Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of Professional Adult Education Programs In Northwest Arkansas, Skyler Leigh Barry

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Professional adult education (PAE) has been described as structured educational activities that are designed or intended to support the continuing development of professional or career skills, knowledge, competencies, and abilities. Previous research has shown that professional adult education is a vehicle for adult learners to continue their education and gain valuable skills which can aide in career mobility. Given the importance of professional adult education as it relates to further development of adult learners, the purpose for conducting this study was to develop a profile of professional adult education providers and programming offered in Northwest Arkansas. In order to develop …

The Perceived Benefits Of Automotive Service Excellence (Ase) Certifications For Graduates Of Four-Year Automotive Technology Programs, John Thompson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The roots of certification in America date back to guild-like associations similar to those in Europe, but did not gain industry recognition until after World War II. It is recognized as a way for an industry to elevate itself and be recognized as a stand-alone, autonomous profession, as long as there is validity in the process and impartial oversight by an accredited governing body. It is also a way for individuals to distinguish themselves from their peers by proving a technical aptitude or competence. It allows a prospective job candidate to signal to a potential employer that they have attained …

Alkaline Hydrolyzable-Nitrogen, Seeding Date, And Clay-Fixed Ammonium As Potential Indicators Of Rice Response To Nitrogen Fertilization In Arkansas, Anthony Michael Fulford

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Several potential indicators of rice (Oryza sativa L.) response to nitrogen (N) fertilization include the soils alkaline hydrolyzableN (AHN) concentration, seeding date, and the soils clayfixed NH₄N content. Three studies were conducted to: (1) correlate AHN, determined using Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test (ISNT) or Nitrogen Soil Test for Rice (NSTaR), to plant parameters of interest and develop a fertilizer N rate calibration curve capable of predicting the 95% relative grain yield (RGY) fertilizer N rate for rice grown on clayey soils; (2) evaluate the influence of seeding date and N fertilization on rice plant growth and grain …

Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy: Examining The Effects Of Career Choice, Education, And Work Experience Of Entrepreneurs, Melissa W. Sisco

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Prior research on the relationship between self-efficacy and career decision making is inconclusive because of the lack of theoretical background and causal conclusions. More research is needed to investigate how the educational background, career choice, and work experience, of entrepreneurs, influences their career decision-making self-efficacy beliefs and how those beliefs effect their decision to become entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent career choice, education, and work experience related to the level of career decision-making self-efficacy among participants in the Ventureprise business incubation program who are or are intending to become entrepreneurs. The education and …

The Role Of Higher Education In Rural Community Development, Anita Faye Thompson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Higher education institutions commonly play a role in community development. Rural communities may be even more dependent on the university's investment. As higher education has looked to meet demands of stakeholders calling for greater accountability, it has become necessary for universities to be able to justify the effectiveness of these efforts. The purpose of this study was to determine the elements necessary for successful rural community development in Western Oklahoma. Utilizing the Delphi research method, 20 community development experts in rural Western Oklahoma participated in the three-round survey process. In the initial survey, participants collectively submitted a list of 41 …

A Strategic Approach To Effectively Manage Supplier Quality Within The Construction Industry, Rufaidah Almaian

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The aim of the research is to determine the best practices for supplier quality management (SQM) in the construction industry that ensure that the supplied materials and equipment for construction projects are within the quality requirements. The research is based on three main objectives. The first objective is to describe and assess the process of assuring supplier quality inside and outside the construction industry. The second objective is to develop a framework for the supplier quality process based on the collection of SQM practices from multiple data sources. The third objective is to assess the SQM practices within the developed …

Examining The Role Of Street-Level Bureaucrats In The Implementation Of An Affordable Rental Housing Policy For Extremely Low Income Households In The District Of Columbia, Rod Williams

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The individuals who staff the nation's 4,600 Community Development Corporations (CDCs) represent the front line in production of affordable housing for America's poor. CDC staff members work within chronic funding uncertainties, applying complex and often ambiguous policies, under pressure to address shortfalls in affordable units. As such, they represent a prime example of Lipsky's (1980) street level bureaucrats (SLBs): agency workers with no formal policy role, who nevertheless shape policy by exercising discretion in the course of implementing ambiguous directives under stressful and alienating conditions.

The purpose of this study is to uncover how CDC SLBs experience their work and …

A Deep Search Architecture For Capturing Product Ontologies, Tejeshwar Sangameswaran

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes a method to populate very large product ontologies quickly. We discuss a deep search architecture to text-mine online e-commerce market places and build a taxonomy of products and their corresponding descriptions and parent categories. The goal is to automatically construct an open database of products, which are aggregated from different online retailers. The database contains extensive metadata on each object, which can be queried and analyzed. Such a public database currently does not exist; instead the information currently resides siloed within various organizations. In this thesis, we describe the tools, data structures and software architectures that allowed …

Frequency Of Peripheral Neuropathy In Newly Diagnosed Patients Of Diabetes Mellitus Iion Clinical And Electrophysiological Basis, Muslim Ali Lakhiar, Naila Naeem Shahbaz, Abdul Hafeez Bughio, Jai Prakash

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

To determine the frequency of peripheral neuropathy in newly diagnosed patients of Diabetes Mellitus type II on clinical and electrophysiological basis. Methods: This is Hospital based descriptive cross sectional study conducted at department of Neurology Civil Hospital Karachi/ Dow University of Health Sciences from 20th December 2011 to 20th June 2012. Data was collected from Neurology OPD, Medicine OPD and Diabetic Clinic Civil Hospital Karachi. Results: Total no of patients were 107 who were already diagnosed as type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Out of these, there were 57 (53.3%) male patients and 50 (46.7%) female patients, with ratio of males to …

Oos Membership, Ohio Cardinal

Ohio Cardinal

No abstract provided.

Macroeconomic Trillema And Monetary Policy In Nigeria, Moses K. Tule

Bullion

The paper explores how the macroeconomic trilemma influences monetary Policy choices and action in practical terms. Section 1 is the introduction, section 2 examines in greater details key conceptual issues. After it a review of the historical epochs of the trilemma, followed by contemporary country experiences in managing the trilemma. Section five examines the challenges of the trilemma in Nigeria while the last section concludes the paper.

Rethinking Sovereign Wealth Fund In A Global Perspective - Lessons For Nigeria, Muhammad A. Abba

Bullion

The study explores the the global rise in the operation of sovereign wealth funds in a number of commodity and non commodity exporting counties has been of tremendous magnitude. The fact that, most, if not all the oil exporting countries of the world today have SWF clearly confirms the many benefits of having a sovereign wealth fund. Section two of the paper provides a brief review of literature. Section three discusses the rationale for SWFs with some stylized facts. The impact of SWFs on the economy is discussed in section four, section five discusses the significance of SWFs while, an …

A Study Of Technical Efficiency Of Deposit Money Banks In Nigeria (2007 - 2012), Auwalu I. Fagge

Bullion

This paper examines the technical efficiency of deposit money banks (DMBS') in Nigeria. Measures of technical efficiency are derived in the Nigerian deposit money banks (DMBS') by implementing non-parametric, data envelopment analysis technique on a cross section of 24 banks taken from 2007 to 2013. The efficiency concepts, measurement and methodology were discussed. The existence of technical efficiency is established. The result suggests that the sources of overall technical inefficiency, the observed issues are due to poor input utilization (managerial inefficiency) and failure to operate almost productive scale size. Therefore, in this research the paper suggests or considers some important …

The Conduit, Volume 14, No. 1&2, December 2014, Karst Waters Institute

The KWI Conduit

Contents: Welcome to The Conduit -- President's Corner -- KWI Happenings -- Upcoming 2015 Karst Award Banquet, March 14, 2015 -- KWI Sponsor for GSA Conference Sessions in 2014 -- 2014 Wilson Scholarship Recipient -- Final Report: "Hypogene Cave Morphologies" Conference -- Meet KWI's New Associates -- Retirement News: Dr. John Mylroie -- Announcement for Upcoming Conference 2016 -- Research Focus: Karst Investigations in Illinois -- Research Report: Storm Response Study, West Virginia -- KWI Members Visit Cuba: Cave Investigations in Cuba -- Update: New Karst Division, Geological Society of America

Speleo Spiel, No. 405, November-December 2014, Matt Cracknell

Speleo Spiel

Contents: Editorial/Stuff 'n' Stuff -- Trip Reports -- Other Exciting Stuff

Tennessee Ornithological Society Minutes Of The Fall Board Of Directors Meeting, Laura Mccall

The Migrant - Tennessee Ornithological Society

No abstract provided.

Index, Tennessee Ornithological Society

The Migrant - Tennessee Ornithological Society

No abstract provided.

Coming Up Short: The United States' Second-Best Strategies For Corralling Purely Speculative Derivatives, Timothy E. Lynch

Faculty Works

Purely speculative derivatives (PSDs) are derivatives in which neither counterparty is engaged in hedging. Unless used for entertainment purposes, PSDs are irrational, less-than-zero-sum transactions. Entities that engage in PSDs jeopardize their stakeholders and increase systemic risk. PSDs can also increase moral hazard, be used for regulatory arbitrage, and redirect resources away from efficient allocation of market capital. PSDs should be unenforceable, void for public policy reasons, except where expressly permitted to provide gambling entertainment, enhance price discovery, or increase liquidity for hedgers. In the U.S., however, PSDs are often legal and enforceable, even after the financial crisis of 2008 that …

Pursuing Coherence Among Proportionality, Linearity, And Similarity: Two Pathways From Preservice Teachers’ Geometric Representations, Hyung Sook Lee, Jaehoon Yim

The Mathematics Enthusiast

The importance of using multiple representations of a mathematical concept and connecting the representations has been discussed in learning and teaching mathematics. The Common Core State Standards further the discussion with an emphasis on focus and coherence in teaching mathematical concepts across grades. Preservice teachers in our problem solving class were asked to use geometric representations to solve a problem that required proportional reasoning. They were also asked to sequence the works of their peers as well as their own from a developmental perspective. Sequencing geometric representations with various levels was challenging because it required showing a coherent understanding of …

An Exploration Of The Role Of The Learner In The English As A Second Language Classroom. A Case Study Of A Rural Public Primary School In Vihiga County, Kenya, John Auna Esikumo

Master of Education

Active participation of the learner in the English language class is the foundation upon which the learning of the language takes place. This is because learners‟ scholastic accomplishment may be greatly affected by their active engagement in class as they interact among themselves, with teachers and with instructional resources. Children learn best when they participate enthusiastically in the classroom so as to communicate more effectively and enhance critical thinking. Therefore, teachers should promote strategies that reinforce learning capacities to be more interactive to inculcate skills for life-long learning. This study sought to explore the role of the learner in the …

Exploration Of Teacher Resource Center Support Towards Professional Growth Of Primary School Teachers In The Teaching Of Mathematics: A Case Of A Trc In Southern Tanzania., Chrysostom Bonus Matenga

Master of Education

A number of primary school teachers have academic and professional shortcomings which can be traced to their education background before they got into the teaching profession. However, to replace these qualitatively weak teachers with the quality ones is not possible as they are many in numbers and also due to contractual obligations. The only viable existing solution therefore is to up-grade teachers by means of in-service teacher professional development programmes. This study therefore, explored TRC support towards professional growth of primary school teachers in the teaching of mathematics. The study applied a qualitative research approach and a single case study …

Chemistry Teachers’ Perceptions Of Team Teaching In Enhancing Their Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Case Study Of A Secondary School In Embu County, Kenya., Margaret Karimi Njiru

Master of Education

Team teaching is one of the rich avenues through which chemistry teachers‟ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) can be enhanced. However studies have shown that perceptions richly impact on the choices that chemistry teachers make concerning a particular pedagogical strategy like team teaching. Though in team teaching teachers are engaged in the three components of co-planning, co-instruction and co-assessment for a group of learners, chemistry teachers are rarely involved in these components and especially co-instruction. Understanding the chemistry teachers‟ perceptions of team teaching and how these perceptions inform their practise was therefore the aim of this study since through team teaching …

The Exploration Of The Impact Of School Inspections By The District Inspectors Of Schools On School Management By The Head Teachers: A Case Of Primary Schools In Koboko District In West Nile, Uganda., Moga Muhammad

Master of Education

School inspection is among the traditional instruments used by most education systems in attempt to control and promote quality Education service delivery for which the head teachers are responsible. Therefore, this study focuses on the impact of inspections on School management practices of head teachers. It considers the opinion of head teachers on the process, outcome and the challenges of School inspections in Koboko District. The study employs mixed approach in case study of four Primary Schools were Interviews with the head teachers centered on their level of involvement in the process and resultant effect of inspections, while Interview with …

An Investigation On The Utilization Of The Public Library By The Community: A Case Study Of A Public Library In Mombasa County, Kenya, Lydia Ethel Odhiambo

Master of Education

Public libraries are known to play a major role in fostering knowledge and information to the community. They have continued to exist in the society for many generations meeting the various needs of the people by availing print and non-print materials. For many generations people have used libraries to gather information and generate new knowledge though in the recent times there has been a paradigm shift due to technological advancements. Public libraries are government run institutions and they purpose to serve the communities in the regions where they are established. The study was conducted a public library in Mombasa county, …

Critical Literacy Development In Early Childhood Education, Blandina Francis Duwe

Master of Education

Developing critical literacy using action research entails reading African stories to children and asking questions to direct children’s thinking. The idea of critical literacy development arises from the need to empower young children to be engaged in discussion about different issues that are directly or indirectly connected to their lives. This study employed the use of qualitative approach and action research design to explore how critical literacy could be developed in young children. Results found indicated that children can engage in exploring complex issues as long as they are exposed to activities that stimulate thinking to development of critical literacy. …

Effects Of The Preparation And Perception Of Middle School Teachers On The Infusion Of Multicultural Education, John Mccraney

College of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the difference of how teachers perceive multicultural orientation, multiculturalism and cultural relations, multiculturalism and perceived sense of community, and multiculturalism and sense of responsibility based on gender, experience, and racial identity. The subscales on the Multicultural Emphasis Inventory (MEI) measured the teachers’ perceptions. The sample included middle school teachers in a large urban district in central Arkansas.

A quantitative, non-experimental research used four one-way analyses of variance to determine whether the evidence existed to reject the formulated hypotheses. The independent variables were as follows: gender for Hypotheses 1-4, teacher experiences for Hypotheses …

Read180 Computer Software By Gender And Ethnicity On Reading Achievement For Identified Special Education Students, Sherrie Bayles

College of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation was to conduct an independent study to determine the effectiveness of the READ 180 reading intervention program when implemented with middle and junior high school students with disabilities. To address the first and third hypotheses, gender (male versus female) and change over time (fall, mid-year, and at the end of the school year) served as the independent variables for sixth/seventh and eighth/ninth grade students with disabilities, respectively. For the second and fourth hypotheses, ethnicity (White versus all non-White students) and change over time served as the independent variables for sixth/seventh and eighth/ninth grade students with …

Honors Program As A Predictor Of College Readiness Of Private School Students In Arkansas, Jonathan G. Jones

College of Education Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to add to the research available related to college readiness. Each of the four hypotheses were constructed to determine the predictive effects of academic program type (honors or regular) over and above the predictive effects of gender, Plan test scores, number of times the ACT was taken by individuals, and longevity in years on mathematics, English, science, and reading performance measured by ACT scores for 12th grade students in a private Christian school in Arkansas. A review of the literature identified the various aspects of college readiness, the characteristics of effective programs for college …

Faculty Senate Agenda, December 1, 2014, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• Faculty Forum Minutes 2014
• 405 Code Change Proposal going to PRPC
• Extra Service Compensation Policy
• Educational Policies Committee Annual Report
• EPC Items for September, *October, *November
• Honors Program Report
• Libraries Advisory Council Report
• Parking Committee Report
• *Faculty Evaluation Committee Annual Report
• *Athletic Council Report
• *USU Student Association Report
• *Retention and Student Success Report
• Code Change 402.12.3 Committee on Committees Term (First reading)
• Update on PTR Working Group

Bard Free Press, Vol. 16, No. 3 (December 2014), Bard College

Bard Free Press - All Issues (2000-2018)

No abstract provided.