Digital Commons Network^™

The Market And Ethics: The Case Of The 1994 Decision By The Clinton Administration To Delink China's Human Rights Record From Most-Favored-Nation Status, Susan C. Morris

Graduate Program in International Studies Theses & Dissertations

Amid the globalization of markets and the interdependence of states, human rights violations throughout the world still persist. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the economic interdependence of nations and the moral responsibilities of nations by examining the case of the 1994 decision by the Clinton administration to delink China's human rights practices from most-favored-nation status.

The annual 1997 Freedom House world survey of human rights rated China at its lowest point and quoted that “the regime continues to have one of the worst human rights records in the world.”1 Yet despite China's ongoing human …

Pretrial Release In Virginia: Investigating The Influence Of Defendant Characteristics And Community Type On Pretrial Outcome, Marie L. Vannostrand

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

This study identified defendant characteristics that are related to pretrial outcome (success or failure pending trial) in Virginia. The study also investigated the potential differences in predictors across community types (Large Urban, Small Urban, Mixed, and Rural). Identification of factors that are predictors of outcome, as well as any differences across community types, can assist judicial officers in making the bail decision. The bail decision, to release or incarcerate a defendant pending trial, is a monumental one. Judicial officers must attempt to fairly and equitably balance the rights and needs of the defendant with those of the public at large. …

Civilian Conservation Corps Rubble And Masonry Dams And Gully Morphology In Northeastern Iowa, Timothy Robert Beerman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created in 1933 in an effort to help solve the problems associated with the lack of jobs for young men, the nations dwindling natural resources, and problems associated with soil erosion. The CCC's work in Iowa was primarily in the areas of reforestation and erosion control. Company 1749 of Cresco, Iowa stands out as an example of how the CCC worked to halt erosion. As a part of their erosion-control strategy, Company 1749 built a large number of rubble and masonry dams on gullies. These dams were designed to trap sediments and prevent further …

Teaching Prayer: Pilot Survey Of Academic Courses On Personal Prayer, E. James Baesler

Communication & Theatre Arts Faculty Publications

The practical concerns of an individual interested in learning about prayer in an academic context are interconnected with the practical concerns about teaching an academic course on prayer. A pilot study proposed to investigate and evaluate the context and content of academic courses on personal prayer from the perspective of teaching prayer, asking what proportion of institutions of higher education offer courses on prayer, in which department, and on what level. The search was limited to the Christian faith, and in particular to private colleges and universities of the Catholic denomination. An online Internet search yielded a sample of 126 …

Visual Communication And Entertainment Through Animation, James T. Hamrock

Graduate Research Papers

Virtual animation is used today for everything including entertainment in motion pictures and video games, advertising on television and the internet, virtual animated videos used for industrial teaching aids, and project approvals for major building construction. Many modem companies are now insisting that new products are created using 3-D modeling and occasionally animation before approving funds for further development.

The research question in this work centers around thoughts and visions being effectively communicated so others can comprehend and share in the same perspective. This research will show the use of technology in answering this important question: Exploration of the literature …

The Reasons Why Many African-American And Hispanic Women Do Not Choose Careers In Technology, Kathryn Elizabeth Guzman

Graduate Research Papers

There have been numerous statistics showing that minorities including women, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, are least likely to choose careers in the science and technology field. Along with those studies have been possible reasons why they choose not to enter into the field. Reasons have ranged from lack of encouragement to people just telling them flat out that there is no possible way that they can succeed in the field.

This study found that African-American and Hispanic women do not choose careers in technology for many of the same reasons. As young children, some factors are the way teachers …

Technology In Education : Is It Working?, Daryl Hartwig

Graduate Research Papers

Presents an overview of determining if implementation of technology into classrooms of schools is a significant factor in the increase in student learning. Results in technology assessments as well as the comparing and contrasting of traditional learning versus constructivist learning by ways of technology are closely examined. Successful guidelines for the implementation of technology into classrooms are also discussed in showing their important relationship in the enhancement of student learning. The end results are that there is much evidence which proves that the integration of technology into the classroom of schools is advantageous and therefore draws upon the conclusion that …

How Telecommunications Is Assisting The United States In Adult Educational Distance Learning Programs, Telemedicine, And Future Applications, Minna Ann Harrison

Graduate Research Papers

The future of telecommunications becomes more unpredictable every passing day. Products and services that were just dreamed of in the past, only six months to a year ago, are here and ready to be used in everyday life. Wireless service has been affected by PCS providers who are offering services to customers that are considerably cheaper. Voice recognition programs/applications were only being bounced around in 1997, but currently are being used at work places and homes. At the 1998 Comdex technology trade show six major software companies were promoting their voice recognition programs.

There are some glitches still. But as …

Teacher-Controlled Web Pages And Their Impact On Home/School Communication, Colleen S. Hobus

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to examine teacher-controlled Web pages and how they can impact school/home communication. Thirty-three eighth grade parents voluntarily responded to a survey about the communication practices between the eighth grade teachers and eighth grade parents in the Avoca-Hancock-Shelby-Tennant School District.A teacher-controlled Web page was set up and put into practice for a one and one-half month period. Parents and students were encouraged to access the Web page for daily assignment updates and special announcements.

At the end of the one and one-half month period, the parents were surveyed again and the results indicated …

Television Violence : The Impact And Influence On Children And Adolescents, Preston B. Hoskins

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will look at the history of violent youth, and the unique development of youth violence in our country. The author will examine the unique characteristics that make media such a powerful communicative source. The author will show how living in a media culture affects the way youth behave, and will explore the extent to which media messages have power over their lives. Information on the significance of television violence on the behaviors of youth will be included.

Improved Literacy In The Content Areas, Mauri Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

Many sixth graders struggle with the reading process. As they progress through middle school, they need to learn to improve vocabulary and comprehension skills while learning content material. This project considered the best practices for strengthening reading skills described in current literary sources. The purpose of this project was to provide middle level teachers instructional ideas designed to strengthen reading skills in the content area of social studies.

School-Based Intervention Programs For Dropouts, Mmamiki Gaolatlhe Kamanakao

Graduate Research Papers

The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an extensive review of the literature and research related to the dropout problem in the United States. It discusses some of the intervention programs in school settings that have been evaluated to date. The role of school psychologists in planning and implementing the components that make those intervention programs successful are highlighted. Chapter two describes the nature and extent of the dropout problem, and how the lack of a uniform definition and good data aggravates this problem.

Causes of dropping out and its consequences to the individuals and the society at …

What About Me? : The Final Question Of A Suicidal Teen, Peggy Ann Kleve

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescents need access to vital information on how to help a friend who is contemplating suicide. They need to be able to identify the signs and seek assistance from an understanding adult.

This research project, What About Me? The final question of a suicidal teen, was designed to determine whether reading an adolescent novel can educate teens about depression and suicide awareness. I wrote the adolescent novel so young adolescents would be able to relate to the main character and learn from her mistakes.

Looping : An Old Idea Revisited, Steven J. Koester

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to examine the existing literature and research available on the topic of looping, and to synthesize the information into a comprehensive report. This paper includes the historical background of looping, an explanation of the basics of looping, the examination of the teacher-student relationship, and the advantages and disadvantages of looping.

Authentic Instruction And Assessment : The Revision Of A Unit Of Study In Social Studies, Katherin Koranda

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to research authentic instruction and assessment. After analyzing the results of a literature review, a unit on the United States Constitution was rewritten to include these two concepts. Current literature confirms that students are better prepared for life if teachers use techniques that bring the subject to life for the student. In order for teachers to successfully use authentic instruction, the focus needs to be on the assessment component.

This paper includes discussion of the different types of authentic assessment and the different ways to perform the assessments. The advantages and disadvantages of each …

An Identification Of The Core Variables That Assist People Diagnosed With Mental Illness In A Time Of Transition, Robyn M. Martin

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study has sought to identify the core variables or factors that are utilised by people with a diagnosis of mental illness in a time of transition. The specific transition involved study participants exiting a non government community mental health agency. The variables of interest are those that assist individuals to cope during this time of change and transition. The specific transition involves participants leaving or exiting from a non government mental health agency that provides community based, psychosocial support. The study topic is located in the context of a formalised mental health system in the process of changing from …

Shamanism And Alien Abductions : A Comparative Study, Simon Brian Harvey-Wilson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Some UFO researchers (ufologists) claim that being abducted by aliens can be compared with shamanic initiation experiences in traditional societies in that both types of experience may be similarly transformative, leading to a more spiritual or animistic world-view, a deep concern for the environment and the development of paranormal abilities such as healing. This qualitative study is designed to investigate the validity of such claims. The research aim is to see whether the experiences and subsequent world-view of eleven alien abductees (eight women and three men) from a local abduction support group are similar to those of the typical shaman …

Dual Disorders And Implications For Assessment And Treatment, Eva Rosada

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Part 1: Literature review. This review of the published literature examines the consequences for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder and chronic mental illness in traditional treatment systems that provide separate mental health and substance use treatment and identifies barriers to effective service delivery. Barriers to effective assessment and treatment are related to a lack of integration of treatments, a Jack of networking among services, and a failure to identify and assess adequately for the presence of a dual disorder. The attitude of professionals towards DD individuals is indicated as a potential barrier. Professional education in dual disorders is emphasized …

What Counts As Accountability? : Towards An Accountability Framework For The Pre-Primary, Lennie Barblett

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Accountability in the pre-primary year has become a focus for attention as schools develop corporate school plans. Pre-primary teachers can no longer work in isolation and are required to implement the school development plan in order to account for their portion of the school's work. This study aimed to find out how pre-primary teachers accounted for their educational programs and what factors influenced their accountability notions and practices. The study conducted in Western Australia used an ecological theoretical framework. Data was collected using multi-modal techniques and analysed using an interpretive-constructivist approach. Three case studies, a questionnaire and focus groups of …

When Teachers Are Victims : A Study Of Support In Western Australian Government Schools For Teachers Who Have Been Assaulted By Students, Rebecca Evans

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The aims of this study were to determine the personal effects of student assault upon a teacher and what assaulted teachers feel that they need in the way of support. In particular, I wanted the study to focus on the personal aspects of the cases as I was convinced that assaulted teachers experience similar anxieties, fears and barriers to support and similar difficulties in having those feelings recognised. Many clinical studies of assault victim support have been conducted, however, seemingly none of them are specifically related to assault by a student upon a teacher. This specific type of assault involves …

The Marketing Orientation Of Small And Medium Enterprises: An Australian Study, Venkateswara S. Venkatesan

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The market orientation construct has emerged as a key marketing theme in the 1990's. While the concept of being focussed on the market (customers and competitors) has been known since the early 1950's (e.g. Drucker,1954), putting the concept into practice through a set of specific actions has eluded many organisations and academics. As a result, market orientation (also termed market focus, customer focus and competitor focus) had remained a business philosophy (Bennett & Cooper, 1979: Felton, 1959; Konopa & Calabro,1971) more than a strategic approach. While there have been sporadic attempts at defining or operationalisinga marketing or customer orientation in …

Attitudes Towards Female Sports Stars As Endorsers, Kevin R. James

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Successful and popular sports people have often been utilised as celebrity endorsers to encourage consumers to purchase goods and services. While male sports stars have a well-documented history as product endorsers, their female counterparts have been infrequently used, rarely studied and occasionally mismanaged. Using the dimensions that influence the credibility of a celebrity endorser, this study specifically examines consumer attitudes towards female sports stars as endorsers. Respondents intention to purchase was measured for three different products. As well, the attitude towards perceived attractive and non-attractive female sports stars was also explored. A three stage design, comprising of focus groups, specific …

M-Garch Hedge Ratios And Hedging Effectiveness In Australian Futures Markets, Wenling Yang

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study deals with the estimation of the optimal hedge ratios using various econometric models. Most of the recent papers have demonstrated that the conventional ordinary least squares (OLS) method of estimating constant hedge ratios is inappropriate, other more complicated models however seem to produce no more efficient hedge ratios. Using daily AOIs and SPI futures on the Australian market, optimal hedge ratios are calculated from four different models: the OLS regression model, the bivariate vector autoaggressive model (BVAR), the error-correction model (ECM) and the multivariate diagonal Vcc GARCH Model. The performance of each hedge ratio is then compared. The …

Early Attachment And Eating Disorders: A Comparative Study Between Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia Nervosa, Francoise Ringer

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The purpose of this research was to study the association between adult mental representations of curly attachment relationships and eating disorders, and to compare attachment classifications between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The sample consisted of 62 women with eating disorders, divided between anorexia nervosa [restricting type (n=20) and binge-eating/purging type (n=l6)], and bulimia nervosa (n=26). The measures were (a) a structured interview based on the ''Diagnostic Survey for Eating Disorders" (Johnson and Connors, 1987) and the DSM IV criteria for the classification of eating disorders, and (b) the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) (George, Kaplan and Main, 1985). The AAI …

Landscape Differences In The Ecology Of The Rufous Treecreeper Climacteris Rufa, Gary W. Luck

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Anthropogenic habitat modification is a significant threat to the conservation or global biodiversity. The fragmentation and alteration of woodland habitat has resulted in the substantial decline of many woodland bird species in the agricultural regions of southern Australia. The Rufous Treecreeper Climacteris rufaa, a once common woodland resident, has declined in abundance in the wheatbelt of Western Australia and appears to be sensitive to habitat fragmentation. The reasons for this are unclear because our knowledge of the species and the threats posed by fragmentation arc limited. In this study, I compared the social organisation, habitat selection, reproductive success, dispersal and …

The Effects Of Suicide Intent And History Of Self-Harm On Emotional Reactions And Willingness To Help, Paul A. Buttigieg

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The present study was a preliminary investigation of factors that affect potential helpers' emotional responses, perceptions and willingness to help when confronted with information about a hypothetical friend who overdoses. One hundred and forty-two undergraduate students attending Edith Cowan University (Joondalup Campus) were randomly assigned to one of six conditions and read two vignettes. In the first vignette, information was provided of a hypothetical female friend's overdose. The second vignette included information about the overdose that either supported or contradicted information in the first vignette regarding the woman's history of self-harm. Participants then completed a questionnaire designed to measure their …

Organisational Culture Receptiveness To Excellent Communication, Katherine Jane O'Donoghue

Theses : Honours

A major finding of the Grunig Excellence Study was that various dimensions of organisational culture play an important role in determining an organisations ability to practice excellent communication. This research has tested the dimensions of organisational culture as found in the Excellence Study in a new setting -the West Australian government through the Education Department of Western Australia. This will begin to determine their existence and relevance of the original findings outside the original study setting. The study has a sample size of 450 employees of the Department Level 8 and below and 9 employees Level 9 and above in …

An Investigation Of The Multiple Response To Oppression And Implications For Identity Among Aboriginal Adolescents, Victoria E. Hovane

Theses : Honours

In a history characterized by dispossession and oppression since colonisation, the responses of Aboriginal people to oppression have typically been presented from an ethnocentric perspective of internalization and assimilation. Another body of literature however, suggests alternative responses to non-dominant status such as resistance and adaptation to oppression. This study sought to investigate the ways in which Aboriginal adolescents respond to the negative messages they receive about being Aboriginal and the implications for their developing sense of identity, within a sociopolitical framework. A group of nine participants (five females and four males), aged 14 - 17 years (M = 15.4yrs), were …

Doctrinal And Applied Tqm In Relation To Dominant Models Of Organisation: A Comparative Study, Brad J. Moore

Theses : Honours

Total Quality Management (TQM) is examined in five organisations in light of the assumption that its implementation is an ongoing negotiated order rather than an objective reality as often accepted by the literature. Guided by a theoretical framework identified by Spencer (1994) and a qualitative methodology suggested by Miles and Huberman (1994), the perceptions of a cross section of organisational members in five organisations are used to establish the nature of applied TQM in terms of mechanistic and organismic 'mental models' of organisation and the degree to which applied TQM varies from the basic doctrine. It is argued that both …

Consumer Perceptions Of The Internet As A Product And Service Infomation Source, Kevin Nguy

Theses : Honours

The Internet is fast becoming an important product and service information source. Consumers are using the medium for gathering information on products and services. The Internet has unique characteristics, which makes it a powerful medium for communication. However, what is the perception of the product and service information on the Internet? This study aims to contribute to an understanding of consumers' perception of product and service information on the Internet. The research is exploratory in nature. Consumers' perceptions towards the Internet as a product and service information source were measured along a construct relating to perceptions towards the Internet information. …