Digital Commons Network^™

Small Business Development In The Tourism Industry In Dangriga, Belize, Jonathan R. Kasper

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

The thesis, Small Business Development in the Tourism Industry in Dangriga, Belize, examines efforts to bolster economic opportunities and entrepreneurial resilience in a culturally rich but economically underserved town. The project focused on addressing the underperformance of Dangriga’s tourism sector relative to other Belizean destinations, despite its potential. By engaging directly with local entrepreneurs and organizations, the initiative aimed to improve marketing practices, digital presence, and long-term business viability through practical interventions.

Major accomplishments included the development of a reservation-capable website for the Bonefish Hotel, social media and marketing consultations for various small businesses, and advisory work for the …

Engaging Youth In Philanthropic Practice: Field-Building Strategies And The Promise Of Youth-Possible Philanthropy™, Kimberlin D. Butler

The Foundation Review

Traditional philanthropy has largely been top-down, with communities — including youth — having limited decision-making power. Despite philanthropy’s recent shift toward participatory approaches, young people in these historically excluded communities are often ignored as contributors to philanthropic strategy.

Youth-Possible Philanthropy™ (YPP) offers a new, emerging theoretical framework that proposes to shift this dynamic by positioning youth as co-creators and possibility catalysts in philanthropic governance and strategy. YPP is grounded in possibility development, participatory approaches, and trust-based philanthropy.

The article provides strategies for operationalizing YPP. Case examples illustrate how YPP can foster authentic power-sharing and bridge gaps in philanthropic practice.

The Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Transit In The San Francisco Bay Area, Richard W. Lee, David B. Reinke, Christopher E. Ferrell, Charles Rivasplata, John M. Eells, Luana Chen

Mineta Transportation Institute

This report presents the findings from our study for the California State Assembly Transportation Committee on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Bay Area Transit. The study consisted of a review of the literature on the effects of the pandemic on transit in the US, a detailed look at changes in ridership and economics for Bay Area transit agencies, comparisons of Bay Area transit ridership changes to those in similar US metropolitan areas, and analysis of possible remedies to restore the financial health of Bay Area transit agencies. Bay Area transit ridership has recovered somewhat from the depths of …

Bryant University Research And Engagement Day Program

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

No abstract provided.

Creativity In Arts Organizations: Waterfire Providence Unites And Inspires, Tiana Degrace

Honors Projects in History, Literature, and the Arts

Community arts organizations serve as vibrant cultural hubs, uniting diverse networks and fostering creative expression through their dynamic administrative planning and management. This study examines the creative processes at WaterFire Providence, focusing on how administrative teams integrate creativity into their decision-making, and volunteer practices. Drawing from existing literature on arts organizations and music festivals, the research highlights the importance of spaces, audience engagement, and collaborative community involvement in event organizations. By analyzing the decision-making strategies that administrators employ across various stages of event planning and execution, this study sheds light on the interplay between creativity and organizational practices. Through qualitative …

2025- The Twenty-Ninth Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the 29th Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 16-18, 2025. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

The Role Of Affordable Housing In Enhancing Tenants' Economic Stability In Connecticut: A Focus On Income, Employment, And Housing Stability, Osaid Zubi

Dissertations

This study examined the role of affordable housing in promoting economic stability among low- and moderate-income households in Connecticut. Focusing on income security, employment opportunities, and housing retention, this research highlighted the significance of affordable housing as a means to alleviate financial strain, support job retention, and foster community resilience. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, the study gathered insights from tenants, policymakers, and developers through conducting interviews and a focus group. Connecticut was chosen as the study site due to its high cost of living and affordable housing shortage, exacerbated by its proximity to New York City. Findings underscore the economic …

Becoming A Network Of Networks: G20 Interfaith Forum, Marianna Richardson

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

The Determinant Of Islamic Bank Profitability And Stability In Malaysia, Asmah Mohd Jaapar, Nur Ain Abdul Hamid, Nurhatiah Ahmad Chukari

International Journal of Management, Finance and Accounting

This study examines the determinants of profitability and stability of 14 Islamic banks in Malaysia using secondary data from 2018 until 2022. Hausman and Breush-Pagan's tests indicate that the fixed effect panel model is the best model to predict the relationships. The final fixed effect model for the profitability of Islamic banks shows that capital adequacy ratio (CAR), Z-score, and gross domestic product (GDP) have significant relationships with return on assets (ROA). CAR has a negative effect, while Z-score and GDP positively affect ROA. On the other hand, the final fixed effect model for the stability of Islamic banks shows …

Frameworks For Measuring Regenerative Tourism: Supply And Demand Indicators With A Dynamic And Holistic Approach, Asif Hussain

Journal of Sustainability and Resilience

This paper examines regenerative tourism as a holistic approach that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and enhancing social-ecological systems. Recognizing tourism’s interconnectedness with economic, social, cultural, and environmental systems, it presents regenerative tourism as a dynamic model integrating supply and demand perspectives to promote innovation, resilience, and renewal. On the supply side, regenerative tourism emphasizes ecological restoration, sustainable practices, economic stability with minimal environmental harm, and authentic experiences. On the demand side, it aligns with the rising preference for ethical, participatory, and immersive tourism, involving tourists as active contributors to destination well-being. The paper highlights the importance of multidimensional …

The Jamaica Now Leadership Council: A Study Of Stakeholder Participation In The Revitalization Of Downtown Jamaica, Queens, Melva M. Miller

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Urban revitalization in the United States has often been characterized by uneven community development, where marginalized communities bear the costs while receiving limited benefits. This dissertation examines how the dynamics of stakeholder participation impacts the practice of Community Economic Development (CED), focusing on the Jamaica Now Leadership Council (JNLC) as a case study. Formed to oversee the Jamaica Now Neighborhood Action Plan, the JNLC represents a model of inclusive, stakeholder-driven urban development aimed at addressing historical disinvestment and promoting equitable economic growth in Downtown Jamaica, Queens.

The study explores how power dynamics, stakeholder histories, and role expectations shape participation in …

Lessons In Low-Tech: A Handbook For Sustainable Education, Ceri Almrott, Loann Astorino, Sébastien Bette, Benoit Delinchant, Philippe Fortemps, Ulysse Girard, Paul Hendrick, Sacha Hodencq, Fabian Lecron, Julie Lhuissier, Kévin Loesle, Luis Miguel Lopez Santiago, Santiago Perez Rodriguez, Gauthier Renard, Tatiana Reyes, Virginie Vandenbulcke, John Walsh

Other resources

LT4SUSTAIN, an Erasmus+ funded transnational project, is at the forefront of responding to the increasing awareness of environmental and climate challenges. This awareness, particularly among youth, has led to a demand for social justice. With the coordinated work among six institutions, ranging from higher education institutions to private companies and associations, LT4SUSTAIN aims to raise awareness of Lowtech across society.

LT4SUSTAIN is pioneering a unique approach to technology design. By developing “hackathons” and other “hands-on” events, we are engaging students and industry in a way that improves inclusiveness. Our objective is to equip individuals with the skills to embark on …

Finding Our Way: Three Studies On The Evolving Role Of Arts Nonprofits In Contemporary Society, Trevor Meagher

Public Affairs Dissertations - Archive

Arts nonprofits play vital roles in defining the character of a community. However, our collective relationship with these organizations is evolving. This article-based dissertation leverages mixed methods to explore arts nonprofits’ evolving relationship with society.

The first article conceptually analyzes historical trends in arts advocacy in the United States. It explores how the arguments organizational supporters make in the hopes of securing financial and public support have developed and shifted in popularity over the past half-century. These streams are thematically connected through an emphasis on utilitarianism and value-extraction, and they have historically been employed in almost completely static proportion to …

Adaptive Leadership In Hbcus: Navigating Hybrid Work Dynamics In A Post-Pandemic Era, Brittney A. Brooks

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

Leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) institutions influence retention rates of HBCU employees. An organization's culture determines the behavior of its employees. When assumptions regarding organizational structure were made, communication about the company's expectations was often ignored, leading to employees becoming accustomed to the culture and resistant to change. This mindset hindered HBCU growth and the willingness to address the urgency for policy revisions. As institutions continue to transition post-COVID, adjusting human resource policies at HBCUs to cater to the individual needs of these employees is needed to maintain retention.

This exploratory mixed-methods research study investigated leadership in …

The Csr Practices Of Western Australian Mining Based On Innovation Ecosystems: Pathways To Collaborative Innovation And Sustainable Development, Jiawei Sun

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigates the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of Western Australian mining companies, focusing on their integration of innovation ecosystems to promote sustainable development. Through case studies of BHP Group, Rio Tinto, FMG, and South32, the research examines how these companies reduce carbon emissions, enhance community development, and foster collaborative innovation. The findings highlight the significant role of innovation ecosystems in enabling these companies to adopt cleaner technologies, improve social outcomes, and maintain a competitive edge in a sustainability-conscious global market. The study also explores the challenges and opportunities faced by mining companies in leveraging collaborative innovation to address …

Research Summaries: Access To Education, Erica Jensen

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Full Issue: Access To Education, Angie Holzer

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Us Ecological Systems And Climate Adaptation Strategies, Ian Munro

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This paper is a an introduction and discussion about the various ecosystems of the United States, the different practices of business that hurt them, and how to solve them and create better sustainable resource practices. The ecosystems involve deserts, prairies, and forests which are the main biomes that make up the US. It delves deep in depth of how business affects it and how better sustainability can save it.

Angela’S Bakes And Brews: The Business Of Running A Bakery, Angela L. Centeno

Whittier Scholars Program

This project explores the development of a comprehensive business plan for Angela’s Bakes & Brews, a bakery located in Manhattan Beach, California. The plan integrates foundational business and hospitality principles to create a unique concept featuring seasonal pastries and curated beverages. By conducting market research, analyzing competitor offerings, and estimating financial requirements, the project addresses the core question of what it takes to operate a successful small business bakery in the competitive Los Angeles metropolitan area. Emphasizing community connection and customer experience, the plan incorporates innovative marketing strategies, a prime location selection, and long-term growth objectives, including a food truck …

Enhancing Event Reputations: Insights And Recommendations For Secure And Engaging Experiences, Emma Carroll, Catriona Murphy Dr.

ICHRIE Research Reports

This research report presents evidence-based recommendations derived from focus group research to enhance the reputable value of events for practitioners in the industry. The study highlights the increasing pressure on event planners to prioritize attendee safety amidst external threats such as terrorism, pandemics, and ongoing conflicts. The findings emphasize the significant impact of these challenges on attendee behavior and perceptions, necessitating a balance between ensuring safety and delivering enjoyable event experiences. Key recommendations include the development of online reputation management protocols and the integration of semiotic analysis to align event messaging with audience expectations. These interventions seek to equip event …

Un Silence Assourdissant! Listening To What’S Not Being Said, Addressing The Silence Around And Impact Of Intersectionality For Leaving Certificate Applied Students In Irish Second Level Education., Vicki O'Reilly

Journal of Franco-Irish Studies

Intersectionality as a concept for diversity and discrimination helps us to put shape on the many layers and descriptors that label and often define us as individuals. The narrative we hear about how we discuss and describe each layer can shape how society places value on each layer or descriptor. Where we hear nothing, where there is gap in our narrative, we can find discourse lacking as a means to shape and overcome intersectionality. In looking at two specific descriptors, socio-economic status and educational attainment, we investigate how their intersection can impact individuals and the ensuant discourse that surrounds them. …

Investigating The Impacts Of Homestay Tourism On A Local Community: Homestay Operators' Perspectives In Anantnag District, Sajad Ahmad Bhat, Ajaz Ahmad Dar, Dr Danish Iqbal Raina, Dr Basith Nabi Wani

Journal of Tourism Insights

Background: Homestay tourism, characterized by travelers residing in the homes of local residents, offers an intimate and authentic experience that fosters cultural exchange. This paper explores the impacts of homestay tourism on a local community, focusing on the Anantnag District in the Kashmir Valley. Drawing upon the insights of homestay operators, this research investigates the economic, sociocultural, and environmental dimensions of this tourism phenomenon.

Objective: To investigate the economic, sociocultural, and environmental implications of homestays on a local community and to determine differences in how the neighborhood perceives these impacts.

Methods: This study uses a quantitative research design, including a …

Exploring The Transformative Effect Of Community Managed Nature Tourism On Community Empowerment In Odisha: Perspective From Local Residents, Jagadish Behera, Rajdeep Deb

Journal of Tourism Insights

In this study, an attempt was made to examine the relationships between community managed nature tourism and community empowerment from the local residents’ perspective, as well as to test how these relationships varied among different demographic characteristics of residents. For this study, five hypotheses were proposed based on the review of literature and tested using residents living near the protected nature camps in Odisha. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 184 local residents selected from across the eight nature camps of Odisha. The variables examined in this study included residents' gender, age, education, occupation, and income. Data analysis was …

Seeding Impact: Shifting From Orchestration To Emergence, Marilyn Darling, Veena Pankaj

The Foundation Review

The 2016 Foundation Review article “Emergent Learning: A Framework for Whole-System Strategy, Learning and Adaptation” talked about what an emergent strategy promises — to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Has this prediction played out in practice? Since it appeared in 2016, what has the growing community of Emergent Learning practitioners learned about what it takes to seed and grow impact?

This article addresses those questions, drawing on interviews with Emergent Learning Community members to illustrate what EL looks like in practice and how it is producing results that are emergent in nature. It …

The 2021 Kansas Rural Grocery Survey: Revaluating Extension’S Role In Rural Grocery Issues, Jacob A. Miller-Klugesherz, Jessica Ramirez, Rial Carver, Erica Blair, Leah J. Tsoodle, Lauren Scheufler

Journal of Extension

Kansas State University’s Rural Grocery Initiative, housed under research and extension, surveyed rural Kansas grocery stores in 2021 (N = 48). This is the second RGI survey, following up on the ownership and customer surveys in 2008. This survey broadly assesses owner characteristics, store features, and challenges. Using descriptive and thematic analyses, we identified two topline conclusions for grocers and their respective Extension services. First, grocers need to identify transition plans earlier and more often. Second, grocers can overcome competition and distribution challenges by diversifying their sourcing, supply, and offerings.

Driving Green Investments To Address Climate Change, Baptiste Gibrat

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

The climate crisis is no longer news, and society needs to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions. Otherwise, the consequences of climate change will become increasingly catastrophic.

This thesis develops a framework to drive green investments, which reduce society’s dependance on fossil fuels. Initially, the research provides a comprehensive examination of these investments, followed by an exploration of three strategies to enhance their adoption: leveraging financial instruments and capital markets, implementing regulatory frameworks, and harnessing the power of technologies. To integrate these elements within a comprehensive framework, the study employs market research, reviews relevant literature, and includes interviews with …

Addressing Transportation Equity For Local Populations Using Emerging Technologies, Marcus Peoples

Theses & Dissertations

ADDRESSING TRANSPORTATION EQUITY FOR LOCAL POPULATIONS

USING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

By

Marcus Peoples Jr

This qualitative study examines the persistent issue of transportation inequity in the United States, focusing on its impact on marginalized and underserved populations. The study employs a generic qualitative inquiry from Social Justice Theory to investigate how senior public transportation decision-makers perceive and address institutional barriers, technological opportunities, and strategic improvements in transportation equity. The study underscores the pressing need to address the intricate interplay of socioeconomic conditions, racial and ethnic diversity, and varying levels of urbanization that contribute to transportation inequity. Historical and contemporary factors, such …

A Critical Book Review Of The Work Edited By Alfred, M. V., Robinson, Petra, A., & Roumell, E.A. (Eds.) (2021). Advancing The Global Agenda For Human Rights, Vulnerable Populations, And Environmental Sustainability: Adult Education As Strategic Partner., Sharon V. Gardiner-Taylor

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

ABSTRACT

This critical book review is an overview of the work edited by Alfred, M. V., Robinson, Petra, A., & Roumell, E.A. (Eds.) (2021), Advancing the global agenda for human rights, vulnerable populations, and environmental sustainability: Adult education as strategic partner. This review introduces each author, discusses the content, and concisely evaluates the work. Alfred, Robinson, and Roumell use a global perspective to explore how adult education influences considerations for marginalized persons with low literacy levels. Further, they write that people should focus on learning, not capital gain, but also contend that one does not have to operate at the …

The Santa Clara, 2024-05-10, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.

Analyzing The Supply-Side Dynamics Of Affordable Housing In The United States, Evan Lee Bartlett

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis delves into the multifaceted realm of housing affordability in the United States, focusing on the supply-side dynamics shaping its availability and accessibility. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study investigates various factors influencing the supply of affordable housing, including governmental policies, market forces, and socio-economic trends. By synthesizing existing literature, statistical data, and case studies, it sets out to reveal the interconnectedness of regulatory frameworks, existing housing policies, existing programs, and initiatives in the affordable housing sector. Moreover, this research examines strategies to combat the housing affordability crisis. The findings highlight the importance of taking a regional approach to …