Digital Commons Network^™

A Comparative Study Of State Educational *Policies: Systemic Models Of Equitable Reform, Celeste Ann Jackson Stansberry

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Substantive attention to disproportionate gaps in achievement between minorities and non-minorities has led state educational agencies to institute responsive policy mandates. The implementation of equity and multicultural policies has resulted in the development of strategies and evaluative measures that assist in building capacity within educational environments to meet the needs of diverse groups of students. This comparative case study examines the ways in which two states have addressed issues of low educational attainment among ethnic and linguistic minority students by instituting equity policy mandates. The two state departments of education have reached out to stakeholders, developed action plans, and attempted …

Exploration Of The Nature Of The Work Done By United States Marshals Service Employees In The District Of Nevada, Michael Robin Schlaerth

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

For the first time in its 212 year history, the United States Marshals Service created a position for employees specifically designated to assist district offices experiencing administrative and operational problems. This move was promoted by a recruiting session in April of 2001 which was designed entirely to train individuals for the job entitled GS-082. This move is the result of the agency's overall need for more labor. However, while these agents carry the title of "Deputy Marshal", they do not require the same intense training of the standard GS-1811 agents, as their duties do not demand it. Employees in the …

Nurses, Pharmacists, And Information Technology In Public Healthcare, Larry Allen Malato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to explore the healthcare professional’s experience during the implementation of information technology. The focus is on the implementation of a computerized medication ordering, dispensing, and tracking system in acute care departments of a 600- bed public hospital. Spradley’s qualitative, ethnographic research methods were used to discover the personal meaning of the implementation. How do pharmacists and nurses feel about the implementation of an advanced technology system? Are there any barriers to implementation? Findings suggest a resistance to implementation by professionals in the disciplines of Pharmacy and Nursing. Resistance is based on their perceptions of …

The Professional Development Needs Of High School Principals For School Improvement, Pamela Cummins Salazar

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the professional development needs of high school principals for school improvement. Successful educational reform and school improvement within a high school ultimately hinges on the leadership skills of the principal. If schools are to successfully confront the complexities of a changing society and improve learning for students, then school leaders must be provided with professional development activities that improve their ability to lead schools through a school improvement process. The purpose of this study was to determine professional development needs of high school principals for school improvement and their preferred delivery system for that professional development. A …

The Relationship Between Employee Turnover And Customer Service Quality In Casino Restaurants, Karl D Brandmeir

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between employee turnover and perceived service quality in casino restaurants. The restaurants were buffets, steakhouses, and coffee shops in casinos in three geographic locations. The study uses both cross-sectional and time-series data in a linkage model. It then analyzes the nature of this relationship on both a concurrent and consecutive periods over ten months. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA with Scheffe Post-Hoc tests, Pearson's product moment correlations. Hypotheses were tested by correlations and time-lagged correlations; The results show that steakhouses have the lowest turnover and the lowest poor and failure ratings …

Fat, Dumb, And Happy. The Future Of Doe/Nv?, Michelle E. Slichko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This paper, prepared for the Department of Public Administration, will identify and analyze some problems with succession planning at the Department of Energy Nevada Operations Office. My main concern is the fact that retirements, a hiring freeze, insufficient training funds, and rampant promotions are combining to make the existing workforce at DOE/NV fatter, dumber, and happier. The section on the DOE/NV organization reveals that as a result of Strategic Alignment Initiatives, the organization has downsized, but has not right-sized. The section on the subcritical mission focuses on only one of DOE/NV’s important missions and shows why it is critical to …

Marketing The City Of North Las Vegas: Marketing Plan And Image Enhancement Program, Janet Zimmerman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Like many other Southwestern states, Nevada is experiencing a tremendous growth in population. As the second fastest growing city in Nevada, North Las Vegas is facing its own unique challenges and opportunities. Growth in Southern Nevada has also brought internal competition for those residents and businesses entering the area. It has also created a need to update the city's image and appeal.

One example of how a city effectively enhanced its image can be found in the same population area, Henderson, Nevada. Henderson, the state's fastest growing community, is attracting new residents and businesses at a rate that was 1.5 …

Life Beyond Nuclear Testing The Nevada Test Site, Fina Martinez-Myers

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Nevada Test Site (NTS) has served a crucial role in protecting the nation's security over the last 50 years. Changing national budgets and fiscal priorities have signaled dramatic adjustments for the NTS. Following the 1992 nuclear testing moratorium, the U.S. government has begun to make parts of the NTS available for private-sector use in an effort to generate money, utilize the Test Site's unique resources and capabilities, and provide economic development to southern Nevada. The initiative to attract private industry to the NTS is similar to activities taking place at other nuclear facilities across the nation. With a change …

The Glint Of Gold: Press Coverage Of The Discovery Of Tutankhamun's Tomb, Jon S Arakaki

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Press coverage of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, through articles published in the London Times and New York Times from November 30, 1922 to January 31, 1923, will be analyzed. A contract between the excavators and the London Times provided the newspaper with exclusive reports and information, while the New York Times and others initially relied mainly on eye-witness accounts and second hand gossip; This study compares and contrasts different accounts of the same discovery in terms of the themes, tone, and language of relevant articles in the two newspapers. Additionally, the study includes a survey of the relationship between …

The Structural Dimensions Of Community-Oriented Police Departments, Stavros S Anthony

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

With the beginning of the twentieth century, police departments throughout the nation, during what has been called the reform movement, changed their organizational structure to that of a bureaucracy. This structural change occurred to deal with the problems of political patronage and corruption in police departments. The result, over time, was the development of municipal police departments into ridged, formalized, and centralized structures that were not responsive to the communities they served. Police officers became professional crime-fighters, who sought little community input; For the past 20 years, pressures from police professionals, local communities and governmental forces have caused police executives …

An Assessment For Religious Contexts: An Ecological Assessment Tool For Church Environments, Lawrence Scott Wilson

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Assessment of Religious Contexts (ARC) is a research instrument that seeks to measure the environment of a local church. The development of the ARC and initial studies of its reliability and validity comprise the present thesis. At the outset, the relevance and importance of the study are detailed. Next, pertinent literature is reviewed in environmental or ecological psychology. Specifically reviewed are areas of ecological assessment, church environment assessment, and other environmental assessments. Chapter three reports the methodology used to develop the ARC. Chapter 4 provides results concerning an estimate of the reliability and initial validity study. Chapter 5 includes …

The Defense Intelligence Agency: An In-Depth Study Of The Development Of The Intelligence Agency, Stacie Delaine Neff

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This thesis will examine the history of intelligence leading to the creation of DIA, DIA's changing and emerging roles, its missions and organization, agency contribution during military operations, criticisms of the agency, and lastly the intelligence outlook for the future of DIA. Since its creation in 1961, DIA has undergone numerous reorganizations and this thesis will examine the history of intelligence leading to the creation of the attempts to streamline intelligence and provide the best product possible. Most of these changes have occurred after major campaigns in which intelligence either failed, was inaccurate or could have played a better or …

Leadership Challenges Encountered By Elementary School Principals In The Process Of Creating, Implementing, And Sustaining Shared School Visions In Clark County, Nevada, Elementary Schools, David Allen Price

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Creating, implementing, and sustaining a shared vision is a complicated task for any leader. The Elementary School Division of the Clark County School District (CCSD) expects elementary school principals not only to develop a shared vision for their schools, but also to implement and sustain this shared vision with the aid of their constituencies--other administrators, staff, students, parents, and the community-at-large. Leaders, in this case principals, generally are responsible for developing a shared vision; The concept of visionary leadership has been defined in the literature, and principals can be tested to determine the degree to which they align themselves with …

The Changing Face Of The Kgb, Julie Anderson

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Changing Face of the KGB examines the contemporary structure and functions of the post-Soviet Russian security and intelligence services. The nature of the relationships of the domestic and foreign intelligence services to other power structures in Russia today are examined, including an evaluation of its espionage networks within Russia, Eastern Europe, and the "near abroad." Special attention is devoted to an analysis of the Russian foreign intelligence service's recruiting methods and the cases of Russian spies Aldrich Ames, Harold Nicholson, and Earl Pitts. Finally, the thesis examines the Russian intelligence services' resumption of training terrorists, particularly those affiliated with …

A Cause-And-Effect Relationship Between Leadership And Corporate Culture: An Educational Perspective, Shane C Blum

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this exploratory research was to examine the relationship between the corporate culture of four-year hospitality management programs and the leadership styles of individuals responsible for leading these programs. Separate instruments were used to survey faculty and program heads of four-year hospitality management programs in an attempt to explore numerous research questions. Certain questions focused on the leadership styles of individuals in positions of authority within the program's administration. Other questions were geared toward evaluating the strength of the program's culture measured along a number of criteria. By examining these questions a theoretical relationship between leadership and culture …

Faculty Attitudes Toward Distance Education In Utah Public Colleges And Universities, Arthur Thomas Challis

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain faculty attitude information toward distance education at the Utah public colleges and universities. Faculty attitudes were deemed important with more and more money being allocated in Utah to the development of distance education; A survey of Utah public higher education faculty was conducted in the fall of 1997. The survey achieved a 66% return rate, a total of 421 faculty members; The survey found that 95% of the Utah faculty was familiar with distance education and that a high number would be willing to teach distance courses, even if they hadn't already …

A Study To Determine The Impact Of Summer Teacher Externships On Curriculum And Teaching Methods, Andrea C Anderson

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the effectiveness of summer teacher externships on affecting change in a teacher's curriculum or method of instruction so that students are better prepared to meet the employment needs of business and industry upon graduation; The federal School to Work Opportunities Act of 1994 was designed to create the mechanism to promote a partnership between education and business. The goal of this partnership is to involve business in education, and educators in business, in order to give America's students the high skills needed to compete in today's global economy; One of the programs …

The Quality School In Postsecondary Education, Raymond E Harris

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

In the past, Reality Therapy seminars and workshops were presented by professionals who were skilled in their field, but had only limited training in adult education, including curriculum and instruction. By utilizing materials and information received in the U.N.L.V. graduate Post Secondary Education program in conjunction with Dr. William Glasser's Quality School concepts, the Reality Therapy training can be redesigned to deliver more effective education. There will be an extensive review of information from the graduate program, Dr. Glasser's books and articles, plus the resources of the U.N.L.V. library. New materials developed will be class activities and lesson plans that …

The Institutionalization Of Change In A Restructured High School: A Case Study, Roy L Hoyt

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This case study described the restructuring process of Dixie High School, one of 10 schools in a restructuring consortium in Utah. The Utah State Office of Education established the consortium in 1990 and supported it by providing seed money and the opportunity to reevaluate state requirements. The study delineated the change process at this school from 1991-93, as it moved from a traditional organizational structure to a site-based management model. This study also examined how the school brought about change to enhance student learning and create a collaborative school culture. In addition, this analysis investigated the changes in roles and …

Transition To Parenthood: The Effect Of Division Of Labor Discrepancies On Marital Satisfaction, Alison Paige Done

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

In a longitudinal study of couples during the transition to first time parenthood, I examined several hypotheses regarding expectations and the division of labor between spouses. Seventy couples expecting the birth of their first baby filled out questionnaires late in pregnancy and three months postpartum. Before the birth of their babies an experimental group participated in a marital skills training workshop. Results indicated that husbands' and wives' expectations about the post-birth division of labor differed significantly from actual post-birth division of labor. This discrepancy affected marital satisfaction for wives but not for their husbands. The discrepancy also affected spouses' satisfaction …

The Presidency And Environmental Policymaking: A Critical Assessment Of George Bush, Ronald Gene Westfall

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Environmental concerns have, gradually and precariously, become integrated into the American policymaking process. Recognized as an essential aspect of human quality of life, environmental policy receives ever increasing attention from American policymakers. Owing to developments such as the passage of the Clean Air Act and the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the significance of addressing environmental challenges has garnered both domestic and international attention. In providing guidance for American environmental policies, American presidents function as vital arbiters in the shaping of domestic and international environmental policies. Herein lies the necessity for addressing environmental policymaking crafted within the parameters …

An Analysis Of Strategic Planning In Land-Grant University Libraries, Laverna M Saunders

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study determined the extent to which the 1862 and 1890 land-grant university libraries had implemented strategic planning, including the reasons, processes, problems, and benefits of strategic planning. The study also examined the relationship of the land-grant libraries' planning to that of the parent universities; The research was modeled after Meredith's (1985, 1987) studies of strategic planning in higher education institutions. Descriptive statistics were used to compile the data which were compared to Meredith's results. Responses were also sorted by geographical area to determine where strategic planning was most and least prevalent; The majority of land-grant university libraries reported that …

The Cult Of Culture: An Analysis And Plan For Teaching About Organizational Culture, James E Mason

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Five general themes are prevalent in the literature of organizational culture: Meaning, structure, language, stability/instability, and reification. This thesis gives a broad general overview of the concept of culture as it relates to communication, analyzes the literature in terms of the above, and makes suggestions for its use to develop in students an understanding and appreciation of the concept of organizational culture. A prescriptive reading plan and a teaching plan are included to allow teachers to select topics that have importance either for themselves or their students.

A Historical Study On The "Eight Revolutionary Model Operas" In China's Great Cultural Revolution, Joe He

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

During the Great Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) eight revolutionary model operas were popularized as a means of transformation the ideology and values of the Chinese people as well as a political tool in struggle between the Maoists and Luists. When Mao realized that his ideals were being eclipsed, he concluded that a massive revolution was inevitable and allowed his wife, Jiang Qing, to direct the "movement of popularizing model operas." The purpose of this study to analyze the operas and their political and social significance; During that decade eight revolutionary model operas were written based on wartime experiences or on economic …

The Restructuring Of A Rural Utah High School, Larry K Shumway

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Restructuring of a Rural Utah High School was a case study which explained the setting and the events related to the restructuring of North Sevier High School in Salina, Utah from 1989-1992. The purpose of the study was to identify issues and problems in restructuring which could provide insight for school leaders of for policy makers in education. Data for the study was collected by interviewing participants in the restructuring project including teachers, community members, board members, and district administrators. The researcher was the principal of the school at the time of the events of the case and at …

The Principal's Role In The Development Of Teacher Leadership: A Case Study, Carla Jean Steinforth

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the principal's role in the development of teacher leadership in a school in the process of change. The single, case study was conducted in a large urban elementary school, grades K-5, within a major, western metropolitan school district. The nature of teacher leadership was examined along with the actions, behaviors, and thoughts of the principal which fostered the development of teacher leadership. Change process activities that were influenced or facilitated by teacher leadership were also studied; Primary sources of data collection included field observations, document reviews, and interviews conducted on a regular basis for a period of …

Formalization In Intercollegiate Athletics: Development Of A Policies And Procedures Manual, Mary Sheila Strike

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Intercollegiate athletics in the 1980's has undergone a series of crises which appear to have resulted in increased formalization, both within the National Collegiate Athletic Association and at most universities across the nation. The integrity crisis, whether real or perceived, has resulted in a call for accountability in athletics. Concurrently, there is a trend toward the development of policies and procedures manuals for athletic management; The theoretical basis of the study began with a focus on the ideology of business and industry in the early 1900's and the reasons for and results of formalization. The ideology of intercollegiate athletics in …

An Integrated Program For Effective Organizational Change Within A School District Involving Staff, Student, And Citizen Participation (Group Culture, Management Skills, Team Building, Integrated Planning, Incentive), Patricia Schofield Schank

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop an integrated program for effective organizational change within a school system involving staff, student, and citizen participation. Concepts and practices pertinent to strategic planning and in harmony with systems theory were examined and applied to educational planning. The complex human elements of an organization that can act as barriers against or channels for facilitating planned change were reviewed as interdependent with strategic planning and participative decision-making; Five steps to organizational success were presented as forming an integrated approach to planned change within a school system. Built upon each other in sequential order …

University Schools Of Hotel Administration: A Comparative Description, Patrick Joseph Moreo

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify and select a model for the analysis of autonomous schools of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Administration; The problem was to ascertain what patterns of structure and characteristics emerged from an analysis of programs at three selected institutions; A model based upon R. Campbell's operational areas of education administration and process elements of administration was devised. It divided H.R.I. education administration into the following operating areas: Alumni-Industry Relations, Curriculum and Instruction, Students, Faculty and Staff, Physical Facilities, Finance and Resource Allocation, Administrative Structure; A questionnaire was then developed based upon the model. At …