Digital Commons Network^™

Police Programs, Canines, And Contingency Theory: An Explanation Of Canine Numbers Among Large Police Departments, David Wayne Welker

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF DAVID WELKER, for the Master of Arts degree in CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE, presented on OCTOBER 18, 2011, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: POLICE PROGRAMS, CANINES, AND CONTINGENCY THEORY: AN EXPLANATION OF CANINE NUMBERS AMONG LARGE POLICE DEPARTMENTS MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Joseph Schafer Canines have provided services for humans over many centuries. More recently, they have been used for police work. Canines are used to apprehend suspects, track people, and find drugs. They are also seen as a less-than-lethal weapon and can be used in a number of different programs such as D.A.R.E./crime …

Resistance To Educational Change From The Perspective Of Teachers In Al Ain Educational Zone In Uae., Wafaa Mohammed Ali El Zaatar.

Theses

The study aimed to investigate the factors for teacher resistance toward the educational change in government schools in the U.A.E. The factors this study investigated are the: psychological, personal, school culture, and organizational factors. The study was guided by one research question and used the descriptive research method. Data for this study were collected through a survey using Likert Scale. It was sent to 414 teachers in public schools in different grade levels. Teachers selected were males and females, from different age group, years of experience and qualifications; and they were UAE national and foreign teachers. Only 255 teachers responded. …

Web-Based Portfolio Assessment : An Open Source Solution For Platform Design, Regina Collins

Theses

Summative assessments of student writing performance have been instrumental in the evaluation of student ability and analysis of educational programs. One method used to perform summative assessments of writing performance in post-secondary education is through the evaluation of student portfolios. Using an evidence-centered design approach, NJIT faculty researchers have developed rubrics to measure the acquired skills of students. Classroom instructors from the department meet periodically to score the students' portfolios containing constructed responses to predetermined writing tasks. The paper-based assessments are then manually key-stroked into Microsoft Excel for storage, with the scores then analyzed in SPSS and SAS.

This thesis …

Reorganization Of Massive Multiagent Systems: Motl/O, Aruntej Seelam

Theses

MOTL/O embodies the MOTL paradigm and models organizational adaptation. We report progress on developing computational tools for systematically altering organizational components. This adds a novel dimension to MOTL (Hexmoor, et.al., 2008). This extension is necessary to allow communities of agents or robots to reconfigure their organizational structure in response to changes in the environment. Traditional approach of a hierarchical command and control (C2) structure is ineffective (Alberts & Hayes, 2003). Recently, an edge organization has been proposed as a more suitable alternative Command and control structure in the current information age, due to its empowerment of the edge members, better …

Customer Satisfaction : The Case Study Of A Service Company, Emre Ilkme

Theses

This research was undertaken in Derichebourg Multi services to gain an understanding of customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction and improving the customer service are important as this serves to create loyal customers in the business, since market competition has increased. If a company fails to respond to the customer needs and expectations, the satisfaction will not be provided and so customers will lose loyalty to the company and may eventually change the companies altogether. Thus, the importance of customer satisfaction and related subjects has been highlighted in this research. Satisfaction causes have been identified and the recommendations made to increase the …

A Study Into The Use Of Business Process Reengineering In Re-Designing Procurement Processes Within The Southern Health Board, Treasa Dempsey

Theses

Prior to undertaking the implementation of an integrated finance and procurement information system, the Southern Health Board (now know as the Health Service Executive - Southern Area) undertook a Business Process Reengineering project to redesign, standardise, streamline, and document their procurement processes. This study examines how useful Business Process Reengineering can be in a public sector environment, using the project undertaken in the Southern Health Board, as a case study. The literature on BPR, in conjunction with the material from the BPR project, and interviews from relevant project team members, is examined. The case study demonstrates that it may be …

Reasons For The Low Usage Of Scheduling Software And The Difference In Production Performance Between Users And Nonusers Of Scheduling Software From A Lean Manufacturing Perspective, Sandra Yveborg

Theses

It is more important than ever for printers to improve efficiency and productivity, and the means for doing so are available. Computer-assisted scheduling is one method that is claimed to increase throughput speed and reduce costs, among other benefits. Recently, scheduling applications have started to increase in popularity, and many management information systems (MISs) have built-in scheduling features. However, only 15% of the companies that own scheduling software utilize it. The first part of this research project seeks to determine the reasons for the low usage. Another way to increase efficiency is through Lean manufacturing, a strategy for eliminating non-value-added …

A Meta Analysis Of Critical Success Factors For Computer Technology Projects, Ross A. Baker

Theses

Project managers are continually in pursuit of a magic formula that will deliver a successful project. Companies arc interested in formulas for project success because billions of dollars arc wasted each year, in U.S.A. Information Technology projects alone. through poorly managed or failed projects. Failing projects arc not only bad for the individual project team members, but a failed project's impacts emanate outward to cause companies to decline or die. In addition, the targeted customers who receive inferior products, late products, or no products at all (due to project failures) are significantly impacted as well. Because failed computer technology projects …

Evaluation Of Epa’S “Colleges And Universities Sector Program” At Three Universities In New York State, Magaly Montenegro Martinez

Theses

The topic to be investigated in this thesis is the impact of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Colleges and Universities Sector Program on three universities located in New York State. The parameters to be analyzed are the changes in the way environmental issues have been approached using tools and incentives provided by the EPA Colleges and Universities Sector Program, drivers that motivate the colleges to achieve environmental management through compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and obstacles that stand in the way of compliance. This research is based primarily on a survey conducted in three universities participating …

Katrina And The Federal Emergency Management Agency: A Case Study In Organizational Failure, Elaine Van Patten

Theses

The risk of increasingly devastating natural disasters and the continuous threats of terrorism drive the nation's demand for swift and effective national emergency planning and response. Hurricane Katrina struck and devastated parts of the Gulf Region as a Category 4 hurricane in August 2005. After landfall in New Orleans, opportunities to maintain sanitation and hygiene quickly disappeared as flood water became contaminated, evacuees were stranded and forced to sleep next to dead bodies and human waste, survive without food or water and hope to be rescued. Survivors were convinced that they were abandoned by the federal government and left to …

How Ehs Managers Can Influence Environmental Excellence Within Their Organization, Joseph Whitaker

Theses

The objective of this work is to evaluate the various management styles and systems applicable to the Environmental, Health, and Safety ('EHS') profession; furthermore, it will present ways in which managers will discover how to understand and evaluate projects from a 'business' point of view, allowing them to compete within their organization for capital and human resources. ... This paper will also discuss various evaluations used to ensure proper buy-in from management -- a process that will facilitate the allocation of human and financial resources to environment, health, and safety projects. The evaluation will focus on two primary elements. The …

Pbs Transition From Analog To Digital Tv Broadcasting: The Human Perspective, Carolyn Colborn

Theses

The purpose of this project is to examine a subset of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations in how they made their transition to digital broadcasting to: 1. Identify candidate best practices for successfully transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting, 2. Make recommendations on how to educate the viewing audience on adapting, understanding, and utilizing Digital TV (DTV), and 3. Identify possible areas where further research might assist in a better understanding of how to manage change effectively.

Differences In Coverage Of The Gulf Wars: New York Times V. Wall Street Journal, Rama Ramanan

Theses

This study investigated differences in the newspaper coverage of Gulf War I (1991) and the recent U.S. Iraq War II (2003) using content analysis of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Results indicate that there were significant differences in the coverage of the two wars. The data show that The New York Times published significantly more war news stories and carried more photographs and visual elements than The Wall Street Journal. Other findings reveal significant differences in the timeliness of reporting a war story, location of the story in the newspaper, dateline of the story, …

Assessment And Change : Using Verbal Analysis To Update Criteria In The Technical Communication Service Course, Michele-Andrea Fields

Theses

Assessment is the discussion, research, and analysis of information, concluding with a value of the information discussed. This project is a qualitative analysis of a Technical Communication service course assessment calibration session held in May 2005, which was recorded. After transcribing the discussion, I am using NVivo, a data coding and modeling program, to analyze the terms, categories, concepts, processes, and abstract ideas. In addition, the paper looks at how the current paradigm for technical service courses is shifting toward electronic writing and document design. The conclusion applies the results to the ongoing curriculum and criteria assessment in English 352.

What Is Required To Optimise Professional Development Opportunities For Academic Staff In A Specific College In The Further Education Sector?, Anne O'Donohue

Theses

The main aim of this research was to identify what was required to optimise professional development for the academic staff of Liberties College, a college in the further education sector. This research was a case study, focusing on the micro, one case on one site, with the emphasis on understanding the unity and the wholeness of this particular case. The theoretical perspective applied therefore, was constructionist and the research methods interpretive in design.

The research design was mainly qualitative though there was also a quantitative element in part of the questionnaire which was followed up by semi-structured interviews. The relevant …

Making Sustainable And Environmental Improvements Through Focused Factories, Kyle Hurst

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the relationship between environmental strategy, business strategy, and manufacturing strategy. Specifically, this paper evaluates the potential link between a manufacturing strategy known as focused manufacturing (focused factories) and improved environmental performance. The thesis explores the current literature on focused factories and various environmental tools and strategies. Barriers to sustainable and environmental improvements are discussed, as well as the integration of environmental strategy into the overall business strategy of a company. To examine the relationship between focused factories and environmental improvement, statistical analysis is performed on data generated from a web-based survey sent …

Rationale For User Oriented Design Technique Selection, Susan M. Saeger

Theses

This paper analyzes a set of guidelines for selecting a user oriented design technique. A fictional case study is used to illustrate the application of the guidelines.

Technology Management In The Effective Implementation Of Change, Molly B. Kearns

Theses

Organizational fitness is often achieved by making changes in business operations. These changes frequently involve the use of a new technology. The effective implementation of change is achieved by examining the benefits and challenges of technology management when making decisions. Important elements for consideration in technology management are technology evaluation, integration, planning, implementation, training, and change. A solution is proposed to combine and encompass all the elements of technology management to allow for the positive aspects and avoid the negative aspects of change implementation. The tool consists of principles to be addressed for each element.

Use Of System Dynamics And Easel For Simulation Of The Software Development Process, Alicia Strupp

Theses

Team software development is a complex and mostly unpredictable process and is characterized by inefficient use of staff and calendar resources. Given the magnitude of software development costs, a deeper understanding of the process may suggest ways to improve resource utilization. Simulation modeling is a useful approach to study the dynamics of complex systems. System dynamics characterizes systems as collections of interacting, non-linear feedback loops. The foundations of system dynamics were developed at MIT in the early 1950s. Since that time, system dynamics has been applied to a large number of complex system domains. In the early 1980s, the system …

Interpersonal Communication Training At The Cia, Jerry Fischetti

Theses

The purpose of this research is to present and evaluate an educational intervention strategy developed at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) to enhance the interpersonal communication skills of Associate Degree students. Specifically, a class in interpersonal communications with unique behavioral objectives was introduced into the Associate Degree programs in January 2001 to improve the preparation of these students as managers and facilitators in the industry. Utilizing some core concepts of learning theory and the theory of cognitive dissonance, as well as theories of organizational change and resistance to change, an ethnographic study was conducted to assess the extent to …

Case Study Of Strategic Planning For Small Nonprofits, Peter Roland Jr

Theses

The Lake Placid/North Elba Historical Society suffers from the absence of planning processes that can address the long-term needs of the organization. As a result the resources of the Society are being underutilized. At present the only medium for the planning function is the monthly Board meeting, which must also address operational issues. Both new and old members of the Board have ideas regarding what they see as the past, present and future mission of the Museum and the Society. A forum or medium does not currently exist which would provide an opportunity for members of the Board and all …

Restaurant Management In Lebanon: Current Trends And Future Concerns, Carine Issa

Theses

Not provided.

Information Technology Infrastructure Stability, Jeffrey Pankow

Theses

The goal of this thesis is to validate the critical importance of IT infrastructure stability and to determine the factors impacting stability and what IT executives are doing to address these factors.

Free Agency And The Organization, Gregg Chalmers

Theses

Corporate downsizing has become a common occurrence in today's business world. As a result, many employers and employees no longer believe and cannot sustain the concept of lifetime employment. Several views on the breaking of this psychological contract and its implications on workplace loyalty and trust are offered from both the manufacturing and service industry's perspectives. The way we live and work is changing at an alarming rate. Rapid technological advancements enable employees to work from remote locations while communicating with their organization and coworkers in real-time. These break-through capabilities bring new challenges to the organization and the employee. In …

A Descriptive Study Of School-Based Intervention Teams In New York State, Sean Croft

Theses

This study examined the current practices of school-based intervention teams (SBIT) in New York State. SBIT are designed to provide immediate assistance to students and teachers, to enhance the ability of teachers to serve difficult-to-teach students within regular education classrooms, and to reduce the number of inappropriate referrals to special education. A mail questionnaire (N=T74; return rate=43%) found that a majority of teams meet once a week, during school hours, and consist of about nine members. SBIT members favor teacher intuition and classroom performance over data-based progress monitoring in deterrnining the effectiveness of interventions. The lack of personnel to perform …

Influencing The Growth And Expansion Of Alternative Transportation For St. Charles County, Missouri, Elizabeth A. Johnson

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of communication, leadership and Total Quality Management The case study establishes a link between these concepts and their application, directed at influencing of the growth and expansion of alternative transportation for St Charles County, Missouri.

The subject of TQM is a common point of discussion within the engineering and construction industry, with numerous technical publications written on the subject The primary concern within the industry is the. lack of implementation for continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Documentation on resistance to change describes why the process of TQM is beneficial, but the issue of …

Job Satisfaction And Work Locus Of Control Among Physicians, Faye Schlecter Fay

Theses

This study examined the relationship between job satisfaction GS) and perceived work locus of control (WLOC) among physicians. A stratified random sample of non-retired hospital-based physicians (i.e., pathologists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists) belonging to the St Louis Area Medical Society received 2 brief Likert-type instruments: 6-item JS subset of the Job Descriptive Index, and the WLOC survey. The questionnaire packets were mailed to 108 doctors in each of the three specialties for a total of 324, and 138 usable responses were returned. Results indicated a positive association between job satisfaction and internal locus of control in the workplace. The findings support …

Researching Potential Partners For An Equestrian Learning Center In Frankenmuth, Mi, Tracy Weber

Theses

Researchers believe that 90% of emotional communication is non-verbal (Gibbs, 1995). Monty Roberts (1997), and many others in the equestrian industry, recognize the power of using horses as a communication tool for humans. The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) is an organization whose mission is to promote and support equine-facilitated activities, including communication, self-awareness and self-esteem. A learning organization incorporates the elements of a shared vision, personal mastery, systems thinking, mental models, and team learning. This study found that there are NARHA members that possess a learning organization philosophy and therefore could possibly be interested in creating …

Quest For Survival: What Comprises And Effective Team, Kathleen Brayer

Theses

The journey to thrive competitively in the millenium will demand teamwork. Historically, corporate America has had difficulty implementing teams to drive performance. In theory building effective teams seems easy but in reality putting this knowledge into practice that changes behavior and fosters learning is a difficult challenge for corporations today. Through a series of 13 interviews this study benchmarks both the service and manufacturing industry to identify the characteristics about what comprises an effective team in organizations today, how their organizational design impacts team development and the different ways that people learn, think about and understand teams in organizations. Developing …

Leadership Characteristics In An Organizational Transformation, Edward Keyes

Theses

The objective of this study was to determine if key leadership characteristics would be evident in leaders who exercised successfully an organizational transition. In reviewing the literature, an understanding was established that allowed the separation of Leadership versus Management and shared insight in situations where both are merged. Also developed was an extensive list of Leadership Characteristics. The study used the Delphi Method to obtain consensus from a selected group of General Managers within the Conference Center population. This study identified a limited set of key Leadership Characteristics required at the General Managers level for achieving successful organizational changes. The …