Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Department Of Family Services: Adoption Program Evaluation, Bonnie Abramson, Kristy Amasaki, Michael N. Johnson, James Padgett

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Persons contemplating adoption in Clark County face many legal boundaries and lengthy delays. Since adoption is a creature of Clark County, the answers usually can be found in state statutes, agency regulations, and court opinions. Federal statutory and constitutional laws also play a huge part in such areas as adoption subsidies, adoption of children with special needs, and training of all adoption workers.

While the overall adoption program is similar in all states, the fine points frequently differ. This research outlines the legal foundation of adoption, describing the adoption legal process, and the workings of the Department of Family Services …

Clark County Outreach Assistance To The Chronically Homeless, Sandy Von Wolffradt, Kirk Medina, Tony Vibabul

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The COACH program was created through a Social Security Administration (SSA) grant provided to assist eligible chronically homeless individuals apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. On April 1, 2004, the SSA released $6.6 million in "HOPE" awards to 34 organizations, including Clark County Social Services (CCSS) who received $450,000 over three years. Later in 2004, they released additional funding to include seven more organizations in the program. In total, the SSA has committed nearly $18 million to the program over three years. The purpose of the assistance is to improve the quality of life …

Clark County Parks And Recreation, Daniel Davis, Josh Martinez, Steven Schyman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As our primary assignment in PUA 791 (Topics in Administration), the following report has been prepared. It includes an examination of the current policies governing the programs offered by the Clark County Parks and Recreation Department as well as a comparison (benchmark) of two similar metropolitan areas. The following analysis was completed during the months of February thru July, 2006. It consisted of a series of interviews with Recreation Department managers from various agencies as well as information gathered from Management of Park and Recreation Text, 2005 and CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies).

Policy Analysis Of The Victim Offender Restitution Program, Veronica Damon, Marie Bostick, Lamont Mcgary

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Both the criminal justice and the juvenile justice systems have experienced increased strain due to criminal acts committed by juveniles. Many experts suggest that one way to ease the burden of the courts can be found in the theory of restorative justice. Most often the juvenile justice system is most concerned with the risk and needs of youthful offenders without significant consideration for the victims. A key component in the restorative justice theory is victim offender mediation which seeks to reduce the impact of crime on victims and the community. Clark County, Nevada has one such program, the Victim Offender …

Occurrence Reporting And Processing Of Operations Information, M. Ruiz, W. J. Arthur Iii

Publications (YM)

This procedure defines how to accomplish the following: • Establish the functional roles and responsibilities for the YMP Occurrence Report process • Identify reportable conditions and events affecting YMP • Notify appropriate management •Process decisions and actions relative to the reportable occurrence • Document the reportable occurrence and all relevant actions

Managing Conflict To Build Consensus, Christine G. Springer

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Publications

The article discusses views on dealing with conflict to build consensus in strategic management. Fostering conflict to improve decision making while building consensus so essential to effective implementation demands the stimulation of debate, keeping conflict constructive, ascertaining that the process is fair and legitimate and being able to reach closure.

Mercury Concentrations In The Muscles Of The North American Bullfrogs (Rana Catesbeiana), Jarrod Connell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many studies have be done on mercury in the environment. The studies though have focused on sport fish and migratory waterfowl. North American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) has been one species neglected from studies. One study has shown that bullfrogs due accumulate significant amounts of mercury (Gerstenberger S., and Pearson R. 2002). Though, no study has been done to find out if hind limbs have more concentrations that front limbs. Also to see if there is a difference between skin-off and skin-on, to find out if skin accumulates mercury. This study found that there was no significant difference between front and …

Impacts Of The Tax Shift Of 1981: An Examination Of Nevada Local Governments, Philip F. Stoeckinger

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The 1981 Nevada Legislature reduced property tax rates in what is known as the “Tax Shift”, whereby cities and counties received less property tax revenue and more sales tax revenue. Nevada made this change to mirror California Proposition 13, along with over forty states nationwide. Furthermore, the property tax rates that could be levied by local governments were “capped.” Nevada also became the only state to depreciate improvements (buildings) in determining the value of property (Tax Topics, 2001). In doing the preceding, Nevada moved from basing its revenue structure on a stable revenue source (property tax), to an unstable revenue …

Study Examining A Doe Proposal To Dispose Of Mixed Low Level Waste At The Nevada Test Site Using An Alternative Landfill Design, Deborah Hart

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Department of Energy has set forth a proposal to use an Alternative Landfill Design (ALD) for the Mixed Low Level Waste disposal facility, in Area 5 of the Nevada Test Site in place of a traditional engineered liner for the facility. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the impasse between the DOE and the State of Nevada regarding the proposal of placing a traditional liner versus the alternative landfill design, using a case study method to provide recommendations to policy makers and the NTS CAB. This project used secondary data to evaluate, and determine the effectiveness of …

Strategic Partnerships In Public Service, Christine G. Springer

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Publications

Presents the process to a successful strategic partnership in public service. Importance of trust between the partners; Definition of mission, goals and objectives in the partnership; Establishment of relationship boundaries.

Streamlining The National Environmental Policy Act Reporting Requirements: A Hard Look At The Healthy Forests Initiative, Jeffrey Alan Geller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has implemented the Healthy Forests Initiative (HFI) (2002), which streamlines the NEPA process for proposed forest fuel reduction projects. A key question is whether the USFS’s streamlined NEPA process produces an adequate environmental document and fulfills regulatory requirements. This thesis evaluates whether the streamlined approach practiced by the USFS under the HFI satisfies the NEPA requirements. A review of four streamlined documents assesses whether these requirements are met. The following NEPA requirements in particular are explored for each project to determine whether the NEPA requirements are met: consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives to …

Examining The Basis For Change In Clark County Non-Conforming Zone Change Process, Was It Needed?, Maria D. Kaseko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study reviews Clark County's non-conforming zone change process from 1990 to 2002. A non-conforming zone change, sometimes known as a non-conforming zone boundary amendment is a proposed request that is not within the range of residential densities and/or non-residential intensities indicated on the applicable land use plan map, master plan, or concept plan. This research explores and examines two questions raised by the Clark County's new implementation plan, which was approved in April 2003 to amend the non-conforming zone change process. 1) Clark County assumed there was a public perception that non-conforming zone changes were being approved without regard …

Probation Violators: An Examination Of Felony Male Adult Probation Violators In The State Of Nevada, Stefanie Wilson Palacio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Public Participation As Part Of The Clark County Nonconforming Zone Change Process, Mara Weber

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Converting Turfgrass To Xeriscape: Evaluating Southern Nevada Water Authority’S “Water Smart Program”, Tom Hudak

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study evaluated the use and effectiveness of the Xeriscape Conversion program, dubbed the “Water Smart Program,” administered by the Southern Nevada Water Authority. The Conversion program is used by five water purveyors throughout Southern Nevada. Because of phenomenal growth in the area, water has become one of the most valuable resources. With its limited availability, conservation has become the logical solution to ever increasing demand. Using empirical data, effectiveness of the program was evaluated in areas such as: water savings after xeriscape conversion; maintenance savings after conversion; the influence of system design on water consumption; and the long term …

Unlv Magazine, Lori Bachand, Regina Barcolas, Barbara Cloud, Holly Ivy De Vore, Gian Galassi, Cayrn Key, Jennifer Robison, Gillian Silver, Jason Vaughan, John F. Gallagher, Cate Weeks, Diane Russell

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Ergonomics And The Public Manager: Modeling A Successful Program, Ellen Anderson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

No abstract provided.

User Inputs: Importance Of And Satisfaction With Attributes Of The Cat Bus System, Steven F. Farshid

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Although studies of citizens' satisfaction with public services have been conducted in many cities on a variety of subjects, very limited empirical research has been conducted on mass transportation. Indeed, studies of financial impacts of mass transportation in urban areas do exist at length. Research on the environmental consequences of mass transit is quite abundant. However, studies on citizens' satisfaction of public transportation are limited. This study is designed to provide empirical data focusing on the importance of certain characteristics of the bus system and satisfaction or dissatisfaction with said characteristics within the Citizen Area Transit system (CAT) in the …

Recruiting And Selection Of Police Officers: A Case Study Of The Clark County School District Police Department, Anthony A. York

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper is a case study of the Clark County School District (CCSD) Police Department recruitment and selection process. The case study examines and evaluates the human resource function in the recruiting and hiring of police officers. The case study addresses the issue of line-staff relations and how it was best resolved in this organization in order to effectively recruit and select CCSD Police Officers. The paper addresses the historical, structural, and philosophical factors of the Clark County School District Police Department in discussing the possible organizational strategies for recruiting and selection of police officers. This paper uses a specific …

Vulnerability Assessment And Mitigation Planning In Clark County, Nevada: The Challenges Of Policy Implementation In The Intergovernmental Arena, Angelina L. Evans

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As a result of recent federal legislation, Clark County, Nevada has been charged with conducting a comprehensive vulnerability assessment and implementing a hazard mitigation policy. This research paper identifies the challenges of intergovernmental relations and policy implementation, defines the mitigation and assessment process, and describes the steps taken by Clark County to date. Definition of the legislation, emergency management, and terms relating to the process are provided. Findings reveal that the attempt to implement a federal program in an intergovernmental arena meet predicted challenges and describes how these challenges have affected Clark County’s ability to successfully implement policy.

Third Stage E-Government And County Employees: A Case Study Of The Clark County Business License Department, Benjamin B. Bond Iii

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study presents the results of research designed to evaluate attitudes of county-level employees who are working within government departments that have undertaken electronic government (e-government) initiatives. Specifically, the guiding question addressed throughout this study has been: “How do county employees perceive third stage e-government initiatives?” Additionally, this paper will examine multiple factors that have been identified as key components of slowing the implementation process such as: resistance to technology, insufficient participation of employees in e-government development initiatives and management/ employee interaction in regard to e-government implementation. This paper is based on research gathered using a self-administered survey of thirty …

A Study Of Community College Funding, Patricia Charlton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Community Colleges are an important segment of the postsecondary education system in the United States. As a direct result of growing financial constraints, couples with increased demands for access, sources of institutional funding has gained increased importance This research seeks to understand the relationships between governance structure and funding. A 50-state study using secondary data was used to examine variations in funding support for community colleges across the fifty states. The research found a significant relationship between funding levels of operating dollars per full-time equivalent and the existence of a local governing board. This analysis illustrated that having a local …

Computer Aided Dispatch Technology: A Study Of The Evolution And Expectations Of Cad And A Comparative Survey Of Cad In The U. S. Fire Service And The Clark County Fire Department., Kenneth E. Morgan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Dispatchers are the first link to assistance in the event of an emergency. Dispatchers must remain calm and gather information from terrified individuals, sort and extract the pertinent information, then relay that information to the responders. Effective dispatching is one of the most important functions of any public service agency (Christen 1991). This paper takes a look at the history and development of Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD). It will explain the various components of a fully functional state of the art CAD system and how each component affects the efficiency of emergency operations. Has computer aided dispatching made an impact …

Quality Improvement: Physician Providers, And The Women Health Connection Program, In The Provision Of Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening Services In Nevada., Salome K. Kapella

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Quality Improvement is one of the best solutions to the performance of healthcare services. The purpose of this study is to identify areas that need to be improved in relationship between physician providers and the Women Health Connection Program (WHC) in the provision of breast and cervical cancer screening services in Nevada. An assessment of how physicians view the program, their cooperation with the WHC program, an analysis of areas for improvement and the value of services to WHC clients have been discussed in order to improve the quality of breast and cervical cancer in the state. Comparisons have been …

Workforce Diversity Programs: A Case Study Of The Las Vegas Valley Water District’S “3-Year Diversity Implementation Plan”, Wilisha C. Moore

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Diversity programs have become a popular topic in today’s workforce. Diversity has become an important factor in the success of an organization. More and more agencies are beginning to realize that the workforce is becoming more diverse, and organizations are starting to embrace this diversity. Organizations are beginning to understand that diversity adds to the production and to the success of the organization, and is not a negative setback. Many agencies are realizing that diversity includes all employees, and is no longer just a racial issue. Diversity is the makeup of the world, and there are many dimensions of it. …

Addressing Helicopter Noise Impacts In Las Vegas, Nevada Within The Confines Of The Airport Noise And Capacity Act, Jeffrey M. Jacquart

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This professional paper will evaluate the impact of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act on Clark County's ability to reduce aircraft noise associated to helicopter sightseeing tours originating from McCarran International Airport. The paper will first provide the reader a brief introduction to aircraft operations in Las Vegas, and summarize local helicopter 1 noise activities. The paper will then present the legislative requirements and history concerning the curtailment of aircraft operations. The paper will also examine court cases addressing curtailment of aircraft operations at public-use airports. Next, a review of how other federally funded airports have sought solutions to resolve …

An Empirical Study Of Attitudes Towards Telecommuting Among Government Finance Professionals, Joseph J. Grippaldi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper presents the results of a preliminary study to evaluate attitudes towards telecommuting among finance employees who are employed by special district governments in the United States. Original data was collected by using a self-administered mail survey sent to 400 special district government finance employees who are members of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This paper will examine variables including employee support for telecommuting, the likelihood of employees working away from the office, and the number of days employees wish to telecommute. A factor analysis was employed to determine if patterns of …

Workplace Violence: A Case Study, Robert F. White

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper addresses the problem of workplace violence. Because research into workplace violence is relatively new, there is not much research into managerial response to violent incidences. This paper helps to establish a template that may become a useful managerial tool to decrease the potential for future workplace violence that may lead to loss of life and unnecessary monetary loss. Managers are not necessarily equipped to develop appropriate measures to effectively deal with violent issues. Given the proper tool, managers can often work wonders. The paper focuses on homicide in the workplace, which has been the second leading cause of …

Lake Mead Hospital Conversion To Complete Delivery System, Roger W. Noorda

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The objective of this case study is to determine the cost difference between using a conventional type of inventory system in the operating room versus using a pack system in the operating room. In this study three different ways of delivering disposables for a laminectomy procedure were considered: 1) multiple distributors of disposables, 2) single distributor of disposables, and 3) the pack system (CDS by Medline). The first comparison was of multiple distributors vs. a single distributor with a cost difference of $90.08 per procedure and $18,916.80 annually, multiple distributor costing less. The second comparison was between Medline as a …

Better Revenue Forecasting: Is Fiscal Stress A Stimulant? A Look At Nevada Local Governments, Richard A. Derrick

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Revenue forecasting is one of the most critical and often difficult tasks in governmental budgeting. It is critical because it determines the parameters upon which the budget is based. It is difficult because many outside influences can impact revenue results and cause variances with the forecast. If revenue is under projected, valuable services may not be provided during the fiscal year and an unexpected surplus may be created at year-end. By the time it becomes apparent that surpluses are developing, the damage to on-going programs and services, which may require consistency and budget stability for efficient delivery, may be done. …