Digital Commons Network^™

An Investigation Into The Feasibility Of Using Digital Representations Of Students’ Work For Authentic And Reliable Performance Assessment In Applied Information Technology, David G. Miller

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The assessment of student performance in areas such as drama, physical education, art and Information Technology (IT), does not lend itself to traditional, paper-based testing methods. In these domains, much emphasis is placed on the acquisition and demonstration of practical skills and these may be difficult, if not impossible, to measure by scores on theoretical, written assessments. Alternative forms of assessment, which are both valid and reliable, need to be devised for the practical aspects of these subject areas. The capture, in digital form, of students’ work, may allow the development of authentic forms of summative, high-stakes assessment with high …

Parental And Carer Responses To Angelman Syndrome And Prader-Willi Syndrome, Allyson K. Thomson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The research project undertaken as part of this thesis was designed to assess family stress levels and the use of coping strategies among the carers of people with an intellectual disability caused by Angelman syndrome (AS) or Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Both syndromes are genomic imprinting disorders that arise from disruptions in genes located within human chromosome 15q11-q13. Although the disease phenotypes are quite distinct, the genetic mechanisms involved are common to both syndromes but involve paternally-derived mutations in PWS as opposed to maternal mutations in AS. Previous investigations in Western Australia (WA) indicated that people with AS and PWS experience …

The Impact Of Student Created Slowmation On The Teaching And Learning Of Primary Science, Jeffrey Brown

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Current research indicates that although innovations in science teaching are having a positive impact on science education in many Australian schools, national and international assessments show that student achievement is not improving (Hackling & Prain, 2008; Thomson, Wernet, Underwood, & Nicholas, 2008). Furthermore, there is little or no increase in the number of students choosing science as a post-compulsory study option or as a career path. There remains a need to further develop innovative teaching methods that promote the development of students‟ scientific literacy, engenders a joy of science learning through student engagement and encourages a desire to pursue further …

Toward A Better Understanding Of Motivations For A Geotourism Experience: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective, Mamoon Allan

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Motivation theories and studies play a vital role in understanding why tourists travel and the kind of activities they engage in whilst away from home. By reviewing the literature, it is apparent that previous tourism studies pay scant attention to the issue of why people travel to geosites and this important issue is still an undeveloped area of study. Therefore, investigating the motivations of tourists undertaking a geotourism (geology and tourism) experience reflects an urgent need to bridge the gap in the geotourism literature. The purpose of this study is to explore the different motivations behind tourists engaging in a …

The Dialectics Of Textile Hand Production : In Search Of Poetic Content : An Enquiry Into The Position Of The Traditional Textile Crafts, Jane Donlin

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis frames the significance of traditional textile hand production as a means of furthering the concept of aesthetic socio-cultural development. It approaches the traditional textile crafts in relation to the proposition that contemporary society is post-traditional and has broken away from nature. By examining the concept of tradition and the processes by which society transforms from the pre-modern context into the late modern, the changing nature of the crafts is explained. The research also examines wider social losses, gains and unforeseen consequences that occur in the continuous process of social transformation. My art praxis is contextualised within the framework …

Philosophy For Teenagers: Finding New Relevence In Old Concepts, Andrea Monteath

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In 2008, the Curriculum Council of Western Australia launched a formal curriculum of philosophy and ethics education for upper secondary students. This thesis is a writing project that provides a new teaching text in support of this course. The thesis is composed of two components, a creative project and an essay. The creative project is a work of non-fiction entitled, Philosophy for Teenagers: Finding New Relevance in Old Concepts, and has been researched and designed employing the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) Philosophy and Ethics course model. Philosophy for Teenagers aims to provide an innovative introduction to concepts such …

Community Based Tourism In Cambodia : Exploring The Role Of Community For Successful Implementation In Least Developed Countries, Sotear Ellis

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Sustainable tourism has been identified as a potential tool for development in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Specifically, at the community level, Community Based Tourism (CBT) has emerged as an effective model to promote the development of sustainable tourism which produces meaningful benefits for all sectors of the community while protecting the longevity of the tourist product, and encouraging environmental and cultural conservation. The practical implementation of sustainable tourism in LDCs via CBT models faces many challenges. The source of these challenges is the complex stakeholder environment in which the theoretical and practical elements of CBT exist. Stakeholders have influenced the …

The Relationship Between Residential Satisfaction, Sense Of Community, Sense Of Belonging And Sense Of Place In A Western Australian Urban Planned Community, Kylie M. Smith

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Residential satisfaction is important as it contributes to a person‟s psychological wellbeing and quality of life. Residential satisfaction develops due to physical factors such as the provision of parks and amenities within a community, social factors such as a feeling of belongingness to the community and social support within the community and personal factors such as homeownership and length of residence. Sense of community, sense of belonging and sense of place also influence residential satisfaction; however, the extent that these contribute is unclear. As a result, this study investigated the contribution of these constructs to the development of residential satisfaction …

An Investigation Into Internetworking Education, Woratat Makasiranondh

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Computer network technology and the Internet grew rapidly in recent years. Their growth created a large demand from industry for the development of IT and internetworking professionals. These professionals need to be equipped with both technical hands-on skills and non-technical or soft skills. In order to supply new professionals to the industry, educational institutions need to address these skills training in their curricula. Technical hands-on skills in internetworking education can be emphasised through the practical use of equipment in classrooms. The provision of the networking equipment to the internetworking students is a challenge. Particularly, university students in developing countries may …

Systemic Problems Related To Multiple Stakeholders In Technology Adoption And Use In Organizations : A Systems Thinking Perspective, Syed A. Raza

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Understanding and creating the conditions under which information systems will be embraced by human organizations (thinking systems) remain high-priority research issues. Despite numerous benefits associated with information technology (IT), implementing an information system (IS) in organizational environment is challenging. The literature reports numerous IS project failures. During IS implementation, several factors impede technology’s widespread adoption and use in organizations. These organizational problems often result from such barriers or ‘systemic problems’. The proposed work is based on the argument that addressing ‘systemic problems’ can reduce barriers to organizational progress. Most of the IS/IT adoption theories (e.g. TAM, UTAUT, TAM2 and TAM3) …

From Essay To Resumé : A Study Of Writing Genre And Discursive Positioning In Senior School English, Jennifer Shand

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In 2004, the Western Australian government signalled its intention to increase the school leaving age from 15 to 17 by 2008 (Carpenter, 2004). During the period from 2004 to 2006, increasing numbers of young Western Australians completed twelve years of secondary school. For English faculties in Western Australian schools, this resulted in a notably diverse cohort of students undertaking compulsory English studies in their final two years of school. The central aim of this thesis was to examine what it means to be a writer in senior school English. In doing so, the thesis investigated the construction of student writing …

They Reckon I Need A Dramaturg : Examining The Value Of A Dramaturg To Both The Playwright And The Professional Theatre Company In Australia, Polly Low

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis examines aspects of dramaturgy delivered by a dramaturg, and the practical contributions of dramaturgs to both the writer and the theatre industry in Australia. It investigates elements of the working relationship between dramaturgs and playwrights, looks at the chameleon-like nature of the theatre dramaturg and examines how Australian writers, directors and dramaturgs perceive the role/s of the dramaturg. The thesis is partly a reflective investigation of personal practice, partly an historical investigation of the emergence of Australian ideas about dramaturgy, and partly an active investigation into what can help to make a constructive playwright/dramaturg relationship. A major aim …

How Irish Racecourses Use Pr Tactics And Promotional Tools To Improve Attendance Levels At Race Meetings., Jennifer Henley

Theses

The use of more innovated and interesting public relations techniques and media platforms have recently been more widely introduced into the common workplace. Recessionary times have made business life extremely difficult but the exploitation of more modern and unusual techniques have been helping organisations of today in combating the poor economic climate that currently exists. The use of reputation, branding and promotion is heightening the awareness of brands and attracting customers.

This debacle exists within the Horse Racing Industry as much as in any other industry and racecourse managers and PR managers have been witnessing the steady decline in attendance …

Exploring The Impact Of Social Media On Regional Festivals In Ireland: A Public Relations Perspective, Niamh Mccarthy

Theses

This study looks into the area of social media use in Irish festivals from a public relations perspective. The aim of the study is to provide an understanding of the effect social media is having on the regional festival industry in Ireland.

The study also accesses how social media has affected the public relations industry and reveals the predicted future of social media in Ireland. I’he study used a qualitative method of research through use of semi-structured interviews. Interviews were carried out face-to-face, online and on the telephone. All interviewees in the study had relevant experience in the social media …

Purification, Characterisation And Applications Of A Cloned Staphylococcal Bacteriophage Lysin For The Control Of Multi-Drug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Including Mrsa, Mark Fenton

Theses

The work presented in this thesis focuses on the purification, characterisation and practical applications of an anti-staphylococcal lysin (LysK) and its single-domain truncated derivative (CHAP_k) against pathogenic staphylococci including meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both proteins were purified to greater than 90% homogeneity. Affinity chromatography was applied as the optimum method for LysK purification and ion-exchange chromatography was successfully applied to CHAP_k. The lytic spectrum of LysK was investigated by zymogram analysis where the enzyme exhibited strong activity against a range of staphylococci regardless of their origin, sequence type (ST) or antibiotic resistant profile. This analysis …

Experience Of Resident Assistant Does Not Influence Incidence Of Common Bile Duct Injuries During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Ryan A. Lawless Md, Dale A. Dangleben Md, Charles Scagliotti Md, Judith A. Olenwine Ms, C-Tagme, John J. Hong Md, Michael M. Badellino Md

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Martin Griver: A Biographical Study Of A Missionary, Visionary, And Colonial Bishop In Western Australia, 1814-86, Odhran O'Brien

Theses

Brigadier Richard Holmes, biographer and military historian, has stated that he seeks the ‘character of the man’ in his biographical studies of such British political figures as Winston Churchill. In undertaking a biography of Bishop Martin Griver, I have been endeavouring to realise that same objective. The ‘search for Griver’ began on a completely physical level with an exhumation of his remains from within St Mary’s Cathedral, the place of worship that he helped design and build. In many ways, much of the knowledge about his contribution to Western Australia’s Catholic Church has been laid to rest with him—until now. …

Trading Culture: Practical Background For Azerbaijani-English Poetry Translation, Alison Mandaville, Shahla Naghiyeva

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Where translation theory often argues the difficulties of translation—whether or not and under what conditions translation is possible—the authors take a more practical approach. Examining the translation of poetry from Azerbaijani to English, two very different languages and poetic traditions, the authors discuss key linguistic, political, cultural considerations and demonstrate some effective practical strategies. They approach translation as a fundamentally human endeavor and the work of a translator as cultural and linguistic exchange and enrichment, even commerce.

In The Margins: Minority Education In Central Asia, Elmina Kazimzade

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

School systems separated along language lines have pushed ethnic minorities into the information about the study and its focus on Central Asia in particular. How is minority education reform different in Central Asia from other countries? What are some of the important policy contexts that the readers need to be aware of? margins. This article reviews separate education for ethnic minorities in two Central Asian countries - Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Students and teachers from minority and majority groups in each country were asked 1) whether separate schools for minorities persevered minority cultural identity and 2) whether such schools undercut equal …

A Study On The Factors That Affect Turkish Students' Reading Comprehension Skills, Yasin Aslan

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Most of us often seem to read a piece of text, but we usually ignore using essential reading strategies during reading process. Thus, in this study a great deal of information was given about effective reading strategies to comprehend a passage or any other reading material in both native and foreign language. This study aims to show the significance of reading comprehension and the factors that affect the reading comprehension of Turkish students who want to improve their proficiency while reading an English material. It has been discovered that especially third class students, whose test results were better than the …

Azerbaijan In The Eyes Of Polish Travellers And Exiles To The Caucasus, Ewa Siemieniec-Gołaś

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

In the mid nineteenth century quite a numerous group of Poles appeared in the Caucasus within its various regions, a territory which at that time was already almost totally within Russian possession. The reason for the appearance of Poles in the Caucasus was of a political nature, since at that time Poland did not exist as a country, but was divided between three empires – Austria, Russia and Prussia. Some young Polish patriots from the part of Poland that had been incorporated into Russia, in fighting for independence, used to organize plots and riots against the tsarist regime. The consequence …

Azerbaijan: How Equitable Is Access To Higher Education?, Rashan Aliyev

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper aims to shed light on some of the issues that impede the development of higher education sector in Azerbaijan, focusing on the growing inequality in the educational outcomes at the secondary level and the ensuing unequal access in higher education. It assesses the performance of the education sector in the Republic of Azerbaijan in terms of ensuring equitable access in higher education (H.E.) across the country. A comparison of university admission rates among different groups in question acts as a fairly good proxy for most aspects of equity in access in higher education. For that reason, this analysis …

Institutional Discrimination Against The Minority Groups In Bosnia And Herzegovina: Barrier To Eu Membership, Bedrudin Brljavac

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

extensive European Union-related reform process, the country is still facing serious democratic deficit. In particular, the post-Dayton public sphere has been dominated by ethno-nationalist political elites which are doing everything to exclude non-nationalists and members of minority groups from the decision-making process. This is a clear paradox since one of the main objectives behind the integration of the European countries into the European Community was to reduce disintegrative and dangerous influences of nationalists and establish a peaceful, prosperous, and secure community. In this article, we analyze the process of the post-Dayton ethno-nationalization resulting in a widespread discrimination against the so-called …

What The Spiritual Caregiver Should Know While Dealing With Survivors Of Ethnic Violence, Nazila Isgandarova

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Ethnic cleansing and genocide are different terms but both involve violence as a main tool, and many women and girls suffer from this kind of violence. The challenge for the spiritual caregiver is to define the major emotional turmoil of the patient and offer a helping hand. The main terminology involves the words „ethnic cleansing‟, „genocide‟ and „violence.‟ The case study is the Khojali genocide, which was recognized in the US Congress as the “biggest tragedy of the year” (Extensions of Remarks from Congressional Record E463). The paper discusses the role of spirituality and the major spiritual challenges of the …

Competing Geopolitical Interests Of China, Russia And The United States In Central Asia And The Caspian Region, Richard Rousseau

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

China and the United States have increased their role in Central Asia since the 1990s. Beijing was the driving force behind the creation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is considered by many to be an especially dynamic regional forum, with special relevance to Central Asia, not only in terms of trade, energy and security issues but as a political force that can be used to change the dynamics of the region. The increase of Chinese influence implies a progressive displacement of Russia, the traditional regional power, from its position of dominance. Russia‟s interests seem increasingly to be diverging …

The Effect Of A Group Guidance Program To Elementary 8th Grade Students’ Views Towards Apprenticeship Training, Abdullah Işıklar

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a group guidance program to elementary 8th grade students’ views towards apprenticeship training. This study is a control group pre-test post-test experimental research. The research was conducted to students who were enrolled in an elementary school in Konya, Turkey. While research’s experimental group was constituted of 11 female and 14 male students (total: 25 students), control group was constituted of 11 female and 14 male students (total: 25 students). Vocational group guidance was conducted to experimental group for 9 weeks once a week. The views of experimental and …

Islamic And Western Political Thought: Does History/ Archaeology Have Any Lessons?, Anthony Black

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Revealed religions may be interpreted in different ways. But their original texts influence people over the ages. The West was also greatly influenced by ancient Greece and Rome. Today, Muslims have mostly accepted democracy but not yet equal rights for unbelievers. This remains an area of dispute.

The Geographic Origins Of Strategic Culture, Stephen B. Smith

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Strategic culture is a concept that characterizes the way a security community thinks about the use of force or the threat of the use of force. It is constantly evolving, but only changes slowly as it is tethered to geography and History/ Archaeology. Strategic culture allows the realists to hone his or her skills even more precisely than material variables allow for as beliefs and habits of mind are important variables in decision making at the top levels, but are difficult to quantify. For practitioners of strategy the concept of strategic culture is a helpful tool in understanding what kinds …

Examining Constitutional Changes In Bosnia And Herzegovina: Hampering The Europeanization Process?, Bedrudin Brljavac

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Without doubt a long-lasting status quo regarding the constitutional changes in the post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina has become one of the most triggering and challenging political questions the country has been grappling with for so long. Different political interests and views of the three biggest ethnic communities in Bosnia on the future country's constitutional framework have prevented them to reach a viable agreement. Thus, it has become naïve to expect that domestic political elites on their own will reach an agreement on the constitutional reforms. Nevertheless, the European Union has repeatedly been sending the messages and statements that constitutional changes …

De La Légalité Et La Légitimité De La «Guerre Préventive», Richard Rousseau

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The right to self-defense is a central concept in international law and a fundamental principle in the system of states. It can be used only if the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has not taken the necessary steps to maintain peace. Additionally,, a state which decides to exercise this right must keep the UNSC informed as to the measures it is implementing and the justification. However, most states seem to agree on the principles regulating the use of force in international relations, they frequently have different and sometimes divergent conceptions as to the meaning and the implications of the Genera …