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With Love From The Front: Exploring Authenticity In Historical Fiction, Sarah E. Ray

Masters Theses

This MFA thesis is comprised of an artist statement, a scholarly essay on authenticity in WWII historical fiction, and a novel set during World War II. The artist statement outlines personal experiences, faith perspective, and writing aesthetics that shape the approach to historical storytelling, examining how a history-oriented upbringing and Christ-centered worldview inform a writing philosophy centered on crafting emotion through authentic character development and vivid sensory details. The scholarly component argues that authentic WWII fiction requires both meticulous historical accuracy and genuine emotional truth. Drawing on primary sources including interviews with former WWII Army members, wartime diaries, and period …

Student Perspective Of Motivation And Success In Online Learning, Jonathan Samuel Long

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the perceptions of how motivation influences success in online courses for students at a rural high school in the North Georgia. The theory guiding this study was motivation theory, including growth mindset theory, self-determination theory, and adult learning theory. The central research question for this study is, “What are high school students’ perceptions of the influence of motivation on success in an online course?” This study utilized a case study approach in a rural high school in Northeast Georgia to qualitatively analyze data. Data was collected through a letter-writing exercise, personal …

A Phenomenological Study On The Influence Of Teacher Perceptions On Play-Based Learning, Courtney Simpson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of implementing play-based learning for teachers at early childhood settings in Georgia. The theory guiding this study was Jon Dewey’s theory of experiential learning, as it addressed the significance of children learning through play. The Central Research Question was: What are the experiences of teachers implementing play-based learning in early childhood settings in Georgia? A qualitative methodology approach utilizing transcendental phenomenology was taken to describe the lived experiences of 13 teachers implementing play-based learning. The setting included early learning centers and schools in Georgia. A combination of snowball …

Motivation And Self-Efficacy Among Higher Education Developmental And College-Level Mathematic Students: A Causal-Comparative Study, James Brian Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative causal-comparative study aims to determine if there are differences in motivation and self-efficacy between developmental math students (elementary and intermediate algebra) and college-level math students (pre-calculus algebra and finite mathematics) in community colleges. The study is grounded in Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory and Bandura's self-efficacy theory, which emphasizes the importance of autonomy, competence, relatedness, and perceived capabilities in shaping academic outcomes. Many students struggle with math learning and achievement, particularly those entering higher education with weak foundational skills. Developmental math courses have historically aimed to bridge these gaps. Still, low completion rates persist, often hindered by barriers …

Factors Shaping Policy For Cybersecurity Resilience In Critical Infrastructure (Ci) Organizations: Proposing An Adaptive Cyber Resilience Policy Model (Acrpm), Raymond Pythias Friedman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the factors that influence cybersecurity resilience in private critical infrastructure (CI) organizations, with a focus on governance structures, internal controls, employee attitudes, and cybersecurity capabilities. Although the empirical focus is on private-sector entities, the findings bear significant implications for public policy, given the societal reliance on CI sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and water. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, the study synthesizes quantitative survey data from cybersecurity professionals with qualitative case studies of CI organizations.

The analysis reveals that internal controls and employee attitudes are the most salient predictors of organizational resilience. Governance exerts an indirect influence …

Understanding The Influence Of Declining Nursing Motivation On Hospital Performance: A Qualitative Mixed Method Case Study, Kisena J. Leverette

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative single-case study examined how a decline in nursing motivation affects nurse retention and organizational performance in a large urban hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with nurse managers and anonymous surveys administered to registered nurses, resulting in a total of 20 participants. There were three emergent themes discovered from the findings from the interview transcripts and survey responses. Supportive leadership, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, safe staffing and workplace management were the primary emergent themes for this research. This research revealed that open communication, fair compensation, and proactive support from leadership are imperative. Additionally, …

A Qualitative Intrinsic Case Study For A Christian Marriage Mentorship Program In Kentucky, Victoria Barbour

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this intrinsic qualitative case study was to explore the marriage mentorship program of Glory Carriers Church (pseudonym) a non-denominational Christian ministry in central Kentucky to be a larger model for other churches that may also have or want to build their marriage mentorship program. The theories guiding this study are social constructivism therapy, the wraparound model, solution focused therapy, emotion focused therapy and last, the Gottman Method: Sound relationship house. The central research question asked, “What programs does Glory Carriers Church provide for married couples?” with Sub-question 1 that asked, “How does this program provide wraparound support …

Promoting Leadership To Enhance Safety In Aircraft Maintenance: A Phenomenological Study Of Aviation Technical Operations, Komi Tete

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how leadership styles affect the safety practices and overall performance of aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) in aviation Technical Operations (TechOps) environments. The study built on previous research indicating that safe and efficient aircraft operations depend on numerous technical and social processes. It focused on the comprehensive lived experiences of AMTs as they related to leadership influence on safety. The transformational leadership theory and safety culture theory guided the study, aligning with the inquiry by explaining how leaders could influence the behavior, motivation, and safety practices of AMTs. Ensuring the safety …

Exploring The Relationship Between Becoming A Parent, Goal Orientation, And Productivity, Among Self-Employed Entrepreneurs, Andrew Dean East

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study explored the relationship between parenting status and goal orientation and productivity among self-employed entrepreneurs. Using a sample of 471 participants, the study compared entrepreneurs with and without children under five years of age living at home to examine group differences, relational patterns, and potential moderation effects. No statistically significant differences were found in goal orientation or productivity between parents and non-parents, indicating that early-stage parenting does not inherently hinder these traits. However, a small but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between goal orientation and productivity, suggesting that individuals with higher internal motivation reported slightly greater productivity, …

Leveraging Digital Technology To Enhance Spiritual Growth And Inclusivity Among New Members In Church Communities, Kimberley Renay Strother

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite swift technological advancements, the implementation of digital technologies inside the church poses considerable problems as well as transformative prospects. The project examines the impact of biblical digital technology in ministry on enhancing spiritual growth, engagement, and inclusivity among women, youth, and senior congregants. It also examines how digital platforms can facilitate a holistic and inclusive ministry that incorporates multiple generations and genders, ensuring the complete engagement of all church members. This praxis initiative was conducted at Third Baptist Church (TBC) in Springfield, Massachusetts, utilizing a mixed-methods approach, incorporating pre- and post-surveys, digital literacy training sessions, observational notes, and website …

Compliance With Corporate Governance Guidelines In The Nigerian Banking System: Implications For Commercial Banks’ Performance And Profitability, William Ikenna Anianwu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The effectiveness of laws, rules, and guidelines depends on the ability of the subjects to adhere to the tenets of such regulatory guidelines. The concept of corporate governance embodies the rules and guidelines that define the effectiveness of corporate operations. So, when corporate governance rules and guidelines are fully complied with by corporate entities, it enhances corporate performance and profitability. This is derived from the fact that the corporate governance structure defines the activities, rights, responsibilities, and decision processes within a corporate organization, of which commercial banks are part. Nigeria has never lacked corporate governance rules and guidelines; however, the …

From Transactional To Transformational: Cultivating A Theologically Robust Learning Experience For Upper School Senior Bible Classes, Linus Nguyen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem at Holy Ground Christian Academy is that its approach to senior-level Bible classes is transactional rather than transformational for life and godliness. With parents feeling pressured to find effective educational options for their children and teachers facing growing demands from administrative duties, education urgently needs a new vision. Parents want their children to succeed and leave a lasting impact on society, while educators seek purpose in their careers. Modern educational trends push schools toward a utilitarian, transactional approach to learning, and private Christian college-preparatory schools are no exception. Within the Christian college-preparatory setting, Bible classes often struggle with …

Bridging The Gap: Improving Medication Communication Through The Teach-Back Method At Discharge, Sangeeta Biju Varghese

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Patient experience and hospital readmission rates are both key performance indicators in value-based reimbursement, as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Both these indicators have a negative impact not only on patients but also on hospital profitability, and they are closely tied to discharge education. Lack of proper discharge instructions, especially about medication regimen, can result in adverse effects in patients post-discharge, which could have been prevented had they gotten adequate discharge instructions. Research has shown that almost 20% of patients leaving the hospital have an adverse drug event after discharge. Nurses have a key role in …

Exploring Student Perceptions Of Higher-Education Social Media Presence: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Through The Lens Of The Theory Of Interactive Media Effects, Bobby Mikel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As higher-education institutions (HEIs) compete for prospective students in an increasingly saturated digital environment, effective communication on social media has become both essential and challenging. Guided by the cybernetic communication tradition and the theory of interactive media effects (TIME), this qualitative descriptive study explored how students perceived and engaged with social media content produced by HEIs. The study utilized a qualitative survey to explore students’ perceptions of social media content produced by an HEI in the southeastern United States. Additionally, a content analysis of social media posts was conducted to examine how the HEI engages with students. Findings revealed that …

Teacher Burnout In Education: A Phenomenological Study On The Mediating Role Of Psychological Safety Through Organizational Leadership, Darin G. Palmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lack of psychological safety that increases burnout for secondary education teachers at schools in the Southeastern United States. Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory guided this study, aiming to provide valuable insights into how secondary education teachers’ sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness within their work environment influences their experiences of burnout. The central research question of this study was: What are the burnout experiences of secondary education teachers in a low psychological safety environment? The methodology for this study included a transcendental study design utilized to sample 10 participants …

The Positive Influence Of Minority Male Educators: A Phenomenological Study On Their Role And Necessity In Education, Mark V. Sanders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study examined the perceptions and experiences of minority male students in their educational journeys, focusing on the influence of teacher familiarity and cultural awareness. Teacher familiarity referred to shared cultural backgrounds, lived experiences, and relational accessibility that fostered meaningful connections between students and educators. Cultural awareness was examined in relation to minority male educators, who comprised less than 3% of the national educator workforce. Guided by Tinto’s Student Retention Theory, the study explored how academic and social integration influenced student retention and success. The central research question was: What were the experiences of minority male college students regarding …

Secondary Teacher Experiences Of Classically Taught Students’ Social-Emotional Development: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Kirby Elizabeth Donaldson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to interpret the experiences of 7th-12th grade educators at George Washington Academy who teach solely through classic literature and primary accounts of historical and social significance, focusing on their perceptions of their students’ social and emotional development. The theory that guided this study was Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, which provided a framework for appropriate social-emotional development across all ages. The central research question was, “What are the experiences of secondary (7th-12th grade) educators who utilize classic literature and primary accounts of historical and social significance regarding their students’ psychosocial development?” The phenomenological …

A Case Study Exploring Lecanemab Antibody Infusion And Reminiscence Therapy For Early Alzheimer’S Disease, Martina Masry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study examined whether a 12-month combined therapy (RT-L), which includes reminiscence therapy and lecanemab monoclonal antibody infusion therapy, will clear beta amyloid accumulation in the brain, slow cognitive decline, decrease depression, reduce anxiety, and increase the quality of life in a participant with mild cognitive impairment due to early Alzheimer’s dementia. The sample included one White female (age = 68) with mild cognitive impairment due to early Alzheimer’s disease who is currently being treated by a geriatrician at a facility in the Midwest. The outpatient treatment included a lecanemab antibody infusion of 10mg/kg every two weeks for 12 …

Culturally Relevant Project-Based Learning: A Quasi-Experimental Study Of The Effect Of Playwriting Instruction On Student Perceptions Of School Racial Climate, Gerald W. Aungst

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental posttest-only nonequivalent control group study with matched comparison groups was to determine if any differences exist in perceptions of school racial climate in four areas—quality of interaction, promotion of cultural competence, cultural socialization, and critical consciousness socialization—among middle-school students receiving culturally relevant project-based writing instruction, standard project-based writing instruction, and traditional writing instruction when controlling for prior English language arts achievement. A convenience sample of at 83 middle school students in two urban schools in Pennsylvania were given project-based playwriting instruction by a nonprofit arts organization. One similar school served as a control. Student …

Training Christian Men To Effectively Lead Their Families While Deployed To Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Using An 8-Step Family Leadership Deployment Plan, Lucas Arthur Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project examined the result of the author’s 8-Step Family Leadership Deployment Plan on the effective leadership of ten Christian husbands and fathers deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The project’s goals were to mitigate family stress during separation and warfighter reintegration, to prevent role reversal within the family, and to prevent a pause in the headship and leadership roles of husbands and fathers. The project extrapolated eight principles from Ephesians 5:22–6:4 and was designed to fill an identified resource gap within the United States Military, particularly at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It guided participants in creating their own personalized family …

Exploring Professors’ Lived Experiences Of Interacting With Artificial Intelligence In The Classroom: A Phenomenological Study, Joshua A. Baltzell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of higher education professors’ interactions with AI in their teaching practices. This study was guided by Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior, which provided a contextual understanding of the concepts that influence higher education professors’ perceptions of AI in their classrooms. A qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological design was employed, utilizing a combination of criterion and snowball sampling. There were 13 participants recruited from higher education institutions from around the United States. Semi-structured individual interviews, a letter-writing exercise, and a qualitative survey were used to collect data from participants. Thematic …

Biblical Illiteracy: A Priority For The Local Church, Kassandra Dorcelle Bullock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Biblical illiteracy is one of the top issues facing the church today. Research shows that many Christians either do not read the Bible or do read it, but with little frequency. It also shows that those who do read the Bible often lack a fundamental understanding of what they are reading. To date, there is research, but not specifically related to whether churches are addressing this issue. In most churches, pastors are considered the lead person to train and prepare disciples for Christ; thereby, preparing and nurturing congregants' understanding is critical to this mandate. As such, this descriptive study examined …

Ministerial Perspectives On Approaches To Caring For A Traumatized Congregant To Enhance Spiritual Development, Tonya B. Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe experienced Christian Ministers’ experiences caring for a traumatized congregant from various countries worldwide. The criterion for participation was an experienced minister with 15 years of experience, at least 40 years old, and who ministered to three types of traumas. The two main theories guiding this study were Bowlby’s (1969, 1982) attachment theory and Fowler’s (1981) development of faith with references to Erickson’s (1958/1962) psychosocial development, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy, and cognitive behavior theory (Beck, 1952; Ellis, 1962). The three main research questions were: How does an experienced Christian minister describe their experiences …

The Study Of The Inevitability Of Adopting Effective Project Management Strategies In Cutting Project Costs And Time Overruns, Fatima Okei

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The inevitability of adopting effective project management strategies in cutting project costs and time overruns is the focus of this qualitative single-case study, which investigated the persistent challenges of costs and time overruns in government road maintenance projects in Nigeria. Based on constructivist paradigm and employing a flexible, case study design, data were collected through interviews with 15 experienced professionals and surveys from 10 stakeholders involved in road maintenance in Nigeria. Thematic analysis of the data revealed five major themes: leadership actions, stakeholder behavior, organizational culture, project management strategies, and external constraints. Findings underscored the critical role of transformational leadership, …

Ancient Astronaut Theory And Christian Belief Among Evangelical Millennials: A Quantitative Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study, Richard Barry Bazzell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, exploratory, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was to explore the possible influence of the Ancient Astronaut Theory upon Evangelical Christian millennials in the aspects of their biblical worldview, belief in the triune God, and Christian praxis. The researcher structured the study upon four pillars: (a) Evangelical millennials, (b) Evangelical theology, (c) Lev Vygotsky’s social constructivism, and (d) Eric Von Däniken’s Ancient Astronaut Theory. The study population was Evangelical millennials in the state of Texas. The study’s instrumentation was a researcher-designed 5-point Likert scale survey titled Ancient Astronaut Theory–Evangelical Christian Millennials (AAT–ECM). Because the respondents were fewer in …

Optimizing Fleet Management: Evaluating The Feasibility Of Electric Vehicles And Leasing Strategies At The Utrgv Police Department, Van Edward Slusser

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied dissertation was to improve readiness and cost discipline in a campus public-safety fleet and to assess the feasibility of electrification and leasing. A qualitative case-study design triangulated semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, administrative records (maintenance, fuel, costs), and telematics from eight vehicles to characterize duty cycles and constraints. Key findings were: stakeholders endorsed a phased, evidence-gated approach that relies on vehicle- and role-level analytics and coaching-based idle management; cost analysis supported availability-weighted replacement paired with warranty-anchored leasing to stabilize maintenance exposure and smooth appropriations; and telematics revealed role-differentiated patterns—administrative vehicles converted engine-on time to distance efficiently …

The Challenge For Leaders Managing Generation Z Due To Declining Employee Commitment Compared To Previous Generations Relating To Voluntary Turnover And Work-Life Balance Prioritization, Brunno Prosperi Covolan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Managers and organizations are experiencing a growing problem managing Generation Z as they join the workforce. Particularly, there have been growing concerns relating to their rates of voluntary turnover and work-life balance expectations. This study focused on understanding how benefits related to employee commitment and the impact employee commitment has on addressing voluntary turnover and work-life balance expectations. The study concluded that there is a direct relationship between employee commitment and the two aforementioned issues. Further, the study revealed that employee commitment, as related to Generation Z, is increased by focusing on relational and emotional need satisfaction. The conclusions of …

Divine Intervention: The Effects Of Repairing Attachment Insecurities With God On Ptsd Symptomology In Adult Survivors Of Childhood Trauma, Erica M. Duckworth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma occurs when an individual under the age of 18 survives a perceived life-threatening event. To circumvent future danger, numerous developmental changes occur in response to fear, manifesting in a multitude of symptoms. A culmination of symptoms results in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that arises from the hypervigilance of the brain and body to environmental stimuli. A recurring state of fear can lead to isolation, negatively affecting social interactions. Expectations of relationships, also known as attachment styles, reflect the bonds created between a child and a parent or caregiver. The quality of this foundational relationship can …

Relational Satisfaction In Middle-Aged Married Adults In The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Rebecca S. Trouse

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Relational satisfaction is an essential component of marriage that impacts longevity, stability, and well-being. Currently, there is an alarming surge in divorces among middle-aged and late-aged married adults in the United States, often related to mid-life relational satisfaction. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to better understand relational satisfaction in middle-aged married adults in the United States. The study’s research questions explored how middle-aged married adults in the United States described their lived experiences of relational satisfaction in marriage and how they and their spouses contributed to relational satisfaction in their marriages. Four married couples (i.e., eight adults) participated …

The Peoples’ Perception Of The Influence Of Inclusion On Academic Performance To Students With Special Educational Needs In Public Schools; A Qualitative Ethnography Study, Lashante Tate

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative ethnography study was to explore how teachers perceived the influence of inclusion practices on the academic performance of special education (SPED) students in public schools. Guided by Vygotsky’s social development theory (SDT), the study was conducted at Growing Hands & Feet Academy in a southern state and included 12 certified teachers with at least three years of teaching experience in inclusive classrooms. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations and analyzed using thematic coding and content analysis. Findings revealed that teachers generally perceived inclusion as beneficial to SPED students’ academic and …