Digital Commons Network^™

Motivating Sales Personnel, Kel T. Denker

Theses

The purpose of this study is to develop a reference manual for managers to examine on a periodic basis and refresh their memories about the motivational process and its importance in the field of sales.

Research has shown that individuals are motivated differently to achieve specific goals and those who are positively motivated definitely out perform those who are not. In the field of sales, this is extremely important. This project illustrates motivational theory, personality types, a managers role, a sales persons role, and a variety of different motivational techniques.

This project is not intended to teach managers how to …

Cost-Effectiveness Of Activities In Extended-Care Facilities, Nancy Marie Knapp

Theses

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of activities in extended-care facilities. The life expectancy of older adults and housing options is presented in the introduction to this project. A literature review highlights the need for activities to maintain and restore the health of older adults in extended-care facilities. The literature shows that activities help to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of older adults. Meeting these needs leads to life satisfaction for the residents in extended-care facilities. The importance of evaluation in determining the cost-effectiveness of activities in extended-care facilities is also presented in the …

A Comparison Of Self-Esteem Scores For Adolescents Who Have Not Been Pregnant, Have Been Pregnant And Have A Child, Bridget Laffleur

Theses

The differences in the average self-esteem scores between adolescents who have not been pregnant, adolescents who are pregnant, and adolescents who have a child was the focus of this study. The subjects were adolescents ranging in age from 12 to 19 who were living in a residential treatment facility. The participants were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory. The results found that self-esteem and pregnancy status were weakly correlated but was unable to find a significance due to the low number of subjects .

Charlotte Dacre’S Zofloya: A Case Study In Miscegenation As Racial And Sexual Nausea, Diane Hoeveler

English Faculty Research and Publications

when she was 24 years old (or so she claimed) and the beautiful toast of London literary circles. Her first novel. The Confessions of the Nun of St. Omer, was written when she was eighteen (or 28, depending on what biographical source one credits) and in the grip of an infatuation with the excessive gothicism of Lewis' The Monk} Dacre's novels by 1809 were ridiculed as "lovely ROSA's prose" by Byron, who went on to mock the novels as "prose in masquerade/Whose strains, the faithful echoes of her mind,/Leave wondering comprehension far behind" (English Bards and Scotch Reviewers, 756-58). Despite …

Competitive Intelligence, Victoria Ann Stamps

Theses

The focus of this project is competitive intelligence. According to Larry Kahaner in Competitive Intelligence, "Competitive intelligence is a systematic program for gathering and analyzing information about your competitors' activities and general business trends to further your own company's goals."

Facing an information overload, business people are beginning to realize that information must be analyzed to produce actionable intelligence. Actionable intelligence has an impact on the bottom line. This new field is growing at an astonishing rate as business people realize that analyzing this information is vital to success.

The purpose of this study is to investigate why business people …

Corporate Communication With The Intranet, Carol J. Sonderman

Theses

This project will focus on the study of the intranet through a review of literature and interviews to determine its value as a corporate communication tool. Currently, the intranet is in the early "innovator and adaptor" stage of development. However, it is moving rapidly forward to the early maturity stage within the corporate world.

Intranets can connect every person, every document, and every application within an organization, no matter where they are physically located. Intranets help companies reduce their paper costs in core areas of communication such as company telephone directories, employee benefits handbooks, manuals, and interoffice or department newsletters. …

Organizational And Social Systems, Ronald James Snelson

Theses

This project explores systems theory and practice as applied to Communications. A system is an organized or complex whole; an assemblage or combination of things, or parts forming a complex or unitary whole. A system is made up of (1) inputs, (2) operations (or processes), (3) outputs. Each interacts with, and is dependent on the proper functioning of the other. If something happens to one part the others parts are affected. Thus, within an organization, what happens to one can affect the whole.

An organization is a system. The systems approach has three goals: ( 1) to define relationships both …

Opening A Child Care Facility: Tomorrow's Stars, Star E. Seeger

Theses

This thesis focuses on the child care industry and the feasibility of opening a child care center in the O'Fallon, Missouri area. It takes a look at the industry from both a national level as well as a local level, analyzing the history, business philosophy, marketing strategies, financial components, competition, management needs, and the service itself.

Research shows there is a definite lack of quality child care centers to care for the number of children in the United States who are between the ages of six months and twelve years. This is also the case in the O'Fallon area where …

Cultural Transformation: Desire To Change?, Arthur L. Seaman

Theses

Gaining knowledge about what motivates people working in an environment afflicted with laws, statutes, policies, regulations, procedures, standards and jobs threatened by political movements is considered valuable information. This thesis is a focused study of human motivation theory, with the intent of learning why past attempts to change the culture of the United States Army Aviation and Troop Command (ATCOM) and the co-located Aviation Program Executive Office (PEO) organizations have failed to produce lasting results.

It is theorized that past attempts to bring about lasting change to the culture of ATCOM and the PEO organizations have failed in part because …

Familiar Stories: Plain-Spoken Poetry From A Missouri Woman, W. Carolyn Smith

Theses

This project started as an exercise in a creative writing cluster class. Then I paid a visit to my mother and heard a couple of stories about two nephews that were poignant, yet amusing. I wrote them as I heard them, in conversational style, and the format of my story-poems was born.

The first three chapters cover my background, my training, the influences on my writing, and specifically, examples of three authors whose writing encouraged me to write. The training emphasized factual writing in business communications and journalism. Because of this training, most of the facts in the poems are …

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Gender Differences Among Washers And Checkers, Jennifer Leigh Siervo

Theses

This research project thoroughly examines Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to see if there are any gender differences between compulsive washers and checkers. The null hypothesis is that there are no gender differences between the compulsions of washing and checking. Thirty-one subjects from a local self-help group voluntarily participated in this study. Of the thirty-one participants, thirteen were men and eighteen were women. The Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Inventory was used to obtain total obsessions scores, as well as washing and checking scores. The mean scores for men and women for the total obsessions scale were compared. The women reported a higher number of compulsions …

Automating Field Data Collection In Maintenance Operations, Bob G. Mccullouch

JTRP Technical Reports

Field data collection and management in DOT organizations requires a considerable amount of resources in the form of personnel and management systems. Recent studies performed by the researcher revealed that an average of 30-50% of some field supervisory personnel's time is spent on processing field data paperwork. This is a considerable amount of time spent on an undesirable task and is taking these employees away from more important job duties. This project automated two maintenance field data collection functions. One was a Crew Day Card, which is a card used by a maintenance crew to document the activity performed. Information …

Study Of Side Ditch Liners For Highway Application, Anthony S. Calderon, Philippe L. Bourdeau

JTRP Technical Reports

Over the past few years, the INDOT new materials department has received numerous erosion control products (mostly geosynthetics) to evaluate as alternatives to riprap and concrete in ditch liners. Potential benefits include lower construction costs and better aesthetics over current products. Unfortunately, no specification, design methodology, or classification system currently exists for these erosion control blankets.

In this project's phase I, existing information and knowledge on erosion control materials used to line highway side drainage ditches were investigated. From the available technical1iterature (journal and conference publications, other DOTs specifications, manufacturer documentation, independent test laboratory test data), design methodologies, classification system, …

The Place Of Automation In National Healthcare, Ted J. Macinski

Theses

This cumulating project will focus on the development of the current U.S. healthcare system and the involvement of government, especially the federal government in this process.

The focus is on the proposal to use advanced information systems technology to establish cost control for the healthcare sector of the economy.

The issues which are addressed are what role the federal government plays in the current healthcare system, the proposed use of a comprehensive federal health data bank which would include data on all U.S. residents, and alternative applications of systems technology which are operational or under development by private and state …

Attitudes Of Student Nurses Toward Domestic Violence, Phyllis Jean Messing

Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if student nurses needed more education about domestic violence. Nurses, more than any other profession, are frequently in a position to identify and assist the victims of abuse. Presently, however, rather than addressing the hidden problem of family violence, nurses may inadvertently contribute to it, due to their lack of awareness and knowledge. Nurses, including student nurses, need to fine tune their knowledge in order to recognize the signs and symptoms surrounding family violence. Once identified, it will take an expanded level of awareness and enhanced skills to deal effectively with this …

A Study Of Body Dissatisfaction And Drive For Thinness Between African-American And Caucasian College Women, Suzanne M. Monroe

Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the similarities and/or differences in body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness between Caucasian and African-American college women. The Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) as well as questions measuring hours spent reading women's magazines and family, close friends, and significant other's view on the importance of physical thinness was distributed to 18 to 25 year old African-American and Caucasian college women at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE). The EDI-2 is a self-report questionnaire that consists of 91 questions which generate 11 independent subscales. Only 3 of the II subscales were analyzed: I) Drive …

The Link Between Established Psychological Type Preferences And Academic Achievement In Elementary School Students, Shelley Nacke

Theses

Sixty-four third through eighth grade students from a rural parochial school were tested using the Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children (MMTIC). Students were divided into three groups on the basis of the MMTIC scores: those showing no undetermined preferences, those showing one undetermined preference and those showing two or more undetermined preference. Grade point averages (GPA) were used to determine academic achievement for these students. Mean GP A scores for the three groups were compared using the t-test. Those students with two or more undetermined preferences showed significantly lower mean GP A scores than those students with no undetermined preferences.

An Analysis Of Price Discrimination Of Alcoholic Beverages: Marketing Towards African-American Vs. Anglo-Americans In St. Louis Communities, Tamara L. Morrow

Theses

This thesis will focus on the analysis of price discrimination of alcoholic beverages marketed towards African-Americans in St. Louis. Missouri.

Research has indicated that alcoholic beverages cost more in predominantly African-American communities compared to predominantly Anglo-American communities. Previous studies indicate certain factors that play a major role in identifying price discrimination. Some of these factors include social class, type of retail store and brand names and images.

However, an investigation of price discrimination of alcoholic beverages can indicate other reasons why prices are higher in certain areas. The percentage of alcohol and consumer demand in particular areas may pre-determine the …

The History Of American Health Care, Michael R. Niehaus

Theses

Health care in America has grown predominately in response to both social and religious need. All though historically social position was the primary determinant of a patients ability to receive health care, today insurance plays a major role in ones ability to receive that care. This thesis will examine some of the social changes which have effected American hospital and its relation to the patients ability to pay .

Marital Status And The Parent-Child Relationship: Contentment With The Parent-Child Relationship Of Single Parents And Married Parents, Jennifer Marie Reinsch

Theses

A study was completed looking at marital status as it relates to parental contentment with the parent-child relationship. This varied from previous studies which looked at the quality of the marital relationship or measured the child's satisfaction with the parent-child relationship. A total sample of 48 parents participated, comprised of 34 married parents and 14 single parents. All participants were Caucasian, had children ages five to 14 attending a Midwest, urban, Catholic elementary school, and were between the ages of 27 and 49. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The Index of Parental Attitudes (IP A) was utilized to measure parental …

Freeway Incident Likelihood Prediction And Response Decision-Making, Samer Madanat, Hongyu Pan, Pen-Chi Liu, Hualiang Teng

JTRP Technical Reports

This research project consisted of two parts. The first part developed a set of real-time incident likelihood prediction models. The second part developed a freeway incident response decision-making methodology based on sequential hypothesis testing methods. The freeway incident likelihoods predicted by the real-time prediction models act as prior probabilities for the freeway incident response decision-making system. The products of this research project will be incorporated in the Advanced Traffic Management System that is being implemented on the Borman Expressway, a 16-mile segment of I-80 in northwest Indiana. The decision-making system can be used by traffic management personnel to assist in …

The Workplace Of The Future: The 9 To 5 Office Is Dead, Terry Ann Rooney

Theses

The Workplace of the Future: The 9 to 5 Office is Dead by Terry Ann Rooney, explores the shift away from traditional work schedules in favor of more flexible arrangements. Rooney argues that businesses must adapt to evolving workforce expectations by embracing alternative work schedules such as telecommuting, flex-time, job sharing, and compressed workweeks.

The research highlights demographic shifts, particularly the increasing presence of women and minority workers, which necessitate greater workplace flexibility. The document outlines the advantages of these work models, including increased employee productivity, job satisfaction, and retention, as well as reduced absenteeism and operational costs for employers. …

Prisms: A Study Of Color As Light, Form And Motion, E. Deloras Bauer

Theses

Unavailable.

Airline Deregulation: Success Of Failure, Bonnie E. Barczykowski

Theses

This thesis focused on the study of airline deregulation and the impact it made on the airlines and the consumers.

The history of the airline industry was reviewed, as well as the specific events which lead to the formation of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978.

Following deregulation there were debates as to whether deregulation bad achieved its original goals . These debates have continued up until today.

The hypothesis stated herein was that research would indicate that airline deregulation had benefited the industry as a whole and that if further deregulation and more adherence to policies under deregulation were …

A Proactive Approach To Juvenile Delinquency Utilizing The K.A.R.E. Program, Shae Cody Abram

Theses

This project will focus on the study of juvenile delinquency in America and the growing trend of juveniles between the age of 12 and 16 years old who are both the victims and perpetrators of criminal activity. It introduces a program called K.A.R.E., an acronym for Kids At Risk Education which is a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency.

Breakdowns in family life, neighborhood environments, socioeconomic, inequities, and peer group's pressures have contributed to this growing trend of youth crimes. Youth violence has become one of the leading causes of death for juveniles in this country. …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Optimism, Pessimism, And Depression, Brian E. Elledge

Theses

The relationship between optimism, pessimism , and depression was investigated . Graduate counseling students (N=44) currently enrolled in school were recruited by a sample of convenience to participate in the study . The subjects were administered three questionnaires measuring optimism, pessimism, and depression, as well as a data sheet to help describe the sample. Correlational analyses only showed significant relationships between gender and optimism, and between race and depression. No significant relationships were found between optimism and depression, or pessimism and depression . The implications for these findings are discussed.

Management Needs And Development Of Nursing Administrators In The Long Term Care Industry, Myrtle Jean Darnell

Theses

This thesis will focus on the role of the nursing administrator in long-term care in the past, at present, and the requirements for the future. The major emphasis will be to focus on the educational needs required for the nursing administrators to function effectively in their role as top nursing leader of the facility.

There are many external forces affecting long-term care facilities: early discharges from hospitals result in sicker residents in the nursing home, a case mix prospective payment system is being piloted for rollout to all fifty states, and managed care enrollment is increasing for the Medicare population, …

T.H.A.N.K.S.: Teens Helping Anyone Needing Knowledge Service, Carole Dawn Arrendale

Theses

This thesis is a business plan for a new non-profit organization for volunteerism. This non-profit organization will connect college students, high school students, grade school students, and other nonprofit agencies for the purpose of providing volunteers to non-profit agencies.

The enactment of the Welfare Reform Act (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, TANF) has created a greater need for quality, well-trained volunteers in order to meet the growing demands for and needs of non-profit agencies. The □ew deadline for Welfare to Work is now 2-5 years and public assistance such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), food stamps, and …

Quality Assisted Living For Older Adults, A Study Of Three Single Family Homes, A Viable Housing Alternative To Institutionalization, Rhonda Lynn Dahlberg

Theses

Long-term care is one of the greatest threats to the financial security of older Americans and their families. People are living longer and because of this many are becoming frail, developing functional impairments and suffering from chronic illnesses. In the past, elderly people did not have many options when health problems made running a household too difficult to manage. It then became necessary to explore other housing alternatives. Previously, nursing homes were the traditional solution for individuals without the family resources to help them stay at home.

Today, new housing options are emerging. These housing options are gaining considerable attention. …

An Investigation Into The Design & Implementation Of A Customer Service Manual For Laboratories In A Hospital Setting, Fay M. Kraft

Theses

The following applied learning expository thesis will focus on the design and implementation of a customer service manual for reference laboratories in a hospital setting.

The purpose of the manual is to provide direction for the reference laboratory customer service employees. Specifically, the manual consists of a series of steps which will enable employees to better service the hospital reference laboratory customers. The manual was broken down into sections which addressed characteristics, order taking, dispatching phlebotomists, proper collection of specimens, phlebotomy notification, registration of patient specimens, processing and reviewing of specimens, hiring, training, customer satisfaction, complaints and expectations.

Three reference …