VA medical center serving approximately 350,000 veterans situated in a large size urban community in the western United States. The investigator will use data collected from key informant interviews and surveys on the topics of commercial …

A Study On Mode C Transponder Operation To Improve Aviation Safety In The San Francisco North Bay, Clifford D. Cochran

EMPA Capstones

The purpose of this study is to determine if Mode C transponder operation by all aircraft in flight would improve aviation safety in the San Francisco North Bay. With air travel expected to increase annually for the foreseeable future, it is critical that aircraft operating requirements provide a high level of safety. Current aviation regulations require aircraft to operate Mode C transponders in congested airspace and at high altitude, but do not require use in other airspace, where many aircraft operate unmonitored in the vicinity of commercial aircraft. This situation can create a potential hazard to flight safety and could …

Deterring Corruption Through Tax Reform: The Case Of Thailand, Benjamas Junyarungruang

Theses and Dissertations

This study will examine how a modification to Thailand’s Real Property Tax and Capital Gains Tax systems, along with the implementation of a Death Tax scheme will provide the needed resources to help support the economic function of government in Thailand and help mitigate the widening economic disparity among the social classes. A major reform in Thailand’s tax system will create more benefits, provide resources and opportunities, and assist in reducing or (even completely) eliminating the motivation of Thailand’s working class to engage in acts of corruption. If we stop corruption from the “bottom” of Thailand’s social class by removing …

Generational Differences In Work Values: A Case Study On Public Utilities, Darrell C. Cain

EMPA Capstones

Today’s public utility workforces are faced with a significant number of Baby Boomer retirements resulting in a loss of institutional knowledge. Concurrently, the hiring Generation X and Millennial employees in response to the Baby Boomer retirements have increased the amount of generational diversity in the work place. Generational diversity and or generational differences in work values are buzz words for managers to consider as they learn how to effectively manage a multi-generational workforce while continuously providing the public a high level of service. This study provides an empirical analysis of actual versus perceived generational differences in work values in a …

The United Nations Security Mechanism And Africa: Challenges And The Way Forward, Nebiyou Dagne Tessema

Theses and Dissertations

The dissertation will, therefore, examine the evolving concept of security; the security mechanisms of the UN, AU and the African sub-regional organizations and their respective mandates in the maintenance of peace and security in Africa; assess the state of security in the continent; identify the key factors for the deterioration of the security situation in the continent; evaluate the effectiveness of the existing international security mechanisms in overcoming this dangerous trend; identify the key challenges and drawbacks in the present global security system; and suggest some recommendations on the way forward to meet the security challenges of the African continent …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Shared Services Within San Mateo County Fire Agencies, Theresa N. Dellasanta

EMPA Capstones

To consolidate or not to consolidate – it’s not a question; it is reality. Consolidation of fire services is a discussion that has been prevalent in North America for over four decades now. One should consider themselves lucky if they work in a department that hasn’t discussed it, albeit, be prepared because it is on the horizon. Fire agencies within San Mateo County, a county comprised of 20 cities and a population of approximately 739,911 should be recognized for its scope and innovation with shared services. The purpose of this study is to identify and observe factors that contribute to …

A Re-Assesment [Sic] Of The Effectiveness Of Oau (Au) Conventions On Preventing And Combating Terrorism, Chinyere Christiana Okpala

Theses and Dissertations

Combating terrorism in Africa seems to be a mission impossible despite numerous anti-terrorism Laws in existence. Africa has a union, known as African Union (AU), comprising of all independent States in Africa, except Morocco. This AU has a well known anti-terrorism Law known as 'OAU Convention on Preventing and Combating Terrorism, 1999 and other national anti-terrorism laws in existence in its Member States nations. Despite all these anti-terrorism laws, including Plan of Actions for the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, Protocol to the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism in existence, terrorist acts are on the increase …

Educating Children With Disabilities: A Study Of The Gateway Program At Silverado Middle School In Napa, Ca, Rashaud K. Brumfield

EMPA Capstones

With an increase of school-aged children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum related disorders and a rise in cost, many public organizations are asked to do more, with less. Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) and McGrew Behavior Intervention Services (MBIS) are working together, trying to improve the social, emotional and educational lives of children with individualized education programs (IEP), through the Gateway Program at Silverado Middle School. This research project evaluates the partnership between NVUSD and MBIS, while measuring the effect it has on the students who receive services through an IEP. A literature review covered the following: School Districts …

Decreasing Recidivism By Creating New Choices: Monterey County's Adult Criminal Mental Health Court, Amanda L. Briseño, Ma, Mft

EMPA Capstones

It is estimated that 16% of adults in state prisons, and 17% in jails have a serious mental illness (Council of State Governments, 2012, p. 6). Considering severely mentally ill inmates have an 80% chance of returning ("Incarcerated Mentally Ill", n.d.), some communities have chosen to find a way to reduce that rate of recidivism. In Monterey County, that way may be the adult criminal mental health court, Creating New Choices (CNC). A review of relevant literature has identified courts of its kind as effective in doing so, and in order to determine if CNC does reduce recidivism rates key …

A Structural Comparison Of African Union [Au] And Organization Of American States [Oas] Through The Lens Of Conflict Management And Human Rights, Samuel Bamidele Akingbulu

Theses and Dissertations

It will be ideal here to trace the African history and political development to uncover some of the foundational elements of the major problems confronting Africa. The most conspicuous symptom of Africa's afflictions is its slow development-economically, socially and politically. Moreover, this issue is underscored by Africa's long-enduring platform of compelling concerns: lack of long-term unity and consistent application of agreed policies among member countries and their leaders; high-scale conflicts; environmental problems; corruption and governmental mismanagement. It is my belief that these unresolved matters markedly impede the AU's ability to perform its objectives for a more unified and advanced Africa. …

A Comparative Analysis Of Scotland And The United States’ Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems, Catherine Cary

Theses and Dissertations

It is perhaps fair to suppose that before the earliest civilizations began, humans have traded or exchanged goods and services to either supplement what they possess, or acquire what they could not get through their own efforts. As is the case today, these exchanges often required entering into dealings that could inevitably prove contentious; thus, like all human relationships, disagreements often arose concerning the subject matter of agreements, and what was meant by certain terms of the agreement. Therefore, the question arises: how can such disagreements be resolved in a manner that is fair to all involved, and perhaps preserve …