Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Teachers At A Charter Classical School In Central Texas With A Ban On Student Personal Smart Devices: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Choueang Khantiya Etheridge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of teachers managing instruction and classical educational principles in an environment that bans students’ personal smart devices. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) guided this study as it examined how teachers perceived and responded to technology restrictions through four key constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The central research question asked: What are teachers’ lived experiences in a chartered classical school in central Texas as they manage instruction and maintain classical educational principles in an environment that bans students’ …

The Challenges Of Employee Selection, Cayward L. Wiggins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative single case study examined the challenges associated with employee selection and the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in improving hiring practices within public sector organizations. The general problem addressed was the failure to consistently utilize EI testing resources, which may result in the selection of less qualified employees. The specific problem focused on the inconsistent integration of EI tools during recruitment and interview processes. Guided by a post-positivism paradigm, the study explored how human resource (HR) managers and personnel understood and applied EI in candidate evaluation. Data was collected from 30 HR professionals using interviews and surveys to …

Women In Ministry Leadership: Balancing Work, Personal Life, And Family Responsibilities, Coretta Shawn Thompson Siler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Women in ministry leadership experience specific difficulties managing professional ministry, personal health, and family obligations (Frederick, T. V., Dunbar, S. B., & Hargrove, D. S., 2023). This paper focused on the specific struggles of women in ministry leadership, despite the numerous challenges women face across various fields. Its purpose was to examine the obstacles, interactions, and repercussions of these issues in faith-based groups and church leadership. The Dissertation-in-Praxis addressed these difficulties and offered a one-day workshop as a real-world solution. It aimed to educate women in leadership on biblical concepts, leadership styles, and methods for juggling their obligations. With servant …

Resilience In The Age Of Covid-19: A Phenomenological Study Of Survivors 65 And Older, Kwajulyn Onothia Rucker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Few studies have examined resilience among those aged 65+ during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research fills that gap, offering data to guide policies and treatments for future pandemics. The pandemic revealed factors influencing psychological resilience, with stressors linked to health issues becoming chronic worldwide. Older adults faced heightened stress, and 95.5% of COVID-19 deaths occurred in those 50 and older. Lockdowns increased isolation and depression, yet many showed resilience by drawing on strengths, social networks, and circumstances. Key themes from this study included faith, engagement, adaptability, and adversity. Most (80%) adapted well, feeling 'fine' or 'okay' and finding hope through …

Social Networking Influences In The Challenges Of West African Immigrant College Students In Kentucky – A Hermeneutical Qualitative Study, Martin Chukwusolum Akwari

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutical phenomenological study is to explore how social network groups modulate the lived experiences of West African immigrant students in colleges and universities in Kentucky. Grounded in Bourdieu’s social capital theory and informed by a social constructivist interpretive framework, this study explored how shared experiences within social network groups influence how West African immigrant students interpret their academic and social environments during college years. The study is anchored on a central research question: How does social interaction with others influence how immigrant students of West African origin interpret their lived experiences in higher education institutions …

Assessing Non-Performance Based Standards Of The National Core Arts Standards In Georgia Public Middle And High Schools, Richard Brian Horne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Developing a well-rounded musician must be the goal of every music teacher. In today’s modern educational system, assessment is a tool used to help shape the curriculum of all subjects. Music assessment must be no different. The National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) utilize anchor standards for assessment in four categories: creating, performing, responding, and connecting. Standards that fall within performing are quickly evaluated in formal and informal assessments, but other standards, such as creation, responding, and connecting, often need exploration. One needs to craft assessments to determine student understanding of performance and non-performance standards and explore development in those areas. …

Digital Recruitment Strategies In Kansas Police Departments, Kacey Leigh Wiltz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study will be to explore how law enforcement leaders implement and evaluate digital recruitment strategies (DRS) to address staffing challenges in Kansas police departments. The central research question guiding this study is: How do law enforcement leaders in Kansas, utilize digital recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates in the post-George Floyd era? This qualitative study included three focus groups with law enforcement leaders and recruitment personnel representing departments of varying sizes. Additionally, this study utilized semi-structured interviews with law enforcement leaders and recruitment personnel from 30 different Kansas police departments. The research was conducted across …

Origins And Evidence Of The Fed's Fiscal Effects From Coronavirus Response, Haynes A. Mcdaniel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The year 2020 introduced modern American society to viral pandemic conditions not seen in over a century. By ravaging human health and spreading fear, the Coronavirus (Covid) period of 2020 to 2022 significantly impaired interpersonal economic transactions as it transformed beliefs about economics, politics, and social wellbeing. This research focuses on the Fed’s economic policy decisions during the early months of the Coronavirus pandemic when effects of the 2008 financial crisis still lingered as long-term government programs. It was an extraordinary time when policymakers were forced to meander prior policy effects of astonishing reach while considering new policies intended to …

Transformational Leadership And Its Impact On Cultural Identity, Musical Excellence, And Legacy In Select Historically Black College And University Marching Bands., Cortrell Le'jon Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research examined the role of transformational leadership in shaping cultural influence, musical excellence, and community engagement in Historically Black college and university (HBCU) marching bands, with a focus on Southern University’s Human Jukebox and its leadership legacy. The researcher investigated leadership styles of band directors from Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College, Baton Rouge, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Grambling State University, and Tennessee State University. The researcher examined transformational leadership styles in marching band directing and their influence on character development, culture, and musical excellence. Ten music majors and alumni, along with fifteen band directors provided their perspectives …

The Perceived Vocal Health Of Male Elementary Music Educators In Maryland, Adam Samuel Beres

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a notable lack of research and expertise on the vocal well-being of music educators. Vocal health issues, even among accomplished vocalists with extensive vocal training, have highlighted a notable lack of literature on the subject. Nowhere is this issue more apparent than among male elementary music educators. Significantly, vocal-range similarities between female elementary music educators and their students place male educators at a performance disadvantage, which may encourage male music educators to adopt unhealthy vocal practices, such as prolonged use of falsetto. This study aims to investigate the impact of vocal health pedagogy on male elementary general music …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Student Enjoyment In Classical Private School, Non-Classical Private School, And Non-Classical Public School Social Studies Courses, Ginger B. Knapp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative design study was to investigate differences in the enjoyment of history/social studies as an academic subject among high school juniors and seniors educated in classical Christian private school, non-classical Christian private school, and non-classical public-school settings. The study is important because its measure of enjoyment is associated with teaching pedagogy or instructional methodology. Prior quantitative studies have associated achievement with standardized test scores, recommending that future studies explore the link between instructional methodology and achievement. This research study fills the literature gap by employing a sound psychometric measure of enjoyment to examine its associations …

Understanding Federalism Through Its Impact On Disasters In The 21st Century, Jerome Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study is to understand federalism in the United States of America today. This study uses the impact of federalism in the United States on national disasters as a means to understand federalism in the U.S. The theory guiding this study is general systems theory, as presented by Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1968), as it provides a framework for understanding how systems work and the foundation upon which this collective case study can determine how federalism operates in the current-day U.S. The central question for this study is: What has been the impact of federalism on …

The Role Of Leadership Style On Perceived Effective Communication And Job Satisfaction In The Community College Virtual Workplace, Julie I. White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Advances in technology enable the creation of virtual workspaces, allowing geographically dispersed virtual employees to collaborate in teams and complete tasks. We must understand the advantages and challenges that virtual teams encounter. This research examines the relationships among leadership styles, perceived effective communication, and job satisfaction within virtual teams, specifically in community colleges. Transformational, servant, and authentic leadership styles of virtual leaders in higher education were evaluated. Participants include full-time and part-time virtual faculty from community college institutions. Data was collected through online surveys. A quantitative correlation research design was employed to explore the experiences of virtual faculty working at …

The Moderating Influence Of Intrinsic Religiosity For Technostress And Tech Addiction In Adults Working In A Digital Environment, Elaine M. Hensley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examined factors influencing levels of technostress and tech addiction in adults working in digital environments, where technology is rapidly advancing. The main research questions asked: If and to what extent intrinsic religiosity and resilience, independently and through their interaction, predict levels of technostress and tech addiction among adults in a digital workplace environment. The research design used two multiple linear regression analyses and two moderation analyses to ascertain whether the null hypotheses would be retained. The procedure involved recruiting 222 participants through Prolific who activated a survey link from Qualtrics. The link contained demographic data and four surveys …

The Association Between Diet Quality, Nutritional Knowledge, Low Energy Availability, And Eating Disorder Risk In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Laurel Koontz Awald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality, nutritional knowledge, low energy availability, and eating disorder risk in a sample of collegiate student-athletes across several sporting disciplines. The quantitative cross-sectional survey was developed using validated questionnaires to investigate diet quality (The Athlete Diet Index), nutritional knowledge (The Platform for Evaluating Athlete Knowledge in Sports – Nutrition Questionnaire), low energy availability (The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire and Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire), and eating disorder risk (DESA – 6). College athletes were recruited from Division I and III universities: (N = 31) from the track and …

A Brief Historical Survey Of The Use Of Traditional Hymnody In Select Baptist Churches In Texas, Christina N. King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research set out to understand the past, present, and future value of hymnody in select Baptist churches in Texas. The research addresses the critical concerns in Baptist worship: the shift from traditional to contemporary music and the potential loss of theologically sound songs that have historically grounded the faith of believers. The primary purpose of this study is to discover the depth and breadth of hymn usage in worship and understand how hymnody is perceived to shape believers theological understanding and spiritual formation. This study was undertaken as a multi-site case study of five select churches, with five people …

The Problem Of Evil: Theodicy Of Afterlife, Christian C. Anyanwueze

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem of evil has remained a central issue in philosophical theology, prompting both ancient and contemporary scholars to propose various theodicies and defenses concerning the existence of evil in a world created by an omnipotent, omniscient, and wholly good God. While Plantinga’s Free Will Defense, Hick’s soul-making theodicy, and the Augustinian-Thomistic greater-good tradition offer significant contributions to the discussion, each faces important limitations. Plantinga’s model functions primarily as a logical defense and leaves unresolved questions concerning transworld depravity and eschatological fulfillment, while Hick’s instrumental use of evil as a means of soul-building has been criticized for potentially compromising divine …

Examining Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’S “Letter From Birmingham Jail” Through A Historical Lens Of Black Theology And Evangelical Theology: Forming A More Perfect Theology, Lisa P. Christian

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A key theological justification for nonviolent resistance in the Civil Rights Movement is “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” This dissertation presents a historiographical and theological analysis of King’s letter, arguing that it serves as a framework for critiquing the validity of Black and Evangelical theologies’ responses to injustice. It engages in a critical dialogue between Black theology and evangelical theology, examining how theologians such as James H. Cone and Carl F. H. Henry interpret King’s claims about justice, morality, and nonviolent resistance within the context of segregation in the 1960s South.

Tracing key theological developments that shaped the doctrines, dogmas, and …

The Integration Of Cybersecurity In Social Science Classes: A Study On Adolescents, Callie Lynea Hansen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test study, the researcher examined adolescents’ vulnerability to cyber threats, a challenge exacerbated by the current compartmentalized approach to cybersecurity education. Grounded in psychological theory, biblical world views, and current cybersecurity best practices, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of integrating cybersecurity education into social science classes to enhance adolescents’ judgment and confidence in online environments. Approximately 45 adolescent students were recruited to participate. Participants completed a pre-test consisting of a Cybersecurity Judgment Questionnaire (CJQ) and a self-reported cybersecurity confidence survey (CCS), establishing a baseline of their judgment and confidence in virtual spaces. …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Psychological Impact Of Race And Gender On Black Clergy Women, Quaitra A. Bynum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the psychological impact race and gender have on Black clergywomen serving in leadership positions in the church. The current research explored how Black clergywomen perceive race and gender in the Black church, how race and gender influence Black women when pursuing senior clergy positions, and how strength and resilience impact Black women who serve in church leadership positions. The theories guiding this study were the Black Feminist Theory, Intersectionality, and the Strong Black Woman Theory. In the early 1980s Black women activists such as Patricia Hill Collins and Kimberlé Crenshaw …

Exploring Adaptability In Military Leadership: Challenges And Responses During Crisis, Adam M. Gray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

United States military leaders frequently operate in environments where predefined strategies and standard operating procedures may be insufficient for responding to crises. The study addressed a leadership problem: a decline in adaptability among military leaders over the last 10 years. The specific problem addressed in the study focused on how military leaders adapt non-predefined strategies in crisis situations when predefined strategies are insufficient. A qualitative single-case study design was used. Using purposeful sampling and an IRB-approved semi-structured interview protocol, 19 military leaders with crisis leadership experience at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels participated in the study. The study sought …

The S.A.V.E. Model Of Biblically-Based Existential Therapy For Residents Of The Assisted Living Facility Casa Di Riposo Sardara In Sardinia, Italy, Gregory K. Cherven

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian gerontological counseling, a traditionally non-progressive field, is a crucial area of ministry, particularly for older adults in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. At Casa di Riposo Sardara in Sardinia, Italy, many residents aged 70 and older lacked a solid biblical understanding of existence and eternal life, contributing to widespread existential anxiety among this population. To address this issue, the researcher developed the S.A.V.E. (solitude, autonomy, value, eternity) model of biblically based existential therapy. This model targets the four main pillars of existential therapy: meaninglessness, isolation, freedom, and death, offering biblical solutions for each. The approach incorporates positive imagery …

Navigating Trauma: The Lived Experiences Of Black Women Veterans In The Mental Health System, Malika K. Whitley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The research investigated how Black women veterans managed their traumatic experiences while interacting with mental health services. Black women veterans developed trauma from different origins, which include combat experiences, systemic racism, interpersonal violence, and service reintegration difficulties. Black women veterans faced multiple barriers to healthcare access because they experienced both cultural stigma, limited representation, and healthcare institution inequities, despite their high rates of trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder( PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The existing barriers prevented these individuals from using available services, which resulted in incorrect diagnoses and diminished trust in available treatment options. This research employed a qualitative …

Church Attendance, Post-Pandemic Stress, And Resilience Factors, Pavel Bugriyev

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Stress levels among adults increased, and a sense of community loss occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent events. Despite previous studies establishing an association between religious practice and psychological well-being, much remains unknown about the differences in religious practice format (i.e., in person, virtually, and not at all) with post-pandemic stress and resilience-related traits. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined whether the format of church attendance (in-person, virtual, or no church attendance at all) was related to post-pandemic stress and resilience-related traits. Also, whether hope, making meaning out of hardship, and perceived social support statistically mediated the difference in …

The End Is Proof Of The Beginning: Heloise And Abelard The Unseen Architects Of Intention In Medieval Philosophy, Abby Brook Edwards

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The scandal surrounding the eleventh century love story of Peter Abelard and Heloise has eclipsed the depth of their individual intellects which has resulted in many scholars devoting their writings to the couple’s overly eroticized narrative. Following the castration, public humiliation, and academic ignominy of Abelard and after Heloise, a “fallen woman,” commissioned herself into a convent, the connection between tutor and tutee continued through written correspondence. Through an examination of their personal writings, this dissertation aims to expand upon the notion that Abelard was an eclipsed philosopher who should be standing alongside “giants in the field” of philosophy, but …

A High School Choral Student's Perspective On Bullying, Allen C. Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative non-experimental research study was to examine the prevalence, type, and impact of bullying within secondary choral ensembles from the student perspective. Using a slightly modified version of the Swearer Bully Survey, data were collected from a convenience sample of 100 high school students. Initially, responses were to come from several high schools throughout the State of Maine. Due to challenges in survey administration, the researcher received permission to collect responses via social media and expanded recruitment to a national audience. The study employed a cross-sectional design and utilized Google Forms and Tally for data …

The Role Of Human Resources In Developing Effective Leadership To Cultivate A Future-Ready Pipeline Of Leaders For Success Assurance, Betzaida Aponte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem addressed in this study was that organizations lack a future-ready pipeline of leaders to ensure a smooth transition amid unprecedented technological change. The purpose of this flexible design single-case study was to understand how organizations establish a future-ready pipeline of leaders capable of navigating rapid technological advancements. Utilizing a post-positivist qualitative approach with methodological triangulation, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 human resources professionals and the quantitative Leadership Practices Inventory–Self instrument administered to 25 senior and aspiring leaders. Thematic analysis revealed critical structural failures within traditional succession planning. Key findings demonstrated a severe transparency gap, where …

Improving Governance In Decentralized Systems, Cynthia L. Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has invested heavily in non-pharmacological pain management through the Whole Health transformation, the Opioid Safety Initiative, and national CIH expansion efforts. Despite these systemwide priorities, implementation remains uneven across decentralized facilities, revealing barriers that extend beyond logistics or compliance. This study investigated how governance structures, professional norms, and cultural–cognitive logics shape the translation of federal mandates into local clinical practice. Guided by Policy Implementation Theory (PIT) and Institutional Theory (IT), and applying the Integrated Policy Adaptation Model (IPAM), this qualitative inquiry triangulated semi-structured interviews, surveys, and policy document analysis. IPAM’s mechanisms—Leadership Mediation (LM), Frontline Adaptation …

Entrepreneurship After Incarceration: The Barriers And Success Factors For Startups Led By Individuals With A Conviction Record, Charlotte E. Garnes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods study examined the barriers and facilitators influencing the success of businesses established by formerly incarcerated individuals through an online survey. It explored the roles of support and resilience in overcoming societal stigma and institutional constraints through survey questions (N = 119) and semi-structured interviews (N = 7). Quantitative analyses included binary logistic regression to evaluate relationships between region, industry, time in business, years since incarceration, and scale scores for support, motivation, and barriers with three outcomes: annual revenue, net profit or loss, and customer ratings. I also conducted a thematic analysis to understand the challenges, supports, and successes …

Intelligence-Based Missionary Preparedness, Barry Marbach

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Dissertation in Praxis applies Biblical imperatives, theoretical research on leadership, relevant training models, and leading with intelligence to improve missionaries’ overall effectiveness. The dissertation supports CLUB1040 as a relational missionary movement created to contribute to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. CLUB1040 trains and mobilizes indigenous church leaders throughout the Middle East and North Africa. This mission includes inspiring the church to make this generation the one that reaches every unreached nation. Recognizing the possibility of hostility to the Gospel due to religion and culture, the intent of the training is to introduce intelligence to mitigate the danger and …