Digital Commons Network^™

Championing Belonging: A Community Where Students Can Flourish, Carol D. Grant-Watt

The Dissertation in Practice at Western University

In a K-12 independent school educational setting, belonging is crucial for fostering a positive learning environment where students, faculty, and staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to engage actively in their academic pursuits contributing to increased academic achievement, higher levels of motivation, and improved mental health outcomes. Moreover, belonging plays a key role in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. When individuals feel they belong, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities, it leads to a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can flourish and contribute positively to the community. By integrating transformative and authentic leadership and critical and …

Reimagining Community Engagement In A Jk–12 International Baccalaureate School: Transforming Praxis Through Compassionate Dialogic Processes, Paige A. Freeborn

The Dissertation in Practice at Western University

The International Baccalaureate (IB) mandates community engagement (CE; otherwise known as service learning) throughout its continuum; however, there is confusion around epistemological approaches, strategies, and methodologies. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) aims to support educators in developing a praxis-based CE program at an independent IB school in Western Canada. It is inspired by a problem of practice that exists at Hope Mountain School (HMS), where there is currently no coherent framework to guide CE development through ethical and sustainable approaches. Critical/post-critical theoretical approaches ground the OIP’s inquiry process supported by sociotransformative constructivist and ecocentric worldviews. Systemic tensions between HMS, IB …

Measuring Public Value Through Local E-Government, Kevin De Leebeeck

MPA Major Research Papers

In response to the fulfillment of public expectations and the shortcomings of new public management, one alternative approach that has received recent attention is the concept of public value. The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has provided an affordance for the development of e-government profiles that principally aim to create public value. As evaluative research, this project contributes to the quantitative development of the public value construct by establishing and assessing relationships between ICT and public value frameworks. Through the use of common website metrics and other previously used dichotomous indicators, the levels of digital public value are …

Value Added Products From Nonconventional Agricultural Biomass Waste Through Thermochemical Transformation, Nicolas A. Sarmiento

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The alteration of temperature patterns around the world has become noticeable in the recent decade. Sea level rise, wildfires, and high temperatures have made people realize that climate change is affecting humans more tangibly than ever. Therefore, the United Nations have pushed to make policies to mitigate this problematic situation. This research investigated the production of biochar from agricultural waste through pyrolysis for fighting climate change and adding value to waste. Experiments in a laboratory scale reactor were conducted to obtain yields of pyrolytic products. Then, analysis of products provided data for characterization and the LCA of the tomato plant …

For The Love Of A'Se'k: Piktukowaq's (Re)Assertion Of Autonomy In Pursuit Of A Healthier Community, Lands, Waters, And Future Generations, Serena E. Mendizabal

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Pictou Landing First Nation (PLFN) has experienced the impacts of being exposed to the effluent treatment facility for a pulp mill for decades, but in 2020, it was announced that the treatment facility would finally close. In my research, I will investigate and compare two sets of PLFN health data from 2014 and 2019 to answer the following research questions: 1) Does community health for the PLFN improve over time when community members have more autonomy over environmental decision-making?; and 2) Does Pictou Landing First Nation's relationship to place improve with more autonomy in environmental decision making? I will use …

Disrupting More Than The Music: Reciprocal Care Relations In Community Music-Making During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Fiona Evison

Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity

No abstract provided.

The Nature Of Well-Being, Shai L. Butler

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

This research project focuses on the nature and causes of well-being. Though the study of well-being has proliferated in recent years, the nature and causes of well-being are difficult to discern. This research aims to gain clarity by appealing to the disciplines of philosophy and psychology.

Well-being is a multi-dimensional construct and has been philosophized and theorized by many scholars and thought leaders throughout history. This research aggregates a multitude of theories, approaches, and philosophies to explain the nature of well-being. Psychologists created SWPP, SWB, lifespan research, emotional regulation and mindfulness theory, PWB, and WBT to understand well-being. Additionally, they …

Three Essays On Corporate Sustainability Language, Nahyun Kim

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

My dissertation explores how public firms employ language in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports to lengthen the horizons of their strategic decisions. The three essays included in my dissertation introduce and investigate the pursuit of temporal equilibrium in the aftermath of the 2008 Financial Crisis. Specifically, I compare the emphasis placed on the short versus long- future in the annual sustainability reports of public firms and derive three explanations for the increased emphasis of long-termism.

In Essay 1 (Chapter 2), I describe how firms seek and find temporal equilibrium after the Financial Crisis. Using topic modeling, I linguistically and …

Co-Creating An Evaluation Approach For A Healthy Relationships Program With Community Partners: Lessons Learned And Recommendations, Maisha Syeda Dr., Meghan Fournie, Maria C. Ibanez, Claire Crooks

Education Publications

Community-based partnerships are integral to mental health programming and research. However, there are limited published guidelines that apply the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR), especially within the context of supporting vulnerable youth populations. This article demonstrates the application of the CBPR principles in cocreating an evaluation approach for a healthy relationships program for vulnerable youths with community partners. We present our research procedures and activities and highlight the importance of having a trauma-informed lens and flexibility with the research process and outcomes. We conclude the article by sharing our lessons learned and providing recommendations for future CBPR with vulnerable …

Yoga As Embodied Peacebuilding: Moving Through Personal, Interpersonal And Collective Trauma(S) In Post-Conflict Colombia, Mayme Lefurgey

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

In this dissertation, I examine creative methods of peacebuilding that are both community-driven and embodied in their approach. I evaluate how these methods can simultaneously challenge the confines of conventional peacebuilding mechanisms in transitional and post-conflict contexts, while also offering a unique complement to existing programs and structures. I look at the multifaceted socio-cultural expressions of yoga globally, inquiring as to how this mind-body practice can offer opportunities in peacebuilding on both individual and collective levels.

My project is rooted in the principles of community-engaged research and feminist research ethics. More specifically, this dissertation closely engages with the work of …

Final Experiential Learning Report: The Stratford Festival Archives & Ecuador Women’S Empowerment Trip, Julia Campbell

SASAH 4th Year Capstone and Other Projects: Publications

To fulfil my SASAH experiential-learning requirement, I worked as an intern at the Stratford Festival Archives in 2017 and travelled to Ecuador as part of a Women’s Empowerment trip in 2018. At the Festival, my colleague and I were responsible for designing the Archives’ first-ever digital catalogue. We researched the provenance of each costume piece, which often included looking through design bibles and conducting informal interviews. We then photographed and wrote detailed descriptions for each costume piece. By the end of the summer, my colleague and I had written over 300 complete entries, laying the groundwork for future interns. My …

Critical Education: Increasing Student Achievement Through Formative Assessments, Shujon Mazumder

The Dissertation in Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) supports the use of formative assessment practices within the business department at School X. This organization is a public high school situated in an urban school board in Ontario. Bayside School Board mandates that teachers provide all students with equitable assessment practices and student-centred learning opportunities. Transformational leadership, through a critical lens, will propel a change plan to inform teachers about the oppressive nature of using summative assessments. Through Freire’s (2002) concept of critical pedagogy, a case is made to implement more opportunities for using formative assessments, which allow students to feel empowered. Formative assessments …

Advanced Hardware And Software Approach To Seismic Site Response Investigations, Aleksandar Dimitrov Mihaylov

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Vibration measurement is an essential aspect of modern geotechnical engineering. It is particularly vital task for measuring the dynamic soil parameters, estimating seismic hazards and evaluating influence of industrial, traffic and construction vibrations on the surrounding buildings, structures and their elements. Meanwhile, commercial exploration seismic stations and data acquisition systems require significant professional knowledge and training in geophysics or vibration measurement, as well as practical skills and experience in adjusting data acquisition parameters. Furthermore, available seismological investigation and vibrometry sensors are not universally suitable for field applications in geophysical studies, soil-structure interaction investigations or structural vibrations. The frequency range suitable …

Sgps 9105a: Value Of Residential Care: Review And Strategies To Advocate For Better Wages For Phss, Natalie Currie-Patterson, Thi Hoai Anh Le, Paolo Aldrin Palma, Vanessa Martha Sinclair

Community Engaged Learning Final Projects

No abstract provided.

Levelling The Urban Playing Field: How Municipalities Can Increase Leverage From Sports Franchises During Sports Venue Public-Private-Partnerships Negotiations, Bipin Dhillon

MPA Major Research Papers

The modern era of sports venue funding (post-1984) has shown a shift toward downtown revitalization arena projects as a remedy to the costly nature of sporting venue public-private-partnerships between municipalities and major league franchises. Sports franchises use their advantage to request attractive funding packages from desperate municipalities because of factors such as the supply and demand of franchises, municipal competition, and growth in consumption-based economic development. In response, the purpose of this report is to determine how municipalities can maximize leverage when trying to secure downtown sporting venues funded by public-private-partnerships. More specifically, which set of “leverage variables” under municipal …

Paddling The Biigtig: A Case Study Of Environmental Repossession Through Canoeing, Kathleen Mikraszewicz

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Indigenous communities globally are initiating inspiring ways to practice self-determination over land and cultural practices. For the past few years, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation) has undertaken canoe trips through its traditional territory along the Biigtig (Pic River). The purpose of the 2017 journey was to rename places (i.e. mountains, rivers, portages) along the route in Nishnaabemoen (Ojibway language) as a means of enacting self-determination in their territory. Supported by volunteers, five youth were hired as Traditional Knowledge Gatherers to complete this unique journey. This thesis qualitatively examined perceptions among canoe journey participants (n=9). Building upon the concept of …

Licensing Agreement - Whe-Partner 2018, Western Heads East

Business and Social Enterprise

No abstract provided.

Introduction : Essential Skills For Public Health, David Butler-Jones

Western Public Health Casebooks

No abstract provided.

Complete 2018 Casebook

Western Public Health Casebooks

No abstract provided.

A Novel Approach To Mental Health Recovery: Family Empowerment Program In Rural Kenya, G. Mhapankar, C. Nakeyar, M. Muniu, S. Mohammed, S. Rodger, V. Mutiso, A. Macdougall

Community, Equity, Gender

No abstract provided.

Nursing Practice During A Mission In Nepal: Ethics And Leadership, Lorena M. Bonilla

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The ability of nurses to reflect or critically examine the impact of professional standards of practice, legal guidelines, and ethical frameworks that influence and guide their practice is essential to help patients achieve quality of life and wellness. Regardless of the location and setting where nursing takes place, contextual factors such as the benefits and potential harm resulting from the care provided, availability of resources, the nurse’s scope of practice, and evidence-based practice guidelines, all affect a nurse’s ability to practice in a safe, ethical, competent, caring, and compassionate manner.

Using an exploratory case study to investigate nurses’ (n=9) view …

Asset-Based Community Capacity Building: A Process For Expanding A Retirement Home Physical Activity Program, Charlotte W. Crombeen

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The population is aging rapidly and physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are on the rise, a trend noticed at a northern Ontario retirement home looking to improve the choices for, and attendance at, physical activities provided for residents. A community capacity building (CCB) approach using an asset-based, partnership methodology was utilized to create internal and external asset maps. These maps were used to inform potential partnerships within the community. Partnerships were recommended with a university, college, and two high schools, whose staff and students could help to implement new physical activities. Walking and gardening clubs were presented as examples that …

Creating And Sustaining Community: An Analysis Of Lgbtq Community In London, Ontario, Geoff S. Bardwell

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

There has been an increase in literature over the last decade on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ) communities. However, aside from health-related studies, little has been published pertaining to LGBTQ communities in London, Ontario. This dissertation seeks to answer the following research questions: what are the constitutive elements that make up London’s LGBTQ communities? What forms of community-making prove to be viable and effective in a smaller urban setting? Does the practice of aesthetics/artistic performance lead to socio-political change among members of London’s LGBTQ communities? This is a multidisciplinary research project that utilizes archival, theoretical, and ethnographic-informed qualitative research …

The Contribution Of Community-Based Health Planning And Services (Chps) To Community Sustainability And Health In The Upper West Region Of Ghana, Hannah M. Woods

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Ghana introduced Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) to improve poor health in rural areas. Research in the Upper West Region (UWR) has found poor health is related to degrading social fabric. Recent research suggests the existence of health services in rural, developed contexts increases community sustainability and can be understood through the capitals framework. This study applies the framework to understand the contribution of CHPS to community sustainability and health in the UWR. The region lacks reliable ambulance services; in response, communities have adopted Community-initiated Emergency Transport Services (CETS). The study uses the existence of CETS as a measure …

Evapotranspiration From Extensive Green Roofs: Influence Of Climatological Conditions, Vegetation Type, And Substrate Depth, Maria Eloisa Sia

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Green roofs are gaining popularity worldwide as a low impact development tool to mitigate increasing stormwater runoff within dense urban areas. Evapotranspiration (ET) is the key hydrologic process governing the capacity of a green roof to retain rainfall as it regenerates available water storage space in the green roof substrate (soil) between rainfall events. To date, there are limited data on how the interaction between different climatological conditions and design parameters (e.g., vegetation type, substrate depth) affect ET rates. This currently limits the ability to optimize green roof design for stormwater management. In this field study, the impact of climatological …

Social Barriers To Entry: Liquefied Natural Gas Import Terminals In The Us From 2000 To 2013, Chethan D. Srikant

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Management scholars recognize the uncertainties and challenges during the market entry process that can impede operational startup. However, very little empirical research exists to fully understand these challenges and explain firm responses. Even less attention has been paid to the threats from non-market actors and the countering strategies employed by firms. Hence, this thesis explores firm reactions to community contestation, as a form of social barrier to entry that can prevent the firm from exploiting market opportunities. Specifically, I consider the strategic implications of firms’ rhetorical responses to community contestation during the market entry process.

For this thesis, U.S. liquefied …

Examining The Food Networks Of Small Businesses In A Food District And The Potential For Fostering Local Economic Development, Michael Ar Clark

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Food systems are complex, interconnected webs which connect everything from small local businesses and farmers to large multinational corporations all over the world. The recent spike in food prices as the value of the Canadian dollar declines has highlighted how much of our food is grown in California and other international regions. Where do small food businesses source their food from and how do they make those decisions? To examine this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 business owners in the Old East Village Food District, in London, Canada. Interview data were analyzed two ways: (1) foodshed analysis of business …

Saut Probiotic Yogurt Kitchen Business Plan, Iris Wu

Business and Social Enterprise

The SAUT Probiotic Kitchen will sell freshly made yogurt with good bacteria that improves the health of the consumer. The Kitchen is situated on the SAUT Malimbe Campus in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Due to the Kitchen’s convenient and accessible location, the Kitchen’s primary customer group will be the SAUT community when the students are attending school. The secondary customer group will include the population from the local market, and the workers from the nearby dala-dala stand. Finally, the third customer group would be businessesand other organizations in the Mwanza region. Selling to this third group in bulk throughout the year will …

Wind Energy Development In Ontario: Factors Influencing Deployment And Policy Outcomes, Emmanuel T. Songsore

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The goal of this thesis is to gain an understanding of the factors promoting and hindering wind energy development (henceforth WED) from the perspective of communities and developers in Ontario. Ontario arguably has one of the most ambitious policies for WED in the world, centered on the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009 (henceforth GEA). Despite progressing to become Canada’s leading province in installed wind energy capacity, various conflicts and roadblocks to deployment remain evident.

In response to gaps identified in literature seeking to understand the factors that impact the (un)successful deployment of wind power, the current thesis provides …

Workshop Report: Sustainable Mining, International Law, And The Rights Of Women And Girls, Sara Seck, Kirsten Md Stefanik

Law Events

Canada is a leading player in mining exploration and development both domestically, in communities across Canada, and internationally, with mining operations around the world. The Canadian Government has expressed a commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in international extractive operations.

This Workshop aimed to begin a conversation between academics and civil society working on the rights of women and girls and the extractive sector. The objective was to build an enriched understanding amongst attendees and bridge gaps between the work of organizations interacting directly with affected women and communities and the work of academics who research international national …