Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of Machine Learning Techniques For Early Identification Of At-Risk Students, Mansour Hamoud Awaji

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Student attrition is one of the long-standing problems facing higher education institutions despite the extensive research that has been undertaken to address it. To increase students’ success and retention rates, there is a need for early alert systems that facilitate the identification of at-risk students so that remedial measures may be taken in time to reduce the risk. However, incorporating ML predictive models into early warning systems face two main challenges: improving the accuracy of timely predictions and the generalizability of predictive models across on-campus and online courses. The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate predictive models …

Multidimensional Knowledge Flow Dynamics In Context, Lina Lo

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge is a sustainable advantage and knowledge assets can increase value with use. A snowball effect of knowledge advantage advocates effective knowledge management and fosters its continual growth as it flows. Knowledge, however, flows unevenly throughout an organization and the problem is that the fundamental dynamics of these flows are still not well characterized in theoretical and computational models. This study built on existing work—knowledge-flow theory, need knowledge generation, and the critical success factors for enterprise resource planning implementation—to examine the multidimensional knowledge-flow phenomenon in context, and used the case study methodology for knowledge-flow theory building. The research question was …

Semi-Informed Multi-Agent Patrol Strategies, Chad E. Hardin

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The adversarial multi-agent patrol problem is an active research topic with many real-world applications such as physical robots guarding an area and software agents protecting a computer network. In it, agents patrol a graph looking for so-called critical vertices that are subject to attack by adversaries. The agents are unaware of which vertices are subject to attack by adversaries and when they encounter such a vertex they attempt to protect it from being compromised (an adversary must occupy the vertex it targets a certain amount of time for the attack to succeed). Even though the terms adversary and attack are …

Master Of Science In Information Assurance And Cybersecurity, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Master Of Science In Information Assurance And Cybersecurity, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Graduate Catalog And Student Handbook 2018-2019, Nova Southeastern University

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice Graduate Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Teachers’ Experiences In A Charter School With English Language Learners’ Acquisition Of Academic Literacy, Estella Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers’ Experiences in a Charter School With English Language Learners’ Acquisition of Academic Literacy. Estella Stephens, 2018: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: charter schools, English language learners, literacy, phenomenon, qualitative research, teachers.

This qualitative applied dissertation was designed to investigate and give voice to the lived experiences of mainstream teachers at charter schools where the English language learner (ELL) population increased significantly. It replicated McCoy’s (2013) study. A phenomenological design was used to interview kindergarten-Grade 8 mainstream teachers in 3 charter schools. Interviews were conducted by a noninterested party due to the positionality …

Elementary Charter School Teachers' Perceptions Of Student Discipline On Academic Achievement, Simone Elloie Shelton

Theses and Dissertations

Many teachers leave the field altogether after a few years of teaching. Research showed that teachers consistently rate the behavior problems of their students as one of the primary reasons for them to quit teaching. Among teachers who have left the field over the past 10 years, some 80% stated that discipline problems caused by students was one of the primary reasons for their departure. Student discipline has been reported as a factor associated with high rates of teachers leaving the teaching profession. Two studies of teacher attrition rates found that problems with students’ discipline issues and classroom management issues …

Factors Affecting Adult Speakers Of Other Languages' (Esol) Enrollment In English For Academic Purposes (Eap) Courses: A Multicase Study, Jacklyn Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation provided insight and identified impediments and obstacles in the areas of educational and societal assimilation, career and monetarist support, and academics to ascertain the effects they have on students transitioning from ESOL classes to EAP courses. Adult non-native speakers have evolved into an important segment of the adult population in the United States. Many Limited English Proficient (LEP) students lack the aptitude as it relates to the English language, often translating into lower wages, higher rates of poverty, and limited upward movement in the workplace. Researchers have identified several factors that may potentially influence the program participants …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Use Of Graphic Novels To Teach Reluctant Readers, Bret Ginsberg

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of teachers in a suburban private school in Florida serving prekindergarten through Grade 8 regarding the use of graphic novels to increase student motivation to read. The problem was teachers were concerned with students’ inability to complete the required novels, demonstrate comprehension of deep meaning from the text, read silently, and read outside of school. Teachers raised serious concerns about the reading achievement of middle school students. Teachers also noted a frequent mismatch between the preference of the middle school reader and the instructional opportunities provided. The study was …

Identifying Factors Contributing Towards Information Security Maturity In An Organization, Madhuri M. Edwards

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Information security capability maturity (ISCM) is a journey towards accurate alignment of business and security objectives, security systems, processes, and tasks integrated with business-enabled IT systems, security enabled organizational culture and decision making, and measurements and continuous improvements of controls and governance comprising security policies, processes, operating procedures, tasks, monitoring, and reporting. Information security capability maturity may be achieved in five levels: performing but ad-hoc, managed, defined, quantitatively governed, and optimized. These five levels need to be achieved in the capability areas of information integrity, information systems assurance, business enablement, security processes, security program management, competency of security team, security …

Assessing The Impact Of A Geospatial Information System For Improving Campus Emergency Decision-Making Of Novice Crisis Managers, Adam R. Albina

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

A significant increase in campus-based emergencies warrants the investigation into emergency management information systems that serve a novice crisis decision-maker. Institutions of higher education that are not large enough to have dedicated emergency management offices generally press novice decision-makers into emergency management roles. An investigation was conducted to assess the impact of an emergency management geospatial information system on the decision performance of novice crisis managers through the use of a scenario-based simulation. A mixed method sequential explanatory method was used to collect quasi-experimental data on decision time, decision accuracy and situational awareness. Qualitative analysis was conducted through interviews with …

Database Streaming Compression On Memory-Limited Machines, Damon F. Bruccoleri

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Dynamic Huffman compression algorithms operate on data-streams with a bounded symbol list. With these algorithms, the complete list of symbols must be contained in main memory or secondary storage. A horizontal format transaction database that is streaming can have a very large item list. Many nodes tax both the processing hardware primary memory size, and the processing time to dynamically maintain the tree. This research investigated Huffman compression of a transaction-streaming database with a very large symbol list, where each item in the transaction database schema’s item list is a symbol to compress. The constraint of a large symbol list …

Factors That Contribute To The Resistance To Cloud Computing Adoption By Tech Companies Vs. Non-Tech Companies, Zadok Hakim

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Cloud computing (CC) may be the most significant development in recent history for businesses seeking to utilize technology. However, the adoption of CC hinges on many factors, and can have a greater positive impact on organizational performance. This study examined the different factors that contribute to the resistance to CC adoption. Anchored in The Theory of Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE), the study used a qualitative, grounded theory approach to develop a theoretical model for the acceptance of CC across firms. CC can have significant effects on efficiency and productivity for firms, but these effects will only be realized if IT usage becomes …

Using Web Conferencing Technology To Foster Inclusive Course Experiences For Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing Students, Elissa Weeden

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

A mainstream course has several components that deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students must reconcile. In class, components can include the instructor, projection display, whiteboard, interpreting, and real-time captioning. Outside the classroom, components can include materials from the instructor, notes generated by a note-taker, and a lecture transcript generated via real-time captioning. Web conferencing software can be harnessed to create inclusive experiences for DHH students. Such software can place all components of a class session on a single screen to create a composite screen solution that can be viewed by students in real-time and recorded for later, self-paced review. A composite …

An Operational Management Competency Model For Online Education Administrators, Fanniel Demarks

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Despite the steady rise in online education and increasingly empirical studies on related learning technologies and technology support, there is considerable evidence that the field has not kept the pace with studies related to online education administrators (OEAs). Further investigation was needed into OEAs’ practice of day-to-day administration of their programs. Therefore, this study examined OEAs’ perceptions of their areas of responsibility, tasks to be accomplished and skills and knowledge needed for them to get the job done. A three-round Delphi research technique was employed as a structured group communication method between five participants to answer three research questions. The …

A Developmental Research Of A Taxonomy For Employees’ Mobile Device Cyberslacking And Commitment To The Organization In The Context Of Productivity, Saleh Alharthi

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

While the introduction of the Internet facilitated the communication channels at the workplace to improve employees’ productivity, it also raised new challenges, such as Internet use for personal activities. Organizations face productivity losses due to employees’ involvement in counterproductive behaviors, such as cyberslacking. The frequency of mobile device cyberslacking is anticipated to increase due to continuous developments in online connectivity, applications, and the significant growth of mobile device usage worldwide. In addition, research has shown that employees’ commitment to their organization can encourage behaviors that positively influence productivity. Employee’s commitment is a crucial factor because it can benefit an organization …

Development, Implementation, And Assessment Of An Online Doctoral Student Orientation, Russell J. Garner

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

An examination of the recent literature revealed there are no established standards for orienting online doctoral students. To address this problem, the relevant literature was examined and suggested that doctoral students can be effectively oriented to their academic environment when provided with the requisite programmatic and institutional information, and factors that support socialization and self-efficacy.

A literature-based orientation was developed to examine its impact on students’ first semester success in terms of rates of retention and grade point averages (GPA). This was accomplished using a developmental study approach that included three primary phases: 1) development of a literature-based orientation; 2) …

Design And Development Of Simulation-Based Instruction On Meaningful Use And Interprofessionalism Core Competencies In A Healthcare Team-Based Learning Environment, Elizabeth Oviawe

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Policymakers and electronic health records (EHR) experts agree that healthcare professionals lack proficiency in meaningful use of EHRs. This competency gap can result in increased medical errors. It is essential for health professions graduates to acquire skill sets that are adaptable to any electronic health information technologies including the EHRs to facilitate work process and information access. Simulation as an instructional method to create transformative learning experiences has shown promise in the medical profession. In simulations, learners are able to engage in real-life scenarios and practice their cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills in a safe environment.

The goal was to …

Machine Learning Methods For Septic Shock Prediction, Aiman A. Darwiche

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Sepsis is an organ dysfunction life-threatening disease that is caused by a dysregulated body response to infection. Sepsis is difficult to detect at an early stage, and when not detected early, is difficult to treat and results in high mortality rates. Developing improved methods for identifying patients in high risk of suffering septic shock has been the focus of much research in recent years. Building on this body of literature, this dissertation develops an improved method for septic shock prediction. Using the data from the MMIC-III database, an ensemble classifier is trained to identify high-risk patients. A robust prediction model …

Knowledge Sharing Among Academics In Higher Education Institutions In Saudi Arabia, Fahad M. Alsaadi

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in Saudi Arabia aims to move toward a knowledge-based economy and many knowledge management (KM) and knowledge sharing (KS) initiatives have been taken to accelerate the achievement of this goal. Despite the substantial body of research into KS in the business environment, research that investigates factors that promote KS practices among academics in higher education institutions (HEIs) is generally limited, but particularly in Saudi Arabia. To bridge this gap, the goal was to explore what individual and organizational factors contribute to a person’s willingness to share knowledge and develop a profile of the current …

Perceptions Of Female Cybersecurity Professionals Toward Factors That Encourage Females To The Cybersecurity Field, Kembley Kay Lingelbach

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Despite multiple national, educational, and industry initiatives, women continue to be underrepresented in the cybersecurity field. Only 11% of cybersecurity professionals, globally, are female. This contributes to the growing overall shortage of workers in the field. This research addressed the significant underrepresentation of females in the cybersecurity workforce. There are many practitioner and industry studies that suggest self-efficacy, discrimination and organizational culture play important roles in the low rate of women in the cybersecurity field. A limited number of scholarly studies identify causal factors; however, there is not a general consensus or framework to explain the problem thoroughly. Moreover, there …

The Influence Of Website Design On Online Trust In Electronic Commerce Retailing Environments, Dinesh Khialani

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

E-commerce retail sales continue to experience significant growth in the United States (U.S.) annually. However, the contribution of e-commerce retail sales towards total retail sales in the U.S. remains low. Furthermore, the growth of e-commerce retail sales from year to year as a percentage of total retail sales in the U.S. is also fractional. The lack of online trust by consumers has been cited as a significant barrier to transacting online and a possible cause of this slow-moving trend.

E-commerce retail sales are paramount to the success and profitability of online merchants. It remains critical to understand the underlying determinants …

Exploring Generational Differences In Text Messaging Usage And Habits, Daniel Wayne Long

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Members of society today embrace multiple communication media for various purposes and intents. Text messaging has been identified as the medium of choice for continual relationship maintenance and text messaging from mobile devices overshadows all other media forms for the support of social connections. Text messaging is changing everything from how operators market their plans to how advertisers and service providers reach consumers. But just as technology usage of social media and internet access are different across generational boundaries, text messaging usage and habits may also be different for various generational groups. The majority of peer-reviewed research regarding text messaging …

Development And Validation Of A Proof-Of-Concept Prototype For Analytics-Based Malicious Cybersecurity Insider Threat In A Real-Time Identification System, Angel L. Hueca

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Insider threat has continued to be one of the most difficult cybersecurity threat vectors detectable by contemporary technologies. Most organizations apply standard technology-based practices to detect unusual network activity. While there have been significant advances in intrusion detection systems (IDS) as well as security incident and event management solutions (SIEM), these technologies fail to take into consideration the human aspects of personality and emotion in computer use and network activity, since insider threats are human-initiated. External influencers impact how an end-user interacts with both colleagues and organizational resources. Taking into consideration external influencers, such as personality, changes in organizational polices …

Development Of A Client-Side Evil Twin Attack Detection System For Public Wi-Fi Hotspots Based On Design Science Approach, Liliana R. Horne

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Users and providers benefit considerably from public Wi-Fi hotspots. Users receive wireless Internet access and providers draw new prospective customers. While users are able to enjoy the ease of Wi-Fi Internet hotspot networks in public more conveniently, they are more susceptible to a particular type of fraud and identify theft, referred to as evil twin attack (ETA). Through setting up an ETA, an attacker can intercept sensitive data such as passwords or credit card information by snooping into the communication links. Since the objective of free open (unencrypted) public Wi-Fi hotspots is to provide ease of accessibility and to entice …

A Living Nightmare: A Phenomenological Study Of Black Males' Lived Experiences Of Racial Profiling During Traffic Stops, James C. Jackson Iii

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

For years, urban communities and specific ethnic groups within the US (mostly Blacks and Hispanics) have been targeted for racial profiling by our local police. Since the 1990’s, the outcry for justice by our Black and Hispanic communities increased the interests to find ways to address and fight against the act of racial profiling. This phenomenological study used a qualitative approach to collect information and gain the understanding and lived experiences of Black males between the ages of 20 – 49 who experienced racial profiling during routine traffic stops. Twelve Black Males between the ages of 20 to 49 were …

Nsu Ph.D. In Criminal Justice 2018, Nova Southeastern University

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice College Archive

No abstract provided.

Planning A Family Math Night-The How To's: A Checklist For Success, Joseph M. Furner Ph.D.

Transformations

This paper shares the “how to’s” of putting on a family math night at an elementary school in South Florida. The paper discusses the importance of parent involvement and knowing about the standards and how math, science, and literacy are taught in schools today. The paper provides concrete steps for setting up a family night with suggested activities and organizational ideas to involve teachers, students, and parents at the school. Several checklists are provided along with websites and ideas for activities for the family night booths. Today family nights at schools can provide a real powerful means for promoting parent …

A Bibliometric Analysis Of The Proceedings Of The Association For Educational Communications And Technology (Aect) For The 1979-2009 Period, Vandy L. Pacetti-Donelson

Theses and Dissertations

Traditional journal analysis for the identification of disciplines is limited in developing areas of study due to the lack of journals specific to that area of study. Identifying knowledge domains worthy of study for the identification of developing disciplines has been difficult.

Conferences are at the forefront of building knowledge in scientific communities, particularly in technology related sectors, but less than 10% of conference proceedings are available in conventional knowledge databases. As a result, conference proceedings as a previously unconsidered knowledge domain, may provide the knowledge domain worthy of analysis to identify developmental and incremental change within developing areas of …