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Manganese Oxide Mineral Phases Produced At Room Temperature Under Acidic Conditions Investigated With Xrd, Tem, Sem, Eds, And Bet, Nancy R. Birkner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This thesis concerns characterization of synthetic manganese oxides belonging to mineral phases known as Birnessite and Cryptomelane. Presented here are the results of an experiment designed to examine the influence of sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfate ions on the reduction of potassium permanganate under acidic conditions at room temperature to produce Birnessite and Cryptomelane. The experiments used KMnO4 as the source of Mn and the resulting Birnessite and Cryptomelane precipitates were washed with 18 Mn/cm NANOpure water at the end of syntheses. Several state-of-the-art solid state techniques were used to characterize the Mn-based oxide mineral phases. Based on the literature …

The Breath We Walk On, Sean Matthew Tribe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

"The Breath We Walk On" is a collection of poems written during my time at UNLV, instructed by the poetic works of George Oppen, DH Lawrence, William Blake, Alice Notley, Walt Whitman, Allen Ginsberg and John Donne, as well as, The Greek Anthology, The Bible, and The Gnostic Gospels. The major ideas forming this collection detail issues of self in relation to the world. The poems that were most instructive from these books explore this idea in the best of their works. Other questions addressed are how can human beings live in a way that inflicts minimal harm to the …

Will Retail Travel Agencies In Singapore Survive: Comparison Between Retail Travel Agencies And Online Reservation Services, Yan Xin Low

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Over the last two decades, the tourism industry has grown rapidly. But its evolution has been influenced by various factors such as culture and environmental changes including economic status and competition. Some of these factors, culture for instance, act as constants, providing some form of predictability to the evolution of the tourism industry within a specific society. While other factors, such as economic status and competition, act as variables that drive the industry to reach its potential. Hofstede defined “culture” as a collective programming of the human mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from …

Aaa Five Diamond Designation: Is It Worthwhile To Convert?, Jayme Elizabeth Deck Weight

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There is very little literature that analyzes the benefits of travel industry ratings and the benefits of achieving a top designation. The purpose of this paper is to determine if it is beneficial to become a AAA Five Diamond property, specifically in Las Vegas, in relation to the cost associated with meeting the standards of the designation. The paper examines all aspects of the conversion to these Five Diamond standards including staffing, training, physical property, financial output, profit, ADR, employee attitude, customer attitude, and overall perception. It also looks at the time involved with the conversion from Four Diamond to …

Loyalty To Relationships: Examination Of Affluent Casino Guest Retention In Las Vegas, Adrian Y. Low

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper analyzes the challenges faced by Las Vegas, Nevada casinos when catering to their affluent guests. As part of the literature review, the paper will examine the various retention efforts taken by luxury products and service providers, along with luxury hotels and hotel casinos in Las Vegas. Personal communications with casino hotel executives provides a real-world comparison of the effectiveness and limitations of various techniques discussed in the literature review.

Leadership Assessment: A Tool For Developing Future Hospitality Leaders, Sam Carlton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to identify and confirm important key leadership behaviors and characteristics of successful hotel and hospitality leaders with the intentions of validating key leadership theories and making suggestions for future hotel and hospitality leaders. Two very relevant theories of leadership are explored- Transactional and Transformational. The traits and behaviors contained within the theories are identified and subsequently mapped against past and present hospitality industry leaders. As a result, the paper identifies the critical few traits and behaviors necessary for future leaders to be successful. Finally, a tool has been developed to be used to identify …

A Naturalistic Inquiry Of The Restructuring Of A Middle School: An Nclb Mandate, Susan Ann Moulden

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As the 2013-2014 school year approaches, more and more schools across the United States are finding it problematic to meet the annual measurable objective of 100 percent of the school's population meeting its adequate yearly progress (AYP) target, as prescribed by the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation of 2002. Pursuant to NCLB, schools are required to meet the (defined) academic needs of all demographic populations within the school, and to ensure that all students are on grade level.

The purpose of this study was to explore first-hand the perceptions, insights and strategies comprising the implementation of a major …

Descriptive Experience Sampling Of Individuals With Bulimia Nervosa, Sharon Jones-Forrester

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite 30 years of research, much remains unknown about inner experience in individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN); yet attaining a clearer understanding of inner experience in BN may prove to be crucial in uncovering the nature of this profoundly disruptive disorder. The present study used Descriptive Experience Sampling (DES) to examine inner experience in 13 participants with BN, replicating to some degree Doucette (1992) and Jones-Forrester (2006). Results in the present study were largely consistent with Doucette (1992) and Jones-Forrester (2006) but substantially different from beliefs about inner experience from the extant non-exploratory DES BN literature. Specifically, the present study …

Democracy And The Environment In Latin America, Javier Albert Escamilla

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study examines the ability of democratic and non-democratic states alike to protect the environment. Democracy has long been an important concept in the study of politics and environmental protection is an increasingly important issue in world politics. Advocates of democracy claim democratic states are better able to protect the environment than non-democracies. In contrast there are those that argue democracy's emphasis on individual rights leads to excessive resource consumption. This thesis employs a mixed methods approach to determine if democratic countries protect the environment more than their non-democratic counterparts. In short democracies do protect the environment better than non-democracies …

Post-Katrina New Orleans: The Challenges, Milestones And Progress Of Small Business Owners And Entrepreneurs, Iona Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The US Small Business Association reports that 99.9% of all US business can be classified as small. Having less than 500 employees small businesses provide work for just over half of all US private sector workers (2009). Additionally, less than 2% of those businesses have between 100-499 employees (Headd & Kirchhoff, 2009), leaving approximately 97% of all US businesses employing 99 or fewer employees. Given this statistic, it would stand to reason that small businesses have a higher success rate than large ones; however, developing and opening a small business does not occur without risk. The SBA reports that only …

Bone Rattlers Bar & Grill Business Plan, Lovedy Ann Zie Carroll

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Independent restaurants are important in communities. Not only can restaurants provide the basic need of an enjoyable meal but restaurants also serve as gathering places for social and recreational purposes. People can celebrate special occasions, spend time with family or friends, and/or enjoy the atmosphere at restaurants. A restaurateur must have a solid business plan and understanding of what it means to run a restaurant business in both strong and weak economies. Lack of job security has many Americans leaving the corporate world to start their own businesses and make their own future (Cohn, 2009). According to the U.S. Small …

The Role Of Cultural And Change During Mergers And Acquisitions: Bringing The Pride Back, Geoffrey W. Denight Jr

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In 1998 a small family run casino operation was acquired by a large Las Vegas Casino Corporation. At the time the two companies had different cultures and there was an immediate clash between the two as the larger corporation sought to change the ways business was being conducted. Compounded by out side economic factors the business experienced a dramatic decline in revenue and employee morale. In this case study, the personalities and outside factors that had an impact on this acquisition will be revealed and the steps taken to change and manage the culture of the company, improve morale and …

An Entry Level Managerial Training Program For Hourly Hospitality Employees, Cynthia Mejia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to develop an entry-level managerial training program for line-level hospitality employees. An analysis of the current literature regarding training and motivation will be used as the foundation for the proposed training program. In addition, two central issues will be addressed to ensure the success of the participants in the managerial training program: a) The identification and resolution of perceived obstacles employees face when contemplating advancement, and b) the practice of developing internal employees to increase retention, and thereby reduce the high costs associated with middle management turnover.

Cost-Effective Training And Development Programs In The Hotel Industry During A Recessionary Period, Fiona Clementine King

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Training and development are essential in providing employees with the right skills for their present and future jobs. The world today is constantly evolving, with customers demanding more, which in turn adds pressure to companies and their employees. Therefore, in times of recessions, decreasing the budgets of training programs is a way for companies in all industries to manage and minimize their financial losses. The purpose of this paper is to identify the different techniques that the hotel industry could use to maintain the training and development of their employees during an economic recession. This paper will also look at …

The Luxury Casino Hotel Dynamic Price Strategy Practices For The Fit Customer Segment, Lei Chen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This research paper compares room rate luxury casino hotel pricing pattern between the periods of 4/1/2009 to 6/30/2009). A good price strategy can help a hotel optimize both price and demand. The price strategy is also the only way a hotel can offset its demand in advance. Price strategy experienced several revolutions after the hotel industry adopted the Revenue management (RM) price strategy from the airline industry, which has changed it profoundly in the past decades. The RM price strategy is, more than ever before, a fundamental influence on RM practice. This is not only because of its financial point …

A Comparison Of Gambling Motivation Factors Between Chinese And Western Casino Players, Lu Ye

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper explored literature on gambling motivation of Western and Chinese casino players to find out the similarities and differences of their motivation factors. Study found that they are motivated in similar ways by the desire to win, social and early memories. However, the Chinese gamblers exhibit severer cognitive errors, stronger risk-taking tendency and higher level of stress and depression, which explained the common findings of literature that Chinese have higher gambling and problem gambling rates than other ethnic groups. The findings would benefit casino operators in making marketing strategy at the Chinese players as well as problem gambling treatment …

Management And Disaster, Eugene Soraghan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect management has on disaster response and recovery. Specifically, the investigation will determine what management model or methodology seems to produce the greatest effect when preparing for, reacting to, and recovering from a disaster. Any firm with a managerial hierarchy utilizes some methodology or model to organize and oversee its personnel and operations, even if this model may not be consciously recognized by the organization, escape a direct association with a theory, or lack a proper name. While these models may prove effective at internal regulation and profit realization, they consistently …

Applying The Service Profit Chain To The Gaming Industry, Emphasizing On Table Games Dealers, In Las Vegas, David Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Gaming has been a significant part of the tourism industry in Las Vegas. Most gamblers come to Las Vegas hoping to win big, but are often disappointed. So what keeps people coming back time and again to contribute to Las Vegas’ economy? The casinos and the gaming industry believe that the unique and individual service guests experience at their establishment is the primary reason why guests return. For example, at Harrah's employees are upbeat and positive in an effort to keep customers returning; at the Venetian the core value instilled in each and every employee is to provide un-matched guest …

The Ged And Alternative Learning Center Diploma As A Factor In Post-Secondary Persistence And Success, Michael C. Autenrieth

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this paper will be to analyze how graduates of alternative learning high schools and GED certificate holders compare to traditional high school diploma recipients in terms of academic success at post-secondary institutions. A review of the existing literature and statistical analysis of entering students at a private career college will provide both a historical perspective and illustrate pertinent facts surrounding this issue. Analysis of the available information will provide the foundation for future planning and initiatives designed to improve the process or mitigate any identified inequities.

The Role Of Tuition In Financing Higher Education, Jay Craddock, Amjad Kisswani, Krista Kurvers, Hillery Leslie, Kumiko Primm, Abigal Sills

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In May 2009, six students enrolled in a graduate level policy analysis course at the University of Nevada- Las Vegas engaged in discussion concerning the effects of recent trends in the financing of higher education within the State of Nevada. This discussion was further narrowed down to the effects of tuition revenues. To what extent the University of Nevada-Las Vegas exercises control of their individual tuition revenues (how tuition revenues are expended and/or invested), and the amount of tuition revenues retained (to be expended and/or invested to maintain institutional operations) became the basis of this paper. While comparing the University …

Stigma Cities: Dystopian Urban Identities In The United States West And South In The Twentieth Century, Jonathan Lavon Foster

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation examines how historical events and representation of those events relative to the wider historical context have allowed the media, opinion setters, and the ordinary public to use the names of San Francisco, California, Birmingham, Alabama and Las Vegas, Nevada as denigrating adjectives and the effect of this usage on those cities. Exploration of Birmingham’s image as a racist city, San Francisco’s as a gay Mecca, and Las Vegas, Nevada’s as an adult playground or sinful city serves this purpose. These case studies support a central argument that the nature of place-based stigmatization’s influence depends upon ever-shifting cultural values …

Studying Personality In Juvenile Prostitutes: Aren't All Delinquents The Same?, Nina S. Brathwaite

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to test whether specific personality traits differentiate juveniles who engage in prostitution from those who do not. Juvenile prostitutes (n =34) and delinquent non-prostitutes (n =33) being detained in the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center were compared on a number of personality variables and offender subtype classifications measured by the Jesness Inventory-Revised (Jesness, 1988). It was hypothesized that the prostitution group would score significantly higher on scales closely related to immaturity, depression, denial, and sensation-seeking. Results of MANOVA and chi square indicated that the two groups did not differ significantly with regard to their …

A Case Study To Examine The Application Of Food Cost Theories In Menu Pricing And Cost Control Management Within A New Restaurant Operation, Mark W. Barnard

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Cost accounting principles regarding identification and allocation of direct raw material costs are widely endorsed as "best practices" for profit maximization throughout the food service industry. From its potential role in establishing menu prices to the need for constant monitoring in operations, food cost control is emphasized as a primary responsibility in managing back-ofthe- house operations (Berberoglu, 1993; Dopson, 2008). Investigation of this topic has indicated that a large number of operators are satisfied that their operations are supported by quality cost control procedures. Inquiry as to specific components of any reliable cost control system often reveals inadequacies that preclude …

Americans Abroad: International Hospitality Careers, Julienne Chranowski

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This is an exploratory research paper reviewing international tourism and hospitality careers with a focus on Abu Dhabi, the capitol of the United Arab Emirates. The paper reviews the cultural aspects of business life in the country and gives Americans the necessary steps to finding a career in this foreign land

Digital/Social Media As An Audience Marketing Tool To Promote Corporate Events, Corie Rand

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this professional paper, a case study, is to determine the benefits of using digital/social media as an additional audience-marketing tool in promoting and increasing registration for business-to-business (B2B) corporate in-person events. This case study researches the state of the B2B publishing/media industry, and the media company, Reed Business Information (RBI) is the focus of this study. This paper will address RBI's business need to invest in additional revenue streams, and the potential of applying researched marketing tools that could help to promote and drive registration for events. The impact of applying digital/social media, as a marketing tool, …

Introducing Pr Strategies Into Chinese Exhibition Planning Services, Fei Xia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This professional paper focuses on case studies from three Chinese companies’ exhibition experiences. This paper will use the case studies to investigate clients’ perspectives on the planning deficiencies of Chinese exhibition companies or professional associations. Finally, this paper will propose a relatively executable guide that includes an advanced U.S. planning process for Chinese exhibition companies.

A Place, Near Water, Kaitlin Mcclanahan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

My thesis represents the crux of my goal in coming to UNLV: to begin and successfully complete the first half of a novel that I have spent years developing. I attribute much of my success to the dedication I have learned in pushing through the MFA program with the help of my advisors, and will leave the program with enough vision to complete the novel I have begun.

My novel tells the story of a fictional Pacific Northwest town circa WWII. The novel begins with the discovery of a body.It then goes back in time and follows the lives of …

Agent And Subject Of Discipline: How The Novice Teacher Experiences The Techniques Of Power, Lynn Anne Murray-Chandler

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This phenomenological study explored how five elementary school teachers experienced their first year of teaching as both the subject and agent of discipline. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s conceptualizations of power, discipline, and resistance, the investigator analyzed interview data that focused on questions concerning how novice teachers establish their own classroom management techniques, what norms they followed and resisted, as well as how and when they complied (or did not) in order to gain membership into their school/teacher community. Analysis indicated that, although novice teachers expressed many concerns, they largely complied with the norms established institutionally for managing student behavior, and …

Self-Actualization In The Lives Of Medieval Female Mystics: An Ethnohistorical Approach, Cherel Jane Ellsworth Olive

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation explores the cultural and psychological factors that permitted six medieval female mystics to assume positions of leadership and innovation in a world marked by extreme gender inequality. Women religious have often been charged with being neurotics, hysterics, narcissists, and nymphomaniacs whereas males with similar experiences are rarely subject to the same degree of criticism. It is argued here that the women may well have been seeking to achieve the form of self-actualization described by humanist psychologist, Abraham Maslow, as a result of the "conversion" experience analyzed by William James. Furthermore, applying modern categories of mental illness to these …

Exploring Erotic Plasticity As An Individual Difference Variable: Theory And Measurement, Lorraine Benuto

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Baumeister's theory of female erotic plasticity is supported by a significant body of data suggesting that female sexuality is more malleable and more greatly influenced by cultural and contextual factors than male sexuality. Sex differences notwithstanding, it is reasonable to theorize that erotic plasticity might also vary across individuals. Based on a thematic/conceptual organization of relevant current literature, we explored erotic plasticity as optimally encompassed by six dimensions: (1) changes in sexual attitudes over time, (2) changes in sexual behaviors over time and across context, (3) fluidity of sexual behaviors along a same-sex/opposite-sex continuum (evidence of attraction and/or sexual involvement …