Digital Commons Network^™

Introducing Integrated Performance Measurement Into Small And Medium Sized Enterprises, Melanie Hudson

Plymouth Business School Theses

The thesis extends current knowledge and understanding of integrated performance measurement (PM) development into the context of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The research builds on existing knowledge of integrated PM development approaches and identifies the context-specific factors which affect its introduction into SMEs. These are used to design, develop and validate a new, continuous improvement based approach for the development of integrated PM systems, which is specifically designed for use in SMEs. First, a conceptual model of criteria for integrated PM development is synthesised from the literature and the characteristics of SMEs are established. An evaluation of current …

The Quality Of Work Life: An Empirical Study, Tarek Hassan Ibrahim Abdeen

Plymouth Business School Theses

This research examines the quality of work life in a selection of pharmaceutical companies in Egypt. It aims to test the relationships between the employees' perceptions of their quality of work life and; their perceptions of the degree of participation in decisionmaking available to them, their perceptions of their level of job satisfaction, their perceptions of their level of affective, continuance, and normative commitment, and the ownership form of the company. It uses a sample of 1270 employees in three different ownership forms; public, private, and multinational pharmaceutical companies in Egypt. The total sample size is proportionately distributed (i. e. …

Team Player Styles, Team Design Variables And Team Work Effectiveness In Egypt, Ghada Awed Hassan El-Kot

Plymouth Business School Theses

The literature has revealed few studies of management in Arab countries in general and particularly in Egypt. Many Egyptian organisations implemented the team concept a number of years ago, however, there do not appear to be any studies investigating team work effectiveness in Egypt. The literature review and the findings of a pilot study emphasised the need for empirical research in team work in Egypt. Team effectiveness models are examined in order to identify the factors that may enhance team effectiveness in Egypt. Team behavioural models are also examined to identify the importance of balanced team membership and its relationship …

A Framework For Performance And Value Assessment Of E-Business Systems In Corporate Travel Distribution, A.M. Chircu, Robert J. Kauffman

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This chapter proposes and illustrates a framework that the authors call the value life cycle for e-commerce systems. Based on recent research results that relate to technology investments in the corporate travel industry and related theoretical and empirical perspectives, the authors lay out the corporate travel e-commerce system solutions value life cycle. The perspective involves estimating the maximum value that that an organization can obtain by implementing an e-commerce system in a specific industry and competitive environment. It also considers multiple factors that act as value contingencies for the implementation process. These create barriers to value accrual and to …

Copyright And Control Over New Technologies Of Dissemination, Jane C. Ginsburg

Faculty Scholarship

The relationship of copyright to new technologies that exploit copyrighted works is often perceived to pit copyright against progress. Historically, when copyright owners seek to eliminate a new kind of dissemination, and when courts do not deem that dissemination harmful to copyright owners, courts decline to find infringement. However, when owners seek instead to participate in and be paid for the new modes of exploitation, the courts, and Congress, appear more favorable to copyright control over that new market. Today, the courts and Congress regard the unlicensed distribution of works over the Internet as impairing copyright owners' ability to avail …

Ending Illegitimate Advocacy: Reinvigorating Rule 11 Through Enhancement Of The Ethical Duty To Report, Lonnie T. Brown, Jr.

Scholarly Works

This article seeks to draw attention to certain ethical misconduct of litigators that is routinely accepted, tolerated, or ignored by the legal profession. Though there are other examples, the author focuses on conduct prohibited by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11. In particular, the author concentrates on that rule's so-called “safe harbor” provision, which he argues serves to insulate, and possibly encourage, illegitimate advocacy in the form of the assertion and maintenance of frivolous claims, defenses, or other contentions ironically, the very conduct that the rule was ostensibly intended to deter. Regardless of the frequency of this sort of misbehavior, …

Children's Song-Makers As Messengers Of Hope: Participatory Research With Implications For Teacher Educators, Peter J. Baird

Doctoral Dissertations

Pete Seeger, Ella Jenkins, Suni Paz and six other leading children's musicians in the U.S contributed their experience to this study about the crucial role of music and singing for social justice in children's lives and its shrinking presence in U.S. pre-school and elementary schools. The study built its theoretical framework on arts and music education, transformative education, and folk and socially conscious children's music. Participatory research, based on the revolutionary education theories of Paulo Freire, guided the dialogues with the participants. These activist singer-songwriters were asked how they define social justice, how they involve children in singing, and what …

New Sequential And Scalable Parallel Algorithms For Incomplete Factor Preconditioning, David A. Hysom

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

The solution of large, sparse, linear systems of equations Ax = b is an important kernel, and the dominant term with regard to execution time, in many applications in scientific computing. The large size of the systems of equations being solved currently (millions of unknowns and equations) requires iterative solvers on parallel computers. Preconditioning, which is the process of translating a linear system into a related system that is easier to solve, is widely used to reduce solution time and is sometimes required to ensure convergence. Level-based preconditioning (ILU(ℓ)) has long been used in serial contexts and is widely recognized …

The Regional Public-Private Civic Infrastructure Of Hampton Roads And Its Impact On The Implementation Of Economic Development Initiatives, James Andrew Probsdorfer

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

This study analyzes the effectiveness of a network of five regional organizations to promote economic development in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Using a case study methodology, data collected from organizational documents, media reports, and personal interviews was categorized and triangulated to determine how many regional economic proposals were implemented from 1990 to 2000. This analysis created a regional timeline from which was produced a regional inventory of economic proposals. This study concluded that the regional economic development organizations in Hampton Roads have a fragmented network and their output has been influenced by regional factors.

Specifically out of a total of nineteen …

Evaluation Of A Distance Learning Program For The Preparation Of Special Education Teachers, Tami Seifert

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of the distance learning Commonwealth Special Education Endorsement Program (CSEEP) delivered by Old Dominion University. The CSEEP program was designed to address economic and geographic barriers confronting teachers seeking to complete requirements for endorsement in special education, improve the quality of education teachers, help reduce the shortage of fully licensed special education teachers, and increase teacher retention in special education.

This evaluation was designed to assess program results, examine the effectiveness of the program, and determine the impact on both the participants and the schools, and identify ways to …

The Validation Of A Detailed Strategic Planning Process Model For The Implementation Of Distance Education In Higher Education, Kenneth Phillip Pisel Jr.

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to develop, refine, and validate a model of the strategic planning process for distance education. To achieve this end, the informed opinion from a population of peer-nominated experts was solicited over three rounds of iterative Delphi questionnaires administered via electronic mail. Using descriptive statistics to analyze central tendency and variation, the straw model was refined into a validated model by the final Delphi round. In developing this model, the study answered specific questions about the following: (1) The impact of volatile technological change on a strategic distance education plan. (2) The optimum size and …

Post Doi Moi Urban Higher Education In The Socialist Republic Of Vietnam: The Case Of Hong Duc University, Jeanne Beth Natali

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is experiencing unprecedented peace and prosperity. Although Vietnam's war-damaged economy continued to decline for ten years after hostilities ended in 1975, everything changed in 1986 when doi moi, a moderate economic reform program, was introduced. Doi moi put enormous stress on higher education, whose function in the past had been to train workers for the state sector. Suddenly, higher education had to respond to the changing needs of Vietnamese society.

A 1992 educational sector study found that higher education was irrelevant to the needs of the transitional Vietnamese society. Universities were too small and …

Sources Of Empowerment For Native American Women: Pomo Women's Critical Reflections, Heidi F. Morgan

Doctoral Dissertations

The main purpose of this study was to explore from the perspective of Pomo women, the sources of empowerment that enabled them to overcome oppressive experiences in their lives. Through the process of participatory research, the participants were asked to identify strategies or factors that enabled them to overcome those oppressive barriers in an empowering instead of selfdestructive manner. Participants were also asked to name existing problems young Native American women face today, utilizing Paulo Freire's (1994a) approach of problem posing and action.

The women then discussed what guidance they would offer to young Native Women struggling with issues like …

Coming To Voice: Exploring The Experiences Of Teacher Education And Special Education Professors Of African Descent In Institutions Of Higher Education, Kimberly L. Mayfield

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of the present study was to explore the perceptions of employment experiences and the pursuit of promotion and tenure by teacher education and special education professors of African descent. This study investigated the perceptions held by teacher education and special education professors of African descent in the areas of recruitment, retention and the tenure and promotion process. Lastly, the present study engaged in an inquiry with these professors regarding their perceptions of critical areas of research needed to improve educational equity and achievement for African American students. This population was encouraged to reflect on these areas in terms …

Understanding The Digital Divide As It Relates To Electronic Commerce, Franklin D. Gaillard

Theses and Dissertations in Business Administration

There exists an electronic digital divide within the United States. This digital divide concerns access to the Internet and its corresponding technologies. The U.S. government is concerned about the digital divide because it appears that certain ethnic groups and income levels are being excluded from computer technologies and the Internet. These groups include African Americans and Hispanics, who are lagging the Caucasians significantly in gaining access to the Internet. For a while the gap between majority and minority groups appeared to be widening. Since Internet access is a prerequisite to electronic commerce, an understanding of the relationship between the digital …

Characterization Of The Human Cytomegalovirus Ul75 Late Gene Promoter, Bernard J. P. Mcwatters

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Gene expression during productive infection by the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) occurs in an ordered and sequential manner, beginning with immediate early (IE), then early (E) and finally late (L) gene expression. Significant work has addressed the regulation of IE and E gene expression while relatively little work has addressed the control of late gene expression. In order to further address HCMV late gene expression, the promoter of the HCMV UL75 (glycoprotein H, gH) late gene was characterized. The data obtained in this study were combined with observations made in two other studies that have addressed HCMV late gene expression to …

Ensemble Monte Carlo Based Simulation Analysis Of Gan Hemts For High-Power Microwave Device Applications, Tao Li

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) fabricated using wide-bandgap semiconductors show promise as high-gain, low-noise devices with superior frequency response. The structure and operation principle of HEMT are first briefly discussed. The distinguishing and unique properties of GaN are reviewed and compared with those of GaAs. Calculations of the electronic mobility and drift velocity have been carried out for bulk GaN based on a Monte Carlo approach, which serves as a validity check for the simulation model.

By taking account of polarization effects, degeneracy and interface roughness scattering, important microwave performance measures such as the dynamic range, harmonic distortion and …

A Study Of The Effects Of Constructivist Based Vs. Traditional Direct Instruction On 8th Grade Science Comprehension, Clair T. Berube

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

Studies conducted nationwide over the past several decades point consistently to the evidence that American school children lag behind several other countries in science scores. Problems arise from this dilemma, including the question of the ability of our youngsters to compete nationally and globally in the sciences as adults. Current research in this area of scores currently studies mostly mathematics. The few studies conducted concerning science mainly highlight students in other countries and neglects minorities and females regarding outcomes.

By contrast, this study investigated the effects of teacher types (also defined as teaching styles or classroom orientation) on student outcomes …

The Relationship Between Academic Self-Concept And The Achievement Expectancies On The Academic Achievement And Persistence Rate Of African-American Freshmen Students, Ira Falls Iii

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This study addressed the use of certain noncognitive variables and their relationship to the academic achievement and persistence rate of African-American freshmen students attending a large, predominately white institution. Academic achievement was defined as a student's cumulative college grade point average and cumulative credits earned at the end of the freshmen year of study. Persistence rate was defined as the number of freshmen who enrolled compared to the percentage of those who re-enrolled for the Fall semester of their sophomore year. Moreover, the purpose of this study was to identify selected variables that are associated with increased African-American academic achievement …

Tidal And Subtidal Lateral Structures Of Density And Velocity In The Chesapeake Bay Entrance, Austreberto Cristobal Reyes-Hernandez

OES Theses and Dissertations

Hydrographic and velocity data collected along the Chesapeake Bay Entrance during seven 25-hours cruises centered around neap or spring tides, were used to assess the fortnightly variability in the transverse structure of the tidal and subtidal density and velocity fields. Amplitude and phase of the semidiurnal and diurnal harmonics reflected the influence of bathymetry, buoyancy conditions and fortnightly variability. Tidal amplitudes were almost twice as large in springs than in neaps. Both Chesapeake and North Channels had similar along-channel amplitudes, which suggested a higher vertically integrated mixing energy in North Channel. Tidal velocity convergences were more intense for springs than …

Globalization And Legal Education: Views From The Outside-In, W. Wesley Pue

All Faculty Publications

During the past two decades a new, global, legal professionalism has manifested itself in the field of legal education through a variety of programmes seeking to produce globally-aware or globally-connected lawyers. This paper explores the diverse meanings of globalization and legal education with particular attention to the differential effects of globalization and the varied experiences of it in different parts of the world. Taking its starting point from a Nigerian graduate student's insight that globalization means 'The White Man is Coming again'. What does he want this time?, he explores both American and international perspectives.

Effects Of Organizational Climate, Feedback-Seeking Environment And Innovation Characteristics On The Implementation Of A 360-Degree Feedback System, Simon Alan Bartle

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The present study examined the effects of organizational climate, feedback seeking environment and innovation characteristics on the implementation of a 360-degree feedback system within a large financial holdings company. The effect of user attitudes toward the 360-degree feedback system was also assessed. A sample of responses from 255 360-degree feedback system users was collected over a 14-month time period. LISREL was used to test the hypothesized structural model. Overall goodness of fit for the model was poor (using generalized least squares estimates: the Non-Normed Fit Index (NNFI) = .95, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = .96; Root Mean Square Error of …

An Integrated Risk Analysis Methodology In A Multidisciplinary Design Environment, Katrina R. Hampton

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Design of complex, one-of-a-kind systems, such as space transportation systems, is characterized by high uncertainty and, consequently, high risk. It is necessary to account for these uncertainties in the design process to produce systems that are more reliable. Systems designed by including uncertainties and managing them, as well, are more robust and less prone to poor operations as a result of parameter variability.

The quantification, analysis and mitigation of uncertainties are challenging tasks as many systems lack historical data. In such an environment, risk or uncertainty quantification becomes subjective because input data is based on professional judgment. Additionally, there are …

In Search Of The Qualitative Clear Majority: Democratic Experimentalism And The Quebec Secession Reference, Cristie Ford

All Faculty Publications

This article attempts to marry direct democratic deliberation with the enforcement of important constitutional norms in the context of a real-life policy question. The question is the secession of Quebec from Canada. The article argues that a referendum is neither the most legitimate nor the most effective way to address the issue. The debate over Quebec's future must be reoriented by reference to the broad normative framework set out by the Supreme Court of Canada in the Reference Re Secession of Quebec, [1998] 2 S.C.R. 217, combined with a new democratic process. This article introduces an innovative constitutional model called …

Non-Compete Obligations Of Departing Star Partners And The Right Of Clients To Their Continued Services, Tamar Frankel

Faculty Scholarship

The interests of advisers and their clients may conflict in unexpected ways. One such situation arises when the adviser’s partners or managers (portfolio managers) sign a non-compete agreement with the adviser and later, when they leave, are sought after by clients who wish to continue the relationship. The case is clear if the departing portfolio manager solicits the clients of the adviser in violation of its non-compete undertaking. The case is less clear when the clients wish to follow the departing portfolio manager and press to engage her in violation of the non-compete undertaking. The conflict here is between the …

Is Napster A Vcr? The Implications Of Sony For Napster And Other Internet Technologies, Stacey Dogan

Faculty Scholarship

The staple article of commerce doctrine must strike a balance between a copyright holder's legitimate demand for effective-not merely symbolic-protection of the statutory monopoly, and the rights of others freely to engage in substantially unrelated areas of commerce.

In Sony Corp. of America v. Universal City Studios, the Supreme Court created the copyright version of the so-called "staple article of commerce doctrine."'2 Its stated objective was to strike a balance between the incentive objectives of copyright3 and the interests of the public in access to new technology.4 As defined by the Court, the doctrine prevents copyright holders from interfering with …

Patterns Of Courtroom Justice, Jessica Silbey

Faculty Scholarship

Any one film can sustain a myriad of compelling interpretations. A collection of films, however, sharing formal and substantive qualities, reveals a common effect more than a diversity of meanings. This essay traces the shared formal and substantive qualities of a group of films, as I name them 'trial films'. It documents this genre of film by identifying the genre's norms of viewing and identification. It also investigates the peculiar hybrid discourse of the trial film genre that combines both filmic and legal discursive practices to show how trial films cultivate support for the American system of law through its …

The Supreme Court In Real Time: Haste, Waste, And Bush V. Gore, Michael Herz

Articles

No abstract provided.

Information Packet, Florida Ornithological Society 2001–2002 Documents, 2001–2002, Florida Ornithological Society

Florida Ornithological Society - Records - Full Collection

A collection of documents related to 2001 Florida Ornithological Society activities, including Florida Field Naturalist Editor’s Report, memos, Fall meeting announcement and schedules, Birds of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary checklist, agenda for the Fall Board of Director’s Meeting, notes on the Spring 2002 meeting, minutes of the Regular Board of Director’s Meeting for April 2001, and minutes of the general membership meeting of April 2001.

Purpose Of The Membership Committee, Florida Ornithological Society, Circa 2001, Florida Ornithological Society

Florida Ornithological Society - Records - Full Collection

An overview of the purpose of the Membership Committee of the Florida Ornithological Society, including recruitment strategies and handwritten notes.