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Strategies Business Leaders Use To Mitigate Online Credit Card Fraud, Clarissa Rosario-Tavarez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Online credit card fraud targeting banks, customers, and businesses costs millions of U.S. dollars annually. Online business leaders face challenges securing and regulating the online payment processing environment. Grounded in the situational crime prevention theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies online business leaders use to mitigate the loss of revenue caused by online credit card fraud. The participants comprised five online business leaders of an organization in the Southwest of the United States, who implemented strategies that successfully mitigated revenue losses due to online credit card fraud. The data were collected from semistructured …

Speech-Language Pathologists’ Thoughts About Emotion Regulation Therapy To Improve Students’ Employability, Phyllis R. Scott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractHigh school graduates with language deficits often have poor emotion regulation (ER), enter the workforce unprepared to meet the emotional demands, and experience workforce outcomes that lead to a poor quality of life. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) teach ER, but little is known about ER-targeted speech-language therapy (ERSLT) for high schoolers with mild-to-moderate language impairments and ER deficits (MMLI/ER). This study was designed to explore SLPs’ views and decisions about providing ER-SLT to improve career readiness and employability for students with MMLI/ER. Several studies, the evidence-based practice (EBP) model, and a thematic analysis approach informed this integrative interpretive description design and …

Racial Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion Workplace Competencies At A Washington State Agency, Yolanda Denise Geolingo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative project provided a content analysis of secondary data to develop and implement racial equity, diversity, and inclusion workplace competencies for a White-led Washington State government organization. This organization sought to work towards racial equity at its center, based on Governor Jay Inslee's mandate. Consequently, leaders have redesigned systems and cultures using a racial equity lens to understand the concept better. Understanding racism helps to bridge a gap in the literature on how personal and professional beliefs play a significant role in institutional racism and its operation within their organization. The critical race theory informed leaders on how policy, …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Human Resources Managers Hiring Applicants With Past Criminal Convictions, Semone Martin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Felony convictions leave ex-offenders searching for employment but are regularly denied jobs due to their status as past felons. Inability to obtain employment has been shown to increase recidivism. The research problem was that the hiring managers' perception of the applicants with past criminal convictions could distort their hiring decisions. This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experiences of seven human resources managers within New York City through random sampling. This study's conceptual framework was grounded in Durkheim's labeling and Goffman's social stigma theories. The research question asked what the lived experiences of hiring managers were when …

Effects Of Educational Curricula On Recidivism In A Community-Based Correctional Facility, Todd Angello

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recidivism in a community-based correctional facility (CBCF) was high. The average recidivism rate was 32.7%; however, in a Northeast Midwest U.S. state, the CBCF was 44%. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the effects of three educational curricula on recidivism at one CBCF. The Positive Reentry for Midwestern State Offenders certificate courses (vocational), the credit-bearing courses (college), the ASPIRE General Education Degree (GED), and no additional courses taken were tested on their predictive power of recidivism. The theoretical framework was Hirschi’s social bond theory. A binomial logistic regression was conducted to determine the effects of each …

Crisis Intervention Team Training On Autism Among Female Cit-Trained Police Officers, Julie Hall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this qualitative case study was the lack of documentation that supports the perceptions and experiences of crisis intervention team (CIT) trained female police officers related to their encounters with persons with mental illness (PwMI) with autism. Using Giles’s communicative accommodation theory (CAT), the purpose of this study examined the perceptions of CIT-trained female police officers of PwMI with autism during encounters. Giles’s CAT was aligned closest with the teachings of CIT training. Seven participants provided data which comprised of completed questionnaires and transcribed interviews. The method of analysis used was a combination of inductive coding and …

A Qualitative Study Exploring How Male U.S. Veterans Experience Empathy, Elda Marina Stepp

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThis qualitative study explored the lived experiences of male U.S. combat veterans with empathy and how this features in their transition back into society. Davis’s cognitive and emotional empathy served as the conceptual framework to expand further on this topic. Seven male U.S. combat veterans who had deployed at least once in their military career and lived as civilians for the past 10 to 15 years were interviewed through Zoom. Recruiting methods included social media, veteran meeting places, and snowballing approaches. Results from interpretative phenomenological analysis of the interview data included six main themes: feelings of compassion before deployment, feelings …

Experiences Of Counselors Who Provide Services To African American Men With Repeated Domestic Violence Abuse Reports, Miselene Kruer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Domestic violence has been a major concern in the United States. To effectively work with domestic violence offenders, counselors must have the skills and knowledge needed. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand lived experiences of counselors who provide in-home counseling services to African American men who are repeat domestic violence offenders and received a subsequent abuse report within 6 months after in-home services were discontinued. The goal was to try to develop an understanding of experiences of counselors who provide services to these men. Interviews were used to collect data. I used Otter to transcribe all …

The Relationship Between Housing/Living Arrangement And Admission To Drug Treatment Centers In Virginia, Odessa Ochoa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homeless veterans with substance use disorders are among the most vulnerable and inaccessible populations in Virginia, which is evident by the lack of state and local resources. This cross-sectional study was conducted to present a retrospective assessment of the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) to develop an understanding of the impact of housing arrangements on admission to long-term drug treatment centers among veterans in Virginia. To guide the study, the socioecological model was selected as the theoretical framework to better examine and understand the relationship between housing/living arrangement and admission to drug treatment centers among Virginia veterans. The aim of …

The Experiences Of Female Survivors Of Sexual Assault When They Make A Police Report, Tracy L. Rainey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nearly 20% of all women will be the victim of an attempted or completed sexual assault within the United States, yet less than one quarter of victims will report their experienced crime to law enforcement (LE). Many survivors of sexual violence experience apprehension about reporting sexual assault, due to fear of social consequences, relational consequences, and fear of the reprisal from LE officers. The purpose of this interpretive descriptive qualitative study was to describe and interpret the experiences of adult, female sexual assault survivors when they make a LE report about their victimization. Resilience theory, which is the study of …

Lawyers’ Perspective: The Criminal Justice System’S Support Of Domestic Abuse Victims In Jamaica., Sonia Burrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Domestic violence in Jamaica can be contextually understood through radical feminism and social learning theory used in this study to explain the patriarchal social structures, intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence, and normalization of this behavior. This phenomenological study examined the criminal justice system's support of victims of intimate partner violence and results indicated reforms to improve initiatives to eradicate this violent conduct. The data collection method was semi-structured interviews of 12 lawyers in Jamaica, functioning in a legal capacity as prosecutors and family law practitioners, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results demonstrated that the criminal justice system reduces …

Society’S Perception Of Former Offender’S Impact On Housing Accommodation Options, Fealita Kimbre Prunty

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was designed to explore United States societal members’ perception of the term offender and crime type concerning post-incarceration housing accommodations in the United States. Housing is an essential need for offenders re-entering society and can contribute to recidivism rates. The purpose of this study was to explore United States adult societal members’ perception of the term offender and crime type concerning post-incarceration housing accommodations in the United States. This study included a parallel mixed-method design inspired by Teddlie and Tashakkori. The theoretical framework incorporated Becker’s labeling theory. This study examined the United States adult societal members’ perception of …

Motivations Of Youth Engaged In International Drug Smuggling Through The Perceptions Of Law Enforcement In San Diego County, Gabrielle Suzanne Smyth

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The use of illegal narcotics in the United States is an epidemic that requires significant and measurable results. Not only are illegal drugs crossing from Mexico into the United States a threat to public safety, but the involvement of juveniles is also becoming increasingly dangerous. Since early 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) San Diego Field Division has seen a disturbing trend of Mexican cartels increasingly recruiting juveniles from high schools in southern San Diego County to smuggle drugs through the ports of entry. The theoretical framework utilized in this study was social learning theory. The logical connection between social …

Food Availability And Sanitation Conditions In Pademba Road Prisons, A Case Study, Santos Alimamy Bangura

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Prisons generally suffer from poor sanitation and food shortages that undermine the health and overall quality of inmates’ lives. Focusing on Pademba Road Prison in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the purpose of this study was to provide policy recommendations that benefit the inmates by ensuring they receive nutritious meals and improved conditions of hygiene. The following research question shaped the study: What policies can be formulated that would give inmates access to adequate food and improved sanitation at Pademba Road Prison? This qualitative case study took place in single research setting and focused on the dilemma of the workers and …

Perspectives Of Law Enforcement Officers In A Suburban Community On Use Of Body Cameras, Todd Samuel Nagbe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

As law enforcement in the United States struggles to improve relationships with the communities they serve, especially in the wake of unprecedented police use of deadly force incidents, police community relations continue to deteriorate. With advancements in technology and the creation and introduction of the Internet, footage of police misconduct including the use of deadly force has been shared on social media in real time. This has made situations between the community and police fragile to a point where it sometimes results in rioting and other public disturbances. Many have asked if the introduction of police worn-body camera systems …

Self-Identified Atheists In 12-Step Substance Use Disorder Treatment And Aftercare, Elizabeth Clare Bayley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Minnesota model is ubiquitous in the United States for the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD). The model uses 12 steps and is centered on a belief in god(s) or a higher power; however, it is anathema to an atheist worldview. Researchers have noted that atheists do not readily become involved with 12-step programs and tend to drop out; however, there had been no qualitative investigations of the lived experiences of atheists in 12-step SUD treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 12-step SUD treatment was problematic for atheists. An integrated theoretical framework was used. Minority …

Lived Experiences Of Life Partners Of Police Officers Working In Crimes Against Children Units, Maria Beagle

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Police stress is an ongoing concern in law enforcement; however, limited research has demonstrated how work-related stress affected life partners of police officers. According to Selye’s stress theory, the occupational demands placed on individuals can negatively impact their personal lives and their relationships. Law enforcement officers, especially those working cases that are sexual in nature, experience significant emotional distress. This study sought to examine the lived experiences of the partners of those who work in Crimes Against Children (CAC) units. CAC units include investigative evidence that has been considered traumatic. Specific examination of stress that life partners experience was conducted …

Relationships Between Social Bonds And Non-Reoffender Status Among Female Offenders, Tiffinny Beard

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe purpose of this quantitative longitudinal correlational study was to examine whether positive social bonds with caring, supportive family, prosocial peers, and spouses/partners were significantly predictive of non-reoffender status using archival data from a sample of female offenders who were under community supervision in the state of Michigan during the years 2011–2014. The study had three interval predictor variables: positive social bonds with family, prosocial peers, and spouse/partner. The dichotomous criterion variable was recidivism (i.e., reoffending within a three-year period). The study sample was 325 female offenders on probation or parole in Michigan during the years of 2011–2014. Most of …

Law Enforcement And Racial Profiling Among African Americans And Hispanics In The United States America, Jeremy Christopher Bell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractRacial profiling among African Americans and Hispanics brings significant challenges to police conduct in providing police service to minority groups. Recent events of racial profiling committed by law enforcement officers bring negative perceptions toward police officers. African Americans and Hispanics are among the highest population groups arrested and mistreated by law enforcement officers. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine the lived experience of racial profiling among African Americans and Hispanics against police officers. The research question for this study examined the lived experience of African Americans/ Hispanics over 18 who were racially profiled by police officers. …

The Longevity Of A Law Enforcement Career Post Critical Incident, Alyce E. Clark

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Law enforcement officers experience traumatic events that can have an impact on their health and their career. Regardless of the continued research on police and mental health, challenges persist. The stigma is that law enforcement officers are tough and keep their emotions to themselves; however, they are human, like the community they serve. Due to possible consequences related to officers discussing having mental health problems after critical incidents, police officers may be reluctant to seek help due to backlash. Interviews were completed in a two-tier format that led to follow-up questions with surveys specifically related to alcohol and burnout found …

Strategies For Developing And Implementing Internal Controls For Mitigating Retail Consumer Fraud, Anna Marie Foye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The lack of consumer fraud internal controls can destroy a small business. Small retail business owners who do not practice good internal controls are susceptible to early failure. Using the fraud triangle theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small retail business owners use to develop and implement internal controls for mitigating retail consumer fraud. Participants consisted of four small retail business owners in the Southeastern United States who practiced effective internal controls. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and financial documents and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: financials, monitoring, and segregation …

Law Enforcement Officers' Experience Of Crisis Intervention Team (Cit) Training, Jessica Yolanda Goings

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe decline in mental health services has led to an increased role of law enforcement officers (LEOs), who are often the first to respond to mental health crisis incidents. Despite the specialized training that officers receive, there continues to be a public consensus that LEOs lack proficiency when handling a mental ill individual and have a deficiency in communication skills. The purpose of the research was to explore the experience of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for LEOs and then describe how their experience ensued once deployed to the field to handle mental health encounters. Evaluations of CIT training have …

High School Educators' Perceptions Of Professional Development Needs For Implementation Of Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports, Daniel Thomas Henley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem investigated by this study is that professional development (PD) provided for educators had not prepared them to implement behavior interventions and positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) to meet classroom management and students’ needs. This basic qualitative study was conducted to investigate the experiences of high school educators, who implemented behavior interventions and PBIS at the exemplar sample site, and to identify the supports, advantages, and barriers they encountered. Using Glasser’s choice and Skinner’s operant conditioning theories, research questions focused on educators’ perceptions and experiences with PD to identify the supports, advantages, and barriers at the exemplar site …

The Experience Of Affection Expressed Between Black Male Friends, David Manning

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAffectionate communication supports the maintenance and sustenance of long-term relationships for the purposes of survival and procreation. Friendship has been identified as one of the most significant relationships throughout an individual’s lifespan, supporting improved mental and physical health. This qualitative study explored the expressions of affection experienced within Black male friend dyads. Two research questions were posed, what is the experience of Black men receiving and giving affection to other Black men within the context of friendships? Also, are the affectionate needs of Black men being met within their Black male friendships? Affectionate exchange theory and social learning theory were …

Workforce Development Strategies That Impact Reentry Of Released Females In New York City, Shonae L. Mills

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Formerly incarcerated women often find it difficult to reintegrate into their communities after release. For this population, adjustment to changes directly impacts their reentry success in all areas of life. Previous research has identified significant gaps in social services for formerly incarcerated females (FIFs). Service providers' perspectives about practices and policies to address the problem are inadequate, and as a result, service provisions suffer. Therefore, this qualitative study was used to examine the shared experiences of 15 workforce development professionals who assist FIFs during their reentry process to evaluate and assess the most effective methods or policies that assist this …

An Exploration Of Male Ex-Offenders' Experiences Of Postsecondary Education And Reentry, Marvin Lee Moore, Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The research problem addressed in this study is postsecondary education in prisons, ex-offenders, and the issues surrounding their reintegration into society. The primary focus is on ex-offenders who had received postsecondary education in prison, their experience obtaining a credential, and their ability to cease criminalistic behavior. After time served and education acquired, lack of inclusion within society perpetuated the problems ex-offenders faced when reentry occurred. This study includes an exploration of the experiences of ex-offenders who had received postsecondary education while in prison. The theoretical frameworks for this study were Leibrich’s desistance theory and Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. The generic qualitative …

Understanding The Perspectives Of African American Gay And Bisexual Men Toward Hiv, Victor Onwezi , Ikechukwu Nwanguma

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is an urgent need to stop the HIV epidemic among African American gay and bisexual men in the United States. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to identify the health issues responsible for the HIV epidemic among African gay and bisexual men. Two theoretical frameworks that guided the study were the transtheoretical model and the syndemic theory. The study's research involved understanding African American gay and bisexual men's perspective toward HIV infections and their understanding of possible reasons HIV rates appear to increase in their community. Semi-structured telephone interviews and field notes were used to collect primary …

Principals’ Perceptions Of How To Reduce Discipline Disparities For Black Students, Brandi Lee Pineda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Disparity exists in disciplinary actions taken toward Black students compared to White students in the public schools of a county school district in a Southwest U.S. state. Successful school leadership practices are needed to minimize the disproportionality of Black students being expelled, suspended, and routed to the school-to-prison pipeline. The purpose of this basic qualitative case study was to explore school leaders’ perceptions of how to reduce the disciplinary actions taken with Black students in the public schools of a county school district in a Southwest U.S. state. The conceptual framework was critical race theory. The research questions addressed (a) …

Experiences Of Social Workers Providing Sentencing Advocacy For Youth Of Color, Steven Robinson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The punitive sentencing of minority youthful offenders is contrary to the juvenile justice system’s founding principles of rehabilitation. Moreover, the introduction of mitigation helps to inform the courts’ decisions on the most appropriate recourse; however, few researchers have studied the experiences of social workers who provide sentencing advocacy for minority youth. This basic qualitative study explored the experiences of social workers in Louisiana involved in addressing sentencing disparities of minority youth and the changes social workers perceive as necessary to reduce these disparities. Six social workers in Louisiana were interviewed regarding their experiences related to providing sentencing advocacy for minority …

Law Enforcement Officers’ Lived Experiences With Male Victims Of Intimate Partner Violence, Selena Sanchez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects every race, culture, orientation, and sex. However, researchers focus largely on women as victims of IPV by men. Unfortunately, social and gender norms contribute to the focus on women as victims while adult heterosexual men remain underreported, underrepresented, and viewed predominantly as perpetrators. For example, 91% of men were arrested when IPV was reported, and officers responded to the call. This was referred to as gendered stigmatization. This transcendental qualitative phenomenological approach focused on the lived experiences of law enforcement officers who were called to the scene where IPV had occurred or was occurring, and …