Digital Commons Network^™

The Path To Success In Corporate America For Ethnic Minorities And Underrepresented Groups, Tina Garrett-Ragland

Theses and Dissertations

Workforce diversity continues to expand in organizations across the United States and globally. However, organizations struggle to retain and maintain diverse representation in the workforce. The focus for organizations to ensure they have an established success model for underrepresented populations, specifically ethnic minorities, is a critical strategy for organizations seeking to maintain diverse workforce representation and cultures. Ethnic minorities face many challenges to success, access to opportunities, and the same workplace experiences as their non-ethnic peers (Cole & Salimath, 2013). There have been steps taken to address the challenges created due to the inequities faced by ethnic minorities and underrepresented …

Physical Intimate Partner Violence Of African American Women: Promising Practices And Pitfalls In Treatment, Melissa Erinn Duncan

Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence is a serious health concern among African American women. It is estimated about 41% of African American women experience physical violence from an intimate partner. A number of risk factors, as well as cultural and contextual dynamics (e.g., gendered racism, low socioeconomic status, cultural norms, exposure to family violence, as well as cultural mistrust of the healthcare and legal systems), are associated with the high prevalence rate of African American women experiencing physical abuse. Due to the unique challenges that African American women survivors of partner violence often experience, there is a gap in the current literature …

Childless African American Women Over 50 In The Usa: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Robbie Roshyl Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations

In modern society, some African American women are choosing a career before accepting the traditional role of birthing a child or children at an early age and marriage is not always part of the equation. Women’s freedoms (i.e., equality, personal choice, sexuality) have increased since their early struggles for their rights as citizens and as women. Some are viewed as agents against the norm by some conservative-minded people by not having a child or children well into their adulthood, especially if they are over the age of 50. Research suggests that women without children are perceived negatively by others and …

Underrepresentation Of Black Participants In Drug Court: Reasons Reported For Non-Admission In Six Jurisdictions, Kathryn J. Genthon

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the beneficial impacts of drug court participation, access to these programs may not be equitable across racial groups. The reasons behind racial disparities in access to these programs are not well-documented in the current literature. This study investigates disparities in access to drug court and the possible reasons they occur. Chi-square tests are used to assess for disparities in admissions between Black and White individuals referred to drug court. Additional statistical analyses addressed the association of sex and age with admission to provide a broader picture of the impact of a variety of demographic characteristics on admission to drug …

Development & Evaluation Of An Introductory Webinar Training For Mental Health Professionals Working With Perpetrators Of Child Sexual Abuse: A Strengths-Based Sociocultural Perspective, Angie Yvette Reyes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation project was to develop an introductory webinar resource to provide training of mental health professionals (MHPs) to work with perpetrators of child sexual abuse (PCSA). The training utilizes a strengths-based approach with a focus on sociocultural considerations for working with this population. A literature review revealed a gap in resources, treatment, and clinical training pertaining to PCSA. The results of an initial training needs survey among MHPs indicated that MHPs do not receive education or training on PCSA and could benefit from training. Through this webinar training, MHPs acquire a basic understanding of PCSA and …

Generational Advancement In Sovereign Nations: A Qualitative Study Understanding The Significance Of Knowledge Infrastructure, George A. Vigil

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout history, socio-cultural and political movements have condemned indigenous peoples by advancing false rhetoric, half-truths, and equivocations championed as axiomatic principles. Foreign entities have massacred philosophies, traditions, and tribes while stealing ancestral lands that have yet to be recovered. This exploratory study examines the phenomenon of developing knowledge infrastructure within sovereign nations. A descriptive qualitative approach was used to answer the research question: To what extent, if at all, might knowledge infrastructure support generational advancement through learning and development programs within sovereign nations? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Tribal citizens, community members, and employees who currently or have worked …

From The Boardroom To The Laptop: An Exploration Of African-American Women's Journeys Navigating The Transition From Corporate America To Digital Entrepreneurship, Nina Grace Shelby

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research explores African-American women's challenges transitioning from Corporate America to entrepreneurship. It aims to highlight the lived experiences of African-American women entrepreneurs and the strategies they employ to achieve successful business ownership. The study utilized a phenomenological approach, using in-depth interviews with African-American women entrepreneurs to gather data on their experiences. The research findings identify significant challenges such as bias and discrimination, lack of resources and support, and personal obstacles that African-American women face when transitioning to entrepreneurship. The research study also identifies effective business practices used by African-American women, such as networking, mentoring, and having a solid …

Assessing The Perceived Impact Of A Local, Community-Engaged Mural Project On Preservice Art Educators In Foundational Coursework, Caitlin M. Black

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study merged the methodological frameworks of qualitative case study and narrative inquiry (Sonday et. al, 2020) to assess the perceived impact of a local, community-engaged mural art project (Mending Walls) on undergraduate preservice art educators in foundational coursework. The study was grounded in existing research in three areas: community-engaged murals, community-engaged pedagogy, and community-engaged teacher preparation. These concepts were used to frame the study and provide further rationale for the inquiry. The purpose of this case study was to understand how undergraduate preservice art educators perceived the impact of using a local, community-engaged mural project (Mending Walls) in …

The Quest For Institutionalization Of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms In The Ethiopian Criminal Justice System To Spur Social Change In The Country, Daniel Wolde Sugamo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study with the exploratory design was to explore the barriers, as perceived by Ethiopia’s national elders and women ambassadors of peace, that may impede the incorporation of Indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms (ICRMs) within the federal criminal justice system of the country to spur social change and to provide a clear policy orientation for this incorporation to take place. The servant leadership model and an ubuntu-based leadership approach provided the theoretical framework. A sample group of 20 elders who represent a number of ethnic groups at the national level participated in one-on-one interviews, and 15 …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Lived Experiences Of Adults Diagnosed With Adhd, Carole Larson Yokell

Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in the research was that many individuals were not diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) until they were adults. The purpose of the study was to examine the experiences and beliefs of participants regarding the management of ADHD and the impact that experiences may or may not have regarding the quality of life during adulthood. This study utilized a phenomenological qualitative approach to collect data from adults diagnosed with ADHD about their life experiences. Data were gathered with virtual conference interviews and phone calls using an interview protocol that the researcher developed. Qualitative methods were utilized …

The Impact Of Job Demands And Job Resources On Clery Officers’ Feelings Of Self-Efficacy, Jacqueline Pontius-Hogan

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to better understand how to support university administrators serving in a compliance role. Safety on university campuses is of utmost importance and many collaborators work toward this endeavor. Generally, on any given college or university campus, there is one administrator tasked with compliance with the Clery Act. Administrators had varying direct experience and interest in serving in this role, though all understood the importance of compliance and the consequences of noncompliance.

The researcher interviewed Clery Officers from multiple campuses. Utilizing semistructured interviews, information was gathered as to how self-efficacious these administrators felt. The intent behind …

Factores Que Inciden En La Retención De Los Estudiantes En Cursos A Distancia En Las Instituciones De Educación Superior De La Región Sur De Puerto Rico, Edwin Manuel Colon Marrero

Theses and Dissertations

Esta investigación tuvo el propósito de evaluar los factores que inciden en la retención de los estudiantes en cursos a distancia en las instituciones de Educación Superior de la Región Sur de Puerto Rico. Luego de realizar la revisión de literatura, se escogió el Modelo Compuesto de Persistencia de Rovai (2003) como marco teórico de este estudio. Este establece que los factores que inciden en la retención se agrupan en tres categorías: (a) Características Previas del Estudiante, (b) Factores Externos, y (c) Factores Internos.

Con el objetivo de cumplir el propósito de la investigación se utilizó la metodología cuantitativa con …

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Instructors Establishing Teaching Presence In Online Higher Education Programs In Jamaica, Venesse Morrison-Leon

Theses and Dissertations

Online programs are growing exponentially; the structure, program design, and instructional strategies used determine learner success and the viability of online programs. Instructors are expected to demonstrate competence as online facilitators, creating an educational experience that meets the demands of 21st-century teaching and learning. In turn, learners are expected to demonstrate readiness for learning. The community of inquiry (CoI) model was used as the framework to understand the phenomenon of establishing teaching presence and the implications in improving learner success.

There is a paradigm shift in teaching and learning online, and many universities and colleges see this as an opportunity …

Teacher Attrition Rates In A Large Urban Elementary School In The Southeastern United States, Yvonne Joy Russ

Theses and Dissertations

Educational organizations were experiencing increasing teacher attrition rates, thereby impacting teacher self-efficacy, workplace continuity, and student achievement levels. With this national crisis unfolding, schools struggled to recruit and retain high-quality teachers necessary for organizational success and student mastery of standards-based instruction. The increasing levels of teacher attrition were affecting both novice and veteran schoolteachers. The purpose of this applied dissertation was to understand the experiences of teachers impacted by the problem of increasing teacher attrition, as well as identify retention strategies to employ. Scholarly research on the topic of teacher attrition highlighted factors and issues related to this dilemma; however, …

Exploring Challenges Of Undocumented Students In Their Pursuit Of Post-Secondary Education, Yveline Gaspard Dulis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the mindsets and challenges faced by undocumented Latino students who are pursuing a post-secondary education. The study sought to explain the challenges of the DREAM Act and DACA and its challenges for approval in Congress. This study also sought to examine how undocumented students pursue a college education without financial assistance. Understanding immigration laws helped shape Americans’ perception of undocumented Latino students’ status, struggles, and financial hardships. Three leading factors that contribute to undocumented students’ persistence were analyzed in this study: financial assistance, academic issues, and legal issues. This study was conducted …

An Examination Of A Traditional Business Curriculum And Its Effect On Students’ Level Of Moral Decision Making, Brian M. Rothschild

Theses and Dissertations

The questionable decisions of prominent business leaders in major industries in the last two or more decades has called into question the ethical training corporate leaders receive and their ethical decision-making abilities. The research has been extensive but inconclusive as to whether a traditional business curriculum has the effect of developing the moral decision-making abilities of business majors at universities who may end up in industry leadership positions. Therefore, this applied dissertation was designed to contribute to the literature by providing additional information regarding using ethics as a theme throughout a traditional undergraduate business curriculum.

The study included 141 freshman …

Technological Tools And Methods Used In Formative Assessment Activities, Lisa E. Goldsmith

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation examined the use of technological tools in formative assessment activities. These phenomena have left teachers searching for timely methods to perform formative assessment or assessment for learning activities. The problem addressed by this study was that standardized testing, large class size, and increasing distance learning at all educational levels, achieving formative assessment tasks necessary for successful learning can be a challenge. The sample from which data was gathered was 189 studies and academic articles. The target of the assessment process became apparent in many of the sections studied, which led to information about the impact of the …

How Subordinates Describe Their Leader’S Political Skill And Their Organizational Citizenship Behavior (Ocb) During A Merger In The Airline Industry In Arizona: A Descriptive Perspective, Conrado Dela Cruz Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how subordinates describe their leader’s political skill and their organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) during a merger in the airline industry in Arizona. This study aimed to provide further exploration on leader political skill relating to mergers in the airline industry and if leader political skill can positively influence merger outcomes by increasing subordinate OCB levels during a merger through the breadth of information provided by the participants of this study.

The study used a qualitative methodology with a descriptive design to capture the rich descriptions of how subordinates from a …

Comparing 1:1 And Small-Group Instruction With Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Danyel Hen

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to evaluate alternative and effective forms of instruction for young students with autism spectrum disorder. The researcher examined and compared the difference in the instructional formats of 1:1 discrete trial teaching and small-group discrete trial teaching. Targets were chosen in receptive language and preacademic concepts, and differences were compared based on skill acquisition, speed of acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of skills. The participants engaged in the 8-week intervention phase of the study by following an alternating treatments design schedule during their designated center time rotations in the classroom. All participants engaged in 1:1 discrete trial …

A Phenomenological Study To Explore Educators’ Perceptions Of Recruitment And Retention Of African American Teachers In Advanced Placement Courses, Tangela Lashon Allen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation was designed to provide positive perspectives regarding recruitment and retention practices in an urban school district. Recruiting and retaining African American teachers for Advanced Placement (AP) courses is a vital educational issue in the U. S. The number of African American teachers teaching AP courses was low.

A phenomenological research design guided the study’s investigation. The phenomenon in the investigation was the underrepresentation of African American instructors of AP courses. Zoom semi-structured interview data for 15 AP teachers were analyzed with a thematic analysis approach to answer six qualitative research questions.

The theoretical framework was the Critical Race …

A Generic Qualitative Study Of District, School, And Teacher Leader Experiences With Increasing Reading And Writing Achievement, Jennifer Fowler

Theses and Dissertations

English Language Arts (ELA) test scores have declined since the 2020 COVID-19 virus caused schools and districts in the United States and around the world to shut down for substantial periods of time. School and district leaders and teachers across the country are working to increase ELA achievement.

In this generic qualitative research study, local district, school, and teacher leaders were interviewed and asked questions about their experiences with increasing reading and writing achievement using semi-structured interview protocols.

Four research questions were addressed. They concerned the challenges, successes, supports, guidance, mandates, and advice offered by district, school, and teacher leaders …

The Lived Experiences Of 911 Telecommunicators: Life Outside Of The Call Center, Mary's Dariela Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

911 operators are tasked with solving the caller's problem by promptly and efficiently decoding a cry for help, collecting pertinent information, quickly deciding its priority level, and dispatching the appropriate assistance. These employees are responsible for what happens on that line, internalizing their problems to solve those of the callers, which often result in stress disorders, trauma, and personal, professional, and social issues. Their job duties are extensive, the responsibility is vast, and the overall environment can be overwhelming. Aside from the environmental stressors, the details of each critical incident leave the employee susceptible to various risk factors and other …

Evaluating The Effects Of Video Modeling And Visual Supports On Preschoolers’ Compliance With Dental Procedures, Karly L. Orsi-Cordova

Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with autism are reported to visit the dentist infrequently. Infrequent visits to the dentist may result in a higher occurrence of caries, and it is, therefore, imperative for children with autism to visit a pediatric dental practice routinely. Some basic behaviormanagement techniques, such as live modeling and reinforcement strategies, have been used with patients with autism. The addition of techniques derived from applied behavior analysis, such as video modeling and visual supports, may increase patients’ compliance with dental procedures. Specifically, the use of visual supports and video modeling warranted further investigation on the efficacy of improving behavior during dental …

Qualitative Study Of Influences Of An Educational Support Program For Novice Teachers Relative To Their Feelings Of Support, Job Satisfaction, And Teacher Self-Efficacy, Sonya Welch

Theses and Dissertations

A problem in the field of education is a high rate of teacher turnover. Because the problem is reaching a crisis level, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive dissertation study was to describe influences of an Educational Support Program for novice teachers relative to their feelings of support, job satisfaction, and teacher self-efficacy. The program is designed to support and provide induction activities for new educators and to enhance teaching competence that promotes student learning according to state and district guidelines. Participants were 10 novice teachers working in two middle schools in one Florida school district. Participants were teachers currently …

Enhancing Cultural Intelligence In Global Leaders Through Global Leadership Development Programs: An Exploratory Case Study, Dalmarie Lawrence

Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory single case study aimed to gain an understanding of the best practices of the types of global leadership development programs that organizations are offering mid-level leaders and the effectiveness on developing cultural intelligence. Additionally, how these mid-level leaders transferred the knowledge and skills acquired from these programs were examined.

Globalization has led to diverse workforces in organizations, requiring leaders to possess specific competencies. These include inspiring and motivating employees, showing empathy, taking risks, managing change, and leading diverse teams. Global leaders must adapt to the evolving roles by developing skills in diverse effectiveness, managing paradoxes, measuring employee experiences, …

The Lived Experience And Perceived Challenges Of Child Protective Investigators Who Place Children In Foster Care, Elizabeth Presume

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation examined the difficulties and coping mechanisms associated with child welfare professionals’ interactions with vulnerable children who provide vulnerable populations with emotional, physical, mental, and psychological support. This responsibility impacts their personal life and professional performance since their regular involvement with the children and the following aspects, such as case resolution, in-depth discussions about trauma, and home visits, are emotionally and mentally taxing. The researcher conducted a phenomenological study with nine child protective investigators via an asynchronous online focus group on the Google Groups platform. The participants were all employed in the United States child welfare department, held …

Assessing Organizational Policy: Preferred Practices For Regulating Vaping In The Work Environment, Ayesha Temeka Kirk

Theses and Dissertations

Employee vaping negatively affects organizations in terms of costs, productivity, employee health, and workplace safety. The purpose of this qualitative dissertation study was to assess organizational policies to determine preferred practices to regulate vaping in the work environment. Open-ended questionnaires with 18 human resources administrators, combined with a literature review, yielded data on best practices for organizational policies regulating vaping in the work environment.The data collected in this qualitative dissertation study were extracted from a structured survey questionnaire comprising 16 questions about vaping and tobacco usage in the workplace. The findings demonstrated that vaping and the use of tobacco products …

Examining Teachers’ Experiences With Mindfulness Practices To Promote Positive Relationships And Student Engagement In The Classroom, Hiram Ortega

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years mindfulness practices in the classroom have become increasingly relevant to bring awareness to the present moment, the here-and-now. The literature indicates that mindfulness reduces stress/anxiety in the classroom, and promotes self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, self-compassion, and empathy that contributes to positive classroom behavior, communication, and effective instructional practices. The purpose of this qualitative research is to analyze teachers’ experiences with mindfulness practices in promoting positive relationships and student engagement in the classroom. A group of teachers from an at-risk school district in the southwestern region of the United States were interviewed. The teachers answered 10 open-ended questions about …

Evaluación De Las Competencias Digital Y Emprendedora En Estudiantes De Una Universidad Colombiana, Luis Eduardo Buitrago Rojas

Theses and Dissertations

La presente investigación tiene por nombre la Evaluación de las Competencias Digital y Emprendedora en Estudiantes de una Universidad Colombiana, el investigador Luis Eduardo Buitrago Rojas realizó la presente investigación en el año 2023 Disertación Aplicada, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Palabras clave: competencias digitales, competencias emprendedoras, estudiantes universitarios, educación superior Este estudio evaluó las competencias digital y emprendedora de estudiantes universitarios en un programa transversal en una universidad colombiana. El objetivo de la investigación fue identificar el nivel de competencias digitales y emprendedoras de los estudiantes. El estudio utilizó dos …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Professional Development On Communication On District And School Leaders, Paul Curtis

Theses and Dissertations

This program evaluation study used an objectives-oriented evaluation to determine the impact of professional development on effective communication to enhance leadership skills of school and district leaders in a southwestern Florida school district. Professional development is offered by the district to teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and staff members. Effective communication is the key to facilitating an impactful professional development training.

Participants were 27 teachers, administrators, and support staff in the district who completed a survey and an interview. Results showed the professional development increased communication and collaboration between and within schools in the district. School leaders showed more engagement, …